The Aspiring Cinematographer Fund has launched its second round of funding aimed at supporting cinematographers from around the country, helping them with travel costs in and out of London to attend industry screenings, events and meetings.
With the help of donations from industry professionals and the direct support from The Unit Bag, No Drama and Cameraworks, the fund has managed to make £500 available to each of the five recipients for their travel costs in and out of London.
As well as this, BSC Club memberships have been donated to all of the candidates by the British Society of Cinematographers.
The fund was set up by James Oldham, a cinematographer from Manchester, and is helped by Laurie Rose BSC and Rachel Clark BSC.
“The fund’s mission is simple: Where you live should not be a barrier to the opportunities you receive,” a press release said.
“By contributing to travel costs to and from London, the fund aims to enable cinematographers from deprived socio-economic backgrounds to build key relationships, attend industry events and screenings, and get along in their careers.
“For decades, the UK film industry has remained heavily London-centric. While the capital hosts the majority of high-level networking events, BSC screenings and production meetings, the rising cost of rail travel has created an invisible wall for filmmakers based in the North, the Midlands, the South West and beyond.
“By providing dedicated travel grants to aspiring cinematographers living outside the M25, The Aspiring Cinematographer Fund aims to ensure that a person’s talent matters more than their postcode.”
The fund is open to aspiring cinematographers who demonstrate a commitment to their craft but face financial hurdles due to geographic location outside of London.
