With the shadow of the labour disputes still hanging over Hollywood, Christopher Ross BSC finds positivity in the autumn festival season, highlighting the brilliance of film crews worldwide.

limelight

/ˈlʌɪmlʌɪt/

Noun

1. the focus of public attention.

“the shock win has thrust him into the limelight”

2. intense white light obtained by heating lime, formerly used in theatres.

“the actress basked in the limelight’s crystalline glow”

It’s early autumn as I sit down to write this edition’s column. The heady rush of the summer blockbusters has whistled through, the UK has had its two weeks of sun, and a moment of calm has settled upon us before awards season kicks off in a flurry of sequins and black ties.

The past few months have proved challenging for most of us that earn our living crafting images; fewer international productions have arrived on our shores and the general production downturn has curtailed global cinematic output. As I wrote in the previous edition, the industrial disputes between the AMPTP and WGA/SAG-AFTRA have sent ripples across the film industry, serving as a stark reminder of the delicate ecosystem within which filmmakers operate. While these disputes primarily involve US screenwriters and cast members, their implications have reverberated throughout the industry; IATSE members and BECTU technicians have also felt their livelihoods threatened despite being at a remove from the negotiations.

The strikes have brought into sharp focus the interdependence of individual creative roles and sound a clarion call for unity among filmmakers. The global effects are a stark reminder that our industry’s success is a collective endeavour. Disagreements and disputes are inevitable but must be overcome with cooperation and compromise. Filmmaking is a delicate dance between artistry and industry, where creative vision meets the practical demands of production. The past few months have reaffirmed that these two elements must go hand in hand for the film and television industries to flourish.

In the last few days, however, a ray of sunshine emerged. As I pen this report the WGA have secured mutually agreeable terms with the AMPTP, and writers are once again committing words to blank pages and bringing new stories to life. A silver lining has crystalised and a light has been ordered for the end of the tunnel.

Further positivity can be found in the form of this year’s round of autumn film festivals. From the grandeur of Venice to the local charm of London, our industry has witnessed a multitude of inspiring moments that serve as a reminder of the dedication and brilliance of film crews worldwide.

The Venice Film Festival, held in September, was a testament to cinema’s power to transcend boundaries and inspire audiences globally. The most talked about film at the festival, and winner of the Golden Lion, Poor Things, was directed by the visionary filmmaker, Yorgos Lanthimos, with breath-taking cinematography by Robbie Ryan BSC ISC. The film’s kaleidoscopic visual style underlines the importance of a cinematographer’s contribution to the global cinematic landscape. Like 2018’s The Favourite, the combination of Lanthimos and Ryan has resulted in a uniquely creative collaboration, whose pursuit of storytelling required experimentation and risk-taking. Poor Things stands as powerful illustration that filmmakers must be willing to undergo determined journeys of exploration for ground-breaking visuals to emerge.

Back on home turf, the BSC itself is getting into the festival spirit for the 2023 edition of the BSC Short Film Cinematography Competition, sponsored by our patron ARRI. The entries from students and BSC Club Members are all of the highest level and the selection panel, led by the tireless efforts of Nic Knowland BSC, have viewed, discussed and deliberated. The evening of 18 October looks set to be one of creative storytelling, inspirational conversation, and collective celebration.

The world of short films is where many cinematographers “came of age” and is a stark contrast to the industry beset by industrial action and dispute. As we emerge from the troubled last few months let us celebrate each other’s successes, embrace collaborations, and empower the next generation of filmmakers. Let us remember that filmmaking is not just about a destination; it is about embracing a journey with many twists and turns. It’s about finding creativity in constraint and unity in diversity.

The strength of UK filmmaking is in the human spirit’s boundless capacity for storytelling and innovation. As filmmakers we stand at the crossroads of art and industry, of the personal and the corporate. The inevitable ensuing conflict is the wellspring of creativity and ingenuity. When we embrace the challenges together, we inspire collaboration and promote meaningful healthy relationships.

It is crucial for all of us, whether we are filmmakers, film enthusiasts, or industry stakeholders, to continue shining a spotlight on the hard work of film crews. We must support and champion their artistry, recognising that without their dedication, the magic of cinema would be incomplete.

Together, we must ensure that the limelight shines ever brighter on the unsung heroes of cinema.

Onwards!