FRESH THINKING

As he welcomes a new roster of outstanding cinematographic talent into the Society’s ranks, Christopher Ross BSC reflects on how an influx of new blood can be a great boost to any organisation. 

Reciprocity 
/’resəˈpräsədē/ 

Noun 
1. The quality or state of being reciprocal: mutual dependence, action, or influence. 
i. “Every healthy relationship is built on reciprocity.” 
2. A situation in which two groups agree to help each other by behaving in the same way or by giving each other similar advantages.  
i. “We offer to all our trading partners a commitment to reciprocity and fairness.” 

As I sit down to type, the Platinum Jubilee celebrations are wrapping up and even the most cynical of hearts can’t help but consider that 70 years as a head of state is a serious accomplishment. By comparison, the BSC’s 73 years of “Preserving the Vision” shows reasonable fortitude and stamina. The legs of the founding members still going strong after all these miles; helping to pass the baton and keep the torch aloft. 

That’s the thing about longevity – what, on the surface, appears simple and straightforward is, on reflection, more complex and nebulous. During the reign of Elizabeth II, seven Popes, 12 US Presidents, 14 UK Prime Ministers and, more significantly for this column, 33 Presidents of the BSC, have all sat their terms in office. In the lifetime of one monarch, the leadership (and membership) of the BSC has evolved; from person to person, character to character, generation to generation. 

So, it is fitting that June brought the announcement of the latest intake of new members. Eight exemplary cinematographers, whose work stands as a testament to their commitment to visual storytelling and crafting the light, join as Full Members. And alongside them are four outstanding camera operators, whose dedication to composition and camera movement has earned them a rightful place amongst their peers as Associate Members. Annika, Ben, Dale Elena, David, Rina, Ruairí, Si, Tim, Chris, Lucy, Shaun, and Tim: Welcome to the Society, we are honoured that you have accepted our invitation. 

The invitation to membership works two directions. First, new members calling on the credits of those that have come before, a tacit seal of approval, a mark of quality. Also, the Society growing in credits of its own; with a shared positivity for future work, a collective groundswell in the advance of our craft. This long-standing, reciprocal arrangement of alliance and support, a cornerstone of the filmmaking community’s foundations, is forged once more in the form of this year’s new members. 

And so, to support, association, and alliance. The past few months have seen some activity behind the scenes, as is evident with this month’s news page. The introduction of a new string to the BSC bow: BSC Education. Alliances with the prestigious NFTS and the trailblazing London Screen Academy will allow the Society to increase its ability to engage and inspire, to involve and enable. Continued association with ACO and Illuminatrix will allow all three organisations to strengthen the personal networks of those stepping up to new grades. Support from ScreenSkills and the Digital Orchard Foundation will allow all these schemes to be facilitated, coordinated, and delivered in the most equitable and inclusive ways. 

Masterclasses will challenge and provoke new learning; honing techniques in our craft. Mentoring will encourage and embolden; navigating mentees through the early stages of their journey. Workshops will inform and empower; a guiding light for the next generation of filmmakers. These educational programmes form part of the Society’s commitment to further the pursuit of cinematography, in all its forms, and to illustrate its dedication to the future practitioners of the craft.  

Further, for current practitioners there is a greater focus on networking opportunities, the Short Film Competition, and the return of more live events and Q&As. There will be more access points for long-term interaction with the Society. Joining the dots with the wider filmmaking community outside of the BSC, increasing interaction and inclusion. A web of interconnected connections; from friends to patrons to members and beyond. 

Which brings us back to the membership and our new member announcement. Companies, charities, teams, organisations only exist through the actions of individuals. These individuals bring energy, insight, and fresh experiences, and in turn, come perspectives, debate, activity, evolution. The baton is handed on once more, the torch embarks on the next leg of its journey, and the flame is raised imperceptibly higher by fresh legs.  

May I take this opportunity to welcome our 12 new members to the Society and to encourage them, and empower them, as they place their hands on the torch and guide the Society toward its future. 

Onwards!