Kit and caboodle

Find out what makes BSC Expo the ultimate destination for the UK’s filmmaking community and why this year marks a new greener direction for the show.

It’s been a momentous couple of years for the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC). Last year, the Society marked 30 years of the BSC Expo, its London show, and in 2024 it reaches another milestone: its 75^th anniversary. Ever since the BSC’s formation in 1949, the promotion and encouragement of the pursuit of the highest standards of the craft have been at the heart of its ethos, and BSC Expo is testament to this.

BSC Expo’s 2024 edition returns to the Evolution exhibition centre amid the greenery of Battersea Park, southwest London, from 16-17 February. We asked BSC President Christopher Ross – recently re-elected to lead the Society for another term – what sets the show apart from its peers. “The unique atmosphere of the Expo is its strongest draw; the team work tirelessly to create this every year,” he explains. “The show layout evolves alongside the exhibitors, absorbing alterations to stand configurations and modifying the flow of attendees around the space.”

The BSC’s anniversary year will start in fine style at the BSC Awards on Saturday, 3 February and will continue through to the Expo and beyond. “Celebrations will be centred around the BSC Stand itself with profiles of members and committees, memorabilia from the BSC’s archive of awards and behind the scenes images from 75 years of artistry in pursuit of storytelling,” notes Ross. At the BSC’s stand you can also purchase your copy of the BSC’s Preserving the Vision by Phil Méheux BSC and James Friend ASC BSC, which takes an insightful look back through the rich history of the Society and its members.

The environment is an industry talking point and the BSC Expo organisers are putting the spotlight on sustainability more than ever this year. It follows the creation of a dedicated BSC Sustainability Committee in 2023, headed up by David Raedeker BSC, Mattias Nyberg BSC, and Pat McEnallay, to help the Society play its part in addressing the climate emergency.

“[Sustainability] has been a driving force of technological change globally, so we have asked exhibitors to prioritise their sustainable production solutions so that this year’s BSC Expo can act as a catalyst for the industry approval of these innovations and to accelerate their use on film sets in the UK and around the world,” says Ross.

A much-anticipated part of the Expo for many festivalgoers is the range of seminars and panels arranged by the BSC and its partners, where cinematographers and other industry experts share their insight and advice with audiences. Building on the 2024 BSC Expo’s eco ethos, British Cinematographer’s editor-in-chief, Zoe Mutter, will be chairing a discussion on sustainability in partnership with the BSC’s Sustainability Committee, Sunbelt Rentals and a fine line-up of soon-to-be-revealed panellists. The session will highlight the positive steps that individuals and the wider industry are taking to help make productions take responsibility in fighting climate change, including the implementation of battery and hybrid solutions that support productions to drive down carbon emissions on set.

Up-and-coming filmmakers will be pleased to hear that the Digital Orchard Foundation’s ever popular Talent Bar, a welcoming space for both new and established filmmakers, will be back for 2024. “The Talent Bar is designed to help talent move forward in camera and post-production,” explains Digital Orchard’s Andrew Forrest. “There’ll be the chance for people to have pre-arranged or drop-in meetings to talk with experienced crew and advisors about barriers or challenges in their careers. Partners this year will include First Steps Cinematography, The Film and TV Charity, Bectu and The Equity List.”

Students and young talent will find plenty to keep them busy at the show; indeed, Ross himself has fond memories of his first visit to the Expo all those years ago. “Personally, as a young filmmaker, my first introduction to the BSC was via the Expo and I was blown away by the volume of equipment and filmmakers present. It’s now my great privilege to help bring that experience to a new generation. The BSC Expo helps to build, foster and nourish industry relationships and thrives as the collision point of technical innovation and creative intent.”

In the run-up to BSC Expo, the IMAGO Annual General Assembly (IAGA) will unite the global cinematography community in London for guests and delegates. “The BSC was one of the founding societies of the IMAGO Federation, alongside the AIC and BVK, and is privileged to host this year’s IAGA in the days running up to the BSC Expo,” says Ross. “To our benefit, this means that our international guest cinematographers will also be in attendance across the BSC Expo weekend. The Expo is the biggest networking event for the technical film community in the UK and this year our networking goes international…the true power of cinema.”

As Ross says: “Bring on BSC Expo 2024!”