AT THE HEART OF FILMMAKING

As the industry gears up for another standout BSC Expo, BSC President Christopher Ross BSC offers attendees a sneak peek into what to expect at the most eagerly awaited show in the filmmaking event calendar. 

What were the highlights from last year’s BSC Expo? 

As with every year, the true highlight of BSC Expo was reconnecting with friends and colleagues of the film community and catching up with another 12 months of innovation and technical evolution. There are so many technological advancements on display at the show that it’s impossible to single any out. However, the various innovations in the field of sustainable power solutions are an all too necessary highlight. 

Why should cinematographers and other members of the film industry visit the event? 

Well, I’ve been attending BSC Expo (previously the BSC New Equipment Show) since 1999 and look where it got me! But on a serious note, it is one of the world’s most prestigious exhibitions of film industry equipment. Within the halls of BSC Expo you will find every department in the field of cinematography represented, in terms of technology, and seminars delivered by world-class cinematographers. In terms of a networking and knowledge, BSC Expo is in a league of its own. 

What’s your best advice for a first-time visitor to make the most of BSC Expo? 

Arrive early and prepare to stay late! The list of exhibitors and the seminar program are so full that you should be prepared to attend on both days. For career starters or those looking to make the jump to the next grade, the BSC Talent Bar is waiting for you. Book a time with an adviser for a one-to-one to help push your career in the right direction. 

What’s new for BSC Expo in 2025? 

We leave the newest ideas up to the exhibitors! They will always bring the true innovation to the event. But as with every year, we have remodelled the internal layout a little to accommodate better flow of guests and added some space around the BSC Talent Bar for our partner organisations to occupy. The seminar schedule is fresh and will deliver panels, conversations, masterclasses, and industry insight. 

Which tech trends and innovations do you see creating a buzz on the show floor and throughout 2025? 

I think we are currently seeing a reignited trend towards large format cinematography. Manufacturers have announced the release of several new camera products… ARRI, Blackmagic and Fujifilm are all in that mix. Hopefully, this will catalyse activity with lens manufacturers and rehousing specialists to double-down on their innovation too. LED lighting technology continues to advance at warpspeed. We take for granted that fixtures will have high CRI, multicolour capability and daylight capable brightness, we can now look forward to greater pixel to pixel control and more products capable of video interactivity. 

Which masterclasses, seminars and educational sessions should attendees look forward to most? 

We have a full program of panels and conversations to intrigue audiences across the event. As always, the BSC will be leading the way in the seminar space. Mike Eley BSC is leading a conversation called ‘Reality Check: From Documentary to Drama’, featuring guest cinematographers that have bridged the gap between the two and brought real world intimacy to their narrative cinematography. We will be taking a deep dive into what it takes to shoot the most sensitive scenes when John de Borman 

BSC AFC curates a conversation with cinematographers and intimacy coordinators to investigate the approach to successfully navigating this often overlooked area of filmmaking. Finally, we have Tim Palmer BSC hosting ‘The Next Generation’, a panel highlighting the route to becoming a cinematographer and the work required to make your mark. There is something for everyone in the Seminar Room, a learning space for all. 

What are you most excited about when it comes to the exhibitors showcasing their products this year? 

Without wishing to sound evasive, the real excitement comes from the personal interaction. Product demonstrations are valuable marketing tools, but they are also the secret behind the next level of innovation. By sharing time with each other on the stands we are all helping to guide the next iteration of improvements of the ever evolving tools within the industry. Being able to rub shoulders with the engineers and designers is what I really get excited about. 

What role does networking at BSC Expo play in creating lasting collaborations and opportunities for attendees? 

The UK film industry is a huge and vibrant community, made up of a complex web of studios, streamers, corporations and thousands of freelance workers. Long term collaborations are an essential ingredient in sustaining a career in the film industry. BSC Expo is the most highly attended networking event for UK and European crew members to interact with each other and the wider industry. By hosting this reliable annual event in the heart of the UK industry, the BSC aims to increase interactivity and networking and help to keep the crew members connected and working. 

How do you ensure that both established professionals and newcomers find value at the Expo? 

The broad spectrum approach of BSC Expo is a constantly evolving entity. We hope that by annually reworking the seminar program and BSC Talent Bar initiatives, that we move with the times and modify our output to be relevant to all parties. At this year’s BSC Talent Bar BSC, ACO and GBCT members will be on-hand to offer advice, for both career starters and those wishing to make the jump to the next grade. 

How does BSC Expo create an inclusive environment where all aspects of the filmmaking process are represented and celebrated? 

A sense of inclusion and belonging is of utmost importance to the BSC, and BSC Expo is no exception. We have worked hard over the last 20 years to improve the experience of attendees and to modify the show to create the best possible experience. Our exhibitor list comprises of manufacturers that are dedicated to every facet of filmmaking and our seminar program is designed to nurture and encourage every aspect of the cinematographic craft. BSC Expo 2025 has something for everyone and brings together the very best that our industry has to offer…creators and creativity, innovators and innovation.