Strengthening governance, running workshops, connecting members, hosting events, sharing resources, celebrating achievements and honouring Tim Potter’s legacy, the GBCT thrived over the year.
The GBCT has had a busy 2025, building on the foundations COO Lorraine Luke laid in her first year. She has substantially increased the membership and continues to work on improved governance and management of the GBCT.
This includes establishing good collaboration with our patrons, as well as the BSC, the ACO, the Grips Branch and affiliated companies, such as Bectu and the camera, lighting and rental houses. The aim for 2026 is focusing on workshops for current GBCT members and non-members, already working in Film and HETV drama.
The renowned GBCT Trainee Programme is on hold, with the aim to reinstate it in 2027. However, 2026 will bring a series of one- and two-day workshops for members and established crew. The programme will be announced in the next edition of British Cinematographer.
Our active and engaged WhatsApp Group has brought members numerous additional days of work for a variety of reasons and often at very short notice. It also provides the opportunity to discuss rates, terms and conditions, as well as offer gear for sale.
Members continue to enjoy the extensive range of benefits offering discounts in camera equipment, consumables and kit; sportswear and equipment; health and wellbeing; networking venues, insurance and retail. The Chase List detailing upcoming productions is a vital resource in these trying times and Cathy Crawley’s How to Hustle workshop in July proved an invaluable lesson in increasing social media presence in quest of that elusive job.
We’ve been active socially – attending BSC Expo, Sunbelt and CVP events among others. We shared a joint table with Women Behind the Camera at BSC Operators Night. The table included male crew who have encouraged female crew, as well as others who have been supportive of the GBCT. We are grateful to those patrons who have provided sponsorship. The annual December Christmas parties in London and Manchester were well attended and the London party on 6th December honoured its tradition of a Lucky Dip of eclectic festive gifts.
Remembering Tim Potter
On a more sombre note, the worst event of 2025 was losing Tim Potter so unexpectedly. He died three days after attending Bectu’s annual conference. The GBCT and Bectu held a celebration of his life on 30 August. Over 80 family, friends and colleagues attended and there were speeches from his brother and university friend of 40 years standing. Bectu’sSpencer MacDonald also delivered a moving speech, which is worth repeating in full, particularly his penultimate point about the huge debt that film technicians in every department owe Tim for his dedication to maintaining rates and improving conditions to keep us all safe at work and not at risk of falling asleep at the wheel on the way home.
Spencer MacDonald is the national secretary for Bectu’s London and regional production divisions. He is currently involved in several initiatives/campaigns for improving pay, Terms and Conditions most notably, fighting against broken turnaround. Here is his tribute to Tim:
Tim was a member of Bectu for decades and I was lucky enough to get to know him, both personally and professionally, over many years. I have always thought of him as the man who dedicated his life to improving the working conditions for everyone in film and TV. Tim was many things: a talented negotiator, a tireless advocate for fairness and, above all, a friend to Bectu with a quiet sense of humour (I will come back to that shortly).
Tim was a passionate Trade Unionist, indefatigable champion of workers’ rights and a dedicated leader in his role as Chair of the Camera Branch. In addition, Tim served as the voice of reason in the TV drama, film and commercial negotiations. He fought for basic protections that today’s camera crews, editors, make-up artists etc. enjoy, thanks to his contribution. Let’s remember that this lifted not just a handful of people, but thousands of workers across the industry. When management tried to tie us in knots (which happened regularly), Tim would lean back in his chair, grin and say, “I’ve heard and seen it all before.” His common-sense approach earned respect from both sides. He never gave up on a deal or on a member.
I remember a negotiation in 2019 when the studios refused to budge on overtime pay. They brought in fancy consultants, tried to confuse us with jargon and, as a result, we eventually hit an impasse. However, Tim had this ability to zoom out and see the problem from above. He said, “Guys, you can call it whatever you like, but if people are working past their contracted hours, you pay them appropriately. End of story.” That was classic Tim —smart, principled and pragmatic!
I also remember Tim’s quiet sense of humour. At one point I approached him for advice about buying a new TV. Mine had broken and I thought he could guide me with his technical expertise. He looked me in the eye, raised an eyebrow and said, “I won’t get technical—because you won’t understand it.” I laughed and said, “Humour me anyway,” and he replied with a half-smile “Nope. You’ll just end up with two remotes and a headache.” That was classic Tim.
As we grieve Tim’s passing, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind: a stronger, fairer industry. The benefits he helped win still protect thousands and every time someone in this industry goes to work they do so in a world made better by his contribution.
I would like to finish with one final thought – Tim taught me and others to look closely, to focus on what matters, cherishing the little moments and little wins that finally become our greatest memories.
