Members' Feedback on the Awards

James Fulcher

Being one of the younger members of the Guild and never having previously attended the GTC Awards, I approached the day not knowing what was in store. I am glad to let you know that from my perspective it really was an informative, entertaining and all round enjoyable day. It was in particular a chance for me, as a young camera assistant trying to learn the craft, to meet and talk to experienced professionals to confirm my thoughts on how the industry is and how I should get to where I am aiming. On top of the excellent seminars, trade show and the awards themselves, it was a welcoming social environment that had a quite clear shared passion amongst the members for the development and nurture of the craft. The seminars themselves proved thought-provoking and a great resource, in particular 'The Whys and Wherefores of digital recording formats' by Alan Roberts. Many thanks, to everyone involved and everyone I met.

James

Jeremy du Toit

I was not going to attend the GTC awards when I thought it through on Monday night but in the end I woke up early yesterday and thought I should get my lazy butt into London because every time I attend an event I come away inspired and encouraged, not to mention a whole lot better informed. Yesterday was no exception. Hey, the BFI Southbank...what a classy venue!! The seminars in the day were excellent value and helped to keep in touch with many HD issues. If you hear these HD terms often enough they begin falling into place, although Alan Roberts is definitely in his own class. 

The finale was a panel discussion on HD between the heads of technology from the BBC, CH 4, ITV, SKY and Alan. Many thanks but most especially to Bill Garret from the BBC who has just written an article in the latest Zerb: 'Untangling the technology-tax trap' on how the broadcasters might be able to lend especially expensive HD kit to freelancers where we both win...it has to do with tax issues and schedule E or D status. Bill is genuinely interested in doing what he can to grow the stable of craft cameramen who can work for the BBC because he appreciates the value using a pro will bring to his end product. He needs our help and assistance in his march towards the tax office. 

Many thanks also to all the equipment manufacturers who sponsor the Guild and had a lot of gorgeous kit for us to look at. Again, a great way to keep in touch with what is out there and what you could buy to give your clients that little extra value.

The award ceremony itself was very enjoyable and great to watch on the big screen. For the first time since I have been a member of the GTC I think I began to appreciate how lucky we are to have people like Brian Rose and the founder of the GTC Dick Hibberd whose absolute passion it is to preserve the craft of the professional cameraman. He said at the end of the evening...''I get such a kick out of watching the e-mails come into the forum through the day and realising that we are all communicating with each other and preserving this passion that we have to be cameramen.'' 

Dick Hibberd

Dear Brian and Team

What a fantastic event. You all did a fabulous and very professional job, and I am at a loss for words just how to congratulate you all for a such a wonderful job, so well done.

I must single out John Tarby and Helen Keep whose low key efforts during the day to make everything work to schedule, were extraordinary and so efficient. You hardly noticed their presence but they kept the show on the road – and almost on time! Well, who could legislate for Dick Hibberd, Brian Rose, and a couple of 'professional' comedians?

The effort that Alison put into the new Guild website were extraordinary, and can only be considered a labour of love. Congratulations Alison, a great success.  Sorry I kept on making more suggestions on the day, just what you needed (I don't think).

Please disseminate my thanks and congratulations to all concerned with the organisation and the work on 'the day'.  I am sure that I will have unintentionally missed many from the addresses above.

Congratulations, and thanks again for a wonderful day.

Dick  
Fellow GTC 0001