Meet the GTC Council

Riccardo M Alfano
Co-opted International Liaison

I’m a London based freelance camera operator specialised in single camera ENG and multicamera OB production.

I’m a regular Freelancer for BBC News and several foreign broadcasters such as Rai, CNN and Al Jazeera, covering, for more than a decade, the most important events in these incredible times in Documentary, News and Current Affairs.

I also spend some time in Rome where my family is based, where I’ve also been helping foreign productions.

I have credits in Amazon Prime’s series, ESPN, Channel 4, ITV, UEFA Champions League, Motor Racing, ATP Tennis and UFC.

I also have contributed to the screens of live performance recordings for Pearl Jam, Adele, Janet Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams and Coldplay. 

I’ve been a GTC Member for over 17 years now and always found invaluable the wealth of knowledge and help I had in situations of need when, for example, a simple post on the Forum to ask for suggestions to resuscitate a nearly dead camera while on assignment away from home, lead to a multitude of direct email and phone calls to offer help to a “stranded” colleague.

Having been recently co-opted International Liaisons Officer by the new Council,  I decided to continue to helping this great organisation.

As International Liaisons Officer for the GTC I hope to build relationships with other camera professionals, organisations and companies around the world.

Read Ric's Q&A from Zerb

Sam Aries
Student Member
Diversity & Inclusion

I'm a recent Television and Broadcasting graduate, I worked as camera operator and Vision mixer at Portsmouth football club while at uni as well as taking every runner opportunity available!

I have an interest in OB and am currently navigating my way into the industry. I also have a bit of a hobby for climbing mountaineering and macro photography.

Darren Bramley
Forum Moderator

I am Head of Cameras at ITV Daytime, Working previously at BBC Elstree and GMTV.

I have been a member of the GTC since the late eighties, and have served on Council as Secretary in the past.   I bring a great deal of experience in live and recorded broadcast programming. I am good friends of many of the GTC Patrons and am often asked for advice on new equipment.

I am keenly interested in engaging with younger members who have been entering the industry over the years, and encourage many people to join the GTC and make use of the many resources available.  I am very proud that a number of people who have joined me at ITV furthered themselves across the industry.

Nathan Dodzo
Education

With over 30 years of media experience, I bring passion, energy, and a deep commitment to education and professional media development. My career spans various roles across broadcasting and political journalism, including camera operator/DOP, video journalist, editor, director, producer, and researcher. This broad experience has allowed me to contribute to a wide range of national and international projects, crafting compelling audiovisual content for leading broadcasters, clients and organisations.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Creative Film and Television at the higher education level, where I have the privilege of sharing my extensive technical expertise and industry knowledge with the next generation of media professionals. I am proud to have built a network of trusted partners in both the media industry and the education community, a testament to my dedication and reliability.

In addition to my hands-on industry experience, I am actively involved in strategic leadership through boardroom participation, further honing my ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the profession, the arts; and education and training.

James Dunlop
Education

I am a military Director, Producer and Editor working with The Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines on major multi-camera live events, documentaries and music videos.

My career highlights include over 200 million views of my work, directing two music videos with popstar Pixie Lott and viewings by the majority of the working British Royal Family.

I am a freelance documentary filmmaker and Sony FX9 owner operator, I was short-listed at Sheffield DocFest with the first of my James Dunlop Discovers digital series on YouTube. I am currently working towards a PhD at Oxford Brookes University specialising in documentary, and also working as an Associate Lecturer on both Masters and Undergraduate courses. 

I am a member of The Order of the British Empire, the British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies, The Documentary Film Council, and the steering group for the Creative Industries Research and Innovation Network. I was honoured with an MBE in King Charles III’s first Birthday Honours in 2023.

Simon Edwards
Advertising and Partnerships Manager

I am a working cameraman now in my sixth term on Council, being Vice Chair from 2016–2020. My work covers everything from documentary to corporate, single and multi camera.

In May 2020 I took on the role of Advertising and Partnership Manager, looking after the many companies that help the GTC grow and develop as an organisation.

I’m often at exhibitions and events, meeting members, talking to potential new members and our industry partners, promoting the work of the GTC. I am also actively engaged with the other guilds and associations for our craft, building relationships and opportunities between us all.

I am a member of the Department of Education and Institute for Apprenticeships panels on new qualifications for our industry and robustly defend the role of the camera people within those, helping to ensure that any qualification that is launched reflects what we need now and for the future. My work in education has covered curriculum design, delivery and assessment and I am often asked to advise early careers groups on their pathway through the industry.

Read Simon's Q&A from InFocus

Rob Emmanuel
Vice-Chair and Exhibitions Organiser

I have been a freelance camera operator for over 25 years, now mostly for multicamera TV and other platforms, but with a background in PSC lighting camera. I've been a proud member of the GTC for many years, having always appreciated the numerous benefits this great organisation offers in creating a community where we can strive together to maintain high standards of camera craft.

Alongside my ‘day job’, I am now Commissioning Editor of Zerb. It's a privilege to collaborate with the incredible people who so generously and enthusiastically share their knowledge and experiences, as well as to search out and showcase people behind the lesser-known roles, all of which are vital to what ends up on our screens.

It is vital that Zerb and the GTC proactively forge a progressive path, reflecting diversity and being open and relevant to all camera professionals in every sector and stage of their career paths.

Barry Grubb
Co-opted Sponsor Member

My Career spans across 15+ years both in the UK and based in Australia - initially in forensic medicine and evolving into content generation that opened doors into a variety of corporate environments within the creative services industry. 
 
Working with some of the industries top brands in equipment supply and image capture around the world I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many developments and changes in the Film/TV and broadcast markets. It's this experience and thirst for knowledge that I apply in my work with the GTC as a Co-opted council member.

I have a growing interest in sustainable portable power supply for Film & TV applications providing clean energy transition, help to decarbonise the industry whilst making savings, reducing cables, noise, fumes from combustible generators.

Sam Higgins
Social Media & Kit Reviews

John Henshall
Honorary President

Whilst a BBC cameraman in the 1960s and 1970s, I met Dick Hibberd and helped him establish the Guild in 1972, serving on our first council.

I left the BBC in 1976 to run my camera effects company, Telefex, and to work as a freelance Director of Photography on some of the earliest music videos. I formed my own group of DoPs, our work including MTV Europe for its first 10 years. Other credits include Channel 4's Network Seven, ITV's Spitting Imageand many other programmes and commercials.

More recently, I have been heavily involved in the emerging field of digital imaging since its birth, organising conferences in the US and consulting for major imaging companies.

I am immensely proud to have been made Honorary President of the Guild in succession to Dick Hibberd and to be able to support all the dedicated people who run the GTC on a daily basis.

Read John's Q&A from Zerb

Mike Johnson
Assistant Treasurer

With over 25 years in television camerawork, I’ve had the pleasure of working across a wide range of productions.

I started out as a full-time camera trainee at the BBC, progressing to camera operator, and then took the leap into freelancing in 2001. I enjoy working in several different roles, from Director of Photography to PSC lighting cameraperson, multi-camera supervisor, and camera operator.

Whether I’m lighting a studio for a multi-camera setup or rigging box lens cameras on an outside broadcast, I’m all about bringing a positive, can-do attitude to the set. I enjoy the variety and challenge that each production brings, big or small, on location or in the studio, live or pre-recorded. My goal is to bring a creative eye to every project,  with a friendly, professional approach backed by years of experience and a genuine enthusiasm for making great TV.

Michael Kheng
Carnet Liaison

I am the founder of Kurnia Aerial Photography, a leading drone photography and videography company operating in the UK and Europe. I started the company, also known as TheDroneMan.net, in 2013 after being inspired by the potential of drone technology to revolutionise aerial photography.

I built Kurnia Aerial Photography into a highly respected and sought-after company that serves a wide range of clients, including TV, production, corporate, and private clients. 

My expertise and experience in drone photography and videography have earned me numerous accolades and awards, including recognition as one of the top drone photographers in the UK. I am also a respected speaker and educator in the industry, sharing my knowledge and expertise with others through workshops, training sessions, and speaking engagements.

Kerren Marshall
Social Media

I have been a freelance camera operator since I left education in 2002.

I started my career working on corporate projects and events and moved to broadcast television in 2014. I now work primarily in outside broadcast within sports, operating ENG and multi camera productions, however I still remain happy to work across the varied areas TV, streaming and multi camera shows etc. I thoroughly enjoy the variety being a freelancer can bring.

A recent career highlight for me was to be part of the TV crew covering swimming and water polo at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Working with professionals from across the globe was truly a fantastic experience. 

Graham Maunder
Chair & Treasurer

I’m a DoP/Lighting Cameraman working as a freelancer. I originally trained at the BBC, working at TV Centre and on OBs, then independent companies TVi. Trilion & Limiehouse Television before starting my own Company.

My work is a varied mix of documentaries, sport and occasional drama. I also do motorbike and skiing camerawork as well as charity work for UNICEF. I am proud to have received multiple awards over the years.

Since originally joining the GTC I have been involved through Zerb and the Forum, and was honoured to be voted on to the Council in 2016 where I was then elected as Chair. During my time as Chair I have overseen many positive changes including the name change and implementing the free 1st Aid Courses we provide for our members.

I hope that whilst on Council, and particularly in my role as Chair, I can help promote the GTC in a positive way to encourage more people to join and be active in a forward-thinking, positive and modern GTC.

Dave McCormick
Exhibitions and Workshops

Clive North
 

I'm now a happily retired freelance lighting cameraman after 40-odd years on the road shooting local news for  around 15 years, and the rest mainly on documentaries with special emphasis on science and history.

When I took over the role of Workshops Organiser some years back, I rather cheekily tried to set up the kind of workshops I would personally find of interest and benefit. That seemed to work well but I latterly moved to a more democratic approach setting up events that I felt benefited the most members!

Covid-19 opened our eyes to the possibilities of Zoom technology enabling us to carry on during lockdown and post Covid with our popular series of 'e-workshops'.

After 15 years in the role of GTC Workshops Organiser I was happy to hand the reins over to fellow Council member John Templeton who is busy putting his stamp on the role.

Read Clive's Q&A from Zerb

Sandra Pennington
Education

I have been a camera assistant working in film, tv, life shows and commercials for over 12 years. I am a proud member of the GTC, GBCT, and friend of the ACO. My main goal is to improve the training and education in the camera department together with all the associations.

Alongside my normal role I am working on bringing CineCertified into life, a project from camera crew for camera crew. With this and a common approach we hope to be setting up a new benchmark for all roles in camera and building towards a better future for everyone involved. 

It is vital that everyone starts getting actively involved as only together we can make this department inclusive, equal and future proof.

Read Sandra's Q&A from Zerb

Andy Reik
Press Card Gatekeeper

I am a freelance lighting cameraman working in Sports, Documentary and Corporate content. I have a keen interest in technology and design and I'm also a licenced drone pilot and Gatekeeper for the UK Press Card Authority. I have just completed work on ‘Blood, Sex and Royalty’ for Netflix and spend my spare time working as an Instructor with the Army Cadet Force.

Any enquiries for Press Cards should be sent to presscards@gtc.org.uk

Roger Richards
Membership,  Administrator Officer and
GTC In Focus Editor

I joined HTV in 1971 as a trainee assistant cameraman in the film department and, over the next 20 years, worked my way up to lighting cameraman. I became freelance in 1991 as a lighting cameraman and director of photography.

I became editor of the GTC Newsletter in 2004, renaming it GTC In Focus and, in April 2011, I was appointed GTC Membership Administrator.

Graham Risdon
Secretary

Since joining the GTC, I’ve been massively impressed with the whole organisation and the support it offers – truly exceptional value for money.

I came to camerawork in a roundabout way; whilst working in IT, I was tasked to set up a multicamera internet broadcasting studio – quite a challenge in 1999 with dial-up internet connections!

I started my own small production company, Media Inventions Ltd, in 2002. I work mainly with corporate automotive clients on new model launches, training materials and other media content. I also shoot and stream multicamera shows, conferences, and webinars. I’m a self-confessed kit junkie and have accumulated a wide range of cameras as well as the usual mountain of “bits and pieces”.  I’m much better at buying kit than selling it! 

During my first term on Council in 2020, I ran a few webinars, created the online awards event during Covid and wrote several kit reviews. I was elected Secretary in 2022 - a role I'm happy to continue as I ease myself into retirement!

Robin Smith
IAWF Representative

 John Tarby

John Tarby, former Vice Chairman of the GTC, is a Documentary Lighting Cameraman in London, working in broadcast and business television, stereography and tutoring cinematography.

In the trendy late 1960s, John became a qualified photographer, learning cinematography, on the job, firstly at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and then Unilever Research. He became a freelance TV cameraman in the 1980s and helped start the Electronic Camera Company.

John joined Council in 2004 and has worked on many projects including managing the GTC Awards events 2004–2012; compiling the GTC business plan/strategy document; managing the digitisation of Zerb and GTC In Focus back catalogues; and researching the compilation of a GTC Wikipedia article. Currently, John supports Alan Duxbury with the Bill Vinten GTC University Awards. He has created the online judging system and liaises with the many judges to guide them through the judging process. John is looking to replicate the success of this system for the annual GTC Awards.

John Templeton
Workshop Organiser and
Legal Co-ordinator

I started out as a press photographer shooting on black and white film in the late 1980s. After a degree I joined a production company as a runner, then freelanced as a camera assistant. 
 
Stepping up to the role of cameraman I made a short film in Sierra Leone in 1997 which led to a period of covering major events around the world. More recently I’ve worked on documentary series for clients including National Geographic, Netflix and Discovery. 
I’m now beginning a new development working on comedy projects this year alongside factual work.

I’ve been a GTC member for most of my career. The wisdom and support of the membership is invaluable. I look forward to being an active member of council.

Terry Abrey
GTC Accountant

Sarah Adams
Zerb Production Editor

Sarah Adams has worked in the media for 37 years as a journalist in newspapers, magazines, online and in television as a producer, as well as lecturing in journalism and PR at The University of Westminster and Oxford Brookes University.

She is currently the producer of Narrow Escapes - a new 20 episode, factual entertainment daytime series for Channel 4 - TX early 2024 and has a number of other series in development. 

Sophie Day
GTC Treasurer's Assistant/Bookkeeper

The GTC became a client in March 2012, when I was working as a self-employed bookkeeper, to give assistance to Simon Roe, who was then the Treasurer. 

The GTC accounts are split into two: the Guild, which deals with subscriptions, workshops, the Awards event and general admin; and Zerb, which produces Zerb and GTC In Focus magazines.

My role is to authorise expense claims for Council members and pay them, code sales and supplier invoices on to Sage, set up payments for supplier invoices, code bank transactions, reconcile the bank accounts and submit quarterly EC Sales Lists and a yearly VAT return for Zerb. The year end is on 31 January, after which I run all the reports the accountant needs for the annual accounts.

Nicola Risdon
Website Administrator

I have taken on the role of Website Administrator, my background is in website management and customer services. I am doing the GTC website updates and maintenance alongside running my small website company.

I am enjoying getting to know Council, GTC members and Sponsors and looking forward to working with Council in developing new features on the site in the future.

If you have any ideas for the website, I’d love to hear from you: nicola.risdon@gtc.org.uk

Luke Sheehan
Picture Archivist

Bill Shepherd
Zerb Managing Editor

Bill Shepherd is a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and GTC who films interviews, documentaries and live events.

Bill teaches journalists, content creators, mountaineers, yachtsmen & yachtswomen how to use their smartphones as an electronic newsgathering device, how to use mirrorlesss cameras, action cameras and how to edit video footage on their smartphones.

Alex Wade
Legal Advisor

Alex Wade is a media lawyer, freelance journalist and writer. His legal career has seen him work for some of the best media law firms in the UK as well as many national newspapers. As a journalist he contributes to the UK broadsheets regularly, writing on law, sport, travel and books. He is also the author of three non-fiction books and one novel. Alex is available to advise GTC members on legal problems they may encounter, especially those in media law, including contractual and rights queries.

Find out more