About

Our mission

Founded in 1949, the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) is a professional, educational and social organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing the art and craft of cinematography.

Membership is by invitation and brings together some of the United Kingdom’s most accomplished Directors of Photography and Camera Operators, alongside distinguished patrons from across the film and television industry.

The Society’s aim is to champion the highest standards of cinematography, foster excellence and innovation, and support the continued development of our craft.

What we do

The British Society of Cinematographers is dedicated to supporting our members and advancing the art of cinematography. We achieve this through a wide range of activities from providing networking opportunities, to screenings, masterclasses and events.

Celebrate excellence

Each year, the prestigious BSC Awards celebrate the pinnacle of artistic and technical achievement in cinematography. Judged by our members, these peer-to-peer accolades recognise the very best work across feature films and television, honouring the exceptional skill and creative vision of cinematographers from around the world.

Nurture future talent

We are deeply committed to developing the next generation of filmmakers. Through our renowned Mentorship Scheme, practical workshops, and insightful masterclasses, we connect aspiring cinematographers and camera professionals with the invaluable knowledge and experience of our established members, providing vital pathways to a successful career.

Champion the craft

As a leading voice in the global film industry, the BSC advocates for the central creative role of the cinematographer. We actively lead on key industry issues, developing best practices and promoting important initiatives in areas such as on-set sustainability, equity and inclusion, and the preservation of creative rights in an era of technological change.

Unite our community

At the heart of the BSC is our community. We offer membership for established and accredited cinematographers, recognised by the 'BSC' post-nominal, who are at the forefront of the craft. We also foster a wider community through the 'BSC Club,' which welcomes all filmmaking, freelancers and enthusiasts who share a passion for the moving image.

Share knowledge

The BSC is proud to be associated with globally respected publications such as British Cinematographer Magazine. The publication serves as a vital platform for cinematographers in every region to share their work and techniques, offering in-depth analysis, interviews, and insight that connects and informs our community worldwide.

Connect our members

We provide regular opportunities for the filmmaking community to connect, collaborate and learn. Our calendar includes technical seminars, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, masterclasses and social events, all designed to foster a strong, supportive network sparking creative conversations among our members and the wider industry.

The history of the society

Every frame tells a story. From our foundational meeting to today, the BSC has been at the heart of cinematic evolution. Delve into our past and discover the story of the BSC by exploring the timeline below, chronicling the key milestones, influential figures and groundbreaking achievements that define our journey.

1948

The BSC is born

In 1948 Bert Easey organised a meeting at the Orchard Hotel in Ruislip to discuss the creation of a “British” society of Cinematographers. Among the diners that night were Guy Green, Robert Krasker and more. A year later the BSC was incorporated.

1951

Operators Night

Operators Night was created in 1951 as a chance for BSC Members to celebrate the work of their crews and thank them for their work through the year.

1953

BSC Awards Created

The first BSC Award was issued in 1953 with Ossie Morris BSC winning Best Cinematography for his work on John Huston's Moulin Rouge.

1964

The Golden Camera

In 1960 the society moved from presenting a tankard for Best Cinematography to beautiful gold art deco Camera. The trophy which is still presented today was designed by Sir Ken Adam.

1976

Associates Welcomed

The BSC expanded their membership to include "Associates" therefore celebrating the work of Camera Operators and Specialist Cinematographers.

1984

Patrons Welcomed

The BSC welcomed Patron Members in 1984. Originally called Sponsor Members, the new Patron membership was designed to celebrate the extraordinary work done by venders and companies in support of filmmaking.

1986

John Alcott Award Created

Mourning the sudden passing of John Alcott BSC. The BSC in collaboration with ARRI created the John Alcott Award. An Award presented to someone who has continued the aims of the society.

1987

The Summer Lunch

The Summer Lunch was launched in 1987 providing a more relaxed atmosphere and allowing members to bring partners and family members. The first even was held at Shepperton Studios.

1992

IMAGO Launched

IMAGO was launched in 1992 with the BSC being one of the founding members. BSC Members Nigel Walters BSC and Harvey Harrison BSC played key roles.

1997

The BSC Expo

Joe Dunton BSC proposed the idea of the first BSC Expo, a chance to celebrate new technology and innovation. Today the Expo has grown to be one of Europe's premiere Camera and Lighting showcases.

2010

BSC Club Created

In 2010 John de Borman BSC AFC proposed creating a club membership where up and coming cinematographers as well as crew members could join and attend our Q&As

2018

BSC Awards

In 2018 we moved our Awards out of our Summer Lunch and established a stand alone event. Today its one of the key awards in our industries calendar.

2023

BSC Education Launched

In 2023, Christopher Ross BSC and Oliver Stapleton BSC launched BSC Education providing access to seminars and masterclasses for young and established cinematographers.

2026

Honorary Members Luncheons

The Honorary Members Luncheon was introduced in 2026 as a way to bring our older members together, share stories and catch-up.

Accredited

BSC GOVERNOR

Fabian Wagner ASC BSC

Accredited

Commitees

The heart of the BSC lies in the dedication of our member-led committees. These volunteer groups are the driving force behind our key initiatives and community support.

Education Committee

The BSC Education Committee fulfil's one of the BSC's key principals - to promote the art of Cinematography to the next generation of filmmakers. It does this through the BSC Mentorship Scheme, BSC Club, BSC Masterclasses and BSC Workshops throughout the year.

Equity and Inclusion Committee

The BSC's Equity and Inclusion Committee works to improve fair treatment, tackle under-representation, and foster inclusive work environments within the film and television camera industry.

Events and Awards Committee

The BSC's Events and Awards Committee oversee's the societies key events including the BSC Awards, BSC Expo, Operators Night and Summer Lunch. It also works with the Board of Governors to set the criteria for the BSC Awards.

Membership Engagement Committee

The Membership Engagement Committee (MEC) was created to organise and engage the BSC membership. Rather than focusing only on recruiting new members, it works to ensure members find value in staying active and engaging with the society.

Short Film Awards Committee

The Short Film Committee (SFC) manages the BSC Short Film Competition which is run annually and presents awards in three categories - Cinematography In A Short Film (BSC Club), Cinematography In A Short Film (Postgraduate Student), Cinematography In A Short Film (Undergraduate Student).

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee was set up in 2022 to promote best practice in the Film and Television Industry towards sustainable solutions, as well as provide support and educate on positive changes that can be made towards sustainable shooting.