July 26, 2016

BSC Summer Lunch 2016

The traditional Summer Lunch in the 67^th year of the BSC was a joyous and memorable occasion. The above image shows a toast by the membership to Sue Gibson BSC who was unable to attend this year due to illness. 

Held in the historic Ballroom of Pinewood Studios the event marked the retirement of Frances Russell after 33 years of devoted service as Company Secretary to the BSC. 

In honour of her incredible years with the Society she became the first non-cinematographer to be presented with the BSC Lifetime Achievement Award. Eulogies were read out by Phil Meheux BSC but in truth few could have been written to adequately describe the appreciation of her loyalty and commitment to the BSC.  If the occasion had been the Kop those fortunate enough to be present would have enjoyed the refrain “There will never be another Frances Russell.”  

Frances Russell receiving The Lifetime Achievement Award 2016

Ed Lachman ASC was delighted to accept the BSC Best Cinematography Award for Carol for which he has triumphed at Camerimage as well as receiving an Academy Oscar nomination. In accepting with his usual grace and humour he joked that Carol seemed so long ago that he thought the invitation to attend was an old one.

Ed Lachman ASC receiving the BSC Best Cinematography in a Theatrical Release 

The guest of honour was Nick James, editor of Sight and Sound, following the BSC tradition of recent years to invite journalists who have an appreciation of the craft of cinematography. After a sympathetic and humorous address Nick James presented certificates to BSC new members, Roger Simonsz, Julian Court, Graham Frake and Stephan Pehrsson who becomes the second Danish born Society member. Apologies were received from two other new members, Polly Morgan and Zac Nicholson.

Fortunately for the BSC has phased out her “retirement” with the same care and attention as she has shown in becoming synonymous with the Society. The gratitude owed to her by so many cinematographers, sponsors and friends is immeasurable.  In her address to the audience she thanked everyone especially for all the good humour and company over the years. She expressed confidence in future capability of her joint secretary Audra Marshall, and secretarial assistance from Helen Maclean.

For her planned World travels with her husband Frank, Frances will have in her possession a Leica camera on which has been fittingly engraved the words “To Frances, With Love from the BSC.”

A toast to Wolfgang Suschitzky BSC who is 104 in August!

A big thank you to Phil Meheux BSC for hosting this years luncheon

DNW.

Photography by Jacob Sacks-Jones