December 5, 2016

Nigel Walters BSC receives the BSC ARRI John Alcott Memorial Award

Huge congratulations to Nigel Walters BSC who was the recipient of this years BSC ARRI John Alcott Memorial Award. 

Billy Williams OBE BSC - prepared a wonderful eulogy which you can read below. 

Good evening, it's good to be here on my 50th year as a member of the Society.

This is always a special occasion.

The Arri John Alcott Memorial Award is presented to someone who has contributed to the aims of the British Society of Cinematographers. It has become a symbol of industry support for the Society.

The first recipient was Les Ostinelli in 1987. Tonight we honour an ambassador of the Society, indeed a roving ambassador.

He began at the BBC in 1963 gaining initial experience in camera, sound and editing becoming Peter Seargent's camera operator on popular productions such as Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green and Dr. Who.

As a DOP, working with distinguished Directors he photographed "Sons and Lovers" Wings, The Seagull and Alive and Kicking.

He travelled extensively to war zones in Algeria, Columbia and Vietnam and the Yom Kippur war.

In Hungary, he engaged in a humanitarian subject Standing up for Joe for the Spastic Society.

After 30 years at the BBC he became freelance filming 15 episodes of Kavanagh QC and a Year in Provence and many other productions.

His proudest moment came when elected to the BSC in 1999 becoming Governor in 2005 and now a Vice President.

In 2008 he was voted President of Imago combining Cinematographers of the 27 European Nations. He spent 7 years travelling raising our status and bringing together our common purpose, the enhancement and preservation of our vision and the authorship of our work.  Diplomacy was at the heart in uniting so many different cultures. This he achieved despite the French! Last year he retired from Imago having extended membership to other Continents. There are now 49 members. He leaves a great legacy.

He is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society.

An honorary member of the Guild of British Camera Technicians.

An honorary member of the Indian, Australian and Greek Societies of Cinematography.

He is everpresent  at Film Festivals, Camerimage, the Manaki Brothers in Macedonia.

And our own, newly formed Cinefest in Bristol. He genuinely engages with students encouraging them in their ambition.

He is a proud Welshman, a fine orator and a warm and generous friend.

Ladies and gentlemen please welcome this year's recipient of the Arri John Alcott Memorial Award, Nigel Walters BSC.

I invite Judith Evans on behalf of Arri to present the award.

The award was presented at this years Operators Night at The Langham Hotel in London by Judith Evans, Group Director of Marketing & Communications from ARRI Rental.

 Nigel Walters BSC, Judith Evans, Billy Williams OBE BSC