The Guild of British Camera Technicians GBCT

The Guild of British Camera Technicians is a not-for-profit association of knowledgeable, qualified and craft trained camera technicians dedicated to upholding quality and standards in the film, television and related media industries. Its membership comprises professionals working in all camera department roles as well as script supervisors, DIT’s, on-set colourists and specialist technicians in aerial, underwater, 3D and VFX shooting. Membership is by invitation only which ensures that the highest industry standards are always maintained.

With an amazing array of talent and knowledge, the GBCT Management Board takes pride in the fact that its membership comprises some of the very best technicians in the world.

How the guild started?
The Guild started in 1977 when four technicians - Terry Cole (1AC), John Deaton (1AC), Mike Fox (Camera Operator) and Geoff Glover (Camera Operator) - invited all the camera technicians they knew to attend a meeting at the old Caernarvon Hotel, Ealing Common.

They wanted to form a non-political association that essentially protected the interests and aspirations of a growing freelance workforce. And, they wanted this new organisation to be an authoritative presence in the industry, to spearhead the development of new talent and to maintain the best and highest standards – to set the bar on best practice and top quality.

They set about organising themselves into a company, prepared a Constitution, and invited a set of Trustees to be its guardians. The GBCT now has 6 eminent Trustees who monitor its Constitution:

A few of the 'Things We Do'

• Provide a framework for our members to be able to successfully develop their careers


• Advise, support and guide Members – as requested/required


• Keep up to date information on technological advancements, camera data and changes in industry working practices in order to inform our members of changes


• Provide a variety of training courses for members and non-members alike as part of their continuing professional development. Training is conducted wherever and whenever it is required, with tutors that are current and respected practitioners


• Trainee Schemes – for Camera and Script Supervisors, and links with the Grips trainee scheme


• Whenever possible, attend trade shows and exhibitions to promote the GBCT, its membership and its Patrons


• Work with Creative Skillset and as many other organisations as is practical to develop and update the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the UAL (University of the Arts London) Diploma Qualifications for camera technicians, digital technicians and script supervisors


• To be part of any debate and discussions on technological changes, to protect the interests of members at national and international levels, and to keep up to date with industry developments across the board. The GBCT is a member of the British Camera Standards Council, the Cine Guilds of Great Britain, the Moving Image Training Alliance, Screen Craft Rights and has close links with Imago (European Federation of Cinematographers) - amongst others


• Work alongside industry organisations, including the British Society of Cinematographers to ensure the needs of the camera department are met and acted upon successfully in order that the high standards of production are met and surpassed

These are just a few of the things we do – if you would like to know more, just ask!