Initially there was only one category of membership Full Membership which carried BSC accreditation but as service personnel moved between companies and the balance was lost, to ensure that each company maintained representation, Patron Membership was formed. Shortly afterwards Associate Membership was introduced to encompass camera operators and specialist cinematographers who have undertaken outstanding work in feature production; and Honorary Membership for those Full and Associate members who had retired and most recently Friends of the BSC for individuals whose work once involved close ties with the Society and have since retired, or who have offered or continue to offer help to the society outside of their normal operation or in general, support the work of the dop though not part of the industry.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
HONORARY MEMBERS
FRIENDS
PATRON MEMBERS
FULL MEMBERSHIP
The current criteria for full membership is as follows:
1.1 The applicant must be nominated for membership by an existing member of the Society.
1.2 The applicant must be ordinarily resident in the British Isles.
1.3 The applicant must be currently employed as a director of photography and not retired.
1.4 The applicant must have completed at least three well photographed feature films which have been shown publicly in the cinema OR five transmitted television drama productions*. A combination of the above is also acceptable.
*A qualifying television production is: a feature length drama, or a longer drama production such as one screened over several parts but retaining a single theme, storyline and principal characters. The applicant must carry a sole credit.
1.5 Upon acceptance of the nomination by the Board of Governors, the applicant will be required to submit 2 x 10 minute continuous sections, on Blu Ray or DVD, of two different qualifying productions. The material will be screened by a minimum of five board members. In order to qualify for full membership the work must demonstrate creativity and an appreciation of the art of cinema and more than just professional competence. Particular attention will be paid to lighting for differing conditions, both interior and exterior, studio and location, and to how composition and camera movement have been used to enhance the story and mood of the piece.
1.6 Successful applicants will be awarded a certificate which must be collected in person from an officer of the Society at one of the Society’s nominated functions. Only after collection of said certificate will the applicant be entitled to use the letters “BSC” after his or her name. On screen credits, the initials BSC must be written in capital letters with no stops between them i.e. BSC. There should also be no comma between your name and the accreditation e.g. First Name Last Name BSC.
1.7 This membership has full voting rights and currently carries a joining fee of £1000, plus an annual subscription of £300 p.a.
Associate membership is available to camera operators and specialist cinematographers who have undertaken outstanding work in feature production which does not fit into the full membership criteria. The applicant must be ordinarily resident in the British Isles and be nominated for membership by an existing member and agreed at a Board meeting of the society. Associate members are entitled to use the wording ‘Associate BSC’ after their names on correspondence and CV’s but not on screen credits. Only the wording ‘Associate BSC’ can be used and no derivation is permitted. An Associate will be entitled to nominate and vote for the Society’s Award but will hold no other voting rights. An Associate will not be entitled to become an Officer of the Society. However, on occasion, an Associate can, if selected, attend Board of Governor meetings at the discretion of the board. This membership currently carries a subscription of £150 p.a.
Honorary Membership is awarded by the Board of Governors to existing Full and Associate Members who have reached the age of 70 and/or have retired. Their rights of membership would not change. This membership is given free.
This membership is open to companies directly associated with directors of photography and the camera department. Companies may apply for Patron membership and if considered eligible by the Board an invitation will be sent. Patron Companies shall nominate a named representative to attend Society’s activities but would have no voting or electoral rights. The current subscription for Patron Membership is £1500 per annum. Smaller companies with max. 5 employees on application.
This category of membership is only for those whose work once involved close ties with the Society and have since retired, or who have offered or continue to offer help to the society outside of their normal operation or, in general, support the work of the director of photography though not part of the industry. However, the membership is not open to existing service company heads or managers, directors of photography or crew members. Friends membership is given solely at the discretion of the Board of Governors and currently involves an annual donation of £100.00.
Friends are invited to Society’s events but have no voting rights nor can they use the initials ‘BSC’ after their name. There are a few Honorary Friends within this category who have been rewarded for long service to the Society.
Criteria for Proposing Candidates for Full & Associate Membership of the Society
1. The Proposer must be a Member of the Society in good standing. On putting forward a candidate the Proposer must ensure the Candidate is eligible in accordance with the Society’s criteria (see Membership Criteria). The Proposer must also ensure that the Candidate is aware of the aims and objectives of the Society and his or her responsibilities as a member, particularly the financial involvement which currently is as follows:
Full Membership £1000 Entrance Fee + £300 subscription p.a.
Associate Membership £150 subscription p.a.
On submitting a Candidate the Proposer must supply the following to the BSC Office.
i Home Address & Contact Details of candidate.
ii Agent details (if applicable)
iii Complete list of Credits including Awards
iv Any other additional information they may deem relevant.
2. Having checked the Candidate’s credits fit the necessary criteria, the Candidate will be asked to submit material for screening.
3. Should the Candidate be accepted to membership, for an initial period, the Proposer would be responsible for encouraging them to take an active part in Society Events; accompanying them whenever possible and introducing them to their fellow members.
If you would like to put forward a candidate for Full or Associate Membership, please complete the attached form and remit it to the BSC Office.
