Meet the GTC Council

I’m a regular with BBC News and several Foreign broadcasters such as Rai, CNN and Al Jazeera for more than a decade covering the most important events in these incredible times in Documentary, News and Current Affairs.

I also spend some time in Rome where my family is based, where since the beginning of the pandemic I’ve also been helping foreign productions.

I have credits in Amazon Prime’s series, UEFA Champions League, Motor Racing, ATP Tennis and UFC.

I also have contributed to the screens or live performance recordings for Pearl Jam, Adele, Janet Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams and Coldplay.

I’ve been a GTC Member for over 15 years now and always found invaluable the wealth of knowledge and help I had in situations of need when, for example, a simple post on the Forum to ask for suggestions to resuscitate a nearly dead camera while on assignment away from home, lead to a multitude of direct email and phone calls to offer help to a “stranded” colleague.

Having been nominated International Liaisons Officer at the beginning of the last Council term, while I was forced to stay in Rome during the second (or third…I honestly lost count) lockdown, I decided to stand again to keep helping this great organisation.

As international Liaisons Officer for the GTC I hope to build relationships with other camera professionals, organisations and companies around the world.

Read Ric’s Q&A from Zerb

I have an interest in OB and am currently navigating my way into the industry. I also have a bit of a hobby for climbing mountaineering and macro photography.

My career spans various roles across broadcasting and political journalism, including camera operator/DOP, video journalist, editor, director, producer, and researcher. This broad experience has allowed me to contribute to a wide range of national and international projects, crafting compelling audiovisual content for leading broadcasters, clients and organisations.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Creative Film and Television at the higher education level, where I have the privilege of sharing my extensive technical expertise and industry knowledge with the next generation of media professionals. I am proud to have built a network of trusted partners in both the media industry and the education community, a testament to my dedication and reliability.

In addition to my hands-on industry experience, I am actively involved in strategic leadership through boardroom participation, further honing my ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the profession, the arts; and education and training.

In May 2020 I took on the role of Advertising and Partnership Manager, looking after the many companies that help the GTC grow and develop as an organisation.

I’m often at exhibitions and events, meeting members, talking to potential new members and our industry partners, promoting the work of the GTC. I am also actively engaged with the other guilds and associations for our craft, building relationships and opportunities between us all.

I am a member of the Department of Education and Institute for Apprenticeships panels on new qualifications for our industry and robustly defend the role of the camera people within those, helping to ensure that any qualification that is launched reflects what we need now and for the future. My work in education has covered curriculum design, delivery and assessment and I am often asked to advise early careers groups on their pathway through the industry.

Read Simon’s Q&A from InFocus

I’ve been a proud member of the GTC for many years, having always appreciated the numerous benefits this great organisation offers in creating a community where we can strive together to maintain high standards of camera craft.

Alongside my ‘day job’, I am now Commissioning Editor of Zerb. It’s a privilege to collaborate with the incredible people who so generously and enthusiastically share their knowledge and experiences, as well as to search out and showcase people behind the lesser-known roles, all of which are vital to what ends up on our screens.

It is vital that Zerb and the GTC proactively forge a progressive path, reflecting diversity and being open and relevant to all camera professionals in every sector and stage of their career paths.

Initially in forensic medicine and evolving into content generation that opened doors into a variety of corporate environments within the creative services industry.

Working with some of the industries top brands in equipment supply and image capture around the world I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many developments and changes in the Film/TV and broadcast markets. It’s this experience and thirst for knowledge that I apply in my work with the GTC as a Co-opted council member.

I have a growing interest in sustainable portable power supply for Film & TV applications providing clean energy transition, help to decarbonise the industry whilst making savings, reducing cables, noise, fumes from combustible generators.

After serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, where he honed his skills with imaging devices, Samuel transitioned this knowledge into the creative realm. His portfolio includes work in multiple positions on productions such as James Bond, Casualty, Stella, Doctor Who, and Sherlock, making him a once familiar presence at BBC Studios Cymru.

Now freelance, Samuel’s talent extends beyond narrative filmmaking. He has showcased his versatility in commercials, broadcast, live events and documentaries, capturing footage in environments as diverse as active war zones, UK prisons, and royal events. Two of his most recent films continue to receive multiple awards including “Best Cinematography” and “Best Film.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Samuel is dedicated to giving back. He regularly volunteers with social services, offering his time to people from challenging backgrounds.

Samuel’s commitment to helping others is evident in both his work and his personal life.

Samuel’s advice to aspiring cinematographers:

“If you can step back and say ‘that’ll do,’ it really won’t! Only your best is good enough.“

I left the BBC in 1976 to run my camera effects company, Telefex, and to work as a freelance Director of Photography on some of the earliest music videos. I formed my own group of DoPs, our work including MTV Europe for its first 10 years. Other credits include Channel 4’s Network Seven, ITV’s Spitting Image and many other programmes and commercials.

More recently, I have been heavily involved in the emerging field of digital imaging since its birth, organising conferences in the US and consulting for major imaging companies.

I am immensely proud to have been made Honorary President of the Guild in succession to Dick Hibberd and to be able to support all the dedicated people who run the GTC on a daily basis.

Read John’s Q&A from Zerb

I started out as a full-time camera trainee at the BBC, progressing to camera operator, and then took the leap into freelancing in 2001. I enjoy working in several different roles, from Director of Photography to PSC lighting cameraperson, multi-camera supervisor, and camera operator.

Whether I’m lighting a studio for a multi-camera setup or rigging box lens cameras on an outside broadcast, I’m all about bringing a positive, can-do attitude to the set. I enjoy the variety and challenge that each production brings, big or small, on location or in the studio, live or pre-recorded. My goal is to bring a creative eye to every project,  with a friendly, professional approach backed by years of experience and a genuine enthusiasm for making great TV.

I started the company, also known as TheDroneMan.net, in 2013 after being inspired by the potential of drone technology to revolutionise aerial photography.

I built Kurnia Aerial Photography into a highly respected and sought-after company that serves a wide range of clients, including TV, production, corporate, and private clients.

My expertise and experience in drone photography and videography have earned me numerous accolades and awards, including recognition as one of the top drone photographers in the UK. I am also a respected speaker and educator in the industry, sharing my knowledge and expertise with others through workshops, training sessions, and speaking engagements.

I started my career working on corporate projects and events and moved to broadcast television in 2014. I now work primarily in outside broadcast within sports, operating ENG and multi camera productions, however I still remain happy to work across the varied areas TV, streaming and multi camera shows etc. I thoroughly enjoy the variety being a freelancer can bring.

A recent career highlight for me was to be part of the TV crew covering swimming and water polo at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Working with professionals from across the globe was truly a fantastic experience.

My work is a varied mix of documentaries, sport and occasional drama. I also do motorbike and skiing camerawork as well as charity work for UNICEF. I am proud to have received multiple awards over the years.

Since originally joining the GTC I have been involved through Zerb and the Forum, and was honoured to be voted on to the Council in 2016 where I was then elected as Chair. During my time as Chair I have overseen many positive changes including the name change and implementing the free 1st Aid Courses we provide for our members.

I hope that whilst on Council, and particularly in my role as Chair, I can help promote the GTC in a positive way to encourage more people to join and be active in a forward-thinking, positive and modern GTC.

When I took over the role of Workshops Organiser some years back, I rather cheekily tried to set up the kind of workshops I would personally find of interest and benefit. That seemed to work well but now I have a more democratic approach and set up events that I feel will benefit the most members!

Thanks to COVID-19 I’ve discovered the possibilities afforded by Zoom technology to enable e-workshops to take over from our traditional style of workshop event. Hopefully we can run both types in the future.

Read Clive’s Q&A from Zerb

I am a proud member of the GTC, GBCT, and friend of the ACO. My main goal is to improve the training and education in the camera department together with all the associations.

Alongside my normal role I am working on bringing CineCertified into life, a project from camera crew for camera crew. With this and a common approach we hope to be setting up a new benchmark for all roles in camera and building towards a better future for everyone involved.

It is vital that everyone starts getting actively involved as only together we can make this department inclusive, equal and future proof.

Read Sandra’s Q&A from Zerb

I became editor of the GTC Newsletter in 2004, renaming it GTC In Focus and, in April 2011, I was appointed GTC Membership Administrator.

I came to camerawork in a roundabout way; whilst working in IT, I was tasked to set up a multicamera internet broadcasting studio – quite a challenge in 1999 with dial-up internet connections!

I started my own small production company, Media Inventions Ltd, in 2002. I work mainly with corporate automotive clients on new model launches, training materials and other media content. I also shoot and stream multicamera shows, conferences, and webinars. I’m a self-confessed kit junkie and have accumulated a wide range of cameras as well as the usual mountain of “bits and pieces”.  I’m much better at buying kit than selling it!

During my first term on Council in 2020, I ran a few webinars, created the online awards event during Covid and wrote several kit reviews. I was elected Secretary in 2022 – a role I’m happy to continue as I ease myself into retirement!

In the trendy late 1960s, John became a qualified photographer, learning cinematography, on the job, firstly at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and then Unilever Research. He became a freelance TV cameraman in the 1980s and helped start the Electronic Camera Company.

John joined Council in 2004 and has worked on many projects including managing the GTC Awards events 2004–2012; compiling the GTC business plan/strategy document; managing the digitisation of Zerb and GTC In Focus back catalogues; and researching the compilation of a GTC Wikipedia article. Currently, John supports Alan Duxbury with the Bill Vinten GTC University Awards. He has created the online judging system and liaises with the many judges to guide them through the judging process. John is looking to replicate the success of this system for the annual GTC Awards.

After a degree I joined a production company as a runner, then freelanced as a camera assistant.

Stepping up to the role of cameraman I made a short film in Sierra Leone in 1997 which led to a period of covering major events around the world. More recently I’ve worked on documentary series for clients including National Geographic, Netflix and Discovery.
I’m now beginning a new development working on comedy projects this year alongside factual work.

I’ve been a GTC member for most of my career. The wisdom and support of the membership is invaluable. I look forward to being an active member of council.

She is currently the producer of Narrow Escapes – a new 20 episode, factual entertainment daytime series for Channel 4 – TX early 2024 and has a number of other series in development.

The GTC accounts are split into two: the Guild, which deals with subscriptions, workshops, the Awards event and general admin; and Zerb, which produces Zerb and GTC In Focus magazines.

My role is to authorise expense claims for Council members and pay them, code sales and supplier invoices on to Sage, set up payments for supplier invoices, code bank transactions, reconcile the bank accounts and submit quarterly EC Sales Lists and a yearly VAT return for Zerb. The year end is on 31 January, after which I run all the reports the accountant needs for the annual accounts.

I have a keen interest in technology and design and I’m also a licenced drone pilot and Gatekeeper for the UK Press Card Authority. I have just completed work on ‘Blood, Sex and Royalty’ for Netflix and spend my spare time working as an Instructor with the Army Cadet Force.

Any enquiries for Press Cards should be sent to presscards@gtc.org.uk

I enjoy working alongside the Council, GTC members, and Sponsors and look forward to developing new features on the site with the council in the future.

If you have any ideas for the website, I’d love to hear from you: nicola.risdon@gtc.org.uk

As well as regular Studio and OB work, I have been fortunate enough to work on a range of large-scale events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games, HM The Queens Platinum Jubilee, COP26 and the G7 Summit as well as Studio shows for the Champions League and the NFL Superbowl.

As a journalist he contributes to the UK broadsheets regularly, writing on law, sport, travel and books. He is also the author of three non-fiction books and one novel. Alex is available to advise GTC members on legal problems they may encounter, especially those in media law, including contractual and rights queries.