BECTU applauds Pinewood BAFTA

BECTU joins the industry tonight (Sunday) in celebrating the BAFTA award for excellence conferred on Pinewood and Shepperton Studios.

The honour, which marks an Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, and which is presented in the name of film producer, Sir Michael Balcon, is a reflection on the skills and dedication of everyone involved in film-making at the Studios.

Commenting on the award, BECTU Assistant General Secretary Martin Spence said: “Tonight’s honour is a tribute to film-making which many BECTU members, past and present, have a share in.

“Yes, the film industry has touches of glamour, but even the acting talent would agree that these are mostly apparent once the work is done.

“What precedes a film’s release, are hours, months, sometimes years, of preparation by individuals who know that only 100% commitment will stand the project in good stead.

“Extensive training, long hours and the discipline of team work, married with creativity and belief are what builds the kind of reputation which is honoured in Pinewood and Shepperton today.”

BECTU and its predecessors unions have long represented the interests of film industry occupations right through from runner to director, through construction grades, costume and wardrobe, electricians, production designers and directors of photography.

Pinewood and Shepperton join a deep mine of film-making talent which has been similarly honoured by BAFTA.

Last year, prop master and BECTU member, Barry Wilkinson, received the same tribute in recognition of his 40 years in the industry which have seen him work on the Bond and Harry Potter films.

BECTU supports film industry workers by seeking improvements in pay and working conditions; the union also campaigns for training investment, better funding and tax incentives to support film-making in the UK.