News

21 Dec 2022

RIP Dee Edwards GBCT

Words cannot express how saddened we all are to hear of Dee's passing. She was a great supporter of Gravy Crew and each and everyone of the GBCT's Members.

We send our hearfelt condolences to her family and everyone who knew her, She will be greatly missed by the UK film industry and will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Dee, our dearest friend.

Please note the official news below from Tim Potter - Chair of the GBCT

Dear Members and Patrons,

It is with the deepest sadness that I have to inform you all of the death of Dee Edwards, who passed away last night. Over her years with the Guild she transformed us into the foremost education and training organisation in the camera world. She cared for every member like they were her family. She brought her immense knowledge and experience in both production and education to the full advantage of the guild’s members. We were blessed by her presence. She is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

With heartfelt condolences

TIM POTTER
Chair, Board of Governors of the GBCT

13 Sep 2022

In Memory

Queen Elizabeth II

1926 - 2022

We at Gravy Crew are saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected by this news.

God Bless the Queen.

Long Live the King.

04 Nov 2019

Lou's Charity Casino Night

Congratulations to the incredible Camera Assistant Louise Ben Nathan for organizing and hosting a charity casino event last night. Now in remission from an aggressive form of breast cancer, Louise wanted to raise awareness for the health of film & TV crew working on long jobs.

Louise looked every inch the Bond Girl and also raised a shed load of money for Chai Cancer Care & Cancer Research. Check out photos from the event on our Facebook page here

18 Apr 2019

Easter Break Closure

Gravy Crew HQ will be closed for the Easter break - from Friday 19th to Monday 22nd April.

Normal office hours will be resumed on Tuesday 23rd April 2019.

Should you have any urgent crew requirements during this time, rest assured we'll be checking emails daily and will do our best to get back to you within a few hours.

26 Mar 2019

GBCT Film Loading Workshop 9-12 April 2019

This special 4-day course is available to all those interested in the particular film techniques necessary to safely manage film loading, handling, stock control, paperwork and note taking to create negative report sheets that must be sent with the exposed film to be delivered to the film laboratory for development. The course consists of film theory and a great many practical exercises in loading using a variety of the different film cameras most commonly used in production today.

Click here for more info.

25 Mar 2019

Calling all Camera Trainees!

Applications are now open for Camera Trainees to join our busy camera roster.

Ideally, you will be a car owner/driver with at least 12 months of experience working on features and/or TV drama.

If you would like to be considered, please forward your CV and cover letter to info@gravycrew.co.uk.

Closing date: 12th April 2019

14 Feb 2018

And the Winners are...

Gravy's pub quiz team 'The Six Must Get Beers' won the highly competitive pub quiz at The Drapers Arms Ealing with a massive score of 37/40. First prize was a £40 bar tab which will be put to good use at the next Gravy Social on Tuesday 13th March, 7.30pm.

As always all film crew and industry friend are welcome - see you there!

17 Nov 2017

Locations Training Course

The Production Guild of Great Britain are running an Introduction into the Locations Department course on the 25th and 26th of November at Pinewood Studios.

If you are starting out in film and TV and keen to get work in locations then The Production Guild’s Introduction to the Locations Department is the course for you. This course will also help to channel your ambition into achievable career routes into film and TV location departments. The course will explore:

the department's creative beginnings, starting with the script breakdown
how the department works with directors and designers
scouting locations
the logistical and detailed planning of the shoot
career routes and choices

This two-day course will be run by award winning UK film and TV drama location manager Harriet Lawrence who has worked on productions such as Overlord, My Cousin Rachel, Suffragette, Burton and Taylor, Fleming, Parks and Recreation, Downton Abbey, Dancing on the Edge and Entebbe.

For more information and how to book this and other training courses visit here

09 Feb 2017

Production Manager Training

Are you working in production or post production and feel ready to move into production management? If so, The Production Guild’s Production Manager Training, taking place from the 6th - 31st March 2017 at Pinewood Studios, is designed to give you the skills and confidence to make the transition to production management working in film.

For more information click here

To receive an application pack please email pg@productionguild.com The closing date for applications is noon Monday 20thFebruary 2017.

This course is subsidised through Creative Skillset. There is additional funding to support participants permanently residing outside London and the South East and individuals based outside of these areas are encouraged to apply.

24 Nov 2016

BSC Expo 2017

This year's BSC EXPO will take place on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th February 2017 at Battersea Evolution.

The Expo is a great networking opportunity for all grades and showcases the latest products and services available to the film and tv production industry.

If you're interested in exhibiting, taking part or attending you can find out more information here

See you there!

15 Jul 2016

My Work Experience Placement at Gravy HQ

By Rosie Graves, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Faversham, Year 10

I’ve just completed 5 days work experience at Gravy Crew HQ. During this time I learnt a lot about what it means to work in the film industry and the huge amount of jobs and opportunities there are that we rarely get to hear about. I met a lot of people throughout the week who all were very kind towards me and asked what I wanted to do career wise, which, at the beginning of the week I responded with ‘something in the film industry’, which obviously is a very vague answer.

At the start of my placement I organised files, which helped my understanding of what is involved when working for a diary management service. No matter how small the task, it’s important to any business to make sure everything is in order and easy to find. Filing is something people do not usually enjoy, but it can have a massive impact to any business if not done correctly. Effective communication is also key to any business - although it’s easier to email, I’ve also seen that calling someone on the phone to talk business is very important. The phone never stopped ringing and the term ‘office hours’ is used very loosely at Gravy Crew. Being a diary management service means you work wherever there’s a phone signal regardless of the time, or day of the week.

The highlight of my week was a visit Pinewood studios to see how the film industry works behind the lens. I’ve always been interested in cameras and finding out how movies/TV shows are actually made, as I love taking photos and filming wherever I go. Pinewood was a massive insight to the behind the scenes of filming, and I enjoyed every moment. After spending the morning at Pinewood I went on a set visit at West London Film Studios. Whilst I was there filming was taking place and I met some of the crew working on a new major TV Drama by the creators of Downton Abbey. I gained a great understanding of the amount of effort the art department put into making each set and the attention to detail was tremendous. I was also massively intrigued by the camera equipment. I’ve seen camera equipment in ‘behind the scenes’ videos but seeing it up-close was very exciting for a camera lover like me.

Writing this report was my final task for the week. It’s been a week filled with different and exciting tasks everyday. Everyone involved with Gravy Crew works very hard and it’s a great community to have been part of. I have been given amazing opportunities and have seen and learnt lots of different things.

Now I'm at the end of work experience placement, my answer to “What do you want to do when you’re older?” is now a very definite ‘working in the camera department’. It’s still a bit vague given I’m only 15 years old, but I now have a focus to strive for (pun intended). This week has been my chance to work out what I really want to do and what I need to to do to get there.

A big thank you to all the crew I met over the week for your kind words of encouragement and funny stories, and also to Gravy Crew for hosting my placement. I look forward to be part of your roster in a few years!

21 Jun 2016

A United Kingdom to open LFF

The 60th BFI London Film Festival takes place from Wednesday 5 October-Sunday 16 October 2016 and this year’s Opening Night gala will be Amma Asante’s A United Kingdom.

A United Kingdom is the true story of Seretse Khama, King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1947 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments.

The full Festival programme will be announced on Thursday 1 September 2016. For more information about this year's LFF click here

27 Apr 2016

Freelancer's Fair 2016

BECTU Freelancer’s Fair 2016, Friday 27th May

Save the date for another day of expert talks, learning opportunities, networking and fun at this year's Freelancers' Fair for TV and film workers. A record number of people took part in BECTU's 10th anniversary event last year and their ambition is to make this one even better.

Planning for 2016 is well underway and so save the date and join your fellow film and TV crew at the Royal Institution, Albemarle Street W1S 4BS. (Five minutes walk from Green Park tube station).

Pre-register here

12 Feb 2016

Applications Open to Join Gravy Crew

As Gravy Crew heads into its second year, we're looking to expand our roster in the following departments/grades.

Grips - Advanced Level 3 NVQ Certified
Clapper Loaders/2nd AC (16mm & 35mm exp)
ADs (1st, 2nd & 3rd)

To meet production demands we're looking for experience in features and TV dramas, so if you're interested please send your CV to info@gravycrew.co.uk

Please note all departments have limited availability - we believe in quality over quantity :)

17 Dec 2015

Production Guild Runner Training - 18th & 19th Jan 2016

Want to get into film and TV but don’t know where to start? The Production Guild are delighted to launch their London Runner Training commissioned by Film London. Their training can help give you a good understanding of how the industry works and provide you with ways to help progress your career in a competitive but rewarding environment.

The date of this course will be 18th – 19th January 2016 for London Residents and held at 20 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0RN.

For more information click here

To book your place click here

30 Nov 2015

2016 BSC Expo

BSC Expo will take place on the 29th & 30th January 2016 at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park London.

Over recent years the BSC Expo has become the premier event in the UK for the film and TV production industry attracting in excess of 100 Exhibitors each year and over 3,500 visitors.

With the film studios enjoying a very high occupancy for productions the BSC Expo has moved to a new location allowing easy access for attendees travelling by both public transport and car and with a good central location for the film community.

For more info click here

01 Sep 2015

Gravy Crew Celebrates it's 1st Anniversary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!!!

We would just like to thank all Gravy Crew and all the production companies that have used us, for making our first year so spectacular.

We started out with a rough business plan written on the back of a table napkin 18 months ago. Since then we have turned what was a dream into a viable business that we are proud to say is going from strength to strength.

Our first year has involved a lot of getting to know you’s and getting our name Gravy Crew out there. We can proudly say we’ve gone from ‘Gravy Who?’ to most definitely GRAVY CREW! A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes and production companies know us and are calling.

Since our launch in September 2014 we have supplied crew onto a range of feature films including: SPECTRE, Star Wars, Tarzan, Beauty & The Beast, The Huntsman, Bastille Day, Infiltrator, Genius, Legend, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Bastille Day, and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, to a host of television dramas including; Game of Thrones, The Dresser, Humans, Hinterland, Jericho, Galavant, The Night Manager, Downton Abbey, Close to The Enemy and Dr Who, and not forgetting numerous commercials, promos and everything in between. We want to be known as an all round diary service and looking at our what type of jobs our crew are working on we feel we are getting there.

We can’t wait for our second year and are looking forward to building our name and relationships with you all for many years to come. So come and celebrate with us on our next crew night Monday 14th September, from 7pm at the North Star, Ealing. We appreciate some of you will be working but please come down if you can, we promise to keep some bubbles on ice right up to last orders :)

12 Aug 2015

Safety Management in Film & TV Production

Do you need to develop your safety management skills in film and TV drama? The Production Guild’s 'Safety Management in Film & TV Production' is a one day course at Pinewood Studios on Saturday the 22nd August designed for juniors and runners which will not only help keep you and your colleagues safe, but will look great on your CV.

By taking this course at Pinewood Studios you will:

learn how health and safety skills are paramount for the film and TV drama industry
develop your health and safety knowledge and skills on production
help your employment opportunities with productions and HoDs
receive an IOSH Safety Management in Film & TV Certificate

The cost of this one day course is only £135 + VAT plus booking fee. Total £170.75

For more information about the course and how to book please click here

23 Jul 2015

59th BFI London Film Festival

The 59th BFI London Film Festival will run from 7th -18th October 2015 and opens with the Euopean Premiere of 'Suffragette'.

The opening night will be attended by the filmmakers and stellar cast, including Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep.

To see all BFI London Film Festival films and events click here

27 May 2015

Production Office, ADs & Runners Wanted!

We’re currently in the process of building up our Production department and invite applications from Production office staff, ADs and Runners to join our roster. Ideally you will have between 6 - 12 months experience in your chosen field along with a full driving license. If you’re interested and would like to find out more, please send your CV and cover letter to info@gravycrew.co.uk

06 May 2015

BAFTA Crew

BAFTA Crew is back and is coming to London!

Are you working in Film or TV production and with at least two main team credits? If so, then joining BAFTA Crew will place you at the heart of a professional network with access to the best industry talent working in film and TV today.

This year, BAFTA Crew is expanding to the capital, welcoming applicants from London as well as Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the English regions to join the networking and skills development programme, now in its third year. BAFTA Crew is looking for up to 300 of the brightest ‘below the line’ crew talent.

To find out more information including how to apply click here

05 May 2015

BECTU's Freelancer's Fair

BECTU's 2015 Freelancers' Fair will happen on Friday 29 May. Seminars, workshops, one-to-one advice sessions, the fair exhibition and technical area will combine to deliver a fun-packed, informative day. Whether you're a new entrant or an experienced professional this day is for you.

The event will be returning to Ravensbourne. Doors open at 09.00am

BECTU members can attend for free. Non-members pay a small fee. For more information and how to book your place, click here

27 Feb 2015

Features Masterclass at Pinewood Studios 10 - 12 April 2015

CineMasters presents a Features Masterclass

A unique opportunity to meet and learn from leading industry professionals.

The Features working Masterclass cancelled in October has now been rescheduled for April, just after Easter, and compressed to take only one weekend, and costs only £99.50.

Leading industry practioners, including Penny Eyles, Jim Dowdall, Derek Suter and Simon Bowles will represent eight departments involved in filming drama and features - Camera, Sound, Editing, Production Design, Continuity, Location Manager, Stunt Co-ordinator and Hair and Makeup. It will introduce participants to the production prep work of the latter five crafts and demonstrate how members of the Camera, Sound and Editing departments can work with those Heads of Department to make the unit run more productively.

To find out more information click here

09 Feb 2015

BVE Expo 24 - 26 Feb 2015

BVE 2015 is packed full of free seminars and training, networking and over 250 exhibitors, its one event you can’t afford to miss. No matter what sector or industry you are interested in, BVE 2015 has everything you expect from a leading event! Register for your tcket and start planning your visit - click here for more details.

22 Jan 2015

Calling All Film Trainees!

Are you looking for that lucky break to get you some valuable experience working on the latest blockbuster? The Creative Skillset Trainee Film Scheme is now OPEN for applications in Camera, Locations, Editing and Hair and Makeup.

With Trainee Finder you could be a trainee in your chosen field on a feature film AND receive a training allowance while you carry out your placement. This is a fantastic opportunity to make valuable industry contacts while building up a great CV.

Find out about the eligibility criteria and how to apply here

Applications will close midnight 1st March.

Good luck!

07 Jan 2015

Gravycrew Monthly Social

Are you sufferng with Mince Pie fatigue syndrome? If so get yourself down to this month's Gravy Crew social on Monday 12th Jan 7pm onwards at the North Star and meet up with like-minded crew and shake off those January blues. For those interested the pub quiz starts at 8pm and the North Star are running a promotion offering a beer and burger for £9.50 so ditch the diets until February!

As always, please feel free to bring along your partners/co-workers/redundant reindeer.

Gravy Crew social nights will be a regular monthly event on every 2nd Monday of the month and all are very welcome.

05 Jan 2015

BSC Expo 2015

The hugely successful and well attended BSC Expo 2015 is back this year at Pinewood Studios on 30th & 31st January, located at the Richard Attenborough stage.

Over the two days visitors will be able to meet with manufacturers and suppliers who will be showcasing all the latest products and services available to film and TV productions. It’s also a great opportunity to network and catch up with friends and colleagues.

For more information on exhibitors and how to register for free entry click here

We'll see you there!

09 Dec 2014

Gravycrew Social Gathering

Big thanks to everyone who ventured out into the cold last night to join us for our monthly Gravy Crew gathering. Although there was more chat than quizzing, we still managed a respectable 3rd place!

It was lovely to see old and new friends join us for some festive cheer, many of you who have worked together on jobs in the past and lost touch, along with new connections being made.

Gravy Crew will be hosting monthly events every second Monday of the month. As always, ALL are welcome so make a date in your diary and join us next month at the North Star, Ealing, Jan 12th 2015,
7pm onwards.

19 Nov 2014

The TriForce Short Film Festival 2014

Congratulations to Gravycrew’s DoP Andrew Rodger and upcoming award winning Director Chris Chung for their collaboration on ‘Lux’ which made the shortlist for this weekend’s TriForce Short Film Festival (TFSFF).

Shot on a Red MX on a very windy and cold December day down in Dungeness,'Lux' focuses on the beginning of a new bond and is shortlisted under the ‘Relationship’ category. See a teaser of 'Lux' here

TFSFF is dedicated to creating opportunities for the independent filmmaker whether they’re working with a major budget features or making films on their phone.

This year the TFSFF 2014 returns to the home of British film, at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly in the heart of London’s West End on Saturday 22 November 2014.

The judging panel consists of a mix of prolific Directors, Writers, Producers, and Actors including: Tony Jordan, Olivia Coleman, Matthew Justice, Kathy Burke, Gary Kurtz, Kwame Kwei Armah, Bola Agbaje Gina Carter and Peter Cattaneo.

The festival will end with a star-studded Gala evening announcing the “TFSFF Best of the Fest” and “TFSFF Audience Choice Award.”

This is a great networking event and the opportunity and to catch the work of some of the best short film-makers out there. To read more about TFSFF and to book tickets click here

05 Nov 2014

Gravycrew Social Mon 11th Nov

Come join the Gravycrew gang for our monthly social gathering on Monday 11th November at the North Star Pub in Ealing Broadway. We have tables reserved from 7pm in readiness for the hugely popular pub quiz that kicks off at 8pm. It's a great opportunity to get to know your fellow crew off-set, partake of a few drinks (non-alcholic of course - it's a school night), and have some fun. All are welcome - so see you there!

04 Nov 2014

2014 British Independent Film Awards

The nominations are in for the 2014 British Independent Film Awards. The winners will be decided by an independent jury of industry professionals, this year to be headed up by director Tom Hooper, whose The King’s Speech was a 2010 MBIFA winner.

’71 and Pride lead the race in the run up to the British Independent Film Awards, in a boom year for UK independents.

Nominees for the Best British independent film are:

’71
Calvary
Mr. Turner
Pride
The Imitation Game

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London on Sunday 7 December. Read more about the Awards and the nominees for other categories inlcuding best Screenplay, best British Short and best Director here

29 Oct 2014

Want to be a Runner in Film and TV?

The Production Guild of Great Britain have launched Runner Training. The two day course is aimed at those looking to launch their career and to prepare you for working in the film and TV industry.

The course will cover what is expected of you in such a demanding yet rewarding work environment. and will be delivered by leading film and television industry professionals.

Runner Training is subsidised by Creative Skillset and therefore the cost for this 2 day course is only £41 for 2 days (plus VAT and booking fee).

To find out more information about course venues and dates, please click here.

27 Oct 2014

Christmas Fundraiser 6th December 2014

As many of you are aware, one of the legendary figures of the British music video industry, Barry Wasserman 1st Assistant Director, passed away earlier this year after a long battle with ill health.

A Christmas fundraiser is being organsied by 1st AD, Rawdon de Fresnes, for crew members and technicians to get together, let their hair down, bust a few shapes and raise vital funds for the charity of his family's choice.

The date for the fundraiser is 6th December 2014, 8pm - late, location Stage 3, Black Island Studios. Tickets are £20 per person and it promises to be a fantastic night.

If you're interested in coming along to support the cause, please email Rawdon directly at lostchordm@gmail.com with your name/guest names. Rawdon will be in touch with you early November with ticket details. There's already a huge amount of interest from the many people that knew and worked alongside Barry, so book your tickets early!

21 Oct 2014

Craft and Technical Film Funding

Do you need help with funds to cover the cost of a training course to brush up your skills?

If you're a freelancer in any of the below Craft & Technical departments you may apply for up to 80% of the combined fees, travel and accommodation costs of your training to a maximum of £800 inclusive of VAT.

• Camera

• Art department

• Hair and make-up

• 3DS

• Sound

• Archive

• Health and Safety

Deadline for applications 31st March 2015. Find out more here

20 Oct 2014

Freelance Workforce Survey 2014

Creative Skillset empowers the Creative Industries to develop skills and talent and invites all freelancers to tell them where skills are lacking so they can help you access training and development you need.

So if you work in film, animation, VFX, games, TV, radio, digital media or a related industry, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and have your say!

Click here to complete the Workplace Survey 2014 and be entered into the prize draw for a chance to win one of three iPad Minis.

07 Oct 2014

Gravycrew Gathering 13th Oct 2014, 7pm

Venue and date now confirmed so come down to the North Star Pub in Ealing Broadway and join Gravcrew at our first monthly pub quiz meet ups. All are welcome. It's a chance for you to network with like-minded souls, get a little bit tipsy and most importantly have a giggle. There are prizes to be won and we will be awarding a prize for the team with the lowest score. See you there!

29 Sep 2014

The Production Guild Awards 2014

Congratulations to The Production Guild of Great Britain for hosting the Production Guild Awards in association with Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, which took place at the The Grove, Hertfordshire, Saturday 28th September. Recognising four talented individuals for their exceptional work in film and TV production, the recipients were: Hannah Godwin - British Film Commission Rising Star Award winner, Sue Quinn, Panavision Project Management Award winner, Steve Clark-Hall - Creative Skillset Mentor Award and Stephen Bristow - Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Contribution to the Industry Award.

Money was also raised throughout the evening through a silent auction and raffle for charity Medicinema who installs and manages state of the art cinemas in hospitals and places of care. Mediacinema work with the film industry to screen the latest releases – completely free of charge. MediCinema has built six cinemas to date, with their seventh at Chelsea and Westminster due to be completed in Spring 2015 . For more information please visit about Medicinema please click here

25 Sep 2014

PACT-BECTU Feature Film Agreement

As part of the ongoing consultation of the draft Feature Film Agreement, a second event has been organised for crew members (both Bectu and non-members), film production companies, line producers and heads of departments to come together to discuss the draft Film Agreement and supporting rate cards and grades ladder negotiated between Pact and Bectu. There's still time to registe so have your say and more importanly be heard. The event is taking place in central London this Saturday morning 27th Sept 2014. Full details and registration information here

19 Sep 2014

Gravycrew Business Cards

Whilst we work hard to promote our talented crew to productions, sometimes crew may find they’re in a situation where they want to be known for themselves. For this reason all Gravycrew get personalised business cards to hand out as they see fit. You saw it here first!

18 Sep 2014

BFI London Film Festival

Bringing 248 films to venues across London 8-19 October 2014. Priority booking is now open for Cinema and Champion Members. Amercian Express cardholders can also book now for selected films with public bookings opening at 10am tomorrow. Explore the festival film programme here

12 Sep 2014

Applications

A big thank you to all those who have applied to join Gravy Crew. We're busy assessing applications and will be in touch soon! #ItsAllGravy

05 Sep 2014

Pubalicious.

Come network with us and meet other crew at our monthly pub quizzes and meet ups. All are welcome. It's a chance for you to show off just how much you know, get a little bit tipsy and most importantly have a giggle. We will be awarding a prize for the team with the lowest score. Jackie’s Blue Peter skills will come in handy here (Art department please don't judge). Watch this space for dates, time and venue.

04 Sep 2014

To tweet or not to tweet, that is the question.

Come find us on social media to see what we're getting up to behind the scenes. We're more than a voice at the end of a phone.
#ItsAllGravy

01 Sep 2014

It’s (a)live!

Gravycrew is now live and kicking and we hope you’ll agree with us that our new website looks awesome - which is after all what we’re about! We've come from humble beginnings and are thrilled to already be representing some of the finest UK film and television talent out there.

We're confident that as our company grows so will the careers of our crew. We have some huge ideas so watch this space.