The German Society of Cinematographers (german: Berufsverband Kinematografie; abbreviated "BVK"), was founded in 1980 as a

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

professional association A professional association (also called a professional body, professional organization, or professional society) usually seeks to advocacy, further a particular profession, the interests of individuals and organisations engaged in that professio ...

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...

freelance ''Freelance'' (sometimes spelled ''free-lance'' or ''free lance''), ''freelancer'', or ''freelance worker'', are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance w ...

cinematographer The cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the person responsible for the photographing or recording of a film, television production, music video or other live action piece. The cinematographer is the ch ...

s and directors of photography and their collaborators.

Aims and objectives

The BVK presents, administers and promotes its members' professional and financial interests in conjunction with allied professional bodies in the

audiovisual Audiovisual (AV) is electronic media possessing both a sound and a visual component, such as slide-tape presentations, films, television programs, corporate conferencing, church services, and live theater productions. Audiovisual service prov ...

field. It seeks recognition for the standing of the profession and promotes its public media image. The BVK also concerns itself with strengthening the profession's influence in the

film A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

world and has broken new ground as far as the recognition and application of cinematographic authorship is concerned. Furthermore, it promotes working conditions which guarantee artistic and creative output.

Activities and memberships

Working together with the equipment factories through seminars and workshops the BVK widens its members' qualifications while encouraging technical innovation. The personal contacts among its members have led to an exchange of ideas and experiences which have done much to reduce competitiveness and open up new perspectives. The BVK is a founding member of the European Federation of Cinematographers/IMAGO and tries to intensify the international cooperation of directors of photography. The CameraGuide, published annually, and BVK's website provide a source of information on members' qualifications and standing.

External links

German Society of Cinematography, BVK

CameraGuide of the BVK

European Federation of Cinematographers / IMAGO
Cinematography organizations Film-related professional associations {{film-org-stub