Guild of Vision Mixers launch online freelance directory

The Guild of Vision Mixers have launched a new website at www.visionmixers.tv.
The website includes a directory of freelance vision mixers, complete with credits and contact details, which agencies and production companies can search, free of charge.
There is also information about the history of the Guild, and full details of meetings and membership. The members-only pages include an online magazine, tax advice, notice board and directory of television studios.
The Guild was established in 1984 at a time when most vision mixers were employed on the staff of the BBC and the ITV companies. At one time, Thames Television employed seven vision mixers, with a similar number at LWT, and the BBC had more than thirty! During this period, only a handful of freelancers existed. However, in the early nineties, there were major changes in the ITV franchises and many vision mixers entered the freelance market.
In addition, the BBC downsized their vision mixing department and yet more people left and became freelance.
With no work base to meet each other and with very few jobs requiring more than one or two vision mixers, those employed in this field rarely met.
Also vision mixers who were still staff rarely saw those who were freelance. The Guild of Vision Mixers provided the platform necessary to facilitate contact.
The Guild of Vision Mixers is a voluntary organisation working to ensure that the interests of members are protected adequately. Aims of the Guild include the maintenance and improvement of the status of vision mixers, the advancement of their skills, and the preservation of professional standards in television production.
As well as the developments in employment and staffing, there has been a technological revolution in vision mixing. Programme production demands have meant many more cameras and vision sources to cope with, along with the widespread use of digital video effects and electronic graphics. The Guild is keen to cultivate the relationship between equipment manufacturers and the personnel operating the equipment, so that the manufacturers receive constructive feedback on their switchers and Guild members can always ensure they are abreast of the latest technology.
To fund the launch of the website and to help ensure that the Guild can provide training for members on new technology, they are looking for sponsors.
Sponsors can donate to the Guild and receive a link on the website in return.
(GB)