Penny Watier, chair of the emerging Partner Advisory Group at Profusion Expo 2024
(November 28, 2024) The Canadian Society of Cinematographers has announced the creation of a Partner Advisory Group to enhance collaboration with its growing network of industry partners. The initiative marks a milestone in the CSC’s transformation, which has seen its membership increase by 60 per cent and its revenue base triple over the past three years.
Industry partnerships have played a critical role in this success, contributing a third of the CSC’s gross revenue through program support, gala sponsorships, and donated training facilities in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Notable partners such as Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, CineGround, and Keslow Camera have been instrumental in supporting CSC workshops, events, and new programming.
The new advisory group, chaired by CSC Vice-President Central Region Penny Watier, will serve as a forum to address shared industry challenges and promote excellence, equity, and education in cinematography. “The group will be brought together to work on areas of mutual non-competitive interests in order to promote the values of excellence, equity and education in cinematography, especially as it relates to below-the-line workers,” Watier says.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the CSC has updated governance protocols. Members employed by sponsor organizations will no longer be eligible to serve directly on CSC committees, a decision aimed at maintaining fairness and equity. A call for partners to join the group will be announced soon.
These efforts reflect the CSC’s commitment to strengthening its governance while expanding opportunities for its members and partners, reinforcing its role as a leader in the Canadian cinematography community.
Feature Photo: Penny Watier Photo credit: Patty Guyader
