Bristol Crew has recently celebrated its 15th birthday!

The local network was founded by local DOP Sarah Smither (left), in order to provide talented freelance professionals to the film, television and media industry. We caught up with Sarah to find out more about the network and how it has grown and developed over the past decade and a half.

Many happy returns to Bristol Crew, Sarah!  Tell us how it all began? 

Thanks very much! When I first came to Bristol in 2008, the film and TV landscape here was very different – it was mostly connected to Wildlife. Having come from shooting Factual and documentary programmes in London, I had to start again, but soon came across a handful of digital agencies who were embracing the DSLR revolution and making what we now call Branded Content.

I kept meeting super-talented and friendly freelancers, but they weren’t properly connected, and the digital agencies didn’t know how to find them. So the idea of Bristol Crew was born. It began with a few camera operators and sound recordists but has now grown to a large, extended family of freelancers working across all major departments behind the camera. More recently we’ve added kit hire companies and studios too.

What sets you apart from other crew directories?

I think we’re quite unique in that I personally interview every freelancer or company before they join. I’m strict about references and I have a cap on department sizes so that we don’t become a big unwieldy database that recruiters find impossible to navigate. I stay in touch with all my members regularly, checking in on how their careers are developing, making introductions, offering advice and hosting social events.

I also encourage mentoring and skill-sharing within departments so that we all help each other to improve and grow. I still work in the industry as a DOP so I understand the challenges my crew are facing, but also what opportunities are out there too.

How would you say has the local film and TV industry developed over the years?

The local industry has totally transformed in the last 15 years. What started with Wildlife and Branded Content has grown to include HETV, Features, Commercials, Unscripted Specialist Factual and Short Films. A lot of this has been down to TV production expanding into the nations and regions, the advent of streaming services, but also in no small part due to The Bottle Yard Studios, which opened in 2010.

Bristol Crew has been able to grow organically in response to these developments by introducing and refining departments to suit what the local industry needs. Our crew are incredibly talented and experienced with a friendly and hard-working attitude, so it’s no surprise that film and TV productions come back again and again.

How many members do you have and what fields do they work in?

We currently have over 130 members working across Camera, Lighting, Sound, Production, Post Production, Hair, Make Up & Costume, Art Dept, Kit Rental, Studios and other Specialist Filming Services like Drone Operators and Rope Access.

Sarah with Bristol Crew members on the set of short film CARE which shot in Gloucester Prison in July 2024 

How important are partnerships with Bristol companies or organisations?

We’ve always worked closely with our local production company clients, listening to their needs and helping them find the best crew. This has allowed them to continue to produce cutting-edge content on budget and forge years-long creative collaborations with freelancers. Kit hire companies like VI Rental and VMI have always been an essential part of our ecosystem, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to expand Bristol Crew to officially include them, as well as all the local Studios.

These partnerships mean we stay connected and can collectively continue building towards a fully sustainable industry – one that not only supports the local freelance workforce, but also develops new talent and improves opportunities for creatives working at every level.

Any recent developments you want to shout about?

We’ve recently announced a partnership with Bristol Film School at Boomsatsuma. For years I’ve been trying to close the gap between local higher education and the real world of freelance work, so this is a big step towards that. Bristol Crew members will be called upon for workshops, panels and mentoring as well as being able to hire the students for work while they study.

These connections are vital to make sure the students graduate with a realistic idea of the industry and their potential role in it. I’ll also be taking on a handful of Bristol Film School’s top graduates each year to make sure Bristol Crew continues to develop its entry-level talent and diversity.

Finally, what do you like best about living and working in Bristol?

For me, it’s the people! The willingness to collaborate, support and share skills and successes is truly heartwarming. Work colleagues quickly become friends and there are always creative passion projects to get involved with. Outside of that, the food scene, live music and street art are among the best in the world – I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

For more information, visit www.bristolcrew.co.uk