SMPTE appoints governor to head up new UK Region

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has approved the creation of a new UK ‘Region’, appointing Bruce Devlin (pictured), chief media scientist at Dalet, as its first governor.

The SMPTE, described as a leader in motion-imaging standards and education for the communications, media, entertainment, and technology industries, has seen its UK section grow from 83 members in 2012 to more than 500 members in 2015. Any section reaching the 500 member milestone is eligible to petition the board of governors for creation of a Region, which will provide that section with formal representation on the board.

Re-established in 2012 and chaired by Chris Johns, chief engineer of broadcast strategy at Sky, the SMPTE UK section claims to have seen a high degree of interest and support from individuals and companies across the creative, manufacturing, broadcasting, and service organisations.

Devlin had previously been elected by the membership to serve as 2016-2017 governor for the Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central, and South America region.

Members of the SMPTE UK section have a strong history of supporting students, graduates, and new members of the industry, and the SMPTE UK region already boasts its first student chapter. The inaugural meeting for the newly approved SMPTE Student Chapter at Southampton Solent University was held in November when the university celebrated the installation of Dolby Atmos in its 3D cinema.

"The widespread support for the SMPTE UK section and its work, evident in rapidly increasing attendance at meetings across the UK, reflects the growth occurring across the society as a whole," said William C. Miller, SMPTE membership vice president. "SMPTE now has more than 6,400 members worldwide, and students represent the fastest-growing group of members. As we move into the society’s centennial year, it is exciting to see that our work is relevant and important to the newest members of our industry."

https://www.smpte.org/