Behind the Scenes has a very wide remit. Anyone is eligible for assistance who has earned their living in the industry for at least five years, whether behind the curtain, behind the camera, on the road, or working for companies that manufacture or supply entertainment technology products and services. The charity exists solely to aid those who work behind the scenes; it does not assist performers.
Behind the Scenes was actually modelled on Light Relief. Whilst Light Relief has served the UK live performance lighting industry very successfully, there has long been a desire to be able to extend that assistance to the entire entertainment technology community. To that end, the trustees of Light Relief have voted to bring Light Relief under the umbrella of Behind the Scenes UK.
A board of trustees has been formed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the charity in the UK. Serving as trustees are Simon Baker, Alison Brodie, Malcolm Burlow, Bernie Davis (vice chair), Lee Dennison, Jon Driscoll, Rick Fisher, Alan Jacobi (treasurer), Lori Rubinstein, and John Simpson (chair). Ed Pagett and Adam Blaxill, in their roles as chair and vice chair of the PLASA EU Regional Board also serve on the BTS UK board.
Behind the Scenes will officially launch its fundraising activities at the PLASA London show in October featuring a raffle with three terrific prizes: grand prize is a £2,500 gift voucher for a dream vacation, second prize is a £1,000 Amazon gift card, and third prize is a £500 voucher with Mr and Mrs Smith hotels. The stand will also feature Behind the Scenes swag and the chance to compete for the fastest lap on a racecar simulator.
Following close on the heels of the show will be the Autumn Behind the Scenes Golf Day on 15 October which features 27 holes of golf along with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an awards ceremony. Space is only available for twenty teams and the event is always over-subscribed, so early booking is highly recommended. Registration opens 21 July.
(Jim Evans)
