The British film industry has often been recognised by The Academy of Motion Pictures, as producing some of the finest technical expertise

Fans, buffs and industry professionals nod knowingly as the Oscar nominations are announced and watch the UK awards going to categories other than that of director or producer' Science fictions such as RunnersBlade , Star Wars or The Alien trilogy, have also kept the UK technical grades visible, along with the action adventure films and 'historical costume dramas'

In fact any historical period picture, with UK technical expertise is writ large on the screen and visible on the awards podium, independent and proud in their individual category alongside any director's credits. A nomination for the Academy's Cinematography Award is no small feat. To transcend from the noble, but obscure position as a Director of Photography (I)P), to this public gaze, provides the industry with a welcome opportunity to acknowledge arguably the most important face behind the camera, after the director. In the case of this year's very successful British film Elizabethstep into the light Remi Adefarasin, BSC.

Elizabeth, with seven Oscar nominations, boasts a truly international crew and cast in all the major roles, both in front of and behind the camera. Working Title the production company, have promoted and celebrated the cultural synergy of director, Shelchar Kapur (Indian), lead actress, Cate Blanchett, (Australian), support actors, Erie Cantona, (French) and Joseph Fiennes, (English). Another important name to add to the film's international status is, Remi Adefarasin (Nigerian- English), the cinematographer and creator of the film’s rich visual tapestry. A true interpreter of the grand masters of chiaroscuro, using light to evoke a Rembrandt inspired tableau onto the screen.

Adefarasin, was born in England and began his career at the BBC in the late 60s. Son of an African father and English mother, he was taught photography by his maternal grandfather who was a keen amateur photographer. After leaving Harrow Technical College where he studied film and photography, he was "one of the lucky few to get on a prestigious BBC camera training scheme', He believes it was due to the BBC …….. (The full text can be found in bfm (issue 5).