BAFTA Archive
1978
Time to Shine: Television Craft gets its own ceremony
Television making has never stood still, and BAFTA was quick to recognise that innovation behind the camera was crucial in this medium that connected with millions of viewers. As such, in 1978 the first Television technical awards were held at BAFTA HQ, 195 Piccadilly, honouring behind the scenes talent.
The years to come were groundbreaking for British television. The launch of Channel 4 in 1982 gave the country a channel with a specific remit for programming outside the mainstream. Just as significantly, it relied on the output of independent production companies, kindling an explosion in independent production. All of this made it the ideal partner for the first broadcast of the BAFTA Craft Awards in 1984.
With HRH The Princess Royal present on the night, the ceremony was filmed by the leading independent producer Celador and screened on Channel 4. Among the 10 awards presented that evening were prizes for Costume Design, Film Cameraman, Film Editor, Film Sound, Graphics, Make-up, Sound Supervisor, Television Cameraman, Video Lighting and VTR Editor.
Image: The first televised BAFTA Craft Awards, 1984.
Video: Footage from the 1984 Craft Awards ceremony. This ceremony was the first to be televised on Channel 4. Here we see Melvyn Bragg's introduction to the programme (Source: Channel Four Television).
