The issue of author’s rights has been in discussion for many years in Europe. The European Federation of Cinematographers IMAGO has a great part of spreading the attention concerning a right that should have been accomplished long time ago.

Despite of cinematographers clearly deserve recognition the reality tell us that this goal is still far from being accomplished.

In fact the results we will get in the future are of main importance to continue the path. The idea is to make it clear and convince legislators that cinematographers deserve recognition.

It is unjust for cinematographers not to be recognized by the pictures they create.

To fight for authorship recognition should be a priority of each Cinematographer around the world. To make our profession to be respected and evaluated we should by all our means to gain the authorship recognition nationally and internationally.

During the years IMAGO and many cinematographers around the world have put this discussion as a priority on the agenda. Some minor progresses have been taking place. The example from Eastern Countries should give to others the sufficient motivation to keep the flame going.

There is today no doubt that the cinematographer is entitled by nature to be considered as a co-author of a film.

The complexity of this matter and the opposition we have from others should not defeat us.

We should not give up or easy down our goals and propositions.

We all must keep it alive and strong.

Tony Costa - Portugal
November 2004