May we introduce ourselves

Why Kameraschwestern

Kameraschwestern are like-minded people dedicated to providing a platform for information, exchange, and solidarity among camera assistants, working full-time in the scenic field of the Austrian film industry. This applies particularly to matters such as fees, collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag), and technical and professional development. The association does not represent DoPs.

We organize and communicate through various channels, such as Slack. Our Member Directory — previously known as "Assi List” — allows you to find all members by function and/or name.

As a professional association, it is our aim to represent our members optimally by being present in the Austrian film community, networking with other professional associations, always keeping an ear to the ground with the Younionfilm (trade union) and keeping an eye on all legal and labor law changes in Austria.

representing the crowd

Board

Bebe Obkircher | Chair Woman
Jennifer Oladeinde | Deputy Chairwoman
Roland Holzer | Deputy Chairwoman
Lisa Eidenhammer | Treasurer
Felix Pacher | Deputy Treasurer
Christian Saure | Secretary
Anetta Klein
Hans-Peter (aka HP) Krenn
Camillo Foramitti

Code of Ethics

Kameraschwestern resolutely oppose discrimination, harassment, and bullying – both by and against our members.

We demand clear ethical and social standards for the film industry and stand for respectful, appreciative treatment without exclusion.

A trusting working environment is a matter of course for us – free from discrimination and harassment of any kind, whether based on gender identity, sexual orientation, origin, religion, age, disability, or social status. We also condemn bullying as well as verbal, physical, sexual, or digital harassment.

We do not tolerate discriminatory language, personal insults, or the dissemination of inappropriate content.

Once Upon A Time

Everything has a beginning, we too can look back on a past:

2024

Before the annual “Camera Assistants Christmas Party” at Cafe Jenseits,Kameraschwestern decide to found a professional association.

2022

Kameraschwestern White Paper is created; furthermore, analogous to the "Commercial Film Document”, a "Feature Film Document" is also drafted and circulated, which sets out the framework for camera assistants in feature films and series.

2019

Bebe Obkircher is taking over responsibility for the care of Kameraschwestern and the annual update of the assistant list.

2013

Gerhard Leitner writes the first "Commercial Film Document,” which specifies the framework conditions exclusively for the shooting of commercials—particularly with regard to the needs of camera assistants.

2005

Thea Adlung joins the team and, together with Anna and Camillo, manages the assistant list; the name “Kameraschwestern” is established.

2004

In the following years, the name of the list changes to “Assi-List” after Martin Schmachtel hands over the tasks to Anna Manhardt and Camillo Foramitti.

2003

Because everyone was doing that at the time, the first attempt at a Kameraschwestern website was made. Unfortunately, this site didn't catch on in the following years, and the project fell into a deep sleep.

2002

The Christmas gatherings lead to the first list of camera assistants. Martin Schmachtel creates a list called "Everyone Behind the Camera," maintains it, and circulates it among production companies.

Early 2000

The colleagues call themselves the "Sisters of the Camera"; Andreas "Leo" Wallner and Gerald Piesch create explanatory videos—for example, how to (or not) load film into a film magazine—in their free time. Regular meetings usually take place at the end of the year, and the "Sisters of the Camera" Christmas circle becomes established.

End of 1990

The predominantly male colleagues in the camera assistant department began to organize themselves after filmmaking in Austria experienced a boom in the mid-1990s and the demand for qualified personnel was high. They decided to meet regularly, exchange ideas, and build a community.