SMPTE

SMPTE a non-profit, members-led entity formed in 1916. Born in Hollywood it was initially formed to solve the need for standards in the brand-new movie business. The first standard SMPTE developed was the sprockets in the side of film to allow the cinema to thrive on one standard.  

Originally known as ‘the Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers’. Today it is known as the ‘Society for Media Professionals, Technologists and Engineers’.SMPTE's Vision Statement is unlimited creativity, experiences for everyone.

SMPTE's Mission Statement is to inspire technological advancement in art, science and media everywhere for everyone.

SMPTE has over 5,000 members globally and 250+ professionals in SMPTE OCEANIA which includes Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

SMPTE is a not-for-profit organisation that is largely run by volunteers with a very small set of paid staff based in the USA. This includes the 15-member strong SMPTE OCEANIA board that draws voluntary members from across production, manufacturers, TV and streamers across our region. 

SMPTE is a global organisation; however, each region runs almost totally independently. Although SMPTE's membership may be small, their role is to be a community hub for those involved in technology for media, entertainment, television, streaming and movies. This can be people involved in the production and shooting process all the way through to those involved in technology in distributing and sharing video content, whether it is streamed, on TV, on mobile are accessed by any platform.

SMPTE is known throughout the broadcast and movie industry for the organisation setting the standards allowing media equipment to talk to each other. In simple terms without the work SMPTE undertakes cameras wouldn’t be able to share pictures with recording machines, be moved from one place to another or able to display on your TV perfect every time.

Although membership is now open to anyone in the industry, 20 or 30 years ago, it was a very exclusive society with members having to be proposed and having to prove their professional capabilities. 

Now as well as standards making, it has a strong role as a source for education, community socialising and connecting for career growth. 

We really encourage you to join SMPTE OCEANIA to connect and contribute to our industry community. 

For students the first year is FREE with a greatly reduced fees into early career jobs. 

We have student chapters currently in Auckland and soon in Sydney.