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In a recent engaging discussion at the NAB 2025 Legal Filmmakers booth, Bianca Halpern, founder of BECiNE, shared her remarkable journey of resilience, adaptation, and community support within the film industry. With her company transitioning from a camera rental house to an inspiring collaborative space situated in Inglewood, Halpern's story reflects the type of innovation and perseverance that resonates deeply within the underrepresented creative communities that Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is dedicated to supporting.
The Evolution of BECiNE
BECiNE began as a camera rental house eight years ago, but like many in the industry, it faced significant challenges during the pandemic and recent strikes. Halpern recounted, “We grew a lot right before the strike... then it lasted way longer than we all expected.” Despite downsizing from a 13-member team to just four full-time staff, Halpern and her team adapted by fostering new partnerships and embracing a collaborative spirit.
Key Innovations at BECiNE:
- New Space: Relocated to a newly shared venue in Inglewood, which Halpern dubs "the new Hollywood."
- Collaborative Partnerships: By collaborating with Vault, a rental house with a comprehensive stage setup, they expanded their range of services.
- Workshops & Community Events: Providing educational workshops and hosting community-driven events, including a successful women’s month celebration.
Empowering the Creative Community
Recognizing the importance of solidarity among women in the film industry, Halpern co-organized a women’s month event that brought together different women’s groups, including cinematographers, film composers, and producers. They successfully built partnerships with various sponsors, leading to a vibrant mini-trade show that showcased women's contributions to the film community.
Halpern shared, "It was really great to be surrounded by new faces, new people, bouts of ideas, cry together about the same problems or laugh about things."
Impact of Motherhood on Leadership
As a mother and a business owner, Halpern has found her personal experiences to deeply influence her professional decisions. She explained that motherhood has made her approach decision-making more practically and focused. “Every decision has to really be the decision you want to make… it’s all taking you away from family,” she emphasized.
This focus on intentionality extends to her leadership style, allowing her to create a more structured working environment that benefits not only her but also her employees and their families. While Halpern is the only mom on her current team, she fosters an inclusive culture for all creative parents—offering amenities like a children’s room for clients, demonstrating her commitment to making the film industry accessible for parents.
Looking Ahead: The Future of BECiNE
As Bianca Halpern looks toward the future, she invites everyone interested in joining the BECiNE community to connect through social media and participate in upcoming workshops. Halpern's vision embodies CFA's values of accessibility and support for creators, emphasizing that relationships, rather than resources, drive success in the creative industry.
To get involved with BECiNE, follow them on Instagram and stay updated through their newsletter at http://www.becine.com.
