Our History

The Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) has been innovating the media industry for over 100 years. Founded in 1916, the society was originally called the Society of Motion Picture Engineers (SMPE). Television was later brought into the Society's purview in the 1950's, and SMPTE as it's known today was born. SMPTE is responsible for developing some of the most influential engineering Standards in film and television. Most famously known for the SMPTE Time Code and the SMPTE Color Bars, the Society continues this tradition of excellence even today. Standards like the SMPTE ST 2110, the Interoperable Master Format (IMF), and ST 2073 VC-5 Compression, create a faster, higher quality, and more interoperable media landscape. For their work in the industry, SMPTE has received some of the highest honors the industry gives, including several technical Emmy's and Oscar's. SMPTE is a Society of innovators, and each one of them have a story to tell.

Magic and Miracles: 100 Years of Moving Image Science and Technology

In 1916, expansion of the nascent motion picture industry was stymied by a lack of technical standards. Following two failed attempts by industry trade associations, inventor C. Francis Jenkins placed his professional reputation on the line and invited a number of his industry colleagues to form a motion picture engineering society, and the Society of Motion Picture Engineers was established.

1916 - 2016: Celebrating 100 Years in Motion Imaging

How to Share Your Story

How to share your story: Members will receive an email from SMPTE with more information on how to share their stories. The email will include a list of criteria and information relevant to the project.

When you reach out to SMPTE with your story, you will be asked to update your contact information and will have the option to purchase the book digitally, hardbound, or both. Before contacting SMPTE, consider a special story you want to share: a special experience with the Society and with SMPTE Standards, relationships/mentorships, how SMPTE has helped your career, etc. 

Members are not required to purchase a book to include their story in the Member History. However, if you do, your story is guaranteed to be in the hardbound book. Other stories will be added to the hardbound book pending space, but all stories will be included in the digital edition.

The book is a beautiful hardbound book with SMPTE's history and our member stories.

What to Look For

PCI has will be sending postcards and emails to our members. Simply follow the steps to update your information and set up a time to share your story with one of their staff members.