Obituaries
2008
Frank Gell
Director of Photography, deceased 6th July, 2008.
Over the years I’ve read many tributes to friends and colleagues, many of whom I’d known and worked with. Now it’s my turn to write and I realise how hard it is to convey in words the loss of a dear friend.
I met Frank more years ago than I care to remember when we were both very green loaders, me being greener than Frank and we immediately became friends and remained so from then on.
Frank soon went on to pulling focus and we worked together on many productions here there and everywhere, I can’t remember most of the jobs but what I do remember is we always had a laugh even on the grimmest of productions, Frank could always diffuse the twitchiest of situations with some devastating humorous aside!
Frank decided he wanted to go lighting and in those days a cameraman in his twenties was a rare breed indeed. Frank broke the mould and his career as a cameraman took off ( I remember that Roller Frank )!
Beneath that laid back exterior was a guy who lived and breathed cinematography: he must have been doing something right because he didn’t stop.
It’s a measure of the man that so many people attended his funeral, all remembering a Gentleman and a gentle man, a talented Cameraman and above all his wonderful sense of humour.
He leaves his beloved wife Jane and children Jojo and Jack.
I will miss you Frank.
Jerry Sandler
Frank’s funeral was on 14th July at Kingston Crematorium. Donations in memory of Frank: to the NSPCC. Condolences – email: frankgell@hotmail.com
Roy Moores
Sadly, ROY MOORES passed away at home on Tuesday 5th February 2008. Many of you will, no doubt, be writing of your own experiences of knowing Roy, but in the meantime:
Roy's funeral is on FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY at 14:00hrs at RUISLIP CREMATORIUM (known locally as Breakspear Crematorium) - map attached.
DIRECTIONS TO RUISLIP (BREAKSPEAR) CREMATORIUM
Get onto the A40, come off at the Swakeleys junction and follow the signs for Harefield and Ickenham into Swakeleys Road. At the first roundabout, take the second exit. At the next roundabout, take the first exit into Breakspear Road South. Drive until you come to the Breakspear Arms public house and turn right into Breakspear Road.
The Crematorium is at the far end, on the left hand side.
If you have any queries, please contact the funeral directors - WALDING on 01895 233018. Speak to Suzette.
Details will be confirmed soon regarding flowers, donations and the location of the reception after the funeral.
As soon as any further information is to hand, we will let you know.
Camera Operator/DoP, Ronnie Fox-Rogers
It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my brother, Ronnie Fox-Rogers, who died of complications from a chest infection on Tuesday, January 30 last, at his nursing home in Pagham, West Sussex. He was 76.
Ronnie started in the business in the mid-Fifties as a clapper-boy working on, among others, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, Tiger Bay, and Tarzan's Greatest Adventure.
2007
Cinematographer, Freddie Francis, BSC
Cinematographer, director and screenwriter Freddie Francis passed away on Saturday 17th March 2007 aged 89. He began working in the film industry in 1935 and his final film was in 1999. He was winner of two American Academy Awards for cinematography and was nominated for four Bafta cinematography awards. In 1998 he won the International Award from the American Society of Cinematographer's and was honoured by Bafta for his lifetime of work in the industry in 2004.
Cinematographer, Ernie Day BSC
It is with deep regret I learnt of the passing of Ernie Day. I knew of him all my professional life - his reputation preceeded - but it wasn't until the mid 60's I had the priviledge of becoming his 1st AC.
Cinematographer, Peter Jackson GBCT BSC
It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that Peter passed away on Sunday 12th November at Southlands Nursing Home Harrogate.
Alex Thomson BSC
We regret to announce that Alex Thomson sadly passed away on 14th June. He will be sadly missed by us all.
Joe Garrett - Grip
I worked with Joe at MGM Studios; he joined in the 1960's. We were stage hands together. I then started gripping and Joe followed two or three years later.
Bob Stilwell - Legendary Camerman
Legendary cameraman Bob Stilwell, described as one of the best loved people in the British film industry, has died from cancer at the age of 68.
Cinematographer, Roland Schlotzhauer
A helicopter being used to film scenes for a movie crashed in eastern Iowa on Friday 30 June 2006, killing Cinematographer Roland Schlotzhauer. He was 50.
Peter Benchley - Jaws author
Peter Benchley, author of the best selling novel Jaws, which was made into one of Hollywood 's most famous films, has died at his US home, aged 65.
