Gerry Fisher BSC, Chevalier de L’Orde des Arts et des Lettres

One of Europe’s most respected Cinematographers, Gerry Fisher BSC,Chevalier de L’Orde des Arts et des Lettres, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award in front of friends and colleagues at the BSC Annual Summer Lunch at Pinewood Studios recently.

Starting in 1946 as a clapper loader and later working with such distinguished cinematographers as John Wilcox, Ted Scaife, Max Green and Bob Krasker, Gerry became Jack Hildyard’s operator on a further seven major features.

In 1967 Joseph Losey asked him to light “Accident” thus starting his illustrious career as a Director of Photography. In all Gerry Fisher shot eight films with Joseph Losey, a further three each with John Frankenheimer and Sidney Lumet as well as collaborating with Tony Richardson, John Huston , Billy Wilder, Gene Wilder,Mike Rutter and the distinguished British director Jack Gold who was the Guest of Honour. Jack with whom Gerry had shot “Aces High”, spoke with great affection and humour of their time together.

Tony Imi BSC, in his introduction to Gerry, told that when being told by a Producer that he was cutting down the lights, Gerry’s immortal reply was “it’s like hiring Toscanini and firing the Orchestra”.

Gerry is much respected in France where his 1997 honour, of “Chevalier”,is made to those who have most demonstrated “creative talent in the fields of art and literature”. Richard Andry AFC, a close friend of Gerry since he first worked with him almost forty years ago as a young clapper loader,journeyed from France for the occasion. He and Gerry have kept in regular contact and become close friends. Gerry’s closing words to everyone on accepting the BSC Lifetime Achievement Award, “thank you for giving me the best day of my life” must have been made even more special by Richard’s presence.

Jack Gold also announced the winner of the BSC Best Cinematography Award 2008 in the name of Roger Deakins ASC BSC for “No Country for Old Men”. On his behalf it was accepted by Vilmos Zsigmond ASC who is in London shooting the latest Woody Allen film. Also present with the 160 cinematographers and guests were Eduarda Serra ASC,enjoying his experience of the latest Harry Potter film, and Wally Pfister ASC who always appears to be enjoying himself.
 

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