DENYS COOP BSC

Entered the film industry at the age of 16 under apprenticeship to Freddie Young at Elstree Studios. Subsequently worked at Pinewood Studios and Denham Studios. Served in the Fleet Air Arm. Was transferred to the Army Kinematograph Service near the end of WW2. Re-entered the industry at Shepperton Studios under contract to Alexander Korda. Became freelance in 1956. Operated on many classic British Films (see below). Became a director of photography in the 1960’s (see below).

He is father to camera operator Trevor Coop.

President of the British Society of Cinematographers (1973-75).

Awards: BAFTA nomination [1964] for 'Billy Liar' (Directed by John Schlesinger); BAFTA nomination [1965] for 'King and Country' (Directed by Joseph Losey); BAFTA nomination [1967] for 'Bunny Lake Is Missing' (Directed by Otto Preminger); 'Oscar' AA 'Special Achievement Award' [1978; shared] & BAFTA 'Michael Balcon Award' [1979; shared] for 'Superman' Visual Effects (Directed by Richard Donner).

Other credits:

As camera operator: The Third Man, Fallen Idol, Breaking the Sound Barrier, Olivier’s Richard III, Saint Joan, The Prince and the Showgirl, Bonjour Tristesse, Our Man in Havana, Sons and Lovers, The Entertainer, Guns of Navarone, Kubrick’s Lolita.

Director of Photography: A Kind of Loving, This Sporting Life, Of Human Bondage, The Birthday Party, 10 Rillington Place.

Phil Méheux