Anthony B. Richmond, ASC, BSC, is an acclaimed British cinematographer whose career has spanned more than six decades and encompassed more than 85 film and television projects. Born and raised in London, Richmond entered the film industry at the age of 16, initially working as a messenger before moving into the camera department. He steadily progressed through the ranks, developing his craft on major productions and working alongside some of the most influential filmmakers and cinematographers of his generation.
Early in his career, Richmond worked as an assistant cameraman on landmark productions including From Russia with Love, Doctor Zhivago, Fahrenheit 451, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He also served as a focus-puller on Casino Royale and Far from the Madding Crowd. By 1967, he had moved into the role of director of photography, beginning a long and varied career behind the camera.
One of Richmond's most significant creative partnerships was with director Nicolas Roeg. Their collaboration produced five films, including Don't Look Now (1973), The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), Bad Timing, Heart of Darkness, and Full Body Massage. Don't Look Now became a defining achievement of Richmond's career, earning him the BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography in 1974.
Richmond's body of work is notable for its extraordinary range. His credits include the horror classic Candyman, the science-fiction drama The Man Who Fell to Earth starring David Bowie, the war film The Eagle Has Landed, the sports comedy The Sandlot, Men of Honor, and the hugely successful comedy Legally Blonde. His ability to work across dramatically different genres established him as a versatile and highly respected cinematographer.
Music and documentary filmmaking have also been important parts of Richmond's career. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he photographed some of the most influential musicians of the era. He worked on Jean-Luc Godard's Sympathy for the Devil, filmed the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus, and served as cinematographer on the Beatles' Let It Be. Decades later, footage Richmond shot for Let It Be was incorporated into Peter Jackson's The Beatles: Get Back, bringing his work to a new generation.
Beyond cinematography, Richmond has worked as a director and producer and has devoted significant attention to mentoring emerging filmmakers. He served as Chair of the Cinematography Department at the New York Film Academy's Los Angeles campus, where he has taught lighting, camera technique, and the collaborative principles of cinematography. He has emphasised the importance of studying films, developing strong visual instincts, continuing to shoot, and learning from experience.
Richmond's contributions to cinematography have been recognized by both sides of the Atlantic. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, BAFTA, the American Society of Cinematographers, and the British Society of Cinematographers.
In 2024, the British Society of Cinematographers presented him with our Lifetime Achievement Award.