October 22, 2024

Dick Pope BSC (1947-2024)

It is with deepest sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Dick Pope BSC.

Dick was an extraordinary Cinematographer whose work on Documentaries, Television and Films was of the highest level earning him the Camerimage Golden Frog a record three times as well as this societies highest honour, Cinematography in a Feature Film for Mr. Turner.

Dick was born in Bromley, Kent in 1947. His early work was in the field of Documentary working on the series World In Action. This took him all over the world, allowing him to meet fellow filmmakers, tell stories and expose injustice. He moved into Television drama in early 80s earning acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for his work on Porterhouse Blue.

Dick will widely be remembered for his work with director, Mike Leigh. Together they would do films from Naked to Topsy-Turvey, Mr. Turner to Vera Drake and Secrets & Lies - each of them unique and enriched by Dick's cinematography. 

Among other Directors Dick worked with throughout his career was Baroness Beeban Kidron, Mike Newell, Christopher McQuarrie, Barry Levinson, Richard Linklater, Gurinder Chadha, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Edward Norton.

Dick had a reputation for being a wonderful collaborator and someone who was passionate about the artform of Cinematography. He was keen to embrace new technologies and ideas while also ensuring the skills and crafts of those that came before him weren't lost. To this end Dick would guest tutor at schools such as the National Film and Television School.

His latest film with Mike Leigh, Hard Truths premiered this year and was recently shown at the London Film Festival.

We pay tribute to our wonderful friend and colleague and out thoughts go out to his family especially his wife Pat at this difficult time.

Dick Pope (1947-2024)