
[ad_1]
Sidney Samuelson, pioneer of the UK film and TV industry and founder of the Samuelson Group, has died aged 97.
He was at home with his family.
Samuelson spent more than 50 years working in the UK industry, consolidating its position as a leader in film and television production to rival Hollywood.
He began his career in 1939 at the age of 14 working in a cinema projection booth, and later became a cinematographer and founder of the Samuelson Group, which he built with his three brothers into the world’s largest film equipment servicing company. He was appointed as the government’s first British Film Commissioner, and served as a life member of BAFTA and many other industry organizations and charities, as well as the union Bektu.
In 1943, he signed up as a flight navigator for the RAF, later joining the film unit of the British Colonial Office as a trainee cameraman.
After the war he worked on several shows for the BBC and independent television companies, and in 1953 was responsible for the famous shot of the Queen being crowned, repairing a broken fountain, as part of the camera team recording the coronation at Westminster Abbey. In time to his camera.
With his wife Doris and later his brothers, he formed Samuelson Film Service in 1954, renting equipment to film professionals. The company, which became known as Sammy’s, later established branches around the world, all of David Lean’s films, 13 James Bond movies, Richard Attenborough’s GandhiNorman Jewisons Fiddler on the Roof and Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Samuelson served as film chairman, vice-chair and founding trustee of BAFTA and was instrumental in fundraising for the charity.
As the first British Film Commissioner, appointed in 1991, he campaigned to promote the UK as a leading destination for international film production. He worked with the government to introduce the first UK tax incentive for international productions.
In 1985, he received BAFTA’s Michael Balkan Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Film, in 1993, a BAFTA Fellowship for his contribution to the film and television industry, and in 1997 β the year he retired β he was awarded a British Film Institute Fellowship. He was also knighted in 1995.
A statement from the British Film Institute described him as “a quiet but decisive man whose word was his bond in every aspect of his life and career, Sir Sidney was renowned for his professionalism, efficiency and flexibility. He would never turn down a request for involvement or help.” , was truly determined to give back to the industry more than it had ever given.”
At BAFTA, CEO Jane Millichip and Chairman Krishnandu Majumdar said: βFor more than 55 years, Sir Sidney Samuelson has made a significant contribution to BAFTA, working tirelessly to serve its charitable aims, support film and television producers and promote the British filmmaking sector. . He is an inspiration to many and a great friend and mentor to members and staff.β
His support for the industry extended to running the London Marathon in 1982 to help raise money for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.
Samuelson came from a UK industrial family. His father George ‘Bertie’ Samuelson was a producer of silent films.
His wife died earlier this year. He is survived by his three sons, Mark and Peter – both film and TV producers – and Jonathan, as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
[ad_2]
Source link