The film and TV industry has joined forces to create Prints for Mark: Perspective of Tomorrow, a calendar to raise funds to help create more skills and opportunities behind the scenes in the film and television industry for people with lesser access.
Last month marked the third anniversary of the death of British cameraman Mark Milsome ACO, who was killed whilst filming a car stunt in Ghana on the set of Black Earth Rising.
Following the tragic incident, the Mark Milsome Foundation was set up, inspired by the achievements and character of the talented camera operator. The Foundation has since made great strides in creating change through a variety of initiatives including the launch a survey to help assess the current state of health and safety in the film and TV industry.
The Prints for Mark project saw Mark’s widow Andra team up with Mark Purvis of digital media company, Mission Digital. As Andra, explains: “The idea was first conceived by Mark Purvis along with incredible cinematographers Adam Suschitzky and Seamus McGarvey who thought it would be great to auction off a couple of their photographic prints as a fundraiser for the Mark Milsome Foundation at the annual BSC show in Feb ‘19 and later that year at the summer lunch.”
As the Prints for Mark project snowballed – and as a result of the pandemic – it was felt the idea could evolve into a calendar entitled Perspective of Tomorrow, continuing to build a legacy in Mark Milsome’s memory.
“We have a debt of gratitude to all the camera and electrical department technicians who have contributed photographs over the past few months,” says Andra. “We have received so many submissions and it’s been such a tough choice being limited to 12 months. This year we are launching the inaugural calendar with 13 photo choices, but have some book ideas for next year and a fundraising auction event when the current world situation allows.”
The calendar features stunning images from Tom Taylor; Spike Morris; Ben Wheeler; Ash Daniyan; Sally Low; Roberto Schaeffer ASC AIC; Dick Pope BSC; Fabian Wagner ASC BSC; Chris Ross BSC; Jonny Garwes; Seamus McGarvey ASC BSC; Andrew Dunn BSC; and Adam Suschitzky BSC.
Funds raised will be used to create more skills and opportunities behind the scenes in the film and television industry for people with lesser access.
Here is a selection of the incredible imagery that features in the calendar…
“Our aim is to create a platform to help the next generation develop basic skills to help them build a foundation in the industry. Our objective isn’t to focus on producing more cinematographers and directors, but working with a diverse range of people to create entry level jobs that will show true fruition over the next five years,” says Mark Purvis. “Anyone who knew Mark was always touched by his presence and laughter in their life. His talent and desire to do his best on every job without any sense of self importance, made Mark a very cherished member of the British film and TV industry.”
“Mark was passionate about mentoring, as that was how he solidified his talent and passion for all aspects of his life as a cinematographer. We hope that through Prints for Mark we can share that enthusiasm and eclecticism,” adds Andra.
Andrew Dunn BSC – a friend of Mark Milsome’s and a cinematographer whose role as a mentor was part of the inspiration behind setting up the Foundation – shared these words about the Perspective of Tomorrow calendar: “Mark my friend, my compadre for so many years – there can be no one image, there are indeed not enough images to convey our love, nevertheless here is one for you. For you brought the light into the lives of all around you, from sometimes the most trying of times – the happiest, brightest, creative of times – always giving your all, everything, thank you.”
Order your Prints for Mark: Perspective of Tomorrow calendar here.
