Stuart Harris awarded Honorary Full Membership of the British Society of Cinematographers

The British Society of Cinematographers (BSC)’ Board of Governors has voted to bestow Honorary Full Membership on Stuart Harris. It marks only the third time in the Society’s history that the Board has awarded Honorary Full Membership to an individual; the previous two times being Oscar-winner Joseph Ruttenberg ASC and William A. Fraker ASC.

In a social media post announcing Harris’ membership, the Society commented:

“Stuart Harris BSC represents the very highest aims of our society. His career, body of work and commitment to education have helped enrich our craft. Stuart began his career at Elstree studies working us way up through the camera department on films including 2001: A Space Odyssey and with DPs such as Geoffrey Unsworth BSC, David Watkin BSC and Walter Lassally BSC.

“Stuart moved to lighting and began working in the burgeoning commercials field where he became one of the most sought-after cinematographers in the world. Over his career in commercials he worked on estimated 4,000 Commercials often with some of the biggest stars in the world and in some of the most distant locations from Russia to the United States, Dubai to Japan. His work earned him the respect of his colleagues as well as plaudits including the D&AD Award.

“Stuart’s debut feature film, Wetherby, directed by Sir David Hare, won the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlinale and his work with director Storm Thorgerson on ‘High Hopes’ for Pink Floyd has had over 100m views on YouTube and is one of the most referenced music videos of the period.

Stuart remains an active cinematographer and as well as his incredible 50-year career in our industry, he has devoted a great deal of the later part of his career to education. He currently serves as Co-Head of Cinematography and Head of Directing Commercials at the NFTS. Over his time there he has helped shape the direction of cinematographers including Ula Pontikos BSC, Stuart Bentley BSC, Eduard Grau ASC AEC, Benjamin Kračun BSC, Annika Summerson BSC and many more.

“It goes without saying that the BSC welcomes this incredible cinematographer to our fold with a thank you, for his career, his kindness to others and his generosity.”

Stuart Harris BSC will be presented with his membership certificate at the 68th BSC Awards, held on Saturday, 3 February.