The British cinematographer responsible for films such as Trainspotting, Kidulthood, and Billy Elliot has passed away at the age of 83.
Brian Tufano, a 50-year veteran of the film industry, worked on scores of productions, including Blade Runner, East is East, and Quadrophenia.
In 1977, the Daily Mail called him “Britain’s most celebrated television cameraman.”
Bafta Scotland, which led the tributes, stated, “We are saddened by this news. Cinematographer Brian Tufano shot some of Scotland’s most iconic films, including Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, and Late Night Shopping.”
The British cinematographer responsible for films such as Trainspotting, Kidulthood, and Billy Elliot has passed away at the age of 83. Film industry veteran Brian Tufano (seen above in 2020 with Trainspotting director Danny Boyle) had a 50-year career during which he worked on approximately 50 movies, including Blade Runner, East is East, and Quadrophenia.
The 1996 film Trainspotting, starring Ewan McGregor as Mark Renton, became an instant classic.
Today, Tufano’s former colleague at the UK’s National Film and Television School announced his death through Twitter: ‘Very sorry to have to disclose that cinematography icon and former @NFTSFilmTV Head of Department Brian Tufano has passed away.
He shot so many wonderful films and championed fresh talent, especially female DPs. We adored him and will miss him dearly.
Film producer Jessica Levick expressed her sorrow and condolences to his family. During my time at @NFTSFilmTV, if there was one person I was in awe of, it was Brian Tufano, who shot some of my favorite films so masterfully.
‘He was great.’
Chris Atkins, a filmmaker, remarked, “Brian Tufano shot Trainspotting and was a cinematic titan who will be sorely missed.”
Tufano, who was born in 1939 in Shepherd’s Bush, West London, started the film profession in 1956 as a pageboy at Lime Grove Studios.
The 2000 release of Billy Elliot made Jamie Bell a household celebrity and earned Tufano the Bafta Television Craft Award.
Bafta Scotland led the tributes by stating, “We are saddened by this news. Cinematographer Brian Tufano shot some of Scotland’s most iconic films, including Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, and Late Night Shopping.”
Today, Tufano’s former colleague at the UK’s National Film and Television School announced his death through Twitter: ‘Very sorry to have to disclose that cinematography icon and former @NFTSFilmTV Head of Department Brian Tufano has passed away.’
Chris Atkins, a filmmaker, stated that Brian Tufano, who filmed Trainspotting and was a cinematic behemoth, will be dearly missed.
Film producer Jessica Levick expressed her sorrow and condolences to his family. If there was one person I was in awe of at @NFTSFilmTV throughout my time there, it was Brian Tufano, who directed some of my favorite films so wonderfully. He was incredible.
Then, he began an apprenticeship at the BBC and went on to work for more than 20 years with filmmakers such as Ken Loach and Stephen Frears.
Quadrophenia, which was released in 1979 and became a cult classic, marked Tufano’s first significant cinematic appearance.
The film is set during the turbulent era of ‘Mods’ and ‘Rockers’ conflict.
The cameraman went on to build a productive connection with director Danny Boyle, collaborating with him on four projects.
The first film, Shallow Grave, was released in 1994 with Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, and Kerry Fox in the starring roles.
1979’s Quadrophenia, which went on to become a cult classic, featured Tufano in his first big role. The film is set during the turbulent era of ‘Mods’ and ‘Rockers’ conflict. Above: Quadrophenia features Phil Daniels and Leslie Ash as Jimmy Cooper and Steph.
Scene from the 1979 film Quadrophenia, filmed in Brighton, Sussex.
Trainspotting, released two years later and starring Ewan McGregor as Mark Renton, proved to be another masterpiece.
Tufano then collaborated with Boyle on the 1997 film A Life Less Ordinary and the 2008 film Alien Love Triangle.
Earlier in his career, he served as a photographer on the 1982 picture Blade Runner, which garnered acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
The 2000 film Billy Elliot made Jamie Bell a household celebrity and earned Tufano the Bafta Television Craft Award.
The movie was also nominated for the award for Best Cinematography.
Tufano has been semi-retired for the past decade, with his latest credit being the documentary Gymnast, which followed the British gymnasts to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
»British cinematographer who shot Trainspotting and Billy Elliot dies at the age of 83«