Victor Jay Kemper (April 14, 1927 – November 27, 2023) was an American cinematographer.
Victor J. Kemper | |
|---|---|
| Born | Victor Jay Kemper April 14, 1927 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | November 27, 2023 (aged 96) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Cinematographer |
| Years active | 1967–2006 |
| Notable work | Dog Day Afternoon Slap Shot The Jerk Clue Pee-wee's Big Adventure |
| Spouse |
Claire Kellerman (m. 1953) |
| Children | 2 |
| President of the American Society of Cinematographers | |
| In office 1993–1996 | |
| Preceded by | William A. Fraker |
| Succeeded by | Owen Roizman |
| In office 1999–2001 | |
| Preceded by | Woody Omens |
| Succeeded by | Steven B. Poster |
Life and career edit
Victor Jay Kemper was born in Newark, New Jersey, on April 14, 1927, as the son of Florence (née Freedman) and Louis Kemper.[1] He was a graduate of Seton Hall University.
As a cinematographer, Kemper collaborated extensively with director Arthur Hiller. Kemper worked with the leading directors of the 1970s including John Cassavetes, Sidney Lumet, Anthony Harvey, Michael Ritchie, Ulu Grosbard, Peter Yates, Karel Reisz, Elaine May, J. Lee Thompson, Elia Kazan, George Roy Hill, Robert Wise, Carl Reiner, Bob Rafelson, Irvin Kershner, Richard Attenborough, and Norman Jewison.
Kemper was a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), and was its president twice, from 1993 to 1996, and from 1999 to 2001.
Kemper died in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, on November 27, 2023, at the age of 96.[2]
Filmography edit
Director of photography
Film edit
Camera and electrical department
| Year | Film | Director | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | The Tiger Makes Out | Arthur Hiller | Camera operator | First collaboration with Arthur Hiller |
| 1969 | Alice's Restaurant | Arthur Penn | ||
| 1985 | European Vacation | Amy Heckerling | Director of photography: USA |
Direct-to-video films edit
| Year | Film | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | American Pie Presents: Band Camp | Steve Rash | Second collaboration with Steve Rash |
| 2006 | Bring It On: All or Nothing | Third collaboration with Steve Rash |
Documentaries edit
Thanks
| Year | Film | Director | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Visions of Light |
|
Special thanks: AFI |
| 2004 | Edgar G. Ulmer: The Man Off-Screen | Michael Palm | Thanks |
TV movies edit
| Year | Film | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | The Prince of Central Park | Harvey Hart |
| 1985 | The Atlanta Child Murders | John Erman |
| 1987 | Kojak: The Price of Justice | Alan Metzger |
| 1999 | Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke | John Erman |
| 2001 | On Golden Pond |
TV series edit
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | The Atlanta Child Murders | 2 episodes |
| 1999 | Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke | 4 episodes |
Awards and nominations edit
| Institution | Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 1987 | Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special | Kojak: The Price of Justice | Nominated |
| American Society of Cinematographers | 1988 | Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Mini-Series or Specials | Nominated | |
| 1998 | Lifetime Achievement Award | — | Won |
References edit
- ^ "Victor J. Kemper Biography (1927-)". Film Reference. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (November 28, 2023). "Victor J. Kemper, Cinematographer on 'Dog Day Afternoon', 'Husbands' and 'The Jerk,' Dies at 96". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ Canby, Vincent (June 10, 1971). "Zany Role for George Scott:' They Might Be Giants' Opens at Beekman". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
- ^ Canby, Vincent (November 8, 1978). "Film: Dummy Takes Over in 'Magic':Wooden Handed". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
- ^ Maslin, Janet (December 14, 1979). "Movie: Steve Martin Stars in 'The Jerk':Birthday Surprise". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
- ^ Maslin, Janet (August 9, 1980). "MISS NEWTON-JOHN IN 'XANADU'". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2022.