Martin Kenzie was a British cinematographer and second unit director who worked on some of the most acclaimed films and TV shows of his time. He was known for his work on The Shining, Return of the Jedi, Aliens, The King’s Speech, Rome, and Game of Thrones. He died on July 16, 2012, at the age of 56, after a long struggle with cancer. In this article, we will explore his life, career, and legacy, as well as the details of his death and the tributes that followed.
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Early Life and Career
Martin Kenzie was born on April 29, 1956, in Cambridge, England. He started his career as a production runner for a London-based TV commercials company called Picture Palace Productions. Later, he worked for the camera department at Samuelson Film Services, where he prepared motion picture cameras for hire.
His first feature film work was for Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980), where he worked as an assistant cameraman with the film’s cinematographer John Alcott. He continued to work as a second assistant camera on various films, including Return of the Jedi (1983), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), and A Passage to India (1984).
He then progressed to work as a first assistant camera on several successful movies, such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Willow (1988), White Hunter Black Heart (1990), The Godfather Part III (1990), and Alien 3 (1992).
Second Unit Director and Cinematographer
Martin Kenzie also made significant contributions as a second unit director and cinematographer. He worked on films such as Syriana (2005), The Da Vinci Code (2006), The Golden Compass (2007), Quantum of Solace (2008), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), and The King’s Speech (2010).
He also worked on several television series, including Keen Eddie (2003-2004), Rome (2005), Game of Thrones (2012), and Playhouse Presents (2012). His work on Game of Thrones earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series in 2012.
In 1998, he joined the Associate Membership of the British Society of Cinematographers as a Camera Operator. He was later elected a Full Member of the Society with BSC accreditation in 2012.
Diagnosis and Death
Martin Kenzie was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy with the help of Macmillan Cancer Support. He continued to work until his condition worsened in 2012.
He died on July 16, 2012, at his home in Shepreth, England. He was survived by his wife Sue and his two children.
Tributes and Legacy
Martin Kenzie’s death was mourned by many of his colleagues and friends in the film and TV industry. The Game of Thrones season three premiere episode, “Valar Dohaeris”, aired on March 31, 2013, was dedicated to his memory in the credits.
The British Society of Cinematographers announced a memorial service to celebrate his life on September 2, 2012. They also established the Martin Kenzie Award for Best Cinematography in Television Drama in his honor.
Martin Kenzie was remembered as a talented and versatile cinematographer who had a passion for his craft and a great sense of humor. He left behind a rich legacy of films and TV shows that showcased his skills and vision.
According to Wikipedia, he worked on more than 70 films and TV shows in his career. Some of his most notable works are listed below:
- The Shining (1980)
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Aliens (1986)
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
- Willow (1988)
- White Hunter Black Heart (1990)
- The Godfather Part III (1990)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Syriana (2005)
- Rome (2005)
- The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- The Golden Compass (2007)
- Quantum of Solace (2008)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
- The King’s Speech (2010)
- Game of Thrones (2012)
