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Sudden death shocks industry

The industry is in shock at the sudden death of cameraman John Bowring, who was working on the documentary about GTV9 studios.

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The death of cinematographer John Bowring on the weekend has been felt across the industry.

The respected cameraman and owner of Lemac died suddenly, of a suspect aneurysm in a stopover in Hong Kong.

Last night Nine News paid tribute to him at the end of its Melbourne bulletin.

Twitter tributes have been left by Tracy Grimshaw, Peter Hitchener, Peter Harvey, the Australian Film Institute, the Australian Cinematographers Society, NZ Cinematographers Society, Rob McKnight, Norm Beaman, and numerous others in the industry who have applauded his generosity.

On TV Tonight there are tributes from many more, with most thanking Bowring for passing on his experience. Amongst those who remember him are Nick McCallum, Jo Pearson and Daryl Somers.

Bowring, who began his career as a GTV9 cameraman, was also due to work on the Somers-Carroll documentary on the history of Nine’s Bendigo Street studios.

Somers writes, “I’m devastated by this news. John was not meant to go this early, he was one of the good guys who absolutely loved the business. On his return from this trip we were to embark on a history of GTV9 where he started as a fresh faced teen so many years ago. He was sorting through old footage at Nine like a kid in a candy shop in preparation for the task. What a major loss to us all. Comforting thoughts to Sue and family.”

The Logie Awards are also in touch with family to discuss his inclusion in the annual In Memoriam roll-call.

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  1. My first memories of John go back 40 years, as a fresh faced kid he would come to the old HSV 7 camera room scrounging “short ends” of film to shoot on his Bolex. He was so keen you couldn’t refuse him. We might have even “accidently” lent the odd tripod and light metre as well. From these humble beginnings with energy and outrageous talent he built one of Australia’s largest production houses. All the while he remained one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was so generous with his time, advice and equipment. He was an icon of the industry and his passing will be felt for many years. I have lost a “brother”.
    All our thoughts are with Sue, Jack and Kate.
    Hooroo Brolga.

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