UK cameraman dies filming BBC / Netflix drama

A British cameraman has died in Ghana while shooting a stunt sequence for an upcoming BBC / Netflix drama, The Forgiving Earth.

Mark Milsome, 54, whose credits include Saving Private Ryan and Sherlock, was reportedly taking part in a night shoot for a car stunt scene.

The BBC said “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news. Mark Milsome was hugely talented and a much respected colleague. Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT) said: “The GBCT board and its membership are absolutely devastated by this tragic news. Mark Milsome was not only an incredibly talented camera operator, he was also one of the kindest and sweetest of human beings. Thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family at this awful time.”

His agent said he would be “greatly missed” and that an investigation was under way.

“We all need answers to this dreadful tragedy,” said Sarah Prince of PrinceStone.

Milsome started out in the 1990s as a clapper loader, working his way up the camera department to focus puller, camera operator and director of photography. His credits include Game of Thrones, The Theory of Everything and Bond film Quantum of Solace.

His agent said he was “an incredibly talented cameraman… a gentle gentleman [and a] genuinely loved member of the film industry family”.

Formerly known as Black Earth Rising, The Forgiving Earth is written by Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman) and explores the prosecution of international war crimes.

Blick and producers Drama Republic said: “It is with huge sadness that we confirm the death of Mark Milsome, a camera operator who was working with us on the BBC / Netflix production The Forgiving Earth. We are all completely devastated. Mark was such a wonderful, kind and generous person. All our thoughts and condolences are with Mark’s family and his close friends at this tragic time. Giving them our support and focus is our number one priority.”

Source: BBC News