Roger Pratt, the celebrated British cinematographer known for his work on films like Brazil, The Fisher King, and Tim Burton’s Batman, has passed away at the age of 77.
The news was shared by the British Society of Cinematographers, who wrote, “It is with deepest sadness that we learn of the passing of Roger Pratt BSC (1947-2024).” The cause of death and the exact time of his passing have not been disclosed.
Pratt, a frequent collaborator of director Terry Gilliam, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1999 for his cinematography on The End of the Affair. He also worked on several other iconic Gilliam films, including 12 Monkeys and Brazil. Pratt was known for his visionary work, which earned him critical acclaim throughout his career.
In addition to his collaborations with Gilliam, Pratt also worked with director Richard Attenborough on Shadowlands, which won the BAFTA for Best British Film. He was involved in the Harry Potter franchise, working as the cinematographer for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Born in 1947 in Leicester, England, Pratt attended the London Film School in the 1960s. He started his career working as a clapper loader at Chippenham Films, where he met Terry Gilliam. The two formed a lasting creative partnership, with one memorable early encounter involving Pratt running to grab the right lens during a difficult shoot, an act that left a lasting impression on Gilliam.
In 2023, Pratt was honored with the British Society of Cinematographers’ Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of cinematography.