Summary
David Alexander Riddett BSC (born 25 November 1954)[1] is a prominent English cinematographer mostly known for his work at Aardman Animations.
Dave Alex Riddett | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 November 1954 Great Bowden, Leicestershire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Cinematographer |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Children | 2 |
Early life and education edit
Riddett was born in Harborough, England.[2] He was brought up in village of Great Bowden.[2] His father, Alec Riddett, was a photographer and artistic manager at Harborough Theatre, hence was Riddett's love for art and cinema.[2] Riddett studied Art in Loughborough College, Communication Design (Film) at Leeds College of Art (Bachelor's Degree) and received Certificate in Radio, Film and Television at University of Bristol.
Career edit
After finishing University of Bristol Riddett directed some student projects there. Then, in 1983 he and Dave Borthwick opened studio bolexbrothers, producing short films, music promos and TV title sequences. In 1985, still being employed by bolexbrothers, Riddett's talent was noted by Aardman Animations and he joined them as freelance member. Here he notably worked, as Cinematographer, with Nick Park on his acclaimed Creature Comforts short and legendary Wallace & Gromit series, The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave. Notably, Riddett quit bolexbrothers after 6 years of working here during production of Creature Comforts. During his early years at Aardman Dave also supplied his camera skills for "Sledgehammer" music video.[3]
In 2000, Riddett was Senior Director of photography on much-acclaimed Chicken Run, Aardman's first feature production then, and was nominated on BAFTA Awards for his work in special visual effects.[4] In 2005 and 2008 Riddett was Director of Photography for Wallace & Gromit's first feature film and for the short Wallace and Gromit in A Matter of Loaf & Death respectively. DoP on Wallace and Gromit World of Inventions and Wallace and Gromit at the Proms. In 2015 he was Director of Photography on Shaun the Sheep the Movie. Recent Films include Nick Parks feature 'Early Man' (2018) and Academy Nominated Robin Robin ( 2021 ) . Dave Alex was made a full member of the British Society of Cinematographers in 2020.
Personal edit
Riddett and his wife are living in Bristol, city of Aardman's HQ. They have 2 children, a daughter, Charly and a son, Max.
References edit
- ^ Dave Alex Riddett's page at Freebase
- ^ a b c Talk on Wallace & Gromit Archived 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine by Harborough Mail, 7 March 2011.
- ^ Full credits of "Sledgehammer" at Turner Classic Movies Database.
- ^ BAFTA Film Nominations 2000.