Paul M. Pollard, a veteran camera operator with credits including Bound for Glory, Heaven's Gate, Northern Exposure, and The Larry Sanders Show, has died at the age of 84. Pollard passed away on August 1 of heart issues at Southern California Hospital (formerly Brotman Medical Center) in Culver City, his daughter, Georgia Pollard, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A Legacy of Lenses: Paul M. Pollard's Camera Work
Paul M. Pollard was born on April 11, 1942, in Los Angeles. His father, A. Paul Pollard, was a special effects man at 20th Century Fox, and his mother, Irene, was a homemaker. Pollard's early life was marked by his involvement in the film industry, with his family connections providing him with a unique opportunity to learn the trade.
Pollard's career spanned over four decades, with credits in numerous films and television shows. He worked as a camera operator on notable projects such as Bound for Glory (1976), which featured a pioneering 2-minute, 15-second Steadicam shot, and Heaven's Gate (1980), a famously over-budget frontier epic. Pollard's work on these projects showcased his technical expertise and attention to detail.
A Family Ties to Hollywood
Pollard's family ties to the film industry played a significant role in shaping his career. His father, A. Paul Pollard, was a special effects man at 20th Century Fox, and his son, Justin, followed in his footsteps, working in the film industry. Pollard's sister, JoAnn, also had connections to the industry, and his nephews, Greg, Chris, and Jeff, worked in various capacities.
Pollard's own family life was marked by multiple marriages and a diverse range of relationships. He was married and divorced four times, with two of his wives being script supervisor Kathleen Newport and first camera assistant Tama Takahashi.
A Life of Adventure and Risk
Pollard's career was not without its risks. He was once involved in a helicopter crash while filming in France, an incident that his daughter, Georgia, noted. This near-death experience likely added to the sense of adventure and risk that defined Pollard's life and work.
Pollard's legacy as a camera operator will be remembered for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his contributions to some of the most iconic films and television shows of the past few decades. As the film industry continues to evolve, Pollard's work will serve as an inspiration to future generations of camera operators and filmmakers.
Pollard is survived by his son, Justin; grandchildren Aurelia and Juliet; sister JoAnn; and nephews Greg, Chris, and Jeff. His passing marks the end of an era in the film industry, but his contributions to the art form will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
Source: Hollywood Reporter