Roger Pratt (LGS 1965)

We are sad to share that Roger died on 31 December, aged 77.

In 1965, the Loughburian records ‘Towards the end of last term the School’s first film ever, “Green and Dying” (a Burton Films presentation), was ready for general release. Although it first ran for three days at LGS’s luxurious “L1 Cinema”, the film was given its first real premiere on Open Day, when parents and friends of the School, attracted by the rather unusual title, flocked to see it.’

After the review and criticism it ends ‘All things considered, the producer, director, cameraman, editor and projectionist – Roger Pratt – has succeeded in making a most entertaining film. I applaud his efforts.’ This was probably Roger’s first film and can be viewed on the digital archive. It gives a fascinating insight into the School 60 years ago.

After a gap year in Mali, he graduated from Durham University in 1969 and headed down south to study at the London Film School. His career commenced with roles such as clapper loader on Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

He then went on to become one of Britain’s greatest cinematographers being Director of Photography for more than 35 films including two of the Harry Potter films and working with Sir Richard Attenborough on four projects, including Shadowlands, which won a BAFTA for best film in 1993. He was nominated for an Oscar in 1999 for his work on The End of the Affair and in 2019 BAFTA held a special tribute to him.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to cinematography he was honoured with the British Society of Cinematographers’ Lifetime Achievement in 2023.

Roger will be sadly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.