David Burr
Biography
David is an acclaimed Australian cinematographer whose career spans decades of work in film, television, and commercials. Renowned for his technical skill and artistic vision, he is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Australian cinematography.
Early Career
David began his career at Cinesound Productions in Sydney, Australia, working as an assistant cameraman under Ross Blake and Kevin Roche. Initially, he focused on news stories but also gained valuable experience assisting on TV commercials and documentaries with esteemed cinematographers such as Ron Horner ACS, George Lowe ACS, Bob Wright ACS, Keith Loone ACS, and Alan Grice ACS.
After three years at Cinesound, he was invited by John R. McLean, ACS, to join Segway Productions, a newly formed boutique production company, as an assistant cameraman.
Transition to Feature Films
David’s entry into feature films came when McLean was offered the role of camera operator on the British feature Sunstruck (1972), with British DoP Brian West. David accompanied him as clapper/loader, gaining firsthand exposure to feature film production—a turning point that convinced him to pursue a career in cinema. Recognizing his dedication, McLean soon appointed David as Focus Puller for the Peter Weir film The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) and later for the Yorkshire Television series Luke’s Kingdom (1976).
Freelance Career and Rise
After going freelance, David quickly built a reputation for excellence. He became highly sought after as a focus puller and later as a camera operator on numerous feature films. His reputation for precision, creativity, and reliability opened doors to larger projects both in Australia and internationally.
Director of Photography
In 1987, David achieved a major career milestone when he was offered his first role as Director of Photography on the film Those Dear Departed (1987), directed by Ted Robinson. This defining moment launched a prolific career as DoP, leading to work on many feature films across Australia and overseas.
Awards and Recognition
David is an accredited member of the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and a winner of the prestigious Milli Award. He was named Cinematographer of the Year in 1997 for his outstanding work on the Paramount film The Phantom (1996), directed by Simon Wincer. In 2010, in recognition of his dedicated service to society and contributions to cinematography, David was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame.
