A Life through the Lens of a Documentary Cinematographer
Colin Clarke takes the reader on an exhilarating journey through a life behind the camera. From living with tree-dwelling cannibals in New Guinea to braving Arctic extremes at the North Pole, he has travelled the world capturing extraordinary stories. He’s visited Easter Island and the Congo, filmed with royals at Buckingham Palace, and documented the homeless in cardboard shelters.
Alongside explorations of history, science, sports, music, and the arts, Colin reflects on geopolitical events he helped document — from conflict in the Middle East to life behind the Iron Curtain.
His career began at seventeen in Swinging Sixties London as a photographer’s assistant, leading to studies at the National Film School and four decades of freelancing. Threaded through the book is his insight into the evolution of factual television and documentary film-making — the art, craft, and ongoing challenges of an ever-changing industry.
ENDORSEMENTS​
‘A gripping account of an intriguing career. At one moment, Colin encounters cave-dwelling crocodiles in Madagascar; next, he is filming on stage with a rock ’n’ roll legend. He also delves deeper with sensitive insights and humour into profound human and geopolitical stories. His perspective on the art of cinematography, along with the nitty-gritty of what is involved behind the camera and his light-hearted storytelling style, make for a very compelling read.’
- Robert Swan OBE. Polar pioneer, author and environmental spokesperson.
‘It was my privilege to work with Colin Clarke in the late 1990s and early 2000s on two television documentary series that took us all over the world. Colin is brilliant at what he does, and in The Cameraman’s Cut, he offers unique insight into the craft, the joys, the ordeals, and the adventurous travels of documentary film-making. Highly recommended.​
​- Graham Hancock, Author, Broadcaster and Archaeological Investigator.
Paperback: £14.99
Troubador Publishing
ISBN:9781836284161