Brianne Murphy
Encyclopedia
Geraldine Brianne Murphy (April 1, 1933 – August 20, 2003) was a cinematographer and, the first female director of photography
on a major studio film.
and Pembroke College
. In order to become "more American", she worked as a trick rider with a rodeo for a season. In 1954, she "crashed" the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
at Madison Square Garden
on opening night and performed as a clown for the entire evening.
The resulting publicity helped Murphy land a job as a still photographer with the traveling circus and eventually led to her to Hollywood. She soon began working with low-budget filmmakers Jerry Warren and Ralph Brooke, both of whom she married.
In 1980, she was the first female director of photography
on a major studio picture, Fatso. In 1982, Murphy won an Academy Award for Scientific and Engineering Achievement. She was also nominated for four Emmys
for cinematography, winning for outstanding cinematography for the series Highway to Heaven
in 1985.
.
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
on a major studio film.
Biography
Murphy was educated in English and American schools before she set her sights on an acting career and attended the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and Pembroke College
Pembroke College
Pembroke College may refer to:*Pembroke College, Cambridge*Pembroke College, Oxford*Pembroke College , the former women's college...
. In order to become "more American", she worked as a trick rider with a rodeo for a season. In 1954, she "crashed" the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is an American circus company. The company was started when the circus created by James Anthony Bailey and P. T. Barnum was merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907, but ran the circuses...
at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
on opening night and performed as a clown for the entire evening.
The resulting publicity helped Murphy land a job as a still photographer with the traveling circus and eventually led to her to Hollywood. She soon began working with low-budget filmmakers Jerry Warren and Ralph Brooke, both of whom she married.
In 1980, she was the first female director of photography
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
on a major studio picture, Fatso. In 1982, Murphy won an Academy Award for Scientific and Engineering Achievement. She was also nominated for four Emmys
Emmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
for cinematography, winning for outstanding cinematography for the series Highway to Heaven
Highway to Heaven
Highway to Heaven is an American television drama series which ran on NBC from 1984 to 1989.- Season 1 :- Season 2 :- Season 3 :- Season 4 :- Season 5 :...
in 1985.
Death
On August 20, 2003, Brianne Murphy died of lung and brain cancer, aged 70, in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoPuerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican balneario resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas.The 2010 census reported Puerto Vallarta's population as 255,725 making it the sixth-largest city in the state of Jalisco...
.
Daytime Emmy Awards
- Won: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming For: NBC Special TreatAfter school specialThe American Broadcasting Company coined the term after school special in 1972 with a series of made for television movies, usually dealing with controversial or socially relevant issues, that were generally broadcast in the late afternoon and meant to be viewed by school age children, particularly...
(For the episode "Five Finger Discount", 1975)
Emmy Awards
- Nominated: Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special For: There Were Times, Dear (1987)
- Nominated: Outstanding Cinematography for a Series For: Highway to HeavenHighway to HeavenHighway to Heaven is an American television drama series which ran on NBC from 1984 to 1989.- Season 1 :- Season 2 :- Season 3 :- Season 4 :- Season 5 :...
(For the episode "A Match Made in Heaven", 1985) - Nominated: Outstanding Cinematography for a Series For: Breaking Away (For the episode "La Strada", 1980)
Academy Award
- Won: Scientific and Engineering Award Plaque for the concept, design and manufacture of the MISI Camera Insert Car and Process Trailer (Shared with Donald Schisler, 1982)
Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards
- Recipient - Crystal Award for outstanding women who, through their endurance and the excellence of their work, have helped to expand the role of women within the entertainment industry. (1984)
- Recipient - Lucy Award in recognition of her excellence and innovation in her creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television. (1995)