David C Liddell
Director Of Photography
about me
The aim is to make you forget you're watching a film. To immerse you, through the images, into another persons life and feelings, another world entirely.
I am an impassioned Director Of Photography with 10 years of professional experience across a range of projects, having gained my MA in Cinematography via the National Film and Television School under the tutelage of Brian Tufano and Sean Bobbitt.
My collaboration with celebrated artist Henry Coombes began in 2010 on installations and experimental short films, exhibited globally. SEAT IN SHADOW was our first dramatic feature, premiering at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2017 and nominated for the Michael Powell award for Best British Feature Film.
My second feature film was UNDERCLIFFE, directed by Lisa Mulcahy, and produced by Emilie Jouffroy and Alexandra Breede for Open Palm Films, shot and completed in 2017.
My third feature film was MAKE ME UP in 2018 for visual artist Rachel Maclean commissioned by BBC Scotland. Our previous work together has been in competition at the Venice Biennale 2017 (Spite Your Face) installed at Tate Britain (It’s What’s Inside That Counts) and on tour for the British art show (Feed Me.)
In 2013, RANKIN approached me to shoot two short works starring Toby Jones for Sky Arts. These were screened with panel pieces where Rankin interviewed me along with other emerging filmmakers.
I continue an established, fruitful relationship with artist/filmmaker Ruth Paxton, honing my storytelling abilities as editor on our last four collaborations. Our film, PARIS/SEXY won UKFC Best British Short at London Short Film Festival in 2011. Subsequently I was selected for the BBC Stepping Up programme, with mentoring from DoP Neville Kidd.
Amongst many commercial ventures, I’ve worked with BAFTA award-winning director James W. Griffiths on a project for Google Earth Outreach and Indy8, which took us to the Tanzania jungle to film chimpanzees in their habitat. Plus another award-winning multimedia work for Google, creating an interactive social night-view in Marseille.
I’ve grown considerably from collaborations with thoughtful, dynamic directors. The confidence gained, shaping my approach as an instinctive and individual DoP. I take pride in offering innovative ways to visually dramatize scripts and coax simple, elegant results, that compliment and heighten the director’s vision.
I’m dedicated to storytelling, and working with the image to make meaningful work.