THE FILM GRAND PRIX 1966The film "Grand Prix" was directed by John Frankenheimer and had a cast of international stars. Several UK journalists were asked to play the parts of photographers and writers. I was one of the former. After each Grand Prix the film unit stayed on at the relevant circuit to film supplimentary scenes for up to two weeks. If another Grand Prix clashed we were flown to the venue to cover it. Technically, for its time, the film contained many innovative effects, most of which worked extremely well. It was amazing to watch a director of Frankenheimer's standing and I think we all learnt a great deal about the making of a major film.
Like "Le Mans" four years later, it became a classic.
THE FILM LE MANS 1970After the regular Le Mans 24 hour race where Solar Productions were filming race scenes, several professional motor racing photographers were approached by the veteran French journalist Jabby Crombac to take part in the post race filming. As I was fairly busy on other work, I initially declined the offer, but on returning to the UK from the race I decided this was an opportunity too good to miss. A couple of days later I hightailed it down to Le Mans unannounced and was greeted with open arms by Crombac and Steve McQueen, the star of the film. Apparently all the extras playing pretend photographers were wildly over acting. I stayed on and off the set for about four months. Steve McQueen was a truly charismatic character and very friendly. We all had a great time, apart from regular hosing-down for rain scenes!
Here are some of the images I captured of Steve McQueen acting in the film, which is still shown regularly despite its rather week storyline.
ROGER MOOREThese two shots of Roger Moore, as "The Saint", were taken at the request of my old friend Michael Turner as reference shots for a painting commission of his.
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