Obituary: Cinematographer Peter Sinclair worked with Madonna and McCartney
Peter Sinclair, an esteemed cinematographer who was responsible for shooting music videos for iconic stars such as Madonna and Paul McCartney, has passed away at the age of 77. Sinclair, who compared cinematography to “going to war,” faced numerous challenges in his career. From ending up in the hospital with pleurisy after spending time with a smoke machine in a cave to being bitten by a rottweiler while shooting a music video in Los Angeles, Sinclair’s experiences were anything but ordinary.
One of Sinclair’s most memorable projects was AC/DC’s open-air gig at the 1991 Monsters of Rock festival in Castle Donington, Leicestershire. With Brian Johnson’s energetic performance and elaborate stage props, Sinclair needed to mobilize a team of 16 camera operators equipped with helicopters, cherry pickers, remote-controlled camera cranes, and more to capture the spectacle. Despite meticulous planning, chaos ensued when camera assistants were mobbed and camera positions were abandoned due to the rowdy crowd.
Known for his calm demeanor and level-headedness, Sinclair navigated through challenging scenarios with grace. One of his toughest assignments was filming Pavarotti in the Park, a concert in Hyde Park featuring Luciano Pavarotti. Promised sunlight turned to heavy rain just before the live broadcast, causing chaos with the lighting equipment and unexpected mishaps like a bomb squad investigating a crew area due to a misplaced lunch. However, Sinclair’s quick thinking and problem-solving skills saved the day, ensuring the concert went on without a hitch.
Sinclair’s favorite projects involved shooting music videos for stars like Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, and George Michael during the MTV era of the Eighties. His collaborations with artists like Boy George, Madonna, and Prince produced visually striking and memorable videos. Despite working with larger-than-life personalities, Sinclair remained humble and grounded, earning the respect of his colleagues for his amiable nature and generous spirit.
Raised by a single mother, Sinclair had a knack for making women feel at ease on set, a skill that was crucial for filming music videos that often required delicate handling. His creative vision and technical expertise shone through in videos like Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and Kylie Minogue’s “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” where he captured unique and visually stunning moments that left a lasting impact on audiences.
Sinclair’s journey in the film industry began in a cutting room in London before he pursued formal training at the London School of Film Technique. His childhood, marked by solitude and a love for fishing, shaped his journey towards becoming a celebrated cinematographer. Together with his brother Christopher, who became a renowned photographer, Sinclair forged his path in the world of filmmaking, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and creativity that continues to inspire generations of filmmakers.