
A thank you from the Foundation to Roberto Schaefer (DP)

To strive for the public benefit, to advance education by carrying out activities including (but not limited to) the:
1. awarding of maintenance allowances, grants and scholarships; and
2. delivery of training and mentorship, to improve awareness and education in relation to topics including (but not limited to) health and safety or any other subject related to the film and television industry, including working in the industry and supporting positive working practices within it.
The Mark Milsome Memorial Cup was back with a bang in May 2021! The match was organised by the team behind the Mark Milsome Foundation Cup (founder Andy Woodcock). With the help of industry sponsors he secured Selhurst Park, the home of his lifelong club Crystal Palace for a date that was close to Mark Milsome’s birthday, 23rd May, and they set about creating an event that honoured Mark in his ability to unite friends from across all departments and productions in the industry. Mark was not a sportsman, he did like to watch odd game of football, but was not an avid fan, however on May 29th, we brought together many colleagues, friends and family for a much needed day out, and an occasion that Mark would have relished.
The teams were from the crews of the new Indiana Jones film and Essex (production working title, Netflix series) Forming a squad from one production brings together players with very different experience levels, and this and allowing mixed sex teams brought a high level of inclusivity and set a friendly tone to the day, on the pitch and off.
The event was a great occasion with a final score of Indiana Jones 6 – Essex 3. All the proceeds made from the event went to the Mark Milsome Foundation.
Thanks to Richard Jones who shared our Lessons Learned letter on the Safety for Sarah Facebook page.
Don’t forget the BBC’s adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love starts on Sunday at 9pm! A big thank you to the Camera, Grips and Sparks on the show for supporting The Mark Milsome Foundation.
From top left to right –
James Brown, Harry Bennett-Snewin, Rob Rabson, Sion Woodman, Scott Smallwood, John Hembrough, Steve Robinson, Lucy Andrews, Josh Montoro, Rebecca Rose, James Scott, Alia Bianco, Paul Brewster, Adam Hardwicke, Jane Jackson, Andy Long, Lewis James, Greg Murray, Kristian Roosmalen
From bottom left to right –
Zac Nicholson BSC, Emily Mortimer
Thank you to the @markmilsomememorialcup who have organised the event and made it possible.
“The Big Clash, it’s going to be huge! You don’t want to miss this battle between some of the industry’s finest filmmakers seeing if their creative and technical abilities translate to the football pitch.⠀
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Expect incredible skills or highly dubious tactics on display or both, or neither, either way come along to finally meet friends and raise a glass to Mark Milsome. All proceeds to the Mark Milsome Foundation. Tickets on sale shortly.”
The event is taking place on May 29th in Selhurst Park. Purchase tickets here.
Following an enforced delay due to Covid 19 we are proud to announce the opening of our first office and permanent base at Pinewood Studios. ⠀
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In the short term the office will be open every Wednesday from 9.30- 3pm (excluding public holidays). ⠀
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Merchandise orders can be collected from the office without postage charge and we have many items of merchandise on display in the office at a 50% in our summer sale including discontinued lines and a few rare and original Black T’s (sizes limited). We also have children’s T shirts at £5 each. The office is cashless so only accepts card payments.
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Purchases collected from the office will receive a free 2021 Prints For Mark calendar while stocks last. Please remember we can supply and design bespoke crew merchandise and bulk orders at reduced prices so keep us in mind for wrap gifts that will also benefit the charity. Please feel free to drop by the office which is in G Block Room 95.⠀
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With huge thanks for the support of The Pinewood Group, in particular, Matthew Hodgkin, Fern Coloa and Kathryn Maidment.
An article in the British Cinematographer highlights the current dangers in the Film and TV industry beyond Covid and features details of the Mark Milsome Foundation H&S Survey.
The article can be found here: https://britishcinematographer.co.uk/health-and-safety-safe-shooting/
Mark’s widow, Andra, joined forces with Mark Purvis of the digital media company, Mission Digital, to create a project called Prints for Mark.
As Andra explains “The idea was first conceived by Mark along with incredible cinematographers Adam Suschitzky and Seamus McGarvey who thought it would be great to auction off a couple of their photographic prints as a fundraiser for the Mark Milsome Foundation at the annual BSC show in Feb ‘19 & later that year at the summer lunch.
The project then snowballed and as a result of the pandemic felt the idea lent itself to producing a calendar entitled Perspective of Tomorrow.
We have a debt of gratitude to all the camera & electrical department technicians who have contributed photographs over the past few months.
We have received so many submissions and it’s been such a tough choice being limited to 12 months. This year we will be launching the inaugural calendar with 13 photo choices, but have some book ideas for next year & a fundraising auction event when the current world situation allows.”
“Our aim is to create a platform to help the next generation develop basic skills to help them build a foundation in the industry. Our objective isn’t to focus on producing more Cinematographers and Directors, but working with a diverse range of people to create entry level jobs that will show true fruition over the next 5 years” says Mark Purvis
We thank you all for your continued support and contributions to build a wonderful legacy in Mark Milsome’s memory. Anyone who knew Mark was always touched by his presence and laughter in their life. His talent and desire to do his best on every job without any sense of self importance, made Mark a very cherished member of the British Film and TV industry.
Mark was passionate about mentoring, as that was how he solidified his talent and passion for all aspects of his life as a cinematographer. We hope that through Prints for Mark we can share that enthusiasm and eclecticism.
Order your Calendar now at www.printsformark.com
Mark Milsome Verdict
The Mark Milsome Foundation is grateful to the coroner for his diligent consideration. The coroner will be writing a pre- Prevention Of Future Deaths Report letter to various industry bodies including PACT, BECTU, BFC, BBC and the British Stunt Register.
Verdict:
Mark Milsome died an accidental death. Shortly before the execution of the stunt, the risk of Mr Milsome being harmed or fatally injured was not effectively recognised, assessed, communicated or managed. ( Mr Chinyere Inyama -Senior Coroner at West London Coroners Court Office 23rd October 2020
Andra Milsome Statement
“Obviously I’m happy that this horrible 3-year ordeal is somewhat over. It’s upsetting to me that Heads of Department seemed unwilling to take responsibility for their parts in Mark’s death during the straightforward stunt that night. They had an obligation to their personnel to make sure there was appropriate equipment there that night. There was a lack of communication from production. Risk assessment guidelines were ignored.
Mark should never ever have been manning a camera in the trajectory of a moving vehicle. With Mark’s extensive experience as a cameraman, I know he would have suggested a remote head; we never received a clear answer as to why this didn’t materialize.
I am delighted that the Coroner is considering a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, as no crew member should ever feel that they can’t air their concerns on set. Yes means yes. No means no. Maybe means no.
As you may be aware, after Mark was killed I set up the Mark Milsome Foundation. One of our main aims is to heighten the awareness of the current Health & Safety conditions within the Film & TV industry. If Mark’s death has to be the guiding light to lead us to safer working practices that would be a meaningful legacy. No one should ever die for the sake of shot.”
Andra Milsome -23rd October 2020