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Mark Milsome Foundation

This foundation was inspired by the achievements, character and unique nature of our respected friend and colleague, Mark Milsome

News, Press, Media

Foundation expands objectives

The Foundation is pleased to announce that a proposal to expand it’s objectives has been agreed by the Charity Commission. At set up, it was impossible to anticipate how we could fully support the film and TV industry but three years on we are confident enough to make our objectives wider and more inclusive. The revised objectives of the Mark Milsome Foundation are:






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.




Mark Milsome Memorial Cup


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. 


ROBERT VIGLASKY PHOTOGRAPHY


ROBERT VIGLASKY PHOTOGRAPHY


The Pursuit of Love


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


⁣The Mark Milsome Memorial Cup is back!


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.




Production Safety Passport Granted


The Health and Safety Online Course being developed by our chairman has been awarded a Production Safety Passport from Skillset giving it the authority to progress to production. The course has been developed over the last year with technical support from Jake Edmonds and Media Safety Ltd. Kirk is currently preparing for production and speaking with potential partners.






The ⁣Foundation Pinewood Office is officially open!


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.




MMF Receive BSC Special Achievement Award


Last Friday evening (9th April) Chairman of the Foundation, Kirk Jones accepted a Special Achievement Award on behalf of the Foundation from the British Society of Cinematographers.




The award has only been given by the BSC four times in the last fourteen years and serves to acknowledge the memory of Mark and the Foundation’s work in supporting and encouraging young people to thrive in the industry. Watch the citation and presentation of the award below.






4 Lessons Learned from Mark Milsome’s death






In April 2021 The Foundation circulated the following open letter to the Film and Television Industry relating to what they believe relates to 4 Lessons Learned from Mark Milsome’s death.






 


 


The Prints for Mark Inaugural Calendar


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 Inquest Verdict & Andra Milsome  Statement














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






Rory Kinnear Announced As MMF’s Patron








 


The Mark Milsome Foundation is delighted to announce Rory Kinnear as the Patron of the Mark Milsome Foundation.










Rory is an award-winning actor, writer and director (Skyfall, Spectre, No Time To Die, Years and Years, The Imitation Game).


The Foundation was set up in the wake of the tragic death of cameraman, MarkMilsome, to support young talent and shine a light on health and safety in the Film and TV industry.










“I’m very honoured to have been asked to be Patron of the Mark Milsome Foundation”.










Mark was killed nearly three years ago whilst shooting a car stunt on the set of the BBC/Netflix/Drama Republic TV drama Black Earth Rising. The production was directed by Hugo Blick and starred Michaela Coel and John Goodman.










Rory’s father, the legendary actor Roy Kinnear, was killed while filming The Return of the Musketeers in Spain in 1988.










“Thirty years after my own father’s needless death on a film set, Mark’ all too painfully reinforced how slow the industry I love has been to prioritise the safety of its workforce”.










Rory recently participated in a panel with the MMF at the Edinburgh TV Festival to debate Health and Safety.












“By fighting for access, for awareness and empowering film and television professionals to say ‘No’ when they feel unsafe, we hope we might protect future generations from the life-defining tragedies we have had to endure, as well as making production sets a more inclusive, responsible, diverse, rewarding and ultimately more creative place to bring stories to life”.












Mark had been a greatly admired and much-loved figure in the industry, a talented camera operator and director of photography whose credits included Quantum of Solace, Game of Thrones, The Theory of Everything, Bang and Downton Abbey.










“After a nearly three years long wait, Mark’s wife and daughter, his family and our Industry are very keen to hear the Coroner’s verdict”.










The Inquest has been scheduled from Tuesday October 20th at the West London Coroner’s Court. It will be open to the press and public, subject to current Covid-19 restrictions.










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