Working as a technician, Turrett learned about the equipment while
preparing it for production companies to rent. After two years, he
received a job offer from prominent photographer and commercial DP
Amir Hamid to work as a staff
camera assistant at his produc-
tion company, Focus Films.
There, Turrett had an opportu-
nity to work with a number of
illustrious commercial direc-
tors/DPs including Fred
Peterman, Henry Sandbank,
and Alan Dennis, to name a
few. It proved an excellent
training for the future camera-
man. A year and a half later, he
felt prepared to go out on his
own as a freelance camera
assistant.
To supplement his income, he taught filmmaking courses at the School
of Visual Arts, initially as a substitute and eventually moving into a full
time staff position for a year. Not only was it an opportunity for him to
give back to the industry he was becoming part of, the preparation for
teaching broadened his knowledge and further solidified his burgeoning
passion for filmmaking.
For the next few years he worked on small films and numerous televi-
sion commercials with directors from New York, Los Angeles, and
London, most notably Elbert Budin. Best known for developing lighting
styles and techniques used to photograph food, Budin was a major influ-
ence on many top cinematographers, including Turrett.
Over time, he found work as a director of photography, filming televi-
sion spots for political campaigns, while continuing to serve as an assis-
tant on feature films.
His next major career break was working with famous English cine-
matographer Brian West, first as an assistant, and later promoted to
camera operator, on several films including Jackknife and 84 Charing
Cross Road. West became and remains a mentor.
"Brian and I have been close a lot of my career. Even though he's
retired, I still talk to him. He was a big influence on my career, teaching
me not only about cinematography, but about the business of filmmak-
ing, and about life in general."
What do you like
least about your job?
"I hate the politics, the
political stuff that has
nothing to do with
making movies."
--Daniel Turrett
What do you love most
about your job?
"I love the creative moment--being in the
moment on the set."--Daniel Turrett
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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