Donald William Peterman, (January 3, 1932 – February 5, 2011) was an American cinematographer.
He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the American Society of Cinematographers since 1984.
Early life Peterman was born in Los Angeles.
He graduated from Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California, before serving in the United States Army during the early 1950s. Peterman began shooting documentaries for the U.S. Army during his time in the service.
Career Peterman began his professional career as a clapper loader for Hal Roach Studios at the age of 22 after leaving the U.S. Army. He departed Hal Roach Studios for Cascade Studios, where he worked the optical printer and animation camera. Peterman left Cascade Studios to work on the Lassie television series, but later returned to Cascade Studios to become director of photography for the studio's television commercial productions.
In 1979, Peterman made his film debut as director of photography with the horror film, When a Stranger Calls. The film is described by Peterman as a "down-and-dirty production". He was able to shoot nighttime scenes in six foot-candles of soft light without the aid of high-speed film stock or lenses.
Peterman was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Flashdance, before receiving his second nomination for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
In 1997, Peterman suffered an accident on the set of Mighty Joe Young. He was on a platform suspended 18 feet from the ground when the crane holding the platform snapped, throwing Peterman to the ground. He suffered head injuries, a broken leg and broken ribs. A cameraman working with him was also injured in the accident. Production was delayed for two days, and Peterman was replaced by Oliver Wood for the remainder of principal photography.
Death Peterman died at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, of myelodysplastic syndrome on February 5, 2011, at the age of 79.
Filmography Film Year Title Director Notes 1973 Domo Arigato Arch Oboler 1979 When a Stranger Calls Fred Walton1981 King of the Mountain Noel Nosseck Rich and Famous George Cukor1982 Young Doctors in Love Garry Marshall Kiss Me Goodbye Robert Mulligan 1983 Flashdance Adrian Lyne1984 Splash Ron Howard Best Defense Willard Huyck Mass Appeal Glenn Jordan1985 Cocoon Ron Howard American Flyers John Badham1986 Gung Ho Ron Howard Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Leonard Nimoy 1987 Planes, Trains and AutomobilesJohn Hughes 1988 She's Having a Baby 1989 She's Out of Control Stan Dragoti 1991 Point Break Kathryn Bigelow 1992 Mr. Saturday Night Billy Crystal 1993 Addams Family Values Barry Sonnenfeld 1994 Speechless Ron Underwood 1995 Get ShortyBarry Sonnenfeld 1997 Men in Black 1998 Mighty Joe Young Ron Underwood With Oliver Wood 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ron Howard
Television Year Title Director Note 1974 Kolchak: The Night Stalker Allen Baron Episode "The Ripper"
Documentary Year Title Director Notes 1973 The Far Sound Jerry London Documentary short 1979 UFOs: Past, Present, and Future Ray Rivas With Stan Laza
Accolades Academy Awards Year Category Title Result 1983 Best Cinematography Flashdance 1986 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
American Society of Cinematographers Year Category Title Result 1986 Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
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