I’m getting to the point in life when reminders are particularly helpful. For me, they’re often notes jotted down in a daily planner. But sometimes they can take an unexpected form—in this case, two industry award show nominations.
One is for Conrad L. Hall, whose cinematography on Road to Perdition earned him his fifth career ASC Award nomination. Hall, 76, passed away on Jan. 4.
Also recently announced as a nominee—this time for the DGA Award in the TV movie category—was director John Frankenheimer for HBO’s Paths of War. Frankenheimer passed away last summer at the age of 72.
Both Frankenheimer and Hall are known first and foremost for their feature accomplishments. Hall lensed such films as American Beauty, Tequila Sunrise, Marathon Man and In Cold Blood. Frankenheimer’s directorial résumé includes The Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate and Ronan.
But both also made their mark in the advertising community. Hall partnered with noted cinematographer Haskell Wexler in the now defunct spot production house Wexler Hall, where both directed assorted commercials.
And Frankenheimer helmed not only select spots, but also the first released BMW of North America Web short in "The Hire" series, which helped put a defining face on advertainment. The short, Ambush, was produced by bicoastal Anonymous Content for Fallon Minneapolis.
The ASC and DGA nominations serve as tributes to and reminders of Hall and Frankenheimer, respectively—underscoring that both were at the top of their craft and remained actively engaged in the business even in their later years.
While award show reminders attest to the longevity and artistry of Hall and Frankenheimer, sometimes we have to take a moment to remind ourselves of other shining lights who are deserving as well, even though they are not as high profile as an Academy Award-winning cinematographer or the director of The Manchurian Candidate. The latest to come to mind is director Bob Wolfe, who died peacefully of pancreatic cancer at his home in Port Washington, N.Y., surrounded by family, on Dec. 8.
Wolfe began his career as a copywriter at J. Walter Thompson, New York. During a U.S. Army tour of duty in France, he became interested in filmmaking and upon returning to New York, he wrote and directed Street Song. The short documentary on New York street musicians went on to win honors at the Venice, Calif., and San Francisco film festivals. Street Song caught the attention of ad agency Benton & Bowles, New York, which hired Wolfe as a producer. He spent five years there, before returning to his true professional love—directing.
His directorial endeavors ran the gamut from documentaries to educational programs to commercials. Among his spot affiliations were his own Illustra Films, New York, and London-based James Garrett & Partners. The scope of his commercial endeavors was international, even before global reach became fashionable. He directed a French-Canadian campaign for Diet Pepsi, helmed work in Europe for Procter & Gamble and assembled such U.S. credits as Christmas spots for the Cabbage Patch dolls. While his work took him all over the globe, his primary home and production headquarters remained in New York.
Wolfe is survived by his wife, Diane (a business manager at Grey Advertising, New York), sons T.R. and Matthew (ages 11 and 13), two daughters from a previous marriage, Juliette (co-publisher of The Alternative Pick) and Brigitte, three grandchildren and his brother, Chester Mayer (exec producer of Harpoon Films, New York). Wolfe was remembered by friends and colleagues for his friendship and optimism.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a special education fund for his sons: The Diane Wolfe Special Fund, c/o Wachovia Securities, 1205 Franklin Ave., Garden City, N.Y. 11530, to the attention of Pat Doyle.
