The commercial film community lost a true friend and talented director of photography in November, when James O’Dea passed away after a hard-fought two-year struggle with cancer.
Jim O’Dea was a child of Detroit. He knew cars and automotive advertising during an era when car photography focused on a car’s gloss, its luxury, its use, speed and endurance in just about every way a consumer could experience an automobile.
Professionally, he gave poetry to the drive, paid homage to the uphill climb and exalted in the wide and varied terrains of America. Personally, he never forgot that he had come up through the ranks on the crew side, and was ever-appreciative of how hard his crews worked for him.
His father, James Sr., had worked as a gaffer—lighting cars for the then Detroit-based Jam Handy Organization. Beginning his career at age 16 as an apprentice stagehand in Detroit’s IATSE local 38, Jim Jr. learned automotive lighting, problem solving and people management skills from the perspective of a crewmember.
Whenever he was shooting or directing on the set, every member of his crew was made to feel like they were a part of his family, and could contribute to the project. He was able to foster a creative atmosphere where one felt compelled to do his or her best. No matter how tense the situation on set, Jim always found time to deliver a kind word or a thank you to a hard-working grip or electrician.
"He was one of the loveliest, most down-to-earth people in our industry. He moved through life with a gentle smile and plenty of good humor," says Fay Dattner, president of Dattner Dispoto and Associates, Los Angeles, where Jim worked for the past decade. "Jim will be fondly missed by the industry and all at our agency."
There have been many talented DPs, but few have had the compassion and regard that Jim had for the people working with him on the set. Perhaps his greatest legacy was his willingness to help anyone reach for his or her dreams. There have been many in Los Angeles and countless people in Detroit who received advice, encouragement or a helping hand from him. If you wanted to stretch and change the direction of your career, Jim was willing to give you a chance.
"Jim O’Dea was very supportive of my pursuit of a directing career, and within weeks of meeting me, he and his son Sean were offering me their service and camera," says director Dave Jellison, of bicoastal Cohn + Co. "Eventually I took them up on the offer, with Sean shooting my first spec spot, thereby launching my directing career. I feel fortunate to have known Jim, and am a better person and director as a result. He was a rare combination of great talent, compassion and humor and unbridled enthusiasm."
Director/camera operator Michael Rowles says, "He was very influential in my career. I will be forever indebted for his encouragement and support. In 1990, we worked on a project that garnered Jim an International Clio for Best Cinematography. Jim’s great eye and wonderful sense of humor will be missed."
Always inspired by the lighting and scheduling challenges of commercial photography, Jim seemed tireless on the set. With amazing force, he would do anything it took to deliver the best-looking film he could. "He was the most determined and hardest working DP in the business," says Rowles. When you had challenging jobs, too many shots and not enough time, Jim was the perfect partner to go into battle with. His pride in the end product led him to shoot on travel days, prep days—whatever it took to get the edge."
My dad approached life—whether it was work or play—with determination, tenacity and warmth. The lesson to be learned from his life is to work hard and play hard; you can never be sure when your plans may suddenly change. Be as compassionate toward your co-workers as you are to the work itself. We are lucky to work in the commercial industry. It provides visual freedom and a lifestyle few other professions can offer. Make a point of remembering this, and be thankful.
