What many who knew him will most remember about the late Paul Giraud is his dedication to, and passion for, the art of filmmaking.
Giraud, 47, died in a helicopter crash in June while shooting a Nissan spot, out of TBWA/Chiat/Day, Los Angeles. Also killed in the crash were first assistant cameraman Mikael Glattes, 37; grip Ivan Weber, 28; and Yukon, Alaska-based helicopter pilot Christopher Guichon, 42.
Director/cameraman Giraud, who had been repped by bicoastal HSI Productions for the past 12 years, had traveled to remote locations all over the world in the course of his career, building a reputation as a world-class commercial director.
Upon his death, Giraud left behind his wife, Valerie, and daughter, Adele, who reside in Malibu, Calif. Other survivors include family in his native South Africa: twin brother Pierre, brothers Marc and Jean-Phillipe, and parents Guy and Muriel. He is commemorated with a memorial stone in the Garden of Remembrance at the Johannesburg Catholic Church where his parents are parishioners.
In talking to Giraud’s friends, colleagues and family, what emerges is the picture of an intense man who was a perfectionist, compelled to find and film captivating images. His dedication extended to the post process: He never made a transfer off negative as is typically done, but rather made a print and transferred footage from it. This technique lent a more textured and detailed look to his film, as well as greater contrast between light and dark, and more vivid colors.
"He was fearless," says freelance producer and longtime friend Mark Jaffee. "He was never out to please anybody. He was out to do the best job. He wasn’t Mr. Collaboration, but people wanted the look of his film. He knew what it took and he would go through hell to get there, and bring everybody with him."
