Basil Wright, a renowned producer and director, was born in London, England, in the year 1907. He embarked on a remarkable journey in the film industry, joining the pioneering documentary filmmaker John Grierson's Empire Marketing Board as one of its earliest members in 1931. This milestone marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career.
In 1936, Wright collaborated with Harry Watt to direct the highly acclaimed film Night Mail, which garnered widespread recognition. The following year, he co-founded the Realist Film Unit alongside Alberto Cavalcanti. During World War II, he worked at the esteemed Crown Film Unit, producing a series of documentaries, including Humphrey Jennings' A Diary for Timothy, released in 1945.
After the war, Wright continued to make significant contributions to the world of film. In 1960, he relocated to the United States and took up a teaching position at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles),where he shared his expertise with the next generation of filmmakers.
Throughout his career, Wright wrote two influential books on film, "The Use of Film" in 1948 and "The Long View" in 1974. His extensive knowledge and passion for film were evident in these works, which continue to inspire and educate filmmakers to this day.
Sadly, Basil Wright passed away in October 1987, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated and recognized in the world of film. His dedication, creativity, and innovative spirit have had a lasting impact on the industry, and his contributions will never be forgotten.
