Here is the biography of Karl Freund:
Karl Freund was a renowned director of photography who revolutionized the film industry with his innovative camera techniques. Born on January 16, 1890, in Koeniginhof, Bohemia (now known as Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic),Freund began his career as a movie projectionist at the age of 15 and became a camera operator by 17.
Freund's early career was marked by his work at Germany's famous UFA Studios during the 1920s, where he collaborated with illustrious directors such as F.W. Murnau and Fritz Lang. He worked on several classic silent films, including Murnau's "The Last Laugh" (1924) and Lang's "Metropolis" (1927). Freund's innovative camera work on "The Last Laugh" earned him recognition for his technical genius.
In the 1930s, Freund emigrated to the United States, where he worked for Technicolor Co. and later became a cinematographer and director at Universal Studios. He shot several classic horror films, including "Dracula" (1931) and "Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1932),and directed "The Mummy" (1932). Freund's directorial efforts at Universal were less successful, but he continued to work as a cinematographer and director.
In the 1940s, Freund joined MGM, where he worked on several films, including "Mad Love" (1935),"The Great Ziegfeld" (1936),and "Camille" (1936). He won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on "The Good Earth" (1937) and received multiple nominations for his work on other films.
In the 1950s, Freund became the director of photography at Desilu Productions, where he developed a three-camera system for shooting sitcoms. This innovative technique allowed for faster production times and more efficient use of resources. Freund's work on "I Love Lucy" (1951) set a new standard for television production and ensured the success of Desilu Productions.
Throughout his career, Freund was known for his technical innovation and his ability to adapt to new technologies. He founded the Photo Research Corp. in 1944, a laboratory dedicated to developing new cinematographic techniques and equipment. Freund received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a Class II Technical Award in 1955 for his design of a direct-reading light meter.
Freund continued to work in the film industry until his retirement, and he died on May 3, 1969. His legacy as a cinematographer and director of photography continues to inspire filmmakers today.
