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PETER MARK TULLOCH - Cinematographer Peter has always been considered a member of my family, but I'll just focus on that time about 30 years ago when he moved back in with us straight out of Box Hill Hospital, with a leg broken in a footy game. When his leg had mended, and when he'd had enough of the 2 younger children of the household, he decided that these family-style restrictions were not compatible for a young bachelor musician - member of a rock band - and he moved out into what would prove to be a fantastic world for him He continued playing with the band 'The Wrecked Jets' but was persuaded to also get a day job. Peter joined me at Channel O (now Channel 10) as a sound-man/camera assistant. He fitted in well with the other JAFAS, and work and play provided a wonderful social life for these stimulating years. Peter learned how to work with a film camera and how to edit film, and went on to produce clips of his band and its members even before "video clips" appeared. Having learned the discipline of using film stock, transition to tape was a breeze. Peter felt restricted in the type of work available at the time with Channel 10 and he applied for work with SBS, gradually advancing to Chief Cameraman, and later moving to public affairs, a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm and appreciation. He travelled extensively and some of the stories he covered rewarded him with a number of awards, including 'Walkleys' for Cinematograpahy (1988) and for News and Current Affairs (2001); the 'Quills' award from Melbourne Press Club for Best Cinematography (1998); two gold and one Silver awards from Australian Cinematographers Society for camera work - Gold, 1998 for 'Indonesian Riots/Series', Silver, 2000 for 'Brazil - Land War, and Gold, 2002 for 'Shipping News'. Australian Cinematographers Society Biography Peter was also a member of two other bands - 'Piledrivers' and 'The Zimmermen' and in recognition of his contribution to music, Peter was elected in 1987 a full member of the Australasian Performing Right Association. Peter's Musical Credits Peter had complained about "camermen's curse" pain in the back, which was eventually diagnosed as a malignant tumour "the size of a football". The cancer gradually spread throughout his body and following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy over more than two years, Peter McCallum hospital informed him that they were unable to help him any further and he was referred to the palliative care team. He sold his home in Snake Valley (near Ballarat) and moved back in with us. (Written by Peter's step-father Modris Pilens) |