click on the images above for a larger picture and for the name of the show.

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Martin Kempton - CV

I joined the BBC as a cameraman, working mostly on dramas and comedies.  After a few years I decided to transfer to the lighting department.  Following a short spell as a vision operator (racks) and then some time as a lighting vision supervisor (console operator) I was promoted to lighting director in 1990.

From the early nineties I built my LD experience on a wide range of shows including EastEnders and Top of the Pops.  Since then I have tried to work on as many different kinds of production as possible - including dramas, comedies and entertainment shows whenever the opportunity arises.  I find the experience gained in one genre can be surprisingly useful when working in another.

Over the years I have spent many months on location for single-camera dramas and sitcom inserts. These have included big exterior night shoots and all kinds of interiors, large and small.

Comedy is a particular favourite of mine.  I have lit more than twenty-five sitcoms and several sketch shows to date.  My aim is to give the impression to the viewer that the production has been shot on location rather than in a multi-camera studio.  The methods I employ are more closely related to film techniques than traditional television ones.  Hopefully this translates to a more cinematic look on screen.  I have been lucky enough to receive three RTS nominations for my work lighting various sitcoms.

As a contrast to comedy and drama, I enjoy lighting music and entertainment shows.  I lit more than fifty Top of the Pops and in 2005 and 2006 was LD on a few editions of Hit me Baby One More Time and The X-Factor.  By contrast, a year or two ago I worked on a more traditional music special starring Aled Jones for which I received a Bafta Cymru Award.  Gameshows, panel games and chat shows form a significant part of my schedule too.  I was very surprised (and of course quite pleased) to receive a nomination for one of the first 'Knight of Illumination' awards in 2008 for lighting Al Murray's Happy Hour.

I regularly use automated lights such as Vari-lites and Macs on entertainment programmes of all kinds and I do my best to keep up to date with the ever increasing range of lighting fixtures currently available.  These include the many new LED lamps and digital media servers such as Catalyst and Hippotiser.

 

I left the BBC and became freelance in the summer of 2002.  Since then I have continued to work at Television Centre but have also lit many programmes at a number of other studios including Teddington, The London Studios, Fountain, Riverside, BBC Elstree, Elstree Film studios, Capital, BBC Cardiff, Studio 1 Cardiff, 3sixtymedia Manchester, Ealing, Shepperton and Pinewood.  I have also gained some OB experience lighting televised shows in theatres and other locations.

Companies I have worked for include 12 Yard, Avalon, Baby Cow, BBC Entertainment, Big Bear Films, Brown Eyed Boy, Carlton, DLT Entertainment, Fox TV Studios, Granada Entertainment, Hartswood Films, Hat Trick, ITV Productions, Objective, Olga, Pozzitive, Phil McIntyre Television, Presentable, Shazam, Syco, TalkbackTHAMES, Tiger Aspect, Unique and Zeppotron.


     further information...

  • I have been lucky enough to be nominated for three RTS Craft and Design Awards and in 2006 I won a Bafta Cymru Award.  The Bafta was for an Aled Jones Christmas special.  (I was especially pleased to win this award as English Bafta do not have a 'best lighting director' category.)  The most recent RTS nomination was in 2004 for lighting the final series of Coupling and in 2003 I received a nomination for lighting I'm Alan PartridgeIn 1996 I was given an RTS nomination for my work on the Christmas edition of One Foot in the Grave - the only studio programme to receive a lighting nomination that year.  In 2008 I received a nomination for a new lighting award - the 'Knight of Illumination'.  (Don't blame me - I didn't make the name up.)  It was for Al Murray's Happy Hour and was in the Television Light Entertainment category.  Since the nomination and judging was by lighting professionals I was particularly pleased to receive this accolade from my peers.

  • I particularly enjoy working in High Definition.  I have currently lit five comedy series and several pilots and one-offs in multi-camera HD at Teddington, TV Centre, Pinewood and TLS.  I am now very much aware of the perils and pitfalls!

  • In the early nineties I was on the board of  film DoPs and television Lighting Directors who were responsible for creating the Skillset NVQ lighting standards for the British film and TV industries.  This gave me an invaluable insight into the experience and methods of some of the UK's top cinematographers, gaffers and LDs.

  • In September 2002 I attended the BBC's 'safe working with cameras and lights on productions' course.  I am thus the proud owner of a 'BBC Production Skills Passport.'  This is now compulsory for all freelancers working on BBC drama, entertainment and childrens programmes.  I have attended several other courses over the years including the BBC's interactive safety course, a 'rigging and trussing' course, a 'scaffolding appreciation course' (no, really) and courses on risk assessment.

  • I live west of London - a few miles outside the M25 - which may help if your company is trying to put together a crew that is not London based, for funding or 'quota' purposes.

  • I own a number of  Chimeras, Dedolights, Encapsulites, gobos, reflectors and other gear that I have bought over the past few years.  Much of this equipment is difficult, relatively expensive or impossible to hire but I am happy to provide it to the production at a nominal charge.

  • My other great interest is the theatre.  Whilst in my teens I spent a season with the National Youth Theatre.  As a student I studied drama for four years at King Alfred's, Winchester.  Despite spending most of my time in the college theatre, I somehow managed to leave with a degree.  For the past few years I have had little time for non-tv work but over a long period I must have lit over 100 plays, musicals and other events.


examples of television work in recent years...

comedy:

programme and transmission date

directors / producers

year recorded

In My Country (BBC Entertainment for BBC1 at TVC) - transmittable Simon Nye sitcom pilot with Omid Djalili, recorded in HD.  Series probably to be recorded in the spring of 2009

Tony Dow / Jane Berthoud, Kenton Allen

2008

Touch Me - I'm Karen Taylor (Avalon for BBC3 at Teddington) sketch show series 2 - TX summer 2008

Ben Kellett / Richard Grocock

2008

Not Going Out (Avalon for BBC1 at Teddington) award-winning Lee Mack sitcom series 1 and 2 and Christmas special recorded in HD - TX Oct/Nov 2006, Sep/Oct 2007

Nick Wood, Alex Hardcastle / Alex Hardcastle, Charlie Hanson, Richard Allen-Turner

2006, 2007

Grownups (BBC Entertainment for BBC3 at TVC) - series 2 TX summer 2007.  Sadly not available for series 3

Ben Kellett / Stephen McCrum

2007

To The Manor Born (BBC Entertainment for BBC1 at Pinewood) Christmas Special in HD - TX December 2007

Gareth Gwenlan / Justin Davies, Gareth Gwenlan, Jon Plowman

2007

The Green Green Grass (Shazam for BBC1 at Teddington and Pinewood) three series and Christmas specials recorded in HD - TX Sep/Oct/Dec 2005, Sep/Oct/Dec 2006, Oct/Nov/Dec 2007

Dewi Humphries, Tony Dow / Julian Meers, Henry Klejdys, Gareth Gwenlan

2005, 2006, 2007

Little Britain (BBC Entertainment for BBC1 at TVC) two Christmas specials - TX December 2006

Geoff Posner

2006

The Catherine Tate Christmas Show (Tiger Aspect for BBC1 at TVC) TX December 2005

Christine Gernon / Geoffrey Perkins

2005

Carrie and Barry (Hartswood Films for BBC1 at Teddington) series 1 & 2 - TX Sep/Oct 2004, autumn 2005

Martin Dennis / Sue Vertue

2004, 2005

As Time Goes By (DLT Entertainment/Theatre of Comedy for BBC1 at Teddington and on location) two 45 min specials - TX Christmas 2005

Sydney Lotterby / John Bartlett, Don Taffner Jnr

2005

The Vicar of Dibley (Tiger Aspect for BBC1 at Shepperton) two specials - TX Christmas Day 2004/new year's day 2005

Martin Dennis / Richard Curtis

2004

Coupling (Hartswood Films for BBC2 at Teddington) series 4 - TX summer 2004  RTS Craft and Design Award nomination for multicamera lighting, 2004

Martin Dennis / Sue Vertue

2004

French and Saunders Actually (BBC Entertainment for BBC1 at TVC) TX Christmas 2003

Nick Wood / Jo Sargent, Jon Plowman

2003

Hardware (Thames for ITV1 at Teddington) series 1 & 2 - TX March/April 2003, Spring 2004

Ben Kellett / Margot Gavan Duffy

2003

2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps musical special (BBC Entertainment for BBC3 at Ealing Studios) - TX Christmas 2003

Gareth Carrivick / Stephen McCrum

2003

I'm Alan Partridge (Talkback for BBC2 at TVC) series 2 - TX Nov/Dec 2002  RTS Craft and Design Award nomination for multicamera lighting, 2003.

Tristram Shapeero / Armando Iannucci

2002

Only Fools and Horses (BBC at TVC) the final three specials - TX Christmas day 2001, 2002 and 2003

Tony Dow / Gareth Gwenlan

2001, 2002

French and Saunders' Celebrity Christmas Puddings (BBC at TVC) TX Christmas Day 2002

Tristram Shapeero / Jon Rolph, Jon Plowman

2002

Victoria Wood's Sketch Show Story (BBC at TVC) TX Spring 2001

John Birkin / Danny Dignan

2001

Mirrorball (BBC at TVC) 'Ab-Fab' spin-off special - TX Christmas 2000

Adrian Edmonson / Jon Plowman

2000

Hippies (Talkback/BBC at TVC) sitcom series by Linehan and Mathews with Simon Pegg & Sally Phillips - TX Spring 2000

Martin Dennis / Geoffrey Perkins

1999

One Foot in the Grave (BBC at TVC) Christmas day specials, 1995 & 1996.  RTS Craft and Design Award nomination for lighting, 1996

Susan Belbin

1995, 1996

entertainment:

programme and transmission date

directors / producers

year recorded

Al Murray's Happy Hour (Avalon for ITV1 at The London Studios) series 1 & 2; TX Jan - March 2007, Jan - April 2008 'Knight of Illumination Award' nomination for television light entertainment lighting 2008.

Peter Orton / Robyn O'Brien, Nick Symons, Richard Allen-Turner

2007, 2008

I Own Britain's Best Home - final (Talkback-Thames for Five on location) TX May 2008

Stephen Taylor-Woodrow / John Comerford, Alex Menzies

2008

Harry Hill's TV Burp (Avalon for ITV1 at Teddington) multi award-winning series 1-8 - TX Nov/Dec 2002, Nov/Dec 2003, Feb/March 2004, Oct/Nov 2004, Jan-March 2006, Christmas special 2006, Jan-April 2007, Christmas special 2007, Jan-April 2008

Peter Orton / Spencer Millman, Nick Symons, Richard Allen-Turner

2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008

Who Dares Wins (12 Yard for BBC1 at TVC) series 1 and 2 of Saturday night gameshow - TX Nov-Dec 2007, Sep-Oct 2008

Geri Dowd / Andrew Musson, David Young

2007, 2008

In It To Win It (12 Yard for BBC1 at TVC) gameshow series 1-8 - 2002 original design, 2003 series, 2004, 2005 & 2006 original design and some recordings, 2007 series.  TX spring/summer 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, winter 2006, autumn 2007, Jan 2008.

Geri Dowd, Nigel Saunders / Kate Middleditch, Andrew Musson, David Young

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Eggheads (12 Yard for BBC1/BBC2  at TVC and Elstree film studios) panel game series 1-9 - TX autumn 2003, autumn 2004, spring 2005, autumn 2005, spring 2006, autumn 2006, spring 2007, autumn 2007, spring 2008

Suzanne Pearse / Eileen Herlihy, Rob Dean, Andy Culpin, David Young

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Another Audience With Al Murray (ITV Productions for ITV1 at The London Studios) TX October 2007

Peter Orton / Robyn O'Brien, Rachel Ashdown

2007

The Omid Djalili Show (BBC Entertainment for BBC1 at TVC) sketch and standup series - TX Nov-Dec 2007

Michael Cumming / Alex Walsh-Taylor, Kenton Allen

2007

The Ornate Johnsons' Edwardian Spectacular (BBC Entertainment for BBC4) sketch show OB in Wilton's Music Hall - TX May 2007

Gareth Carrivick / Pete Thornton, Michelle Farr

2007

Edinburgh and Beyond (Avalon for Paramount Comedy on location in Bloomsbury Theatre) Single show, then three six-part series with Al Murray and various stand-up comedians - TX Feb 2005, autumn 2005, summer 2006, autumn 2007

Dominic Brigstocke, Peter Orton / Carla McGilchrist, Nick Symons, Richard Allen-Turner

2005, 2006, 2007

I Blame the Spice Girls (Zeppotron/Endemol for Five at TVC) comedy quiz show with Liza Tarbuck, Frankie Boyle and Johnny Vegas - TX March 2007

Geri Dowd / Rachel Ablett, Sam Pinnell

2007

TV Heaven, Telly Hell (Objective for C4 at The London Studios) Two series of comedy chatshow with Sean Lock - TX March/April 2006, July/August 2007

Lissa Evans / David Taylor, Richard Wilson, Jim Pullin

2005, 2006

It Started With Swap Shop (Unique for BBC1 at TV Centre) 2 hour special with Noel Edmonds and guests

Richard Valentine / Fiona Clark, Mike Brosnan, David Sankey

2006

Little Britain Night (BBC Entertainment for BBC3 at Studio 1, Cardiff) Chatshow with Rob Bryden and cast of Little Britain - TX Christmas 2005

Geoff Posner

2005

Aled Jones Christmas Special (Presentable for S4C at Studio 1, Cardiff) music special with Aled Jones and guests - TX Christmas 2005.  Bafta Cymru Award for 'best lighting director' 2005

Sian G Williams / Chris Stuart

2005

An Audience With Al Murray (Granada for ITV1 at The London Studios) TX March 2005

Peter Orton / Nick Symons, Mark Wells

2005

The Great British Spelling Test (Granada for ITV1 at The London Studios) live interactive quiz - TX October 2004

Sue McMahon / Sean Miller, Nicholas Steinberg

2004

An Audience With Harry Hill (Granada for ITV1 at The London Studios) TX Oct 2004

Peter Orton / Nick Symons, Mark Wells

2004

Distraction (Talkback for C4 at TVC) Jimmy Carr comedy gameshow series 1 & 2 - TX autumn 2003, spring 2004

Pati Marr, Barbara Wiltshire / Simon London, Ruth Wrigley

2003, 2004

The Great British Driving Test (Carlton for ITV1 at The London Studios) live interactive quiz - TX Jan 2004

Sue McMahon / Iestin Williams, Mark Wells

2004

Shooting Stars (BBC at TVC) series 3 & 4 - TX Summer/Autumn 2001, Winter  2002/3

Richard Valentine / Lisa Clark

2001, 2002

Top of the Pops (BBC at Elstree and TVC) more than 50 editions

Chris Cowey, Ric Blaxill / several directors

1990 - 2002

Live and Kicking (BBC at TVC) 3 months each year of the best Saturday morning show ever!

various directors / Angela Sharp, Chris Bellinger

1996 - 2000

DVDs:

DVD (all recorded as live shows in theatres)

director

year recorded

Al Murray - Live at The Palladium (Avalon)

Peter Orton

2007

Russell Howard Live (Avalon)

Peter Orton

2007

Lee Mack - Live (Avalon)

Paul Wheeler

2006

Harry Hill in 'Hooves' (Avalon)

Peter Orton

2005

drama:

programme

directors / producers

year recorded

EastEnders (BBC at Elstree and on location) many blocks of several months each year during early and mid-nineties.   Then a few blocks each year up to 1999.  Several specials including two Christmases

more than 20 directors / several producers including Diana Kyle, Leonard Lewis, Jane Fallon, Corinne Hollingworth

1991 - 1999

Grange Hill (BBC at Elstree and on location) DoP for single camera - studio and location - 2 blocks

Geoff Feld, Paul Annett / Diana Kyle

1998

Accused (BBC on location) DoP for 8 part location drama

Indra Bhose, Rob Evans, Jo Johnson, Gwennan Sage / Diana Kyle

1996

The Boot Street Band (BBC at TVC) 2 series of children's comedy drama written by Andrew Davies.  Yes, that Andrew Davies

John Smith / Angela Beeching

1993, 1994

 

for a full list of all work in the past five years click here

For a formal CV that will print on a single A4 sheet click here

This page is formatted to print on A4 paper.  Simply right-click anywhere and select 'print'

contact:

phone - 01628 674980

fax - 01628 4174980

mobile - 07721 550285

email - mkempton@btinternet.com

 

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please note:

The images shown on this website are taken from television programmes for which I was lighting director. It has not been possible to obtain formal permission for the use of all of the images on this website. I apologise sincerely if this causes any problem. If you were involved with one of these productions and wish a picture to be removed, please contact me and I will be happy to oblige.