Andy Payne

Photo from James French, no reproduction without permission

Photo from James French, no reproduction without permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andy Payne, shown on the left here, sadly died on Friday 22nd July 2016, of acute myeloid leukemia. Andy was a brilliant cameraman, of both studio and single cameras. He could shoot drama, factual or live multi-camera. I remember that camera operator, and director, Karen Lamb, said to me once that Andy was the best BBC Birmingham cameraman, which in such illustrious company is quite an accolade. He was a quiet and thoughtful man, and a great person to have in your crew. Andy was just 55.

Andy worked on a whole variety of programmes including, Pebble Mill at One, Pebble Mill, Going for a Song, and latterly, Doctors.

On the right of photo is Dave Farline, who died in 2008, also of cancer.

Thanks to James French for the photograph.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Bob Davies: ‘This is such sad news. Almost unbelievable. Two lovely men who were brilliant camera men, both loved their work and always gave of their best. I was lucky enough to have them on my crew on many occasions. Andy was often my camera supervisor – never got flustered, always smiling, good natured, full of positive advice and enthusiasm. He and Dave were a terrific team in the studio, on location and as hand held operators.’

Karen Lamb: ‘Andy had the warmest smile and talent in abundance which he got working with the infamous and slightly scary but sexy crew 3 – camera supervisor Tony Wiggly, John Couzens (just Wow!) Jim Gray & Barry Foster. I don’t think it would have been as kind a fit for me welcoming the first girl cameraman to their crew (which I believe was considered) as Crew 5 the wonderful Keith Salmon, Dave Ballantyne, Norman Steemson & Lovely James French, thank you all for the amazing memories, Pebble Mill was the best.’

Ruth Barretto: ‘I first met Andy in the 80’s when I started working at Pebble Mill. I knew him and his dad. So lovely, true professional. Everyone always sang his praises.’

Graham Sherrington: ‘Andy guided me through my first ever outing as a drama Director on Doctors years ago. He was kind, generous and an incredibly talented DP.’

Jane Green: ‘I was very upset to hear about Andy. I was lucky enough to work with him on PM@1, drama, news. OBs – everything really. A really lovely man, with a super Brummie humour.’

Bryan Sharpe: ‘I remember Andy working on Midlands Today.. great guy and always helpful…. as I started out on my directing career.. sad loss!’

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5 comments on “Andy Payne
  1. Few manage to combine excellence with humility, skill with patience, thoughtfulness with good humour. Whether he was looking at you through the viewfinder of his camera or looking at you across the squash court or cricket pitch Andy was a good man to be working or playing with. Love to his family.

  2. I’m just a viewer, but I saw that Andy Payne had died and that he was the cameraman for Gardners World. I just want to send my condolences and to say how much I have enjoyed his work. I watch Gardeners World each week and I often think how beautiful the shots are of the plants and sometimes the animals and I have wondered about the person shooting the film. So very many thanks to Andy Payne for many hours of pleasure viewing his work.

    A viewer

  3. Very shocked to hear of Andy’s death. He was a great guy so easy to get on with and a great cameraman.I had the pleasure of his company a few times when Directing a number of corporate productions, the very last time we worked together being in 2012.A great loss to the industry and to so many of his colleagues. With sincere condolences to all his family.

  4. Andy and his sister Isabel ( boy was she pretty when she was young) Andy also played the guitar very well from memory and his best friend Steve Midhurst Road they all lived on Lindsworth estate Kings Norton. I knew him through another friend, he went to KNBS School I lived just round the corner from them. Sorry to hear he is dead.

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