Robert Dickinson
Lighting Director
About This Interview
Robert Dickinson was interviewed for two hours in Los Angeles, CA. Dickinson describes his first impressions of television production, when, at Marineland in Palos Verdes, CA, he saw the filming of a Beverly Hillbillies episode. He speaks about working at a film rental company and getting a break when gaffer Doug Pantak got him into the union, and into the world of lighting design. He acknowledges his first job— a nine-month stint at Universal Studios as an electrician (lamp operator) on Banacek, and talks of being in demand by DPs and gaffers who requested him. Dickinson comments on the musical-variety specials he worked on, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, and his lighting design work for the series Solid Gold. He discusses becoming the go-to guy for Marty Pasetta’s various productions through the 1980s, starting with the 5 5th Annual Academy Awards, and working with Don Mischer on the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Karen Herman conducted the interview on December 15, 2008.
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Highlights
Robert Dickinson on how winning an Emmy changed his career
Clip begins at: 47:05, Duration: 00m 52s
Robert Dickinson on the difficulties of filming Frank Sinatra
Clip begins at: 07:58, Duration: 02m 08s- Robert Dickinson on the thrill of a live show
Clip begins at: 02:41, Duration: 00m 28s - Robert Dickinson on the highlight of his career
Clip begins at: 47:54, Duration: 02m 43s
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- On his childhood and early influences; on helping with stage crew in high school; on deciding to be a DP; on the film/television industry in the 1970s
Clip begins at: 0:11 - On working in lighting on Baracek; on becoming staff gaffer at Academy Lighting; on lighting Don Kirshner's Rock Concert
Clip begins at: 16:25 - On lighting design for Solid Gold and winning his first Emmy; on lighting the 1983 Academy Awards; on the hectic pace of his life
Clip begins at: 31:15 - Chapter 2
- On lighting the 1983 Academy Awards - his first live broadcast; on starting his own company - Full Flood, Inc. and lighting major award shows
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On working with producer/director Don Mischer on the Salt Lake City and Atlanta Olympics; on working with David Copperfield and on talk shows; on various DNCs and Inaugural Balls
Clip begins at: 15:20 - On his current projects; on how his career has affected his personal life; on the next big thing in lighting and how television lighting has changed
Clip begins at: 40:48 - On the highlight of his career; on regrets and advice to aspiring lighting directors; on his style and the future
Clip begins at: 47:54
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