Charles Rosher

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Charles Rosher (November 17, 1885January 15, 1974) was a two-time Academy Award–winning cinematographer from the early days of silent films through the 1950s. He was born in London, England. He was the father of actress Joan Marsh and cinematographer Charles Rosher Jr.

Charles studied photography in his youth but earned a reputation early as a newsreel cameraman, before moving to the United States in 1909. He subsequently found work for David Horsley working in his production company in New Jersey. Because early film was largely restricted to using daylight, David moved his production company in 1911 — taking Charles with him — to Hollywood (largely for the better weather) and opened the first movie studio there. This made Charles the first full-time cameraman in Hollywood. In 1913 he went to Mexico to film newsreel footage of Pancho Villa's Villa Rebellion. In 1918, he was one of the founders of the American Society of Cinematographers and served as the group's first Vice-President.

He died of an accidental fall in 1974, in Lisbon, Portugal.

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In addition, he also received two Eastman Medals (named for George Eastman), Photoplay magazine's Gold Medal, and the only fellowship ever awarded by the Society of Motion Picture Engineers.

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