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Second Assistant
Director working on the cult TV series The Champions, Man In A
Suitcase, Journey To The Unknown and Catweazle in addition to
the feature films The Oblong Box, Mumsy Nanny Sonny & Girlie and
Virgin Witches.
This decision was
to prove invaluable in nurturing his ability to relate to production
problems at any level. Having reached First Assistant Director level,
he worked mainly on commercials with such Directors as Tony Scott,
Lester Bookbinder, Richard Loncraine, Tom Bussman, John Burrows,
David Gillard, Terrence Donovan and John Clarke to name but a few.
A temporary economic
crisis in the film business saw the end of Fowler’s days as
Assistant Director and served as a vehicle for him to realise his
true potential as Director of Photography. A passing interest in
stills photography had developed into a fascination with the
creation of the moving image and the turning point came with his
attainment of a 16mm EBL Bolex camera, with a commission to cover
the Isle Of Man TT race. Backed by Honda, he took his six-man crew
to the island where he made the decision which was to reshape his
future. His departure as Assistant Director was finally reached
after completing the feature film Priest Of Love, directed by
Chris Miles and starring; Ava Gardner, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Ian
McKellen and Janet Suzmann. Fowler had simultaneously produced a
documentary on the film whilst working on the feature itself and
this had proved the point of no return.
A friendship with
producer Eric Fellner introduced him to the world of pop promos at a
time when they were beginning to make a major impact on the world.
For over a ten year period he photographed over 300 bands including
such icons as; Queen, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Take That, Simply
Red, Wham, Bronski Beat, Kim Wilde, Pretenders, OMD and George
Harrison in conjunction with such directors as Mulchaly. It was the
beginning of an intensive period of learning and challenge to which
he rose with relish. Offers of television commercials from many of
the top UK agencies poured in along with commissions for
documentaries and corporate films from companies including; Honda,
Thomas Cook, Barclays Bank, Austin Rover, British Leyland, Yardley,
Prudential Assurance and Four Seasons Time Share all of which he
directed and photographed.
By this time Fowler had
formed his own production company GF Films with a view to
cultivating directorial talent for future collaborations. Working
frequently abroad he made promos, films and commercials increasing
in diversity. A film with R.J. Reynolds for the shooting of their
Camel Trophy expedition in Siberia has proved to be his toughest
assignment to date, although his work has recently taken him to the
deserts of Dubai for work with their tourist board and a cinema
extravaganza on the Marlboro Desert Challenge, winning a silver at
the International Awards Ceremony. Another award winner, this time
of a Mobius Statuette was produced for Unifilla and shot in Monument
Valley – Arizona.
Productions for the
Central Office of Information may also be included on his CV having
been Director and Director of Photography on; Victims of Crime,
Danger of Fireworks, Danger of Sunbathing, Danger of Drinking
and Drowning and Hypothermia In The Old.
Without doubt, Fowler’s
career has always been highly successful and stimulating but one of
the major pinnacles to date, he considers was reached with
his feature credit as Director Of Photography on South West 9,
produced by Alan Niblo, who was instrumental in the award winning
hit Human Traffic. The film was heralded as a landmark production.
As a direct result of extensive experience working in extreme
circumstances with limited means and equipment abroad, this was just
the kind of modest shooting budget at which Fowler excels. His
modern approach and techniques produced exactly the natural and
dynamic results to which he always aspires to attain.
His most recent film
is, Dangerous Obsessions, a ninety-minute drama produced for
television. Fowler’s credits here are as Director of Photography and
Producer.
Most recently, Fowler
has made a return to the world of commercials where he continues to
work primarily in Kenya and Dubai in addition to
producing a number of corporate training films.
Ongoing projects
include a production entitled Top Deck in association with Top Deck
Entertainment. Filmed in Miami, USA and South of France on a multi thousand pound
budget. The production, which is a pilot, is a consumer documentary
providing the latest information on all aspects of small and large
marine craft and boats.
There is no doubt, there is no substitute for experience and Fowler
has it all. His ability to understand the needs of his crew at all
levels coupled with his artistic and technical talents make him
respected and invaluable on any film set. |
