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DAVID A. PHILLIPS

1956 - 2017

DAVID A. PHILLIPS obituary, 1956-2017, New Haven, CT

BORN

1956

DIED

2017

DAVID PHILLIPS Obituary

PHILLIPS, DAVID A.David A. Phillips, a cinematographer who worked with some of the brightest stars in pop culture, died of natural causes in New York City on February 4, 2017. He was 60. Born on March 6, 1956 in New Haven to Beatrice Phillips and the late Carlton C. Phillips, David honed his filmmaking skills in Boston, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English from Boston University. During the 1980s and 1990s, David made dozens of music videos, including New Kids on the Block's Step by Step, and Cyndi Lauper's I Drove All Night. David was director of photography for The Basketball Diaries, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and cinematographer for Lift, starring Kerry Washington, and Martin and Orloff, with Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler. In his New York Times review of Lift, film critic Elvis Mitchell wrote: "Phillips shifts from a run-and-gun control for the foot-chase sequences to a slower pace that lets him lavish care on his subjects; there finally seems to be a generation of technicians who know how to light black people." Survivors include David's mother and his sister, Nancy Phillips Meredith, brother, James Phillips, sister-in-law, Wanda Phillips, niece, Amanda Phillips, and nephew, Max Phillips.Burial was private.

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Published by The New Haven Register from Feb. 21 to Feb. 22, 2017.

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John Diaz

March 30, 2017

Dave was not just a fabulous cinematographer he was a great guy, and a very good friend, to all who knew him. So many memories, from the hundreds of shoots, will now be remembered with a sad smile. You will be sorely missed, Dave, by all of us whose life you have brightened. We are legion.

Frank Sebastiano

February 27, 2017

Dave was a great cinematographer and an awesome guy. He had relentless energy and a tremendous spirit. He'll be missed.

Vilma Gregoropoulos

February 26, 2017

Dave was an original. Talented and funny, and always living on the edge. I worked as his camera assistant all those years ago and loved every minute of it- learned a lot from him. Good wishes where ever you are, Dave!

CAROL DOHENY

February 25, 2017

Dear Bea, Jimmy, and Nancy,
Jimmy and I would like to convey our condolences to you all. I, of course remember David from Paugausett and James naturally has hundreds of memories from their Amity days. We are so glad we got to see him at the reunion. He was a wonderful human and will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Carol and JImmy Doheny

Nathan Polatin

February 23, 2017

Very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. We had a lot of great times working together at Fridays and as P A's together on film sets. He was a good friend. My condolences to his Family.

Glenn Chalek

February 23, 2017

November 1980 .... my friend Dave Phillips said to me ..."you would be really good in the film business". I said, "get me on a job". The very next day, he did indeed, and many more in the coming years. So many thanks for inspiring and leading so many of us ... eternal appreciation ... for a very good man.

Fairlie Myers

February 23, 2017

Dave took care of me on the first film production I worked on. He was my brother. He taught me how things worked , who to pay attention to, who not to. He defended me on more that one occasion. He was a friend and a force! He was a very very bright star in the universe. I'm glad to have known him. RIP

Gerry Johnson

February 23, 2017

I remember Dave as being fun. Sorry he moved on. Thank you for posting on Facebook

Wayne Simpson

February 22, 2017

I lived with Dave in the famous loft on Harrison Ave. in Boston in the mid-80's, and worked with him as his gaffer (lighting director) on Lift and Martin & Orloff. Saw all his ups and downs and sidewayses. Dave was a rocket, a true force of nature, and his soul was as big as the universe. I'm shocked and saddened that he's gone.

David Horgan

February 22, 2017

I started my career working with David in Boston. We went on to do many projects together including a short tour with NKOTB that I will never forget.

My favorite memory was working with David on a Will Smith job. I rented two guitars and amps for our downtime in the hotel in Philly.

RIP Dave

Linda Tomei Galluzzo

February 22, 2017

David was one of my oldest friends...He was sweet, kind, funny, and amazingly talented....Taken too soon from this world and I pray he is at peace. I will miss you my friend....until we meet again❤

sean murphy

February 22, 2017

David way to soon will always remember my Orange days and Racebrook school.....

sean murphy

February 22, 2017

Grew up as youngsters lots of fun mischief and we had many good times, I will remember out Orange days. Another too soon

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