Bruce Logan, an English cinematographer and effects artist known for his work on Star Wars: A New Hope and several other Hollywood films, passed away at the age of 78.
According to a statement made by Logan’s wife, Mariana Campos-Logan, to the Hollywood Reporter, he died on April 10 following a brief illness. Logan’s daughter, Mary, paid tribute to him on Instagram, describing him as "a rebel with a camera, a pioneer with a story, and my personal hero," and recognizing him as a visionary cinematographer, director, and visual effects pioneer.
Born on May 15, 1946, Logan began creating animated films at the age of 14, eventually transitioning to visual effects by 19. In 2014, he acknowledged his father, Campbell, a director of classical dramas for the BBC, for teaching him how to use split-screen effects, his first venture into special effects. Logan credited his father with imparting his knowledge of film history and introducing him to the works of prominent directors, including Stanley Kubrick.
Kubrick was the first director to offer Logan a screen credit. At 19, Logan was recruited as a visual effects artist for 2001: A Space Odyssey, working under VFX supervisor Doug Trumbull. Over his 50-year career, Logan contributed to visual effects for films such as Batman Forever, Airplane, and Star Wars, where he was involved with the team that filmed the Death Star explosion. His work also appeared in Blade Runner‘s opening titles, derived from the unreleased Zabriski Pointe. His cinematography credits include the original Tron and The Incredible Shrinking Woman, in addition to music videos for Prince and Madonna. Logan also ventured briefly into film directing with 1986’s Vendetta.
Logan is survived by his wife, daughter, and another child, Campbell.
