Paul Berriff
documentary filmmaker
Paul Berriff OBE is a British documentary filmmaker, cinematographer and fine art photographer with a distinguished career spanning more than 50 years. He's best known for his powerful visual storytelling in both still photography and television documentaries.
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Biography
Paul Berriff began his career as a press photographer at the age of 16. At the age of 21 he joined BBC Television News becoming the youngest film cameraman at the BBC. Paul was one of the the first to set up an independent production company and has directed, produced and shot over 180 prime-time documentaries for major networks including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Discovery, HBO and PBS. Paul Berriff is known for his observational documentary style and daring film adventures. He has filmed mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington, world renowned yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Paul spent twelve months filming King Charles during his time as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy. Paul has survived many near-death experiences including a volcanic eruption in Nicaragua, a helicopter crash in the mountains of Scotland, leapt from a sinking ship in the North Sea. He is the only Brit who has survived the collapse of both Twin Towers when they came down on top of him on September 11th. Paul has received two BAFTA's for Best Factual programmes a BAFTA nomination for best Factual Cinematography and numerous international awards for his documentaries. Paul is also a distinguished lifeboat man founding Humber Rescue an independent lifeboat station in Yorkshire which is one of the top five busiest in the UK. Paul has received the Queen's commendation for Bravery, the Royal Humane Society Silver Medal for Gallantry and an OBE from the late Queen Elizabeth.
What I Currently Do
Speaking Topics
My 50 years career from behind the camera (1 plus hours)
Presentation One: Adventures and near-death experiences including working with high end film actors plus the only Brit to survive the collapse of both Twin Towers on 9/11 (audio and visual) length one to two hours Presentation Two: A detail account of my 9/11 survival (audio and visual) approx one hour
Feedback
"Paul's presentation to the RAF Club members was riveting and inspirational with the entire audience captivated."
James Leggat
"Paul is a remarkable man with a remarkable career. His life stories from behind the camera make you gasp, laugh and cry, sometimes all at once."
Jim Mulheron
"I've admired Paul Berriff OBE's work has a photographer and filmmaker for a very long time, but there's so much more to tell. Stories from an amazing life of adventure woven together by the master storyteller himself - absolutely riveting"
Annalisa Russell-Smith
"Sometimes one meets a truly remarkable person, someone who has made a difference and by dint of talent, courage and hard work been able to make the world a better and safer place. I am proud to and privileged to know Paul and to call him a friend. His presentation was a success. Everyone in the room was blown away Paul was absolutely riveting. I could see from people's faces in the room that everyone was entranced, there was total silence and attention. His presentation deserved the standing ovation."
Martin Smith MBE
"What a story! Just incredible and told with such typical Yorkshire understatement."
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe
"A truly touching story of bravery and determination which left the room silently stunned"
Anna Delaney
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