- Born
- Died
- Nickname
- Joe
- Renowned cinematographer Joseph August began his film career not as a cameraman but as a wrangler--he was born and raised in Colorado--at Inceville, the studio begun by pioneering producer/director Thomas H. Ince. He soon switched careers, becoming an assistant to cinematographer Ray C. Smallwood. He shot his first film, Lure of the Violin (1913), in 1912. His reputation became such that only three years later he was picked as "official" cameraman for western star William S. Hart, shooting more than 40 of Hart's westerns. When Hart retired August went to Fox, where he worked with director John Ford, who appreciated August's expertise at outdoor photography. August was also known for his affinity for and facility with low-key lighting, a technique he initially developed out of necessity, since the types of lighting units that could light up a set were expensive, extremely hot and not particularly efficient when August first started out as a cameraman.
He and Ford developed both a professional and personal relationship, and during World War II August joined Ford in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor of the modern-day CIA. Both Ford and August were wounded while shooting combat for the documentary The Battle of Midway (1942).
In addition to his other accomplishments, August was also a founding member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
- IMDb mini biography by: frankfob2@yahoo.com
- Died of a heart attack on the set of Portrait of Jennie (1948), at the Selznick Studios in Culver City, California. Lee Garmes completed the film without credit.
- Although long considered one of Hollywood's top cameramen, August received only one Oscar nomination, posthumously, for Portrait of Jennie (1948).
- Was one of the 15 founding members of the American Society of Cinematographers in 1919, and was the first to have its initials "ASC" listed after his name in a film's credits (for Sand (1920)).
- Father of Joseph A. August Jr.
- Buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California, curbside in the Pinecrest section, Lot 1340.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
