Vale director / DP Jeffrey Darling: “Jeff was an artist. A genius cinematographer”
The Australian ad industry will be saddened to hear of the passing of Jeffrey Darling, regarded as one of Australia’s best commercial directors.
As a director/DP, Darling’s aesthetic crossed between many genres, constantly evolving and shifting in the ever-changing film landscape.
Darling’s work for Jaguar and Boeing are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and his contribution to excellence in Cinematography was recognised with three honorary Kodak awards.
Throughout his long career, Darling worked on major worldwide campaigns for prestigious clients such as Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), GMC, RAM, Qantas, Diners Club, Pernod Ricard, Maybelline, Jaguar, Coca-Cola, and BMW.
Along with many others, production designer/art director Ross Wallace has paid tribute to Darling on his Facebook page: “Jeff was an artist. A genius cinematographer. His directorial style was always calm and considered. I have so much to thank him for. This is a great loss. My condolences to Sarah and the children.”
Adds director Keith Heygate: “This is such a loss to the Australian Film industry, a wonderful talented, and gentle person. It was a pleasure watching all of his work. Vale and love to Sarah and children, and close friends.”
Says director Bruce Hunt: “Jeff Darling was the most quietly spoken, ridiculously talented genius director and cinematographer, who pushed the boundaries of commercials to something above and beyond – they became exotic enigmatic intersections of the best in cinema ,art ,photography ,performance and sheer poetry .
“Some highlights – from the darkness and passion of Jaguar “Wicked game”, Bundaberg Rum “Fire”, the sheer otherness of Ladies Masters “Golf” to the elegance and high fashion of Schwarzkopf https://vimeo.com/164358588 and Subaru “Symmetry”, the consummate storytelling of Sony “Trout”, the emotion and atmosphere of Barossa “Be consumed” and the optimism and joy of South Australia Tourism, Tip Top “Grow” and the unique Boeing “Because we fly” and countless others .
“Like all of us working with great scripts his work would soar. Even with lesser ideas his interpretations were unique, always a challenge to the expected – pushing boldly further than anyone dared.
“And for us in awe of his craft it was a joy to discover his unique take -and If something was called “its very Jeff” you knew another pale imitator had been caught out …
“He was a quiet achiever who created his own lane – and was a groundbreaker in exporting his talent and those of his tight merry band of Aussie and NZ collaborators to the world. Editors ,post work ,music ,VFX all came back here whenever possible, raising everyone’s standards and introducing them to the global market. He travelled everywhere – always curious, looking for the unseen and exotic – his locations scouts cleverly guerrilla filming as he went were a legendary part of his film process.
“He worked everywhere in the world but I think was happiest in Australia and New Zealand with a family like tribe of his own.
“He inspired generations of film makers and enjoyed making a production company home for them – after his start at Window Productions, he started production company Black, breaking into the European market and USA, then opened @radicalmedia in Australia with myself, Nick Robertson and Loewn Steel, and went on to start Moth Projects and Velvet LA with his wife producer and rock Sarah Blair – giving directors and researchers and assistants their first starts in the industry including his sons and daughters, plus for something different starting the perfume brand “Map of the Heart” exporting to the toughest market in the world, France.
“He taught himself photography and then cinematography and was the youngest cinematographer to win the AFI for one of his many collaborations with director George Olgivie.
“He loved to switch genres and not be pigeonholed and was in post on his first feature film “He went that way” editing the American feature Back Here with editor Adam Wills in his favourite part of the world, Palm Beach.
“Goodbye to our lovely friend the humble gentle soulful Jeff – we’re sending our love to his family Sarah, Imogen, Carson, Scout and Cooper.
“And condolences to his right hands – Jason Rogers, Adam Wills and Jeff’s many collaborators around the world.
“His aesthetic and daring inspired a generation of filmmakers writers and creatives. We were lucky to have him and will miss him greatly.
“Vale Jeff.”
Says director Alex Proyas: “Utterly shocked and saddened to hear of the death of a good friend today – Jeff Darling. A totally original, uncompromising artist. A gentle, kind and immensely generous collaborator. I had the good fortune to collaborate with Jeff many years ago when he was still a cinematographer.
“In all the years I’ve worked with many great cinematographers my work with Jeff remains the most fulfilling partnership of all. It’s as a truly gifted director in his own right that Jeff is known the world over, with decades of the most sublime visual storytelling to his credit. Jeff made pure cinema – his work employed the poetry of the moving image, something only this unique artform can express.
“Jeff’s brilliance shall be hugely missed by so many friends and colleagues who were touched by his genius. To Jeff’s family, we are all so very sorry for your loss.”
29 Comments
I never met him. I only knew of his work. He was a genius. I remember when he created the Sony stuff years ago. That stuff was wild. It was beyond advertising. It was artistic, fresh, and had a real point of view. His work was always bold. RIP Jeff.
To the GOAT.
This is so sad. I’m shocked. Jeffrey Darling was an icon and craftsperson. A gentleman director and DOP who was loved by crews and those who had the joy of working with him right across the globe. He was exacting, and a visionary, but still managed to be down to earth and collaborative. He was also more than willing to give his time as a mentor and creative advocate. Sending love to Sarah, Imogen, Scout and Jeff’s entire family (advertising or otherwise).
Jeff set the standard for beautiful looking cinematography in commercials. When I saw the new Qantas work I immediately wondered if he’d shot it.
His work stunned. What a legacy. What a loss.
When you looked up at the bar of excellence, Jeff was the guy who was always raising it. A real artist and genius and talent that will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.
He made us all believe we could do better work. Huge loss.
An amazing director and an amazing man to be around. My love goes out to Sarah and his children. x
I’m struggling to comprehend this awful news.
The view of the world through his lens was unlike any other. Simply extraordinary. Genius. A wonderful, gentle and generous soul who will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to Sarah, Imogen, Scout and all those close to Jeffrey.
Jeff Darling was the most quietly spoken ,ridiculously talented genius director and cinematographer, who pushed the boundaries of commercials to something above and beyond – they became exotic enigmatic intersections of the best in cinema ,art ,photography ,performance and sheer poetry .
Some highlights – From the darkness and passion of Jaguar “Wicked game”, Bundaberg Rum “Fire” the sheer otherness of Ladies Masters “Golf” to the elegance and high fashion of Schwarzkopf https://vimeo.com/164358588 and Subaru “Symmetry”the consummate storytelling of Sony “Trout” , the emotion and atmosphere of Barossa “Be consumed” and the optimism and joy of South Australia Tourism , Tip Top “Grow” and the unique Boeing “Because we fly” and countless others .
Like all of us working with great scripts his work would soar .
Even with lesser ideas his interpretations were unique ,always a challenge to the expected – pushing boldly further than anyone dared.
And for us in awe of his craft it was a joy to discover his unique take -and If something was called “its very Jeff” you knew another pale imitator had been caught out …
He was a quiet achiever who created his own lane – and was a groundbreaker in exporting his talent and those of his tight merry band of Aussie and NZ collaborators to the world. Editors ,post work ,music ,VFX all came back here whenever possible, raising everyones’ standards and introducing them to the global market. He travelled everywhere – always curious, looking for the unseen and exotic – his locations scouts cleverly guerrilla filming as he went were a legendary part of his film process .
He worked everywhere in the world but I think was happiest in Australia and new Zealand with a family like tribe of his own.
He inspired generations of film makers and enjoyed making a production company home for them- after his start at Window productions ,he started production co Black breaking into the European market and USA, then opened @radicalmedia in Australia with myself Nick Robertson and Loewn Steel, and went on to start Moth projects and Velvet LA with his wife producer and rock Sarah Blair – giving directors and researchers and assistants their first starts in the industry including his sons and daughters, plus for something diffrent starting the perfume brand “Map of the heart” exporting to the toughest market in the world, France.
He taught himself photography and then cinematography and was youngest cinematographer to win one the AFI for one of his many collaborations with director George Olgivie
He loved to switch genres and not be pigeonholed and was in post on his first feature film “He went that way” editing the American feature back here with editor Adam Wills in his favourite part of the world Palm beach.
Goodbye to our lovely friend the humble gentle soulful Jeff – were sending our love to his family Sarah , Imogen ,Carson , Scout and Cooper ,
And condolences to his right hands – Jason Rogers ,Adam Wills and Jeffs’ many collaborators around the world.
His aesthetic and daring inspired a generation of filmmakers writers and creatives. We were lucky to have him and will miss him greatly.
Vale Jeff
Such sad news.
Jeff Darling truly was one-of-a-kind; a beautiful man, who produced beautiful work.
It was an honour to work with him and a joy to know him.
As Bruce Hunt so rightly said of Jeff in his tribute above,
‘We were lucky to have him and will miss him greatly’.
My sincere condolences to Sarah, his family and many friends.
Horrible news! Jeff was a legend, an artist, and a beautiful person. If you ever had the pleasure of working with Jeff you knew magic would happen. …RIP Jeff
Sending lots of love to his family & friends.
There are people who have made a difference, who have made us try harder to be better at the craft. I remember David always telling me how great a cinematographer you are, how you raised the bar, how innovative you were. We are going to miss you Jeff Darling. But you will never be forgotten. RIP. Love Anna and David. x
Bruce Hunt. 100 %
Inspiration and will be sadly missed.
Very sad news. A gentleman and a artist.
My thoughts are with family and friends.
I never knew Jeff, but always admired his beautiful pictures, inventive direction, and original film-making. His name was synonymous with beauty. Sincerest condolences to his family x
My daughter just passed on this sad news. It’s nearly 30 years since we worked together but his work was timeless and special and remains so.
His unique aesthetic took the ordinary to another level and elevated his advertising executions into the realms of art because he was a genuine visual artist.
When it came to aesthetics in Australian advertising he was one of a kind – uncompromising, daring, edgy and inspired. A consummate craftsman and collaborator.
And a very special person to have worked with.
I had the honour of being shot by Jeff for a Sharpie pen commercial several years ago. We had a great chat about his camera (Canon 5D MkII) and he was incredibly generous with his time to chat about his gear. He was clearly passionate. What struck me about the final ad was the camera movement – it was what made the images come alive, yet I recall his movements were gentle and subtle. I learned a lot from him in those few hours. We have truly lost a great pioneering spirit in Australian film.
his early sony work made such an impact on me i still feel it. x
Briefing, designing and storyboarding projects with Jeff, were the happiest times in my professional life; the most inspiring Man I have ever met.
In the middle of grieving my dearest professional friend in Industry, I realized in sober reflection that so much of his creative heart & character remains very much alive in me and in a few others, who will certainly reflect his beautiful legacy into the future.
Jeff was constantly re-inventing everything as we went along, and after hundreds of projects, was a most profound creative human being. This Nation has lost a very great treasure.
Jeff Darling
I remember when he came up to me at the Wollwich pier hotel to tell me he just got a job at Ross Woods.
He was so chuffed. He never looked back
So long mate, good times
So sad to read this news about Jeff.
A wonderfully talented man. A true artist with the ability to inspire all those around him.
I am forever in his debt for what he brought to Sony ‘Trout’.
RIP while your work live on.
This sad news comes as a terrible shock to me. Through the ’90s when I was writing music and creating soundscapes for commercials, I worked on nearly 20 projects with Jeff, who was one of the kindest, smartest, most talented filmmakers with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure to collaborate. Few directors will put their reputation on the line for their fellow crew members, but Jeff did that for me on numerous occasions. As far as he was concerned, my work was his work and he had the courage, the confidence and the generosity to unfailingly stand behind whatever I produced for his vision. We made many wonderful works together over the years and pitching into one of his projects was always a rich and rewarding adventure. In recent times, Jeff came on board my Watching Europa art project as an Executive Producer, which touched me deeply.
Vale my old friend, I’m honoured to have had you in my life journey.
Jeff showed me as a young filmmaker that being humble and true to your heart in film was a key attribute that so many at the time, I was learning in the industry, just did not project. I grew up working as an assistant to the best of the best and like Andrew Lesnie, another we lost too early, they were gentlemen fathers mentors and inspirations to us all. We lost touch over the years yet what will never be lost is the support that was given to me by a man who was larger than life through his amazing cinematography and visually enticing work. Thank you Jeff from all us small fries that you sprinkled your caring soul onto encouraging us to be the best we can at our craft.
I unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting or working with Jeff. I have however always been on the hunt to dig out stories of those around me who did know him. He’s that unique sort of legend who has been able to carve out his own vision through all the knots and twists in the filmmaking / advertising process, making original things that stood out and treated viewers with respect by giving them an artistic vision that was fresh and intriguing. His work always felt like it was on a deeper level and that made it special. Thank you Jeff for carving out a legacy and inspiring me and many others. My heart goes out to his family and close friends.
Some people just have awesome talent. Jeff was one of them.
Darn. What a loss. Jeff Darling’s body of work was nothing short of unbelieveable.
If you want to see the master in action, across every shot – have a look on youtube at ‘South Australia Tourism Be Consumed’. Shot in the Barossa – eeriness and beauty all in one. Only a talent like his could nail a job like that.
Yes, Jeffrey was great. If you want, go on you tube and check out a short commercial he had directed. It only lasts for about thirty or thirty five seconds. It’s called “Disney Parks Jamie”. And Jeffrey directed it about ten years ago in 2012. I love the commercial and it’s about a girl named Jamie who is going to Disney for her fourteenth birthday with her boyfriend, Justin. I love it, I think it’s a great commercial. 📺🎬🎥🎞️🎭🎫🎟️🎂🧁🍦🍰🍨🥧🍧
I was unaware of Jeffrey Darling’s passing. The last time I saw him was many years ago when I was just a girl, he was 4 years younger than me. We are cousins; My Mother and Rodney, Jeffrey’s Dad, were the youngest of eleven children. My Mum loved Rodney so much. Both Mum and Rodney named their sons ‘Jeffrey’ after their young teenage nephew died in a car accident. Their Mother died of a broken heart some time later because she was Jeffrey’s guardian and cared for him since he was a baby. Wow, what a talent he was and I had no idea what he had achieved. I studied film, television and animation myself as a traditional graphic designer/visual artist and I had no knowledge of his work. That is baffling. RIP Jeffrey, Rodney, Alice, Norma and Jeffrey D Darling. They were the Darlings of Darling Street.