kids encyclopedia robot

Victor J. Kemper facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Victor J. Kemper
Born
Victor Jay Kemper

(1927-04-14)April 14, 1927
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Died November 27, 2023(2023-11-27) (aged 96)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation Cinematographer
Years active 1967–2006
Notable work
 Dog Day Afternoon
Slap Shot
The Jerk
Clue
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Spouse(s)
Claire Kellerman
​
(m. 1953)​
Children 2
President of the American Society of Cinematographers
In office
1993–1996
Preceded by William A. Fraker
Succeeded by Owen Roizman
In office
1999–2001
Preceded by Woody Omens
Succeeded by Steven B. Poster

Victor Jay Kemper (born April 14, 1927 – died November 27, 2023) was an American cinematographer. A cinematographer is a person who is in charge of the camera and lighting on a movie set. They help decide how each scene will look.

Life and Career of Victor Kemper

Victor Jay Kemper was born in Newark, New Jersey, on April 14, 1927. His parents were Florence and Louis Kemper. He later went to Seton Hall University.

Working with Famous Directors

As a cinematographer, Victor Kemper worked with many important directors. He often worked with director Arthur Hiller. Kemper also helped create the look of films for other leading directors of the 1970s. These included John Cassavetes, Sidney Lumet, Elaine May, and George Roy Hill. His work helped bring their movie stories to life on screen.

Leading the Cinematography Society

Victor Kemper was a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). This is a special group for cinematographers. He was even chosen to be the president of the ASC twice. He led the group from 1993 to 1996, and again from 1999 to 2001.

Victor Kemper passed away in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, on November 27, 2023. He was 96 years old.

Movies Victor Kemper Worked On

Here is a list of some of the many movies Victor Kemper worked on as a cinematographer. He helped shape how these films looked.

  • The Tiger Makes Out (1967) (as camera operator)
  • Alice's Restaurant (1969) (as camera operator)
  • The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart (1970)
  • Husbands (1970)
  • They Might Be Giants (1971)
  • Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? (1971)
  • The Hospital (1971)
  • The Candidate (1972)
  • Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972)
  • Shamus (1973)
  • The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
  • Gordon's War (1973)
  • From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (1973)
  • The Gambler (1974)
  • The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (1975)
  • Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
  • Stay Hungry (1976)
  • The Last Tycoon (1976)
  • Mikey and Nicky (1976)
  • Slap Shot (1977)
  • Audrey Rose (1977)
  • The Prince of Central Park (1977, TV film)
  • Oh, God! (1977)
  • Coma (1978)
  • The One and Only (1978)
  • Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)
  • Magic (1978)
  • ...And Justice for All (1979)
  • The Jerk (1979)
  • Night of the Juggler (1980)
  • The Final Countdown (1980)
  • Xanadu (1980)
  • The Four Seasons (1981)
  • Chu Chu and the Philly Flash (1981)
  • Partners (1982)
  • Author! Author! (1982)
  • Mr. Mom (1983)
  • National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
  • The Lonely Guy (1984)
  • Cloak and Dagger (1984)
  • Secret Admirer (1985)
  • National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)
  • Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
  • Clue (1985)
  • The Atlanta Child Murders (1985, TV mini-series)
  • Kojak: The Price of Justice (1987, TV film)
  • Walk Like a Man (1987)
  • Hot to Trot (1988)
  • Cohen and Tate (1988)
  • See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
  • Crazy People (1990)
  • F/X2 (1991)
  • Another You (1991)
  • Married to It (1991)
  • Beethoven (1992)
  • Tommy Boy (1995)
  • Eddie (1996)
  • Jingle All the Way (1996)
  • Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke (1999, TV film)
  • On Golden Pond (2001, TV film)
  • American Pie Presents: Band Camp (2005)
  • Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006)

Awards and Recognitions

Victor Kemper's excellent work as a cinematographer earned him several awards and nominations.

Award Group Year Category Work Result
Primetime Emmy Awards 1987 Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special Kojak: The Price of Justice Nominated
American Society of Cinematographers 1988 Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Mini-Series or Specials Nominated
1998 Lifetime Achievement Award N/A Won
kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Victor J. Kemper Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.