Alexander B. Witt was born in the year 1952, in the country of Chile, where he was the third generation of German descent to reside within its borders. This marked the beginning of his journey, which would eventually take him to various parts of the world.
Witt's inception into the realm of film production was marked by his affiliation with Arriflex, a prestigious camera manufacturer renowned for its high-quality equipment. During his tenure with the company, which spanned a period of one year, Witt underwent a comprehensive trainee program that provided him with a multifaceted understanding of the film industry. This program allowed him to gain hands-on experience in various departments, including sound, laboratories, and studios, where he had the opportunity to work alongside actual productions and hone his skills in assembling cameras.
Following a three-year sojourn in Europe that came to a close in 1976, Witt made the decision to return to his native Chile, where he embarked on a new professional chapter by serving as a camera assistant on his debut film, 21 Hours at Munich. As his expertise and reputation grew, Witt progressed through various roles within the film industry, including that of focus puller, first assistant camera, and eventually, camera operator and director of photography.
Witt's extensive background as a director of photography ultimately paved the way for his involvement in the realm of commercial filmmaking, a trajectory that unfolded in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this period, he commenced directing commercials, a new creative endeavour that allowed him to flex his directing muscles. Concurrently, Witt collaborated with the acclaimed director Jan de Bont, assuming the role of director of photography on the latter's second unit for the film Speed 1. This significant collaboration provided Witt with a unique opportunity to hone his skills as a director, specifically by directing second unit.
Notable milestones in the illustrious career of Paul W.S. Witt include his initial foray into feature film direction in 2004, with the release of Resident Evil: Apocalypse, a cinematic adaptation of the iconic Capcom video game franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide.
This significant achievement was swiftly followed by his involvement as second unit director on the highly acclaimed James Bond film, Casino Royale, which premiered in 2006 to widespread critical acclaim.
