Christopher Chapman CM RCA, a renowned Canadian filmmaker, was born on January 24, 1927, and passed away on October 24, 2015. He was a multifaceted creative force, exceling as a writer, director, editor, and cinematographer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chapman created approximately 40 films for television, the National Film Board of Canada, theatrical release, tourism organizations, science centres, and international expositions. His first film, The Seasons, won the prestigious Canadian Film Award (CFA) for Film of the Year in 1954.
In 1965, Chapman and Francis Chapman jointly won the Canadian Film Award for Best Colour Cinematography at the 17th Canadian Film Awards for Expedition Bluenose. This achievement was followed by the success of his 1967 short film, A Place to Stand, which won the CFA Film of Year and received two Academy Award nominations in 1968, ultimately winning the award for Best Live-Action Short.
A Place to Stand, commissioned by the Government of Ontario, showcased Chapman's innovative multi-dynamic image technique, also known as the Brady Bunch effect. This groundbreaking technique involved using moving panes of moving images within a single screen context. Over a year of filming, Chapman shot 70 kilometres (43 miles) of film, which he then edited into 18 minutes, equivalent to an hour and three-quarters of film. The process was exhausting, and Chapman initially doubted its effectiveness until its first screening, which left a lasting impression on the audience.
The multi-dynamic image technique, pioneered by Chapman, has been widely adopted in various films and television series, including the American series 24, which utilized the technique to document the simultaneous actions of its characters.
In 1970, Chapman directed a film for the Hudson's Bay Company, called Impressions, as part of HBC's 300th anniversary celebrations. This film, another example of Chapman's innovative use of multiple-dynamic images, follows the HBC's 300-year history by pairing historic and modern images. Scenes of farming are juxtaposed with oil production, and iconic images of the fur trade are contrasted with modern department stores.
In 1984, Francis and Christopher Chapman collaborated on a three-dimensional nature film for Science North, marking another milestone in their collaborative career.
Christopher Chapman's legacy as a pioneer in the film industry is a testament to his creativity, innovative spirit, and dedication to his craft.
