Spiess is best known for his work as a cinematographer and director of over 3,000 television commercials. Recognized as a master of special effects long before the age of digital technology, his work appeared on Canadian television from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 20th, 2 pm - 4 pm. With a Special Screening at 3 pm. of the artist’s 1941 film “Die Thomaner” A Day In The Life Of The St. Thomas Choir Boys and select clips from Spiess’ television commercials
Fritz Spiess was born in Germany in 1925. His studies and first profession were in still photography. War service interrupted an apprenticeship in his father’s studio, but he resumed under the well
known portrait photographer Tita Binz in 1946. Attending the prestigious master class at the Munich Photo School, he received a Masters of Photography in 1949. He operated a photo studio
in Heidelberg until 1951, specializing in portrait and industrial photography. In 1951, Spiess emigrated to Canada, and soon after began working with Panda Photography in Toronto. This was the era of the picture story, and his photos appeared in major publications such as Life and Mayfair. But instead of pursuing his successful career in photojournalism and commercial photography, in 1954 he responded to an opportunity to work as a cameraman in television commercials. He had come to establish himself in a new country, and he chose the frontier of a new industry.
Spiess is best known for his work as a cinematographer and director of over 3,000 television commercials. Recognized as a master of special effects long before the age of digital technology, his work appeared on Canadian television from the 1950s to the 1990s. Esso, Molson’s, Carlsberg, Canadian Tire, Black & Decker, Kraft, Oil of Olay, to cite only a few, became household names as his commercials punctuated such Canadian ‘institutions’ as the Saturday evening hockey broadcast. Respect in the industry and international recognition were demonstrated through numerous awards. In 1974, he was the first recipient of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers’ award for best cinematography
in a television commercial. His international craft awards include gold, silver and bronze lions from Cannes and Venice.
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Starts: Sep 20, 2008
Ends: Oct 25, 2008
At: Stephen Bulger Gallery, 1026 Queen Street West, Toronto Playing: Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Times: 11 pm - 6 pm Cost: Free
Getting there:
For more information contact:
Stephen Bulger Gallery Phone:
416-504-0575 Email:
info@bulgergallery.com
