David Phillips

Biography

​David Phillips (1951 – February 4, 2017) was an American cinematographer renowned for his work in film, television, and music videos. His most notable achievement was serving as the director of photography for The Basketball Diaries (1995), a film that marked the early careers of Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg.

Career Highlights

Phillips began his career in the late 1980s, initially focusing on music videos. He collaborated with prominent artists, directing visuals for Cyndi Lauper's "I Drove All Night" and New Kids on the Block's "Step by Step." His work in this medium showcased his ability to blend dynamic imagery with musical storytelling.

Transitioning to feature films, Phillips's cinematography credits include:​

Lift (2001), starring Kerry Washington​

Martin & Orloff (2002), featuring Matt Walsh and Ian Roberts​

Beer League (2006), starring Artie Lange​

In television, he contributed to the HBO series The High Life (1996) and worked on several episodes of Saturday Night Live during the mid-2000s. ​

Early Life and Education

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Phillips pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English at Boston University. His academic background in literature may have influenced his narrative approach to visual storytelling.

David Phillips's work is characterized by a keen eye for composition and a talent for capturing the emotional essence of a scene. His contributions to both the music and film industries have left a lasting impact, particularly his role in shaping the visual style of 1990s cinema.​

Phillips passed away from natural causes in New York City on February 4, 2017, at the age of 65. He is remembered for his artistic vision and dedication to the craft of cinematography.