John M. Stephens

Born

1932-11-17

Died

2015-06-18

Birthplace

Valparaiso, Indiana, USA

Biography

John Morley Stephens (November 17, 1932 - June 18, 2015) was an American cinematographer. He pioneered a number of cinematographic devices, including the body camera mount for the 1966 film Seconds, and the world's first remotely operated pan-and-tilt-head camera. As a cinematographer, Stephens was known for his work on such films as Billy Jack, Blacula, Martin Scorsese's Boxcar Bertha, and William Friedkin's Sorcerer. He also shot the memorable bicycle chase for Steven Spielberg's E.T., though he did not receive on-screen credit for his work.