John Higgins
John “Biggles” Higgins is an Irish-born gaffer known for his extensive work in cinema lighting, especially in collaboration with leading cinematographers like Roger Deakins and Emmanuel Lubezki. Born in Athlone, Republic of Ireland, in 1953, after leaving school, he trained as an electrician. Then he moved to England, where he undertook further evening courses to become an electrical engineer. He spent about three years working for Shell UK. His first film work was as an electrician in the lighting department, including on The Great Muppet Caper (1981) and The Dark Crystal (1982). His first job as a full gaffer on a 35 mm film was Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984), which Roger Deakins shot. Over his career, he has worked on over sixty feature films. Some of his notable credits include Skyfall (2012), Gravity(2013), Thor: The Dark World (2013), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Sleepy Hollow (1999), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), Children of Men (2006), and Mamma Mia! (2008). Higgins has spoken often about his approach to lighting, emphasising both technical understanding (especially of electrical systems) and collaboration with directors of photography. He values testing and careful preparation (such as lighting tests). He believes that understanding different approaches from various cinematographers enriches his work. He is known by the nickname “Biggles,” partly for his long-standing moustache and characteristic style. He currently resides in London.
Filmography (44)
Mickey 17
The Thursday Murder Club
The Watchers
Empire of Light
All the Old Knives
1917
Dumbo
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Genius
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Thor: The Dark World
Gravity
Captain America: The First Avenger
The Wolfman
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Mamma Mia!
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The Bourne Ultimatum
Stardust
Children of Men
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Goal!
Alexander
Finding Neverland
Thunderbirds
The Hours
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Quills
Proof of Life
Sleepy Hollow
Rogue Trader
The Fifth Element
Mary Reilly
Hackers
Interview with the Vampire
The Secret Garden
Chaplin
Peter's Friends
Rock-A-Doodle
Air America
Mountains of the Moon
A Dry White Season
