Jim Plannette

Jim's father Homer Plannette worked as a gaffer in the movie business from 1919 to 1969. He collaborated with cinematographers on films such as Cover Girl, It's a Wonderful Life, Duel in the Sun, High Noon, Sweet Smell of Success, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and two Academy Award Winners for Best Cinematography, Shanghai Express and The Diary of Anne Frank. Jim has been immersed in the motion picture industry his entire life. In fact, his first movie job was in 1954 when he was only 14 -- Assistant Prop Man on Land of the Pharaohs, where he was lucky enough to bring Howard Hawks a glass of iced tea! As his father enjoyed sharing many tales of his vast experiences over the years, Jim also enjoys sharing his history and decades of experience with young filmmakers. Career highlights include: Young Frankenstein, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, The Fisher King, Magnolia, Traffic, Ocean's Eleven, A Single Man, The Artist, Behind the Candelabra, Suffragette, and back-to-back Best Cinematography Oscar winners Legends of the Fall and Braveheart, both photographed by John Toll. Jim was honored to accept the Motion Picture Academy's invitation to join the Class of 2018, and thrilled to serve as a judge for both the Student Academy Awards and the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards.