Blair Witch Cinematographer Dies in plane crash

Neal Fredericks, known for his groundbreaking cinematography in The Blair Witch Project died Saturday while filming Cross Bones in the Florida Keys. His plane, piloted by the film’s writer-director Daniel Zirilli, survived after the plane’s engine died about 500 feet above water. Fredricks was filming aerial shots for the film, and could not free himself from his camera equipment before the plane sunk in 50 feet of water.

Fredricks will be notably remembered for his creative and artistic contributions to the Blair Witch Project.

Stephen Pizzello, Executive Editor of American Cinematographers said, “People really didn’t understand how integral Neal was to the visual design of that film. It was a huge movie based on the look, the lighting, the camera moves and the flashlights — all of which he designed.”

He was 35.