Cameraman handed film honour after crash death

Richard Steel, 40, was killed when he lost control of the 110,000 car on the twisting A91 Hillfoots Road near Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, just after 10am on Wednesday.

Mr Steel, who lived in Lasswade, Midlothian, had been in the area to film a commercial for whisky giant Diageo's Johnnie Walker brand at its Menstrie base.

The former Edinburgh Napier University student had spent the last two years working on the feature film Electric Man, which friends described as a life-long dream.

The film, which was nominated for a Bafta New Talent Award, will now be dedicated to his memory.

Director David Barras said Mr Steel had seen the nearly-finished version of the film and had been delighted with it.

He said: "I've known Rich for about seven years, so when we decided to try and shoot a low-budget movie in Edinburgh he was top of the list to be cinematographer.

"His passion helped drive the project and his talent and enthusiasm led to many investors signing up. When we started shooting, it was clear that he was a consummate professional to the highest degree. He was just a great presence wherever he was.

"He kept cast and crew spirits alive on even the most down of days. His talent and vision were an inspiration."

Mr Steel's brother, Gary, 51, said: "Richard loved his job and travelled the world for it.

"He was one of the top in his field and he was very well respected in the business."

He said his brother's girlfriend of ten years, Dawn, 34, was devastated by the tragedy.

He said: "She's just too upset to speak just now. It's difficult for her. We're all devastated about this."

Mr Steel shot music videos for The Proclaimers and The Fratellis, and had been a cameraman on TV productions including the BBC drama Sea of Souls, The Money Programme and Tonight with Trevor McDonald,

He filmed the Dalai Lama's visit to Scotland as well as working at T in the Park and the Super Bowl.

He ran his own production company in Edinburgh called Independent Production Facilities and had won awards for work with the NHS and the Children's Hospice Association.

Joe Fernand, who set up The Media Factory in Edinburgh with Mr Steel in 1994, said: "Richard was a lovely guy and a great friend. Working in movies was always what he wanted and it is so sad that he has died at a time when he was just beginning to realise that dream."

Graham Kitchener, a writer/director who had worked with Mr Steel for the last 15 years, described him as "a star".

"There was no question he would have been making big feature films in a few years' time, and he had started off on that with Electric Man," he said.

"He was such a talent."