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Known for Lighting
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.
