Bafta-nominated cinematographer

The family of Bafta-nominated cinematographer, director, drone cameraman and 3D artist Ranald Wood have paid tribute to man they say was “destined for movies”.

Speaking for the first time since his sudden death in January age 44, Ranald’s father and brother reflect on the life of the Aberdeen creative who was devoted to his family.

Ranald Stuart Murray Wood was born on December 28 1978 in Aberdeen. Youngest son of Richard and Miriam Wood, he had two siblings, Ricky and Jenny.

He attended Loirston Primary and Portlethen Secondary schools where he enjoyed sports, especially football, swimming and golf.

An inherent sense of adventure and affinity with Scotland would be honed and fortified over the years during many family holidays to the west coast.

Fishing on the banks of Loch Awe in Argyll or in the rivers of Mull would remain favourite places for Ranald to spend his time.

Ranald knew from an early age he was destined for the movies.

Battle scenes would be recreated in the garden using the Findhorn burn as a paddy field from Platoon and family members enlisted to recreate scenes from favourite movies. Even his dog, Duke, would be roped in to play an adversary.

This passion saw him leave school at 16 in 1994. He joined his father and brother in the family film production business TVP, which Richard started in 1983.

An excellent cinematographer, Ranald took on the essential role of deciding the overall look and visual style of each film.

This included lighting, camera angles, camera movement and the handling of all the technical aspects, for cinema, television, music videos and adverts.

His expertise in film making was recognised in 2013 when he was nominated for two Baftas. One for cinematography, then the Bafta audience award for his feature film itself based on the Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean.

Ranald became a company shareholder with his brother Ricky.

MADE FOR THE MOVIES: Ranald Wood was also a talented visual 3D artist.