Friends and family gathered at The Partners’ Film Company Aug. 17 to reminisce about director/dop Larry Hutson.

Hutson, 52, died at his home in Seattle July 29 from a ruptured aorta. His body was cremated the next day and, rather than hold a traditional funeral service, many of his friends got together for a gourmet meal at his favourite restaurant.

Philippe Garneau of Garneau Wurstlin Philp worked closely with Hutson for the first time in 1995 on a campaign for the Bank of Montreal and says when you worked with Larry you worked ‘a la Larry’.

‘Butterfly hunting, a term he coined – and if he didn’t he sure as hell lived up to it – is what you do with Larry,’ says Garneau. ‘The best laid plans of art directors, writers and marketing people are all well and fine, but if while you’re driving to set you see something that captures your eye, and you’re Larry, you pull over, open your trunk and take out your camera.’

Partners’ Film Company chief Don McLean says Hutson’s pictures were brilliant and there was nothing phony about his ability to show real people doing real things. ‘You never felt like you were watching performers because it was all very truthful. That is what he was all about.’

When it came to shooting, Hutson was a minimalist, preferring to work with the smallest crew possible, sans craft services and with no video assist. To him, all the extras on a shoot meant that any freshness or spontaneity would be smothered.

Hutson started his career as a stills photographer before joining the roster at Partners’ where he remained for 15 years, shooting spots for such clients as ING Direct, Labatt, McDonald’s, Esso and Tropicana. He was born in b.c. but spent most of his life in Seattle, where he is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two daughters, Hillary and Kendall.

Off set, Hutson was an epicurean with a great joie de vivre, according to Garneau, and those who worked with him were compelled to accompany him to enjoy fine food and wines no matter what the time.

Third Floor Editing president Richard Unruh worked with Hutson for 12 years and with him shared many personal interests including a love of jazz music and good food, as well as the passions that come with a strong professional relationship.

‘His film was always special to me; he was able to capture honesty and I felt I was able to find it,’ says Unruh. ‘He was one of the few directors who allowed me the privilege of being able to edit mature, honest pieces and they still hold up.’

Says Garneau: ‘The man knew film he knew how to push stock, he knew aperture and lenses inside out so that he was more like a jazz musician in that he had but to think it and he knew how to play it instantly. We were looking forward to learning so much more from him because he was so much more than a director, he was a very important talent and a friend.’

The family has asked that donations be made in Larry’s name to the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, Ill, 60303-2222, (708) 848-2222.