The death of music video director Tim Royes in Manhattan in the early hours of Monday August 13 has shocked the industry. Widely regarded as one of Britain's top directors, his work ranged from editing iconic videos for Guns N Roses in the 90s to more recent work with indie hotshots The View and Ghosts.
Very close friend and colleague Sally Campbell, who is also the managing director of Academy Films where Tim was represented, told shots.net: "He was a very special man, with the most infectious laugh that made everyone and anyone feel like something, regardless of whether you were the coolest, most glam person in the world or the most introverted, uncool and geeky person. Hence his ability to make anyone look beautiful in his work. He had such a generous and loyal spirit, and we will miss him every day."
Director and close personal friend Andy Morahan also paid this respects. "It was with great sadness that we all learnt of the untimely death of Tim Royes, friend, director/editor in an accident last Monday in New York. Tim was a much loved, 'larger-than-life' character who seemed to touch the lives of all those he knew. He was one of those rare people that nobody had a bad word to say about… he literally had friends all over the world and will be sorely missed. He was charismatic, generous with his time to both family and friends. We adored him and he adored us back. He was a shining light in an often dull world.
"I first got to know Tim when he was a tape op at Molinaire, the post-production facility. He was there at the same time as Joce Capper, Mark Alchin and Max Giwa… I was doing a lot of promo post at the time and he was very much part of the 'gang' that quickly moved on to Rushes. I virtually lived in Old Compton Street for the next few years editing with Mark and Tim became our 'right hand man'. He was always there with a laugh, a joke and his 'infamous' huge smile… which believe me was an invaluable asset when you're working on a 'Bananarama video' at 4 o'clock in the morning. In fact I don't ever remember Tim not smiling…
"He was obviously taking it all in though because he branched out to start editing himself and it was quickly apparent that he was very talented. I started to use him when I couldn't get Mark and then finding myself doing more and more in LA, Tim quickly became my editor of choice out there, having made the move from London. We worked on many videos together including November Rain for Guns N Roses which really put Tim on the map in the US. After that it was tough to get him now the likes of Sam Bayer had also 'earmarked' him as 'their guy'.
"Tim was always nomadic and restless and after a few years he returned to London to start directing. He had many contacts and admirers in the business by then and he completed the transition fairly swiftly. He went on to direct videos for Faith No More, Texas, Sugababes, Eternal, Rachel Stevens, Will Young amongst other. He had a very beauty-based, fashion- inspired, 'glossy look' that was much admired and sought after. He was represented by Harry Nash, RSA/Black Dog and more recently Academy… so he was well thought of and in 'good company'. He was just branching out into commercials. Tim was just a beautiful, uncomplicated guy, loved by all and truly left his indelible mark on our lives and the world. We will all miss him desperately."
