Anyone and everyone who knew Dave, would surely agree that he was truly a unique character. One of a kind. Straight out of a movie. Terry Venables meets Sid James, with his knack for telling a story, and his unmistakable roaring laughter.

To others, it was maybe his life behind the scenes, in numerous colour grading suites of Soho and Los Angeles, that truly showcased his brilliance. For even more others it was his antics on and off the rugby field for which he will be remembered.

David James Ludlam, started his over 35-year-long career in post production straight from school aged 16, as a runner at Carlton TV, delivering late-night food and drinks to the likes of directing duo Godley and Creme, in the height of music video days, in the late 1980s.

Dave had short spells at Ravensdale, Soho 601, Jam, Rascal and Royal Muster, but it’s his time at The Mill (starting in London before moving to LA and back to London again) and 15 years at Framestore (London), that will define Dave’s career.

It was also at this time that Dave met perhaps his closest friend, cinematographer Gary Shaw - becoming best men at each other’s weddings. During the late ‘90s and beyond - under the comedy pseudonym ‘The Cheesy Loafs’ they would embark on the annual ‘tour’: Driving across countries and continents, often pursued by local law enforcement, for some minor beer and burger induced misdemeanour. The missing life-size fibre-glass pig from a mini golf course in Canada, is probably one petty crime that will remain unsolved.

Dave was annoyingly good at every sport he played, from cricket, football and golf, to darts, pool, karting and bowling. A passionate rugby union player in his youth, he proudly wore the colours of Enfield Ignatians RFC. He often showed up to work with cuts, scars, bruises and the occasional black eye, or crooked nose. It was both on and off the field, especially on the annual rugby tour that he soon acquired the nickname "Dirty Dave". It's fair to say, he got away with murder.

His talent on the field meant he could have had a long and illustrious playing career playing for the highest teams in the club but it was the damage to his knees which shortened his career and served as a visible reminder to us all of his true love of the game and more probably the clubhouse. Before he finally hung up his boots, he helped the club's 4th XV to secure their league winners in 2004 -2005 season.

Dave’s story is one of a life lived fully, with humour, passion, and an unyielding love for the craft that brought him to the forefront of our creative industry, and prowess on the rugby field. As we remember him, it’s not just the work he leaves behind but the stories, the laughter, and the undeniable presence of a man who truly was one of a kind.

Dave leaves behind a wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all

Dave Ludlam RIP

Andrew's full article on Dave's career and his work tributes can be found at:
https://lbbonline.com/news/remembering-dave-luddy-ludlam-a-colourful-life-in-every-frame