Paul Wilson was born in London, England, on 15 March 1925. His first job in the film industry was at the Gainsborough studios at Lime Grove, Shepherds Bush, which was later taken over by the BBC.
He operated on several films with cinematographer
Arthur Ibbetson. These included
Where Eagles Dare (1968) and
Anne of the Thousand Days (1969). He went on to operate on numerous features before moving into special effects for several James Bond and Superman films.
He was interviewed by David A. Ellis for his book Conversations with Cinematographers.