Marcus Bartley was an Anglo-Indian cinematographer who played a key role in the success of many Indian films. While at school, Bartley was an amateur photographer. He joined the Times of India in 1935 as press photographer, and then became a newsreel cameraman for British Movietone under the auspices of the Times of India. He was the cinematographer of all time classics like Maya Bazaar and Chemmeen. Bartley arrived in Madras and joined Pragati Studios. His maiden film was Swarga Seema in 1945.