Garfath worked as a cameraman since the 1970s, including stints on Superman II and III, The Empire Strikes Back, Brazil, Pink Floyd The Wall, and An American Werewolf in London. He moved up to second unit director for John Landis on Spies Like Us and began directing music videos for Kate Bush. He later directed a range of commercials (including a notable spot for Nissan) and episodes of the British TV series Spinechillers