Los Angeles
Career Development – January to May 1995
- From January to May 1995, I undertook a concentrated period of career development in Los Angeles, living in Woodland Hills, just off Victory and Topanga Boulevards. Alongside my Panavision internship, I received hands-on technical training with leading companies including Aaton Burbank, Clairmont Camera Inc., and Chapman/Leonard. I also gained production experience with Warner Bros.’ E.R., joining the team towards the end of its first season.
Aaton Burbank
- Following my Panavision internship, I spent a week at Aaton’s Burbank facility, training in the servicing and maintenance of the then relatively new Aaton 35mm camera, which VFG was adding to its fleet. I had previously trained on Aaton’s 16mm cameras in 1993 with I.C.E., the Aaton agent in London.
Clairmont Camera Inc.
- I first met Denny Clairmont as a young boy at the BKSTS Film ’79, so it was a natural step to spend time at Clairmont Camera while in Los Angeles. There, I advanced my skills in servicing and maintaining the Fries VistaVision and Fries 4-35 High Speed cameras. Over the years, I did business with both Denny and Terry Clairmont, and even discussed representing the Squishy, Shaker, and other specialist Clairmont lenses in the UK.
Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
- With both Cinefocus and VFG having been long-time suppliers of Chapman Peewee and Hybrid dollies, it was also a natural step to complete the Peewee & Hybrid Dolly Maintenance Course during my time in Los Angeles. I later re-certified in 2000 when I added Chapman camera dollies to the L.E.Q. fleet. I also gained exposure to the company’s Cranes and Remotes teams while I was there.
Warner Bros. 'E.R' Series 1
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I gained invaluable experience with the production team for the network TV series E.R., joining as a guest and observer on several episodes, including those directed by Quentin Tarantino, Mimi Leder, and Christopher Chulack. I have some incredible, and also very humourous memories from that time.
