Return | Newsletter Back Issues | Previous | Next Chapman shows latest line at first-annual SOC seminar By Steve Galluzzo Burbank, CA--Chapman had its hottest items on display at the Society of Operating Cameramen's first annual hands-on seminar Jan. 27 at Warner Brothers Studios. General Manager, Chuck Huenergardt, Assistant General Manager, Steve Miller, Field Representatives, Hector Miranda and Cisco DelReal, Crane Driver, Greg Hill, and Marketing Director, Christine Huenergardt, were on hand to show dolly grips, directors of photography, production assistants, and crane operators the features of Chapman / Leonard's highly advanced equipment. "I think this whole seminar is very informative, especially because I get to see what's out there," said Nancy Diambekov, who has been a grip for nine months.   "I especially like being able to handle the equipment myself and get a feel for how it works and how to get the most out of it." Chapman had many new products for display including the Super Nova with a Lenny II Plus, CS Base with a Lenny plus, and a PeeWee® Dolly with a center post kit modified with a Lenny Mini. Photo: Brian Branigan Above: Titan Crane in combination with the Lenny II Plus allows filming a multitude of different actions within one smooth continuous take. Bob Primes, ASC, and Chuck Minsky did a wonderful job setting up a variety of intricate shots using the Super Nova and Lenny Arm II Plus combination.  The set up was to follow a multitude of different actions within one smooth continuous take. SOC Member, Michael Scott, deemed Chapman's fabled Titan "the best crane out here."  The Titan was parked near a building and set up for use with a Steadicam Operator. Other Chapman products represented included the Hustler III and Hybrid II Dollies.  Panavision's new single-operator camera was mounted on the Pedolly® Pedestal, while remote heads were activated at the end of each Lenny Arm. Among the notable camera operators in attendance were Guy Bee (ER), Ray Stella (Jurassic Park), Paul Babin (Congo), Annette Langley (The Color Purple), and Fred Smith (Last Action Hero); Key Grips, Albert Ramos (Coal Miner's Daughter), Chuck Schray (Batman Returns), and Dan Smith (Angels in the Outfield); and DP's Marvin Rush (Star Trek Voyager), and Richard Walden (Dream On). Above: Chuck Huenergardt demonstrates Chapman's new Hybrid II camera dolly. Photo: Brian Branigan "The thing I like best is the vibration isolator," explains longtime Grip, Hector Figeroa, who was on hand to test the prototype with Leonard Chapman at the NAB in Las Vegas.  "I like to call it the "parking lot" isolator because that is where we tested it and the thing made the camera smooth as can be. Best of all, it saves time." Above: Chapman technical crew present to help out in the demonstrations and Q & A were, left, Steve Miller, Darryl McKenzie and far right, Greg Hill. Various guest speakers, such as Bill Hines, former SOC President, Ron Kock of Delux Labs, George Dibie, ASC, Michael Frediani, President of the SOC, and Key Grip, Chuck Schray, to name a few, hosted the SOC Event, explaining the camera operator's importance and expressing the importance of maintaining safety on the set.

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