PERG News: September 2017

| PERG News: September 2017 |

DENNY CLAIRMONT RETIRES — PEERS REFLECT ON LEGACY

In July, Denny Clairmont announced his retirement. His career and accomplishments are truly one of a kind in our industry. Denny and his brother Terry founded Clairmont camera in 1976, and it became one of the world’s most prestigious movie equipment and camera rental companies, known for its innovation as well as top quality equipment and service. Read more...

KESLOW CAMERA ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF CLAIRMONT CAMERA

Keslow Camera, the largest privately held motion picture camera equipment rental house in North America, announced today that it is acquiring Clairmont Camera and its Vancouver and Toronto operations. Read more...

GOFUNDME UPDATE: $8,200 TOWARDS $35,000 GOAL

In April 2017, PERG launched a fundraising campaign to support a major upgrade to the RENTAL GUARD site. So far, we have raised $8,200 towards the goal of $35,000, or roughly 23%. A great start, but we need to hear from more of our members and registered users. Read more...

AICP AND PERG CO-HOST OKTOBERFEST

The AICP and PERG are once again hosting the Oktoberfest party in New York City in mid-October. This will be the sixth year the two organizations have celebrated the New York production community over German sausage and beer. Read more...

PSA LAUNCHES CONSULTANCY FOR RENTAL HOUSE SECURITY AND THEFT RESOURCES

The newly launched Production Security Alliance (PSA) provides professional law enforcement experience and resources specifically for rental houses with theft issues. Read more...

AICP JOINS WITH PERG MEMBER TO JOINTLY PROVIDE LIFESAVING TRAINING

Letter to the Editor: I want to share something that we recently took part in and the back story behind it.PC&E recently supplied lighting and grip and camera to a job that shot in Birmingham AL. The dolly grip on the job is a long-time friend of the company and was one of the first people that I worked with locally when I got in the business long ago. Read more...

APPROPRIATE POSTS FOR RENTAL GUARD
In July ESTA removed a theft report posted to the RENTAL GUARD site. We are following up with this clarification because the post raised an issue that we want all users to be aware of. The post was made by one company that was having a business dispute with another company.  Read more...

ORDER YOUR 2017 BEHIND THE SCENES HOLIDAY CARDS

Be prepared for the holidays and choose from six designs created especially for Behind the Scenes. All proceeds benefit Behind the Scenes. Order your cards by September 29th! Read more...

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Would other members of your staff benefit by receiving the PERG Newsletter? To join our mailing list, just shoot us an email. 
• Want to get involved in a PERG initiative? The PERG executive council and committees are what makes PERG tick. Our members are our greatest resource. 
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• Let people know you are a proud member, display the PERG Member logo and RENTAL GUARD shield on your website. Contact us to receive your link to download.
• Not a PERG member? Consider joining the only industry trade association committed to the health and future of professional rental companies.

Denny Clairmont Retires – Peers Reflect on Legacy

| PERG News: September 2017 |

In July, Denny Clairmont announced his retirement. His career and accomplishments are truly one of a kind in our industry. Denny and his brother Terry founded Clairmont camera in 1976, and it became one of the world’s most prestigious movie equipment and camera rental companies, known for its innovation as well as top quality equipment and service. Denny Clairmont is one of the founding members of PERA, the organization that eventually evolved into PERG as part of ESTA.

We asked some of our members for their thoughts on Denny’s legacy. Taken together, his peers show some of the ways Clairmont truly influenced the whole industry, placing a high bar for excellence and innovation, and personifying the forward-looking, engaged, generous character of a professional rental house. 

If you have thoughts you would like to share about Denny’s legacy, please send them to PERG Manager, Harry Box.

Denny Clairmont in all sincerity is one-of-a-kind, and has left an indelible impression upon this industry that will stand the test of time.

Denny invested heavily in his employees, fostering an environment where such fantastic developments as the Image Shaker, the Squishy Lens (the list goes on and on) could come to fruition, enhancing his client’s toolset.

All of the awards and kudos Denny has received over the years - be it the special John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation from the Academy or the Bud Stone award the ASC bestowed upon him recently - are a testament to the kind of person he is.

Lastly, you have to give him credit for all the ways he gave back to the community, most especially helping out all of the myriad of students over the years.

Denny Clairmont is truly a class act and we wish him all the very best upon his retirement.

Best Always!

Robert Keslow (Keslow Camera)

When I was at Samuelson Film Services - then the European agents for Panavision - we would often have meetings at the headquarters of Panavision in Los Angeles. However when in town we would always also visit Clairmont Camera to see what innovation Denny was working on and, suitably inspired return to the UK determined to offer a similarly imaginative and bespoke service to our clients.

His passion for thinking outside the conventional product box led to us create unique lenses, accessories and even putting a BNCR mount on a Panaflex (briefly) and I am sure he inspired others around the world to do the same. The tools available to Cinematographers have been enhanced thank to Denny and his team.

Simon Broad (CineMoves)

Over the years, Denny was always there for me to offer advice. Even when we were a small video rental house with a couple of Digi-Betacams, Denny took an appointment and helped guide me into the Digital Cinema business. I am extremely grateful.

I specifically remember arguing with my father about the financial merits of replacing all of our Sony F900 base plates with the Chrosziels version which was much more stable. My father maintained, “If we are not going to rent the camera for a nickel more and our local competitors were not going to make a change, then why should we make that investment?”  I remember simply saying, “This is something Denny would do.” My father immediately agreed to make the purchase.

Thomas Fletcher (Fujinon)

Both Denny and Terry Clairmont were always very giving of their time to help anyone solve a problem. Even prior to my having an actual business relationship with Clairmont Camera, both Denny and Terry would help me understand what technically could have gone wrong on a film shoot and hence, I was able to use that information to convince insurance carriers for production companies to pay reshoot claims that otherwise might have been denied. It was the generosity of their spirit, their expertise in their field and their willingness to help others that will remain the greatest gifts that they gave to the industry. 

From a PERG perspective Denny was instrumental in reviving our association at a point in time when it could have gone the other way and ended. A special thanks to Denny and Terry for setting the bar of excellence high.

Scott Taylor (Taylor & Taylor Associates)

When you think about the long-lasting history of camera rental houses, it is near impossible to not have Denny Clairmont’s name come to mind. Denny has been a staple in shaping our service industry and has brought a tremendous wealth and knowledge to the world of cinematography. From all of us at Daufenbach Camera, we wish Denny a happy retirement and we thank you for your many years in the business. 

Lawrence Daufenbach (Daufenbach Camera)

I think I first met Denny Clairmont at Clairmont Engel in about 1978. I was in LA looking to purchase my first 35mm camera and had been advised that Denny was a good contact to discuss cameras with. And he was!

I finally purchased my first 35mm camera, an ARRI 2C, from Harry Walsh, a retiring Florida DP, in March 1979, and that launched me on the road to being a camera rental house in Seattle, with later shops in Portland and San Francisco.

As I grew Oppenheimer Camera, Denny and his brother Terry were always supportive and helpful. Denny's techs did service work for me and later trained some of my techs. Denny was always giving of time and expertise. We were able to subrent from Clairmont Camera to supplement our inventory as we grew.

Denny was one of us who joined together to established PERA in the very early 1990’s and PERA was great because competitors were able to come together, often at dinner in the early days, working, despite friendly competition, to better our industry.

For almost 40 years I’ve been proud to count Denny as a friend and colleague. The industry has certainly changed, often not for the better, but I know our industry is better for many of the innovations developed at Clairmont Camera. Robert Keslow and company are a fine fit to take on the mantle developed by Denny and Terry, but the industry just won’t be the same without Clairmont Camera.

Marty Oppenheimer (Oppenheimer Camera Products)

Keslow Camera Announces Acquisition of Clairmont Camera

| PERG News: September 2017 |

CULVER CITY, CA (July 17, 2017, 11 a.m. PDT) – Keslow Camera, the largest privately held motion picture camera equipment rental house in North America, announced today that it is acquiring Clairmont Camera and its Vancouver and Toronto operations. The move will more than quadruple Keslow Camera’s anamorphic and vintage lens inventory, and add a substantial range of custom camera equipment to the company’s extensive portfolio. Simultaneously, Clairmont founder Denny Clairmont, one of the industry’s most respected talents in front and behind the camera, announced his retirement. The acquisition is expected to be complete on or before August 4. 

Company Founder and CEO Robert Keslow said, “This acquisition perfectly aligns with Keslow Camera’s mission – to never stop growing, never stop learning, and never stop improving. The expansion into the two busiest Canadian markets delivers on our clients’ ongoing requests for us to service them in more areas of the world.” 

Keslow Camera will retain the talented support staff and experienced team of Clairmont’s Vancouver and Toronto facilities, who have been offering professional digital and film cameras, lenses and accessories to the filmmaking community in the region since the 1980s. All operations within California will eventually be consolidated to Keslow Camera’s headquarters in Culver City. 

Clairmont notes that this deal also serves as his endorsement. “Clairmont Camera is my life’s work and I never stopped searching for innovative ways to serve our clients. I have long respected Robert Keslow and the team at Keslow Camera for their integrity, quality of management, best-in-class customer service, and successful performance. I am confident they are the right company to honor my heritage and founding vision going forward,” says Clairmont. 

Denny Clairmont, along with his brother, Terry, established one of the world’s most prestigious movie equipment and camera rental companies in 1976. In 2011, Clairmont received the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), awarded by the Academy Board of Governors upon the recommendation of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. The Medal honors outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy. Clairmont and Ken Robings won a Technical Achievement Award from the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) for the lens perspective system, and Clairmont has won two Emmys from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his role in the development of special lens systems. These innovative solutions will immediately be available to Keslow Camera customers. 

“We are honored to have earned Denny Clairmont’s trust, and recognize the work and innovation that he and his great team have brought to the industry over the past 70 years,” added Keslow’s Chief Operating Officer Dennis McDonald. “To be able to offer our personalized level of service in more locations, with a wider range of technology to serve the needs of the creative community, we’re poised to elevate the Keslow experience for current and new customers.” 

For more information, visit www.keslowcamera.com. 

GoFundMe Update: $8,200 towards $35,000 Goal

| PERG News: September 2017 |

In April 2017, PERG launched a fundraising campaign to support a major upgrade to the RENTAL GUARD site. So far, we have raised $8,200 towards the goal of $35,000, or roughly 23%. A great start, but we need to hear from more of our members and registered users. If your company benefits from this free industry resource, please...

1. Donate. The amount you contribute is up to you. Whether you can donate $100, $1000 or $10,000, your donation will help us toward our goal. Donors of $1,000 or more will have their name listed on the RENTAL GUARD homepage.

2. Share, Like, Tweet. You can help us raise a lot more money by sharing through your social media channels.

RENTAL GUARD v2.0 will improve the user experience, increase utility, and improve its data mining capability which is so important to law enforcement. 

Our sincere thanks to the following companies and individuals 
who have helped us toward  our goal so far:

ALPS/Advanced Lighting, ARRI Rental Group ($1000 supporter), Bianca Halpern of BeCine, Bluebird Express, LLC, Chater Camera, Dana Taylor, Duclos Lenses ($1000 supporter), Gaurav Gupta, Hammer Lighting and Grip, Midtown Video, Musitelli Film and Digital ($1000 supporter), NFP ($1000 supporter), PC&E, Simon Broad of Cinemoves, Taylor & Taylor, Inc. ($1000 supporter), The Camera Division, Videofax

AICP and PERG Co-host Oktoberfest

| PERG News: September 2017 |

The AICP and PERG are once again hosting the Oktoberfest party in New York City in mid-October. This will be the sixth year the two organizations have celebrated the New York production community over German sausage and beer. Last year the event was attended by about 250 people and the same is expected this year. The event has proved to be a great opportunity and a good time for members of both organizations. The event has earned strong support by event sponsors—many of whom do business with local AICP production company members—as well as PERG’s annual sponsors, which sponsor all four of PERG’s annual events. 

PERG and AICP Members will receive invitations from their respective organizations by email.

AICP Joins with PERG Member to Jointly Provide Lifesaving Training

| PERG News: September 2017 |

Letter to the Editor 

Hey all,

I want to share something that we recently took part in and the back story behind it.

PC&E recently supplied lighting and grip and camera to a job that shot in Birmingham AL. The dolly grip on the job is a long-time friend of the company and was one of the first people that I worked with locally when I got in the business long ago. I like to say he was someone I met when I could part my hair. 

Walking back from lunch, the dolly grip dropped to the floor, a victim of cardiac arrest. The gaffer, Stan Fyfe, performed CPR for six minutes until the EMT crew arrived. The grip survived, and after two weeks in the hospital and the addition of a pacemaker/defibrillator combo he came home to Atlanta. He has a long recovery ahead of him and can’t drive for at least seven months.  Various things were done locally to help. A GoFundMe account was started and has since raised over $46K. Worker’s Comp paperwork was filed immediately by the production company he was working for at the time. I passed along info about ESTA’s “Behind the Scenes” grants to the family as well.

PC&E partnered with our local AICP chapter to offer CPR training. This was a collaborative effort that I’m proud of, and I think it is a great template for other PERG members.  We are Associate Members of AICP SE and have been forever. The new chapter president, Tabitha Mason-Elliot, is determined to create broader outreach for the chapter. As soon I heard about the incident, I decided to offer CPR training to the community and when I reached out to Tabitha, she and the board of the AICP SE came through in a major way in their sponsorship. Stan Fyfe, the gaffer that performed CPR, hooked us up with CPR Training School, which provided instructors and worked with us to make training possible for 75 members of the Atlanta Film Community.

Many PERG members may already do something like this in your respective markets, but not only is it a great way to partner with AICP (or other groups in your market), but it is actually something that does some good and can clearly make a difference to someone’s life.

I encourage everyone to think about offering CPR training in your market or community. 

Mark Wofford

General Manager

Production Consultants and Equipment (PC&E)
An Employee Owned Company

PSA Launches Consultancy for Rental House Security and Theft Response

| PERG News: September 2017 |

The newly launched Production Security Alliance (PSA) provides professional law enforcement experience and resources specifically for rental houses with fraud and theft issues. 

The PSA website states “Our role is to act as a trusted adviser, provide resolution and, most notably, recovery of stolen production equipment within the motion picture and television production industry.” 

PSA Co-Founder and Consultant, Martin Pastor is an accomplished, military-trained, law enforcement professional with an extensive background in case management and crime investigation which encompasses 20 years of experience.  

The Consultancy provides two types of services: Pre-Emptive and Response. Pre-emptive measures include site specific security consultation for rental facilities and customer identity authentication reports with a fast turn-around. A yearly membership costs $150 and provides access to:

• One-time identity verification

• Confirmed crime alerts

• Negative identity notifications

• Capability to report equipment thefts

• Equipment recovery listing 

• PSA crime prevention presentations

• Seminars on theft prevention 

• Access to a-la carte services

PSA also provides unique services in response to a reported theft, including: acting as liaison with law enforcement, case management with in the U.S. and/or internationally, equipment recovery search, analysis of reported thefts for probable patterns, and travel to recover equipment if it re-surfaces out of the jurisdiction.

Appropriate Posts for RENTAL GUARD

| PERG News: September 2017 |

In July ESTA removed a theft report posted to the RENTAL GUARD site. We are following up with this clarification because the post raised an issue that we want all users to be aware of. The post was made by one company that was having a business dispute with another company. 

The RENTAL GUARD site is designed to help crowd-source information about thefts so that stolen equipment can be identified, located, and possibly recovered if it resurfaces. A theft report on RENTAL GUARD cannot serve any useful purpose when the location of the equipment is already known, the parties are in communication, and there is no issue regarding a 3rd party unwittingly buying stolen equipment. Such a post could raise legal issues and harm RENTAL GUARD as an industry resource.

Thanks to the cooperation of our members and RENTAL GUARD subscribers, the site has been extremely successful in recovering equipment and helping PERG members avoid fraud. As of April, 2017, RENTAL GUARD helped members sidestep an estimated $1.5 in fraud losses, and directly contributed to the recovery of roughly $1.4 of stolen equipment. We trust that our subscribers understand that for the long-term health of the site, it must be used thoughtfully and responsibly. If you have a concern you’d like to post, but are not sure how it should be handled, please feel free to contact the PERG manager.

Behind the Scenes 2017 Holiday Cards Now Available

| PERG News: September 2017 |

Order Your Personalized Cards and Card Packs by September 29!

Be prepared for the holidays and choose from six designs created especially for Behind the Scenes. All proceeds benefit Behind the Scenes. Click on the images below to view a larger picture.

Holiday Cards can be ordered three ways:

Personalized Cards:
Customize your cards with your company name, logo and greeting. Personalized cards are available on orders of 250 or more cards (increments of 50). The deadline to order personalized cards is September 29. Click here to order.

Card Packs:
Don’t feel like customizing? Need a smaller quantity? Each card is available in packages of 10. Order by September 29 to ensure on time delivery. Click here to order.

Electronic Card:
Prefer to send your holiday wishes via e-mail? All card images are available electronically and can be sent to you as a PDF, JPG or GIF file. Click here to order.

You can also download the Holiday Card Order form (PDF) and fax or email it in with your payment. 

Behind the Scenes provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals when they are ill or injured or to their surviving dependent family members. Funds can be used for medical care, basic living costs and funeral expenses. Behind the Scenes brings help and hope in times of great need.