CineMechanics is camera and lens rental company with offices in Minneapolis and Duluth. The company’s three lead staff have a combined 80+ years of rental industry experience locally and nationally. They have seen it all. Steve Speers is the founder, owner, and president of CineMechanics. The lead staff are industry veteran Brian McGraw, who manages the lens department and equipment inventory, and industry veteran Kolin Mark, who manages equipment rentals and assists with operations.
CineMechanics supplies equipment primarily for commercials and feature film productions and distinguishes itself as the only locally owned camera house in Minnesota. “We are known for our dedication to the camera department and for very supportive and close relationships with the local camera community. We actively support the work and careers of our clients and our market's DPs and ACs.”
Prior to starting the company, Steve was a focus puller for many years and was fortunate to work with some of the industry's most acclaimed cinematographers. While working as a 1st AC, he acquired equipment that he wanted to work with, eventually picking up a Red One digital camera and lenses during the industry’s transition from film to digital. He rented equipment to jobs that he worked on and to production companies who hired camera-department friends. “I happened to embrace digital early on, so our initial success was due to being a sort of hybrid AC, with both film and digital experience. During the crossroads of film to digital, many DPs hired me to help with their transition. Those relationships, from time spent in the trenches, remain very strong today.”
In 2008, Steve formed CineMechanics. He tells the story, “At the start, before I had employees, the ‘rental house’ was literally in my house! For maybe too many years (for my family) I worked out of my house. I worked on a lot of the bigger projects and movies in Minneapolis, and some of these jobs were with ASC and BSC cinematographers. It was always pretty funny when an AC or DP from LA would be dropped off at the local ‘camera house’ to prep and it was really a house in a neighborhood. Once they saw the prep space, though, they loved the setup. It was a really great way to bond with people when you host them at your home!”
Today, CineMechanics is located just west of downtown Minneapolis in a 6,000 sq. ft. facility. “We have multiple spacious prep bays. ACs love prepping with us! We have on-site lens test equipment and a projection room. We also have a 1,500 sq. ft camera/lens and motion control testing studio. We really love our space and location. Crews that come from out of town are always very complimentary of our facility and staff.”
CineMechanics is known for their extensive inventory, especially lenses, their motion control services, and their educational workshops for professionals and those interested in the camera department. We have a great selection of vintage, anamorphic and modern optics that work on projects all over the country. Having an experienced lens technician in-house and the industry's latest test equipment to manage this inventory, we ship it to sub-rental clients and productions all over the country.” In 2020 CineMechanics purchased a Bolt motion control system, growing their services to the region. “Our motion control offerings consist of a high-speed Bolt and Bolt Jr+ system along with precision track and various motion control rigs. It has been a wonderful challenge!”
CineMechanics is also very proud of their educational events. “We have a company initiative called CineUp. We host workshops, training, and learning opportunities with industry experts. The events are attended by local professionals and are great for those just getting started in the camera department.”
The company’s mission today remains to work alongside professional filmmakers and help them make great films. “Whatever the project, we understand the demands of filmmaking and the importance of succeeding. Our aim is to see our clients succeed. We take great pride in our service and support to our customers.”
Instagram and Facebook @cinemechanics, education hashtag is #cineup
https://cinemechanics.com/
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