Camera Operator 1991

cameramen

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT I'd like to take this opportunity, as your new president, to greet all the members of this fine organization. I have had the pleasure to stand before you and introduce the films in our Heritage Film Series for the last three years. I now find it an honor to address you as spokesman of your Board of Governors.

The Board is made up of some distinquished men and women of the Motion Picture Industry.

They all have a deep love for the SOC and work many hours to make our events and general membership run smoothly.

I have great respect and admiration for my predecessors in this office. Their dedication was endless and their spriit moved us.

Bob Marta championed our goals in the very formitable years. He helped set a foundation that lives on today. He served two consecutive terms and started a third before his health forced him to step down. We wish him well and we will always have a place in our hearts for him.

Bill Clark is a larger than life operator who lives and breaths the S.0.C .. He started our regularly scheduled film screenings which have brought new interest. Many look forward to these social events and take pride inviting family and friends to enjoy. Bill also served two consecutive terms.

Our busiest president to date has been Mike Benson. His work load made it difficult for him to attend some of our functions but his love is still ever present. It was Mike's idea to donate a Dolby sound system at the Louis B. Mayer theatre of the Motion Picture Home. A wonderful gift that all the residents of the home can enjoy. It was also through Mike's efforts that we were able to acquire Arnold Schwarzneggar's jacket as a charity fund raiser.

A pimary goal in my presidency is to try for better public image and advertising. I would like for the wonderful accomplishments of this organization to be better realized.

Standards Committee In talking with members, many ideas have come forward. One that I would like to see realized is a standards committee. This should be made up of a large group who look into the technical specifications of the various camera equipment used by camera operators. We need particular emphasis in the video industry where manufactures seem oblivious to our needs. The purpose of this committee would be to lobby these

manufacturers.

The name of the Society Operating Cameramen should become the leading advisory council in these areas.

Social Activities Committee A weekend in Santa Barbara was organized for the S.0.C. two years ago. It was a wonderful weekend for the couples that attended. A relaxed weekend including dining with friends. I would like to see more opportunities arise for these social activities. We are tryng to organize a harbor cruise in Marina Del Rey on October 19th of this year. I would like to form a committee to look into the possibility of other events.

Anyone interested in serving on these committees please contact us. We look forward to your ideas.

Sponsorship It has been suggested that the Society look into the possibility of sponsorship by camera companies and the like. These sponsors could help offset the expense of some of our events such as our annual awards banquet. We are in the process of contacting various equipment houses in this regard.

This Society is becoming well respected for it's charity. Our public image is growing and gaining a strong foothold in the community. We all need to work to further the name of this organization. It's important to see that your screen credits include the S.0.C. initials after your name. Included in this newsletter are applications for new members.

Recruiting new members is another way of helping to make our society grow.

I would like to see the growth of the European side of the SOC. We encourage the members abroad to organize and form meetings and get togethers that can nurture our ideals and our brotherhood.

Many thanks to Doug Knapp for all his work in helping to prepare this newsletter. Doug is tireless and a real asset.

This is your organization and it can become what you would like it to be. We need your support and partici pati on.

Randall Robinson S.0.C. President

*FIRST IN A SERIES OF S.O.C. MEMBERS PERSONAL BIOGRAPHIES

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OWEN MARSH S.O.C. Born at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, Hollywood, California, May 29, 1930 to parents Oliver, an M.G.M. director of photgraphy, and Elizabeth, a violinist who played mood music on the movie sets during the silent picture days.

The family history goes back even further in the industry to 1909 when my aunt Mae Marsh joined D.W. Griffith and his movie company in New Jersey and later moved to the west coast with him to star in such movies as "Birth of a Nation", and "Polly of the Circus."

After a very brief career as a child actor, "Gir1 of the Golden West" and "San Francisco" around 1935 I settled down to being a kid in North Hollywood, which in those days was "way out in the San Fernando Valley."

Married my high school sweetheart, Evelyn, in 1950 (after forty one years she still is) and preceded, at the governments request, to become involved, in what was then euphemistically called the Korean conflict. Upon returning home in 1952 I decided to get into the business that my family had been involved with for many years, so my first stop was the business agents office of the l.A.T.S.E. Camera Local #659. The man behind the desk was at that time the most powerful union boss in Hollywood, Mr. Herbert Aller. After my meeting with him I figured that he had been waiting for me to show up for the past eleven years since my fathers death.

His words to me were as follows: "So, your Ollie Marsh's boy?" "Yes sir", "Well, I'll tell you something kid, as long as I'm behi nd this desk you'll never work in any camera department in this country!"

It seems that in 1932 he had had a run in with my father when he was active in forming the A.S.C. (at that time a splinter union put together by a group of cameramen, counter to the I.A.), my father had won, and this was Mr. Aller's first chance to get back at him.

So, I went to work in the film labs.

Technicolor, Pathe, C.F.I. and six years later the business had one of its busy spurts, I got a job in the M.G.M. camera department and had my thirty days in before any one told the union my name.

When the man found out that I was a member of 659 he was more than a little upset but by then there was nothing he could do about it, so my career in camera had finally started.

These were the days before the independents, the big studios were the only games in town, and I belonged to the biggest and the best, M.G.M .. I was a 2nd assistant on production, working my ass off and loving every minute of it.

"Cimmeron", "Ben Hur", "Mutiny on the Bounty", "How The West Was Won", Elvis Presley movies, etc., etc. Bob Surtese, Paul Koons, Ed Plante Sr., Lester Shorr, Wm. Danels, James Wong Howe, Milt Krasner, Harold We ll man, Fred Koenekamp, Harky Smith, Bill Johnson, etc. The equipment we were using then was mostly Mitchell Standards, N.C.'s and B.N.C.'s and of course that new camera system called Cinerama for "How The West Was Won." It was because of Cinerama that my career changed. Since I was one of the few assistants in town that had worked with this equipment, I was asked to go on an independent picture being made by The George Stevens Company, "The Greatest Story Ever Told". After being on the crew in the Arizona and Utah deserts for thirteen months I was asked to act as a liaison, coordinator, between the production company and the M.G.M. visual effects department where the matte painting work for the picture was being done. This was to be about a two week job with good hours and good pay so why not?

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

by Howie Block

Now that the 1991 dues marathon is over I can finally report to the membership. Doug Knapp (who did most of the work) and I have been trying to put this report to bed for 5 months now and this is it.

The S.0.C. has a total membership of 232.

This number includes active, associates, honorary and retired members. This year we regretfully were forced to drop 7 members for unrecieved payment of dues. We hate to lose even one member, but 7 out of a total of 232 isn't bad. Our goal of course is not to lose any members, but keep gaining until we have every working operator here and abroad as an SOC member.

Our new President Randall Robinson is a young, energetic and very active member. He has discussed future plans for the SOC with me and others on the Board, and they sound great.

With more activities in many areas I'm sure we'll not only hold on to our present members, but encourage many more operators to join with us.

The Board has been kicking around an idea concerning our dues schedule that I would like to inform you about.

You might remember that a few years back during the long writers strike, we forgave several months dues. Because our members were hurting we backed the dues date from Sept. 30 to Dec. 31st. This was done in order to give our members a chance to catch up before they had to pay their SOC dues. That arrangement worked but several members of the Board, myself, Doug and Randy included think that it's time to return to the Sept. 30th deadline.

The reason for this is that the holidays come at that time, and April 15th looms just a few months later. By the time Sept. 30th comes around, most of our people are working and should be able to pay their dues easily.

Since all members are now paid up to Dec. 31st 1991, you will be billed at that time to September 30, 1992 (nine months) and then each Sept.

30th in the future.

We are not planning a raise in initiation fees or dues at this time, so don't sweat it.

Any questions - call.

Howie Block 818/996-5778

"••······························ We See It First

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SOCIETY OPERATING CAMERAMEN BANQUET REPORT

by Bob Feller

To those members who enjoyed our S.0.C. Lifetime Achievement banquets in the past, and to those who have never attended one, we have good news.

Our next banquet is scheduled and all set for

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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1991 CALABASAS INN

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The Committee is working very hard on this event and promises that it will be even better than last years. That's quite a promise because those lucky members who enjoyed our last banquet thought that it was the best yet.

Those who attend will not only enjoy great food, music and bubbly, but they will get great satisfaction in honoring those people who have in fact devoted a lifetime of service to our industry.

So, mark the date down NOW! We guarantee a night to remember.

See you there!

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SOC T-SHIRTS

by David Stump

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What better way to make our society visible where it counts most than by wearing our SOC shirts to work? It lets the entire crew know who and what you are in a way that doesn't press the issue. It quietly represents what we stand for and what we belong to. It identifies us. Many of our fellow crew members are more than willing to be identified with us in the same way. Every time I wear my shirt I get asked by at least one crew member where the shirts can be bought.

So why are we not doing more to make our shirts available to the industry or even the public at large? It's certainly only a matter of energy, effort and focus. If we decide to make the effort, I think it will be a simple matter to sell a lot of our shirts.

Let's reconsider the sale of our shirts and try to generate some interest out there. Perhaps there is even room to expand the line of products available from the SOC beyond shirts and hats.

Why not jackets, or vests? Let's hear some more ideas! Your input is wanted!

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Hairy Henderson

by Bill Clark

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Membership in the SOC is a highly cherished, much to be desired condition that is fiercely sought after by many in the Film and Television community. The letters, SOC after the names of our members, signifies one who has been called to stand before his peers, to be measured and judged worthy.

One such new member, HAIRY HENDERSON, is greeted warmly to the society by charter member, BILL HINES. Hairy is a giant in the field of Camera Operating and owns the record on broken dolly seats at Universal Studios. His 1 powerful and decisive Camera moves are legend! Bill Hines confided that although Hairy's reputation proceeds him, Assistant Cameramen should be forewarned to be on the alert for extra hairs in the aperature.

An Assistant Director co mmented that after a particularly difficult shot, Hairy eased off the dolly and, mincing, tight legged, walked over to him. It was obvious he was holding something in.

"Where can I go to the bathroom.?" Hairy screamed. Be!ng a devout coward, the AD answered, "Anywhere Hairy, anywhere!" Hairy struggled, for what seemed like forever, with his new SOC hat (a one-size-fits-all model). Finally in exasperation he growled, "The fi rst thing I am going to do as a member is find the shmageggie who designed this hat." Bill Hines, ever the politician, smiled nervously.

ARNOLD has autographed and graciously donated his Leather Motorcycle Jacket worn in the movie TERMINATOR 2 .

The Jacket will be raffled off in November at the end of the Harley Davidson Charity LOVE RUN at the Calamingas Ranch.

Tickets of $2.00 and books of 20 will be available at the screening July 27th or by calling the SOC phone line (213) 657-8466.

Our Goal is to raise $5,000 dollars for the Children's Hospital.

THIS IS A REAL COLLECTORS ITEM Imagine yourself wearing this awesome jacket and saying, "I'll BE BACK!" Mike Benson Committee Chairman

TAG E

INC.

June 23, 1991 TO: The Society of Operating Cameramen: On behalf of Hollywood Heritage, I would ~ike to commend the officers and membership of the Society of Operating Cameramen for their commitment to projects and fundraisers which celebrate th~ work of the film industry pioneers of Southern California.

It is refreshing to find a group of working professionals who are not too busy to pay respect to the quality and craftsmanship of those who came before them.

We are, of course,

particularly excited by the prospect of working with your organization on the motion picture camera display for our own Hollywood Studio Museum, and on the historic film site plaques to be placed around the Los Angeles area.

Both of these projects provide ways for our organization to place our message directly before the public and to strengthen that message through the pooling of resources.

I'm pleased to report that Owen Marsh (appropriately a descendant of silent film actress Mae Marsh) is already at work on the first display case for the historic camera collection and that Councilman Michael Woo is enthused by our plans to place a commemerative plaque at the steps used in Laurel & Hardy's "The Music Box." Hollywood Heritage has been working for over ten years to preserve the cultural fabric of Hollywood the community, Hollywood the industry, and Hollywood the legend. Whether it be through the Hollywood Studio Museum contained in the barn where Cecil B. DeMille shot Hollywood's first feature length film, through the Wattles Mansion, where the Wattles family created one of the area's first tourist attractions in their rose gardens, or, through our programs and advocacy--we hope that Hollywood as a physical place will always reflect the dreams that Hollywood has projected throughout the world.

We welcome your involvement as an organization and also invite you to join us as individuals. We have a lot to share.

Heritage

P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078, (213) 874-4005

SQCIETY OPERATING CAMERAMEN 1991 ACTIVE CHARTER MEMBERS PARKER BARTLETT PAUL BASTA MICHAEL BENSON RUPERT BENSON JR. BOB BERGDAHL HOWARD BLOCK DON BURCH DAVID CALLOWAY PHIL CAPLAN MIKE CHEVALIER STEVE CONANT JIM CONNELL SAMDRUMMY JOE EPPERSON MIKE FERRA RON FRANCIS BILLGAHRET GILHAIMSON PETER HAPKE BILL HINES JOHN HUNECK WAYNE KENNAN BOB KEYS NORM LANGLEY TOM LAUGHRIDGE BRICE MACK Ill ED MOREY TOM MUNSHOWER LEE NAKAHARA JAYNEFCY RIKNERVIK KING NICHOLSON LEIGH NICHOLSON JOHN NOGLE DAN NORRIS SKIP NORTON DAVID NOWELL WAYNE ORR RICHARD PRICE ERNIE REED PETER SALIM CHRIS SCHWIEBERT MIKE SCOTT HALL SHIFFMAN 'ROGER SMITH MIKE ST. HILAIRE RAY STELLA JOE STEUBEN JOE VALENTINE ACTIVE MEMBERS JAMES ANDERSON TED ASTON JR. BILL ASMAN PAUL BABIN ELIZABETH BAILEY VINCENT BALDINO STU BARBEE LOUIS BARLIA TOM BARRON RICHARD BENDA AL BETTCHER JOE BLAISDELL STEPHEN BLAKE

JAMES BLANFORD PETER BONILLA BILLY BRAGG GARRETT BROWN BOB BRYAN JERRY CALLAWAY ROBERT CARIMICHAEL JOE CHESS JR. CHARLES COHEN FREDDIE COOPER JOHN CORSO RON COURTNEY IVANCRAIG RICHARD CULLIS ROCKY DANIELSON DAVID DIANO GEORGE DIBIE KEVIN DOWNEY JAMES ETHERIDGE MICHAEL FERRIS BRUCE FINN HOWARD FORD MICHAEL FREDIANI MICHAEL FRIFT JAG GAYNOR RUSTY GELLER RALPH GERLING WAYNE GETCHELL RAY GONZALES JOHN GOODE JOHN GUTIERREZ ANNETTE HAELLMIGK TERRY HARKIN RONALD HIGH PATRICIA HILL JOACHIM HOFFMAN LEVIE ISAACKS DAVID JUDY BURL KINNY JOHN KISER DOUGLAS KNAPP ROBERT LA BONGE JOHN LAMBORN JEFFREY LASZLO HENRY LEBO MARK LEVIN MICHAEL LITTLE GEORGE LOOMIS BRADEN LUTZ CAM MACDONALD CONSTANTINE MAKRIS JAMES MANN JOHN MASKALL RICHARD MASON STAN MCCLAIN DON MCCUAIG RON MCMANUS MIKE MEINARDUS ROBERT MILLS JEFF MOORE JOSHUA MORTON RICK NEFF MICHAEL NEGRIN CHUCK NICKLIN ED NIELSEN

RANDY NOLEN PHILIP OETIKER MICHAEL O'SHEA ROBERT PEEBLES DAVID PLENN LASZLO REGOS BERNARD REILLY HERB ROBERTS RANDALL ROBINSON HARVEY RUBIN FRANK RUTTENCUTTER STEVEN SCHOEDSACK PHILIP SCHWARlZ JONATHAN SMITH STEPHEN ST. JOHN GEORGE STEPHENSON CRAIG STEWART MICHAEL STRAMISKY DAVID STUMP RICHARD TIEDEMANN JOHN TOLL DANIEL TURRETT PERNELL TYUS GREGORY VAN DER VEER THOMAS VAN OTTEREN VICTORIA WALKER JOHN WARD BILL WILLIAMS BEN WOLF ELIZABETH ZIEGLER ASSOCIATE MEMBERS GARY ARMSTRONG EUGENE ASHBROOK CHUCK BARBEE MITCHELL BLOCK JOSEPH CALLOWAY BRUCE CARDOZO 'JEFF CLARK JAMES DENNETT DON CROPPER RONALD DEVEAUX ROBERT FELLER DAN FETLER GERALD FINNERMAN JOHN FLINN Ill RICHARD GARBUTT JAMES GARVEY HARVEY GENKINS WAYNE GOLDWYN KEVIN HAGGERTY DONALD HALLIDAY WYNN HAMMER JOHN HILL JOHN HUGGINS PHILIP HURN GREGORY IRWIN CHRIS ISHll GEORGE LA FOUNTAINE STEVEN LARNER JOHN LEBLANC BRIAN LEGRADY ROBERT MANSFIELD ANNIE MCEVEETY JOHN MCPHERSON

MANNY METAXAS GARY MOORE NICHOLAS NIZICH DAVID PARRISH AARON PAZANTI TED POLMANSKI SERGE POUPIS MARVIN RUSH LEE SAFAR BOB SEAMAN HASKELL WEXLER HONORARY MEMBERS STEPHANIE BENSON BRUCE DOERING BILL FRAKER RON KELLY WESLEY LAMBERT JERRY LEWIS LINN MURPHREY DAVE MYERS JAY ROTH FRANK STANLEY GEORGE TOSCAS ROSEWAPNER HARRY WOLF RETIRED MEMBERS BERNIE ABRAMSON CESARE ALLIONE BRUCE CATLIN BILL CLARK CLIFF CONCIALDI JEFF GOLDENBERG JERRY GOOD LUTZ HAPKE IRV HEITZNER KENNY HUNTER JOHN HUSSEY DAVID KURLAND STEVE LYDECKER OWEN MARSH BOB MARTA AL MYERS ARNOLD RICH SAM ROSEN JIMSAPER LOU SCHWARlZ JOHN STEVENS DAVID SUTTON JOHN THOENY JACK THOMSON SVENWALNUM

Buster Keaton and "'The General" in Cottage Grove, 1926 This plaque commemorates the making of the 1926 Film "The General" starring comic legend Buster Keaton in Cottage Grove. From May through September of that year,. the United Artists film utilized various locations around Cottage Grove for the Buster Keaton Production. The cast and crew stayed at the Cottage Grove Hotel during the filming.

Presented to the City of Cottage Grove, Oregon by The Society of Opera ting C~merarnen and Hollywood Heritage, Inc. August 3, 1991

HERITAGE FILM SERIES Historic Markers In conjunction with our Heritage Film Series, the Society of Operating Cameramen is presenting it's first bronze marker celebrating the classic Buster Keaton film, "The General". It was filmed in Cottage Grove, Oregan in 1926. This plaque is being well received by the city and is part of their annual celebration on August 3rd, 1991.

Following the presentation, members of the community who worked on the film as extras are invited to a special screening of this film. It is considered to be in the top ten silent films ever made.

On October 12th, our second plaque will be presented to the city of Los Angeles marking the Laurel and Hardy, "The Music Box" at 935 Vendome Street, Los Angeles, California. This film is considered the quinsidential Laurel and Hardy. We are hoping to make a big celebrati~n of the unveiling with dignitaries from the city council. We hope that many members from our society will attend as well. The city of Los Ange.las has been enthusiastic in it's response to placing markers at various locations around the city to so note where these classic films have been photographed.

The Motion Picture Industry found it's roots in this city and least we forget our heritage these markers should remi nd us of our oast works. 路 The Society has also been approached about placing a plaque at the Connellsville, Pennsylvania home of Edwin S. Porter. Best known as Thomas Edison's Director/Cameraman, he was truly a film pioneer. He remains chiefly known for directing "The Great Train Robbery, a twelve minute action film filmed in 1903, to which film historians attribute an array of motion picture firsts. It is considered one of the most important milestones in film history. He is also known for . giving W. D. Griffith his first job. as. an actor.

These beautiful markers will live on to remind those of what the Society Operating Cameramen We enjoy working closely and stands for. appreciate the collaboration with the Hollywood Heritage Inc.

Katie Sleeman Memorial at the Childrens Hospital

by Rose Wapner

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Many of you have heard of a remarkable little girl, Katie Sleeman. For those of you who haven't, here are a few words to aquaint you with this remarkable child.

Little Katie was stricken with cancer of one eye when she was 7 weeks old and her other eye when she was 2 1/2. Her mother, upon learning of this, broke down and started to cry. Little Katie said, "Don't cry mama, I can see with my mind."

Full of love and full of life, she charmed the hospital staff from her doctors to the public relation people, to the housekeeper, a close friend, even though they spoke different languages.

When the Make-A-Wish Foundation wanted to fulfill her dream, she could have gone anywhere she wanted, she simply wanted a party at the hospital with the staff and her friends at her side, with balloons and pizza, even though she could not eat solid food.

Amid all the pain and suffering she was going through, her mother asked her if there was anything she could do for her, Katie said, "Just love me".

To show our love for this brave little girl , the S.O.C. is dedicating a plaque in her memory in the form of a butterfly. Butterflies are beautiful and live a short life as she did. Little Katie passed away last May 23rd.

The plaque will hang in the Sunshine Hall (that's what she called it) that leads to 4 West and the Bone Marrow Trans-Unit in the Children's Hospital.

The names of donors of $100.00 dollars or MORE will be inscribed on this beautiful plaque.

President Reagan, who visited Katie in the hospital has generously donated to this worthy cause. We hope that you, or maybe some friends, or people you work with, would like to have their name inscribed on this beautiful plaque.

As this is the only fund raising project we have had this year, to date we have raised $3,250.00 dollars. We would like to reach $5,000.00.

Please help us reach this goal. Any donation, no matter how small , will gladly be accepted.

All of you should be proud of your past efforts to give sight to so many babies and little children .

With Love, Rose S. Wapner Please send your checks to the: S.O.C. 22704 Ventura Blvd., Suite #123 Woodland Hills, CA 91364

lOCAL SPONSOR

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Dedicating Its Full Support

Vision, being the most The Society of Operating essential ingredient that Cameramen was moved by a story our President's wife, we, as Camera Operators, Mary Marta, told us back in use in our work, bonds us '83 about a child in Tijuana tochildrenwith eye problems. Subsequently, our with a serious eye problem. organization dedicates its We contacted Dr. Lynn Murphree, of the Ophthalfull support. mology Department at Childrens Hospital Los ~ Angeles. He operated, saving societv c:1 operotnc ccrnemmen the child's eye.

Owen Marsh contin!!ed Six and half years later when the studio sold off its props, miniatures, and wardrobe departments, and closed the make-up, special effects, and visual effects departments, I came ba?k ~o production as a director of photography.

En1oymg success at something and enjoying doing something being worlds apart I soon realized that this job wasn't for me. (You can only throw your meter at so many production managers before you realize that you're in the wrong job.) That's when I became a camera operator, for good and always.

I'm not going to list my credits here, suffice to say I've worked fairly steady as an operator for over twenty years now, shooting features, TV movies of the week, mini-series, and series. As we all know it hasn't all been fun and interesting, but then what job is. It is a job that through time in service, if nothing else, I have become fairly proficient at, and to my thinking is the best job on the set.

Looking back, now that my working days are over, my reflections are these: Your position as an operating cameraman does not command respect, you do, and it's up to you to earn that respect. The most important things gained in this business are not the awards, money, or plaques, but the recognition of your efforts by your fellow workers and the friends you have made along the way.

Find a way to pass on some of your knowledge to those who follow, without it the people who take your place will fall into a vacuum.

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Collectable Pins Sets A limited number of the Complete SOC Pins are available, 5 Pins in all.These are the pins sold with the proceeds going to the Children's Hospital.

Included: The Hollywood Commemorative, Haley's Comet, The Eyeball, Hot Air Balloon and this years Yellow Peace Ribbon. A Donation of $100.00 each set will make you the envy of every kid on your block.

Also available are several single pins at the regular $10.00 donation.

Only a limited number of these set., so get them while they last.

All donations are tax deductible and go to give sight to the worthy kids at The CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL EYE CARE CLINIC. Call the SOC phone line to order: (213) 657-8466

LEST WE FORGET

by Bill Hines, Sec'y The Society of Operating Cameramen was conceived and organized to help promote and recognize the skills and accomplishments of those men and women in film and video throughout the world who make their living as Camera Operators.

The S.O.C. is an organization that honors those who have demonstrated dedicated and skill.tu! camera operation for a significant length of time: By accepting those who are qualified into ac!i~e or associate membership; and by recognizing and awarding individuals for outstanding camera operation whenever it occurs.

The Society is not some impersonal, authoritative entity. It is (could be or ought to be) an assembly of thoughtful, caring individuals who understand the importance of promoting the important contributions which are made to a production by the Camera Operator.

There is power in numbers (membership) and greater power in concerted efforts by those numbers (members). It is therefore important that we identify, promote and support efforts to win Camera Operators the recognition deserved but often overlooked. Awards for operating achievement is one area in which the S.0.C. has taken positive steps. Certificates of Achievement and the Lifetime Achievement Awards galas are prime examples. Screen credits is another area which has been addressed, but still needs further work. (Camera Operating and Assistant credits are seldom given on TV programming productions.)

Screenings for members and their families and friends of product of special merit is an ongoing effort.

Demonstrations and exhibits of vintage and state-of-the-art equipment is regularly arranged for membership meetings which provides hands-on familiarization.

The viability and success of an organization depends upon the support it gets from its individual members. The S.0.C. is not a "them" group. It is an "us" group. Its health, longevity and effectiveness depends on continuing input and support from each of us.

A PRESIDENTS FAREWELL

by Mike Benson In the past two years as your president.I found this job to be most rewarding and gratifying. I have had the great pleasure of seeing the SOC grow and prosper into a well recognized and respected society within our industry.

My heart swells at this progress that we have made. Through our Life Achievement Awards banquet last year, where we honored over ten people for their remarkable contribution to the film industry in their crafts. We were able through our contribution of $10,000 to put in a Dolby sound system at the Luis B. Mayer theatre in the Motion Picture Hospital. Mo re o v e r , we donated $14,000 to the children's Eye Care Clinic at Children's Hospital by way of our pin sales profits. Thank you all for you help in these wondertul endeavora.

In addition to our monetary gains, and contributions, we also expanded our knowledge of our film heritage through seminars and screenings. Rare footage that helped to further

our knowledge of our b~loved craft. A few of the movies shown in this category were: Lawrence of Arabia, Napoleon, The General and The Music Box. I am sure that under your new president, Randall Robinson, the SOC will continue to grow and achieve respect and grandeur from it's peers.

With this in mind, lets all give Randy the support and input that is necessary and needed to insure the longevity of our society. This can be achieved by attending all the meetings and giving our help in any other endeavor that the SOC undertakes.

Once again, I thank you for giving me two great years as your President. I look forward to seeing all of you at the next general membership meeting and hearing what you all have to say about keeping our society as wondertul as it is today. Thank you.

Sincerely, Mike Benson

TREASURER REPORT

by Douglas Knapp

*SOC CHARITY PIN SALES BEGIN *

We are beginning an exciting and ambitious series of projects in the SOC. The newly elected Officers of the Board of Governors appreciate your support. Your active participation will ensure success in these worthwhile events.

The funds for screenings, meetings, and projects come from our Initiation and Dues payments. This year we've received $12,972 to fund our activities. That is a 94% payment rate of anticipated funds. We hope soon to bring that up to 100%.

Items to fund this year include a newly built display case for the Hollywood Museum; the Buttertly Plaque in memory of Kati Sleeman at Children's Hospital; several "marker plaques" to be placed on sites of historical motion picture locations; four Breakfast Meetings for the General Membership; SOC pins, decals, shirts, hats, etc. to promote the SOC; mailers and notices of screenings, meetings, etc.; newsletters; our annual SOC Chairity PIN sales for the Eye Care Clinic of Children's Hospital; preparations for our next Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner; 8-10 film screenings, some in 70mm; as well as the "behind the scenes" operation of the SOC. As you can tell, this promises to be a very good year for the SOC.

Our new "VISION 91" Pins have arrived and are available for sale. Our goal is $15,000 for the Eye Care Clinic. This money is used to buy contact lenses for children of all ages who otherwise would not have the precious gift of sight. Last year, the SOC presented Dr. Linn Murphree with a check for $14,400 in donations .. Our "Guiding Light", Rose Wapner, is already actively seeking donations for this worthy cause.

We have 1,500 pins to sell. The suggested donation is $1 O each. Two of these pins have been sent to each member. Once people hear about the purpose of these beautiful pins, a $1 O donation is easily given. Last year, nineteen of our members sold 20 pins or more. Joe Blaisdell sold 140 pins alone. _ More pins are just a phone call away. Jack and Pearl Thomson have volunteered to take charge of Pin Distribution this year. To order more pins please call the SOC at 213-657-8466.

Leave your name, phone and number of pins needed. Please allow about one week for mailing.

Special thanks to Gil Haimson and Rose Wapner for their extraordinary work in the design and sales of past years Pins.

Board of Governors - 1991 President - Randall Robinson (818) 760-4532 1st Vice President - Mike Benson (818) 888-0419 2nd Vice President - Liz Bailey (213) 392-9218

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3rd Vice President - Vincent Baldino (213) 387-1099 Secretary - Bill Hines (213) 261-1885 Treasurer - Doug Knapp (213) 306-9245 Sergeant at Arms - Phil Schwartz (213) 454-3133

Active Charter Member Howard Block Paul Basta Bill Clark Mike Chevalier Norm Langley Mike Ferra Owen Marsh Tom Laughridge Jay Nefcy Ed Morey Wayne Orr Chris Schwiebert Mike St. Hilaire

Active Members Stu Barbee Garrett Brown Mike Ferris Rusty Geller Bob LaBonge Rick Neff David Stump

Joe Blaisdell George Spiro Dibie Bruce Finn Patricia Hill Mike Meinardus Herb Roberts Pernell Tyus Liz Ziegler

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Associates Bob Feller

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