SMPTE UK visits… Elstree Studios with SUMOLIGHT
12 Dec 23 @ SUMOLIGHT UK, WD6 1JG
CVP: Upcoming Courses
13 Dec 23 @ CVP: Various
VMI: Upcoming Events
22 Jan 24 @ VMI: Various
Mo-Sys Academy: Upcoming Courses
1 Feb 24 @ Mo-Sys Engineering, London
Anyone who met or worked with Ron Collins, could not have avoided his enthusiasm, whether it was as a cameraman, running a sales and rental company or as a bon vivant, he was always there, well over 100%.
Educated at Solomon Wolfson school, Clerks College and Haverstock Hill Comprehensive, his career really kicked off when he worked for British Movietone News in 1961. His talents were soon recognised and he rapidly rose through the ranks, specialising in long-lens coverage of sports and major events.
When he eventually left to become freelance, he decided to subsidise his income, joining with ace camera engineer George Hill, manufacturing and selling lens conversions and accessories. Meanwhile, his mother, Hettie, a talented seamstress, made changing bags and camera covers. Reflecting on what they did, he called the company Optical and Textiles Ltd.
Finding this a bit of a mouthful, clients soon started to call them ‘OpTex’ and a legend was born. Ron soon found that he was making more money from this than the camera work, so together with George started to expand the company.
Eventually, employing over 70 people, OpTex became a major reseller of leading brands such as Tiffen, Steadicam, Chrosiel, Canon and many others, including camera manufacturers. Long before it actually happened, Ron saw the importance of the accessories that would expand the flexibility of cameras, not only supplying established equipment but where required actually manufacturing new items. They also expanded into Rentals, supplying major documentaries, television drama and feature films.
This led to major awards in areas such as lenses and lighting. It was that enthusiasm that drove the company forward. He always encouraged his staff to take the initiative; he was thus not only a Boss, but also a good friend.
Unfortunately, in the early 2000’s, OpTex suffered the fate of many similar companies and was taken into receivership. Ron took early retirement, moving to Sri Lanka with his wife Ashoka. There, his enthusiasm as a movie maker didn’t wane and to the end, he was making films of the island.
He leaves behind his wife Ashoka and daughters Nicole and Danielle and many others who loved him dearly.
SMPTE UK visits… Elstree Studios with SUMOLIGHT
12 Dec 23 @ SUMOLIGHT UK, WD6 1JG
CVP: Upcoming Courses
13 Dec 23 @ CVP: Various
VMI: Upcoming Events
22 Jan 24 @ VMI: Various
Mo-Sys Academy: Upcoming Courses
1 Feb 24 @ Mo-Sys Engineering, London
The Guild of Television Camera Professionals (GTC) is an independent craft association predominantly for professional TV, digital and film camera crew designed to support our members by facilitating excellence, education, knowledge and networking in moving image production. The GTC welcomes media professionals internationally across all moving image disciplines as members.
The International Association of Wildlife Film-makers, whose members are professional camera crew earning most of their income from making wildlife films, has been affiliated to the GTC since January 2016.
All content © The Guild of Television Camera Professionals. All Rights Reserved. Site by Diablo