Randall Robinson (cinematographer)
Encyclopedia
Randall Robinson is an American cinematographer. He is a former president of the Society of Operating Cameramen
and the founding publisher and editor of the Operating Cameraman Magazine
. As a freelance cameraman he enjoyed a long successful career working for the major motion picture studios in Hollywood on feature films, television and commercials.
Robinson was the first field-test camera assistant for inventor Garrett Brown
and the Cinema Products design team developing the Steadicam
on the feature film Bound for Glory (1976). His input lead the team to develop many improvements, such as balance plate and follow focus. While in preparation for the picture, Robinson worked with cinematographer Haskell Wexler
on the design for the first BNC hard front lens mount
and prototype Blimped zoom lens housing for the Arriflex 35BL camera.
In July 1982 he was assigned as first assistant cameraman to the ill fated helicopter filming Twilight Zone: The Movie
. Survivor in the fatal crash, became a key witness in the trial of director John Landis
. Randall was influential addressing safety issues on film sets, leading the Society of Operating Cameramen to issue 13 guidelines, which then presented to the Directors Guild of America
were adopted and are now by-laws throughout the industry.
Society of Operating Cameramen
Founded in 1978 under the name Society of Operating Cameramen, the SOC was incorporated in 1981 in the state of California as a nonprofit organization. Its primary mission is to advance the art, craft and creative contribution of the camera operator in the motion picture and television industries...
and the founding publisher and editor of the Operating Cameraman Magazine
Operating Cameraman Magazine
Operating Cameraman Magazine is a semi-annual publication founded in 1991 by the Society of Operating Cameramen. Written from the perspective of the camera operator, each issue deals with issues relevant to sound stages in the world-wide motion picture industry...
. As a freelance cameraman he enjoyed a long successful career working for the major motion picture studios in Hollywood on feature films, television and commercials.
Robinson was the first field-test camera assistant for inventor Garrett Brown
Garrett Brown
Garrett Brown is an American cinematographer, best known as the inventor of the Steadicam. Brown's invention allows cameramen to film while walking without the normal shaking and jostles of a handheld camera...
and the Cinema Products design team developing the Steadicam
Steadicam
A Steadicam is a stabilizing mount for a motion picture camera that mechanically isolates it from the operator's movement, allowing a smooth shot even when moving quickly over an uneven surface...
on the feature film Bound for Glory (1976). His input lead the team to develop many improvements, such as balance plate and follow focus. While in preparation for the picture, Robinson worked with cinematographer Haskell Wexler
Haskell Wexler
Haskell Wexler, A.S.C. is an American cinematographer, film producer, and director. Wexler was judged to be one of film history's ten most influential cinematographers in a survey of the members of the International Cinematographers Guild.-Early life and education:Wexler was born to a Jewish...
on the design for the first BNC hard front lens mount
BNCR mount
BNCR is a lens mount developed by Mitchell for use with their REFLEX 35 mm movie cameras. It was an update of the BNC mount done to accommodate the reflex viewer in the later cameras. BNC mount lenses cannot be used in reflex Mitchell cameras as they will hit and damage the reflex viewer, which, in...
and prototype Blimped zoom lens housing for the Arriflex 35BL camera.
In July 1982 he was assigned as first assistant cameraman to the ill fated helicopter filming Twilight Zone: The Movie
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Twilight Zone: The Movie is a 1983 science fiction horror film produced by Steven Spielberg and John Landis as a theatrical version of The Twilight Zone, a 1959 and '60s TV series created by Rod Serling. Those starring in the film are: Dan Aykroyd, Albert Brooks, Vic Morrow, Scatman Crothers,...
. Survivor in the fatal crash, became a key witness in the trial of director John Landis
John Landis
John David Landis is an American film director, screenwriter, actor, and producer. He is known for his comedies, his horror films, and his music videos with singer Michael Jackson.-Early life and career:...
. Randall was influential addressing safety issues on film sets, leading the Society of Operating Cameramen to issue 13 guidelines, which then presented to the Directors Guild of America
Directors Guild of America
Directors Guild of America is an entertainment labor union which represents the interests of film and television directors in the United States motion picture industry...
were adopted and are now by-laws throughout the industry.
