Veteran DP David Darby described Terry Clairmont, co-founder/CEO/treasurer of motion picture camera rental company Clairmont Camera, in three words: “Friend, mentor, sage.” Clairmont passed away on Oct. 28 at his brother Denny’s home after a brief battle with lung cancer. Terry was 64.
Denny and Terry launched Clairmont Camera in 1976 with partners Edward and Mitzie Engle. It opened as Clairmont/Engle in North Hollywood, Calif. In ’80, the Engles retired and the business became Clairmont Camera.
Initially the company’s foundation was in servicing the commercialmaking industry before diversifying into TV programs and theatrical features. The family roots were in the ad biz. Leonard Clairmont, Denny and Terry’s dad, was a cinematographer active in spots. Terry too made his mark in commercials, landing a staff job as a camera assistant at N. Lee Lacy Associates, a high-profile spot production house, in ’67. By the early ’70s, Terry had become staff cinematographer and had lensed assorted spots. He eventually went freelance and was quite successful with a loyal ad industry following. During this time, he helped advance the careers of many others, primarily those who aspired to careers in or related to cinematography.
In key respects, Clairmont Camera paralleled Terry’s DP career. The company built a loyal following and became known for being most generous in lending a helping hand whether it came to sharing info, in educating, offering counsel and expertise or cutting a financial deal that could facilitate projects that might not have gotten made otherwise.
A privately owned family business, Clairmont Camera grew steadily, opening a branch in Vancouver, B.C., in ’87 and another in Toronto in ’95. Most employees have worked at Clairmont Camera for more than 15 years, many for more than 20 years, and several much longer. This was due to Terry’s insistence on fair pay, good treatment and the best medical insurance the business could afford for its workers and their families–all paid in full by the company against the advice of financial advisors. Terry started a profit sharing plan for employees and in the past few months made plans to see that the company would go on smoothly without him.
Terry mentored many young aspiring cinematographers and saw to it that Clairmont Camera would assist universities by supplying them with camera equipment. He instituted a rule that once the company made an equipment scheduling commitment to students, it could not be broken even if a big paying job later emerged. Terry said that when he was young, others helped him and he in turn wanted Clairmont Camera to do the same for others starting out in the industry.
He is survived by his brothers Denny, Toby, Lenny and their families; nephews Jon and Joel Clairmont and Justin Chefe; close friend Mardrie Mullen, as well as countless friends.
Darby said of Terry: “Fiercely loyal, insanely generous, one of a kind…And along with his equally special and unselfish brother Denny, [Terry’s priority was] making the success of his customers his business.”
Where The Buffalo Roam Signs Director Geordie Stephens For Spots and Branded Content
Production company Where The Buffalo Roam (WTBR) has signed director Geordie Stephens for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Stephens is known for his subtle performance-driven comedic style, emphasizing art direction, production design, and cinematography. Previously represented by Tool of North America, Bullitt and FANCY, Stephens has a commercial portfolio which includes such global brands as Mini Cooper, HP, Toyota, Bud Light, and Burger King. A former agency creative, Stephens transitioned to the director’s chair following a lengthy career on the agency side as a creative at Butler, Shine & Stern and CP+B Miami, among other shops.
PJ Koll, WTBR co-founder and executive producer, said of Stephens, “His expertise and talent perfectly complement our creative strengths, enhancing our ability to deliver at the highest level. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him join the herd.”
“When I met Tim [WTBR exec producer Pries] and PJ, we immediately hit it off,” added Stephens. “They’re super sharp, funny, and good people who have assembled a very interesting mix of talent with different skills. As a director, I’m always looking for simple human truths that everyone can relate to in a humorous and smart way. The Buffalo team specializes in the small wink, so they get my sense of humor and will give me the platform to keep pushing great work forward.”
During his advertising career, Stephens spearheaded campaigns for IKEA, Truth, Virgin Atlantic, Burger King, Sprite, and Volkswagen. His work also won top prizes at the Cannes Lions and Clios and has been honored by numerous One Show and AICP awards.
Raised in an artistic community in California’s Marin County by his writer-mother and... Read More