Cranking at Double Speed
The Presidential Times of Michael
Frediani, SOC
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On January 24, 1997 there was a changing of the
guard within the Society.
A new board of governors were elected by the
membership and from that select group of men and women new officers
were chosen to develop policy and guide the SOC for the next two
years. Outgoing president Michael Frediani passed the gavel to
incoming president Stan McClain who will ably take the lead for
the next term.
McClain presented Frediani with the Dedicated
Service Award CAMMY (See photo) and stated, "These past two
years were perhaps the most progressive we've ever experienced.
Membership rose, more members got involved with our several projects
and The Operating Cameraman matured into a well- received and respected
magazine. Mike wore many hats during his term and pushed the performance
by any prior officer to a new level of proficiency." McClain
continued, "As our leader he nurtured the Society to its
adulthood status. Our adolescence days are now behind us."
As Frediani graciously accepted his award from
McClain, he looked at the inscription and said with a smile, "It
was only a two year term? Hmmm...it seemed longer. Anyway, I'd
like to give my thanks to all who helped me to move this organization
forward and note too that none of this would have been possible
without the support of my wife Linda and my daughters Nicole and
Erica. As I spent hour upon hour on the phone, computer keyboard
and at various SOC functions my family forfeited some of the things
that they wanted to do so that I could better serve the Society.
I appreciate their love and understanding—they deserve a
great deal of credit! I would also like to acknowledge my mother
Virginia who with her love of movies, inspired me to break into
this business in the first place."
Frediani reflected that he was proud to be associated
with the organization and its myriad of projects and minutiae.
As one of many volunteers who made sure that the Society operated
smoothly Frediani's efforts were unceasing.
"Although we are a relatively small organization,
serving you these last two years has been an adventure to say the
least. I have done my utmost to raise the visibility of our Society
and its goals during my term in office. I'm pleased that
we were able to accomplish so much while in turn streamlining our
operations making us more productive in our efforts."
AN INCREDIBLE ROUND OF ACTIVITIES
Frediani developed the 1st Annual Hands-On Crane & Remote
Head Seminar in January of 1996 ( See The Operating Cameraman,
Spring/Summer 1996) which was a tremendous success and raised the
Society's visibility in the film community.
Frediani credits many SOC volunteers for the
success of the event including but not limited to Tom Fraser, Bill
Waldman and Terry Harkin.
Frediani also co-developed our popular web site
with Art Adams in June of 1995 and has been the sole editor ever
since. He went on to produce the 1996 Lifetime Achievement Awards
Banquet aided by chairman David Robman and others who spent many
volunteer hours behind-the-scenes in order to honor the giants
of our industry past and present.
Although some wonderful SOC activities had become
dormant amidst other ongoing events Frediani revived the monthly
film screenings and the quarterly breakfast meetings, contacting
popular industry-related companies for their sponsorship of these
events which served to showcase the latest equipment for our members
and helped offset costs.
Our 1996 Christmas Holiday Screening of 101
Dalmatians brought together SOC members and their families
who enjoyed not only the movie, but toys and other gifts, refreshments
and a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus which naturally delighted
the ‘kiddies.'
We saw the reemergence of the SOC Directory which
lists member's names and contact information, along with
studio related data so that we can easily contact each other for
networking. Aiding the president in this effort were Jim Etheridge,
Lance Fisher, Doug Knapp and Katy O'Harra.
THE MAGAZINE
The Operating Cameraman magazine has grown from
a simple newsletter during our early years to a world-class periodical
due in no small part to the efforts of Bill Hines, Randy Robinson,
Doug Knapp, Katy O'Harra, Lynn Lanning, Amanda Thompson and
all of those who contributed their unpaid time and energy toward
bringing you the magazine that you hold in your hands.
Frediani relates, "Serving as editor of
The Operating Cameraman for the 1995 & 1996/97 issues was one of
the most difficult yet rewarding tasks that I had tackled during
my term."
In his ‘not so spare time' Frediani
wrote articles, solicited articles from published as well as previously
unpublished authors, took photographs and then put it all together
in a package that would not only please members of the Society
but also the advertisers and our international readership as well
including those who are able to read selected articles on our web
site.
"While we only publish twice-per-year it
seemed like a full-time job unto itself—and I thought the
day-to-day operations of the SOC were daunting!
"I applaud those who have taken over the
helm of this magazine and appreciate their efforts, having been
there-done that," Frediani stated with a weary smile.
CHARITY
The designated charity of the SOC is The Eye
Care Clinic at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Over the years we
have contributed nearly $74,000 toward the purchase of the special
contact lenses that benefit children in need.
Frediani stated, "I would have to say that
I am most proud of the fact that during my tenure as president
we were able to contribute approximately $10,000 of that total."
At the Ninth Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards
Banquet in July 1996 (The Operating Cameraman, Fall/Winter 1996/97
), the board of governors presented checks totaling $3,750 to the
Clinic on behalf of the SOC.
Additionally, $6,000 was garnered in donations
from the decorative pin designed by Frediani in May 1996. "SOC
members offered the commemorative pins to friends and co-workers
and deserve credit for our successful pin-drive."
FAREWELL
"None of these accomplishments would have
been possible had it not been for the dedicated members and friends
who had come before me," Frediani said in his farewell newsletter. "They
truly deserve recognition for laying the ground work which allows
us to continue the tradition of our relatively young organization,
dedicated to advancing the art and creative contribution of the
operating cameramen and our associates."
Bill Hines a founding member of the Society who
remains one of its most active members says of Frediani, "Mike's
productive tenure as SOC president was achieved by total dedication
and loyalty to the Society. He gave one hundred percent toward
building a stronger, more effective organization. He achieved this
by his own example and by encouraging a greater degree of member
involvement. His vision, involvement and accomplishments will be
long remembered and appreciated."
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