Download - Arri

That same year Volker was named President
of Arriflex Company, then a division of Berkey
Photo Inc, a large photographic product
marketing company. Four years later, with the
support of Arnold & Richter, Volker separated
Arriflex Company from Berkey Photo Inc. and
formed the new Arriflex Corporation as the
very first subsidiary of the German company.
Operating in the U.S. – the largest and most
important film market in the world – Volker,
had very significant input and influence in
new product development, solidifying ARRI’s
position during a period of rapid technological
change in the industry.
From this vantage point he was able to foresee
and initiate many important developments
and refinement of significant film-
making technologies such as the ARRIFLEX
35III, ARRIFLEX 765, ARRIFLEX 435, IVS and
ARRIFLEX 235 cameras as well as ARRI/ZEISS
High Speed and Variable Prime lenses. These
products had groundbreaking impact on the
way films are shot and helped evolve storytelling
in ways that were previously not
possible. All of these innovations have been
recognized by the Academy of Motion
Pictures Arts and Sciences with Scientific and
Technical Awards.
But while ARRI was well known and respected
for its camera products, it had no presence
at all in motion picture lighting. Recognizing
the potential of HMI technology for film
lighting (developed by Osram and Dr. August
Arnold), Volker started an uphill battle against
a well-established industry-wide equipment
base. Recognizing his lack of lighting market
experience, he hired Charlie Davidson, a
seasoned lighting salesman and together
they built a great team. The rest is history.
Attracting the right people, giving them the
support and confidence to reach the highest
level of performance they are capable of has
been the company wide management style
implanted by Volker. This is also expressed
by his company motto: Quality, integrity,
stability.
In 1986, under Volker’s direction, ARRI
acquired Camera Service Center in New
York where he also served as President and
CEO. Since that time CSC has grown to
become one of the largest, most respected
full-service rental houses with operations in
New York and Ft. Lauderdale. In 2002, an
opportunity arose to acquire Illumination
Dynamics (ID), a small lighting rental
company in Los Angeles which, together
with a Charlotte, North Carolina facility has
since expanded greatly to serve movie, sport
and special events productions nation wide.
.... with Fred Schuler (left) ....with Otto Blaschek during the
Oscar Ceremony 1989
....with Charlton Heston
Volker became a member of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1977
and served on the Scientific and Technical
committee for many years. In 1997 he was
awarded the prestigious John Bonner Medal
of Commendation ”in appreciation for outstanding
service and dedication in upholding
the high standards of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.”
In 2002, the Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers (SMPTE) presented him
with the Fuji Gold Medal Award “for outstanding
achievement in the motion imaging
industry.” He holds several US patents in the
field of contrast control and color balance
for variable output lights for photography.
Under his direction, ARRI quietly contributed
much to the education and advancement of
aspiring cinematographers. Producing several
instructional films and books, contributing a
large collection of books on film technology
to the ASC library and supporting AFI
graduate projects, are just some examples.
W o r l d w i d e
In 2003, Volker together with his long time
friend Jon Fauer developed an idea for a film
about the art and technology of filmmaking.
He co-wrote and produced, with Jon Fauer
shooting and directing, the project titled
CINEMATOGRAPHER STYLE, which eventually
captured over 100 interviews with cinematographers
from all over the world. The
film screened internationally and it continues
to educate and inspire audiences about the
power of filmmaking. In describing the project,
Volker stated, “The subject of the film is the
art and craft of cinematography. It is about
how everything, from life experiences to
technology, influences and shapes an
individual’s visual style. Because of the
powerful impact that the visual style of a
movie can have, this documentary may
offer contemporaries valuable insights into
the dramatic choices cinematographers make.”
Developing and providing the right tools
for these talented storytellers, has always
been Volker’s objective as he helped guide
ARRI into the 21st century. Technology
continues to evolve, and with it is ARRI -
always looking ahead but mindful of its
legacy and experience in providing the
best equipment for filmmakers.
Quality, integrity, stability – it can’t be
expressed any better.
Beyond his role at the helm of ARRI Inc.,
Volker has been an active pilot since 1968,
and holds a commercial pilot’s license with
Instrument, Multi-Engine and Flight Instructor
ratings. This interest and some continuing
involvement in the industry he lived and
loves will provide a fulfilling and fitting
transition from his dynamic and successful
career at ARRI.
An Tran
7 3