ABOUT CHAPMAN/ LEONARD UK
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History of Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment Ltd “Chapman UK”
Our History
Chapman Leonard is a renowned name in the film, television, and broadcast industry, known for its cutting-edge camera support equipment and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment is proud to continue creating moments through movement™ and expanding upon the 78-year-old legacy.
Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment is proud to continue creating moments through movement™ and expanding upon the 78-year-old legacy.
The beginning
The Chapman Leonard journey started in Southern California in 1945, when Ralph T. Chapman created Chapman Studio Equipment to allow him to create a more versatile camera crane.
Over the years, Ralph’s experience in the film industry is what sparked his son Leonard’s interest in the same field who created Leonard’s Studio Equipment.
In 1965, Ralph and Leonard merged companies and created what we now know today, Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment.
Over the years, Ralph’s experience in the film industry is what sparked his son Leonard’s interest in the same field who created Leonard’s Studio Equipment.
In 1965, Ralph and Leonard merged companies and created what we now know today, Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment.
Meanwhile, across the pond, Dennis Fraser was making a significant mark on the UK Film industry as a Key Grip.
Starting his career in film in 1953 at the British National Studios shortly after moving to MGM Studios in 1954.
It was here that Dennis became a stage- hand and this is where he eventually became more involved in the tasks which we would today liken to those of a Grip.
The credible position of a Grip did not exist at this time but the more experienced a stage hand you were, the more likely you were to be allocated tasks such as mounting or moving the camera.
Starting his career in film in 1953 at the British National Studios shortly after moving to MGM Studios in 1954.
It was here that Dennis became a stage- hand and this is where he eventually became more involved in the tasks which we would today liken to those of a Grip.
The credible position of a Grip did not exist at this time but the more experienced a stage hand you were, the more likely you were to be allocated tasks such as mounting or moving the camera.
Established in 2006
After a successful career, having been credited for pictures such as Chariots of Fire, Rollerball, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof and Kelly’s Heroes (to name a few), Dennis had planned on early retirement but quickly realised he couldn't stay away from the business for long.
It was during the same year that he was approached by Leonard Chapman who asked him if he would be interested in creating Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment’s UK and European division.
Dennis agreed and the company was established in 2006 starting with 3 Pee Wee Dollies. At this time, Dennis was also heavily involved in the Grip and Crane Technician qualifications to contribute towards improving the standard and health and safety within the department.
It was during the same year that he was approached by Leonard Chapman who asked him if he would be interested in creating Chapman Leonard Studio Equipment’s UK and European division.
Dennis agreed and the company was established in 2006 starting with 3 Pee Wee Dollies. At this time, Dennis was also heavily involved in the Grip and Crane Technician qualifications to contribute towards improving the standard and health and safety within the department.
Dennis Fraser MBE
Dennis has made an enormous contribution to our film industry.
He is an honorary member of the BSC, he has received an award for excellence from the Guild of British Camera Technicians and has been the recipient of two lifetime achievement awards from the Grips Branch and Skill set.
In 1993 he was awarded an MBE by the palace for his work in the UK Film Industry.
He is an honorary member of the BSC, he has received an award for excellence from the Guild of British Camera Technicians and has been the recipient of two lifetime achievement awards from the Grips Branch and Skill set.
In 1993 he was awarded an MBE by the palace for his work in the UK Film Industry.
Over a period of 18 years, with his family and an ever growing team, Dennis has grown the Chapman UK facility to the success it is today. Chapman UK has built fantastic working relationships with Key Grips, Production Teams and has been involved in hundreds of exciting projects and shoots throughout the UK and Europe.
Having started with only a few pieces of Chapman Leonard Equipment, Chapman UK now stocks a full and dynamic range of Grip and Camera Support Equipment. Dollies, Fixed Arm and Telescopic Cranes and Remote Heads are housed at Chapman UK as well as a choice of petrol and electric Tracking Vehicles, the UK’s only underwater Telescopic Crane, Remote Head System, bespoke rigs and so much more!
The continued success working with production teams and Grip Departments over the years has not only been a result of the award winning equipment on offer but also due to the knowledge and experience Dennis and the Chapman UK team pride themselves on in the background to support the Grips Department.
Chapman UK thrives on building that working relationship with the Grips, creating bespoke set ups to help them with their projects. It has also been an environment for the Crane and Equipment Technicians to really learn and understand what it is to be a reliable and key member of a crew.
Chapman UK thrives on building that working relationship with the Grips, creating bespoke set ups to help them with their projects. It has also been an environment for the Crane and Equipment Technicians to really learn and understand what it is to be a reliable and key member of a crew.
The future
In 2023, Dennis made the decision to retire as Managing Director of Chapman UK, leaving the company in the hands of the generations below him who have been working by his side for years. Kevin Fraser (Key Grip), Dennis Fraser Jnr and Rebecca Kemble have taken over running the daily operations and pushing the company forward following on from Dennis’ departure.
“Our team has evolved dramatically over the last 10 years and I have such confidence in those that represent us. Our relationships with the Grips Department and Production Teams have grown into professional friendships, our clients will never be a number and we are always wanting to go the extra mile for those that we work with. We welcome anyone through the doors to learn from our experience or benefit from our range of kit”.
Rebecca Day-Kemble - Company Director
Rebecca Day-Kemble - Company Director
In January 2024, Chapman Leonard UK made an exciting move, acquiring A and C limited. Chapman UK saw the addition of the Academy Award winner Frank Fletcher and his team as a huge opportunity to bring together a wealth of expertise, experience and creativity. Frank and his team’s knowledge and vision will enhance Chapman Leonard’s ability to deliver exceptional services and solutions to our industry and valued clients.
OUR VALUES
WHAT WE FOCUS ON
INNOVATION
We are continually researching and developing new products to push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry, to provide our customers with the best and most reliable equipment in the industry.
INTEGRITY
We pride ourselves on our reputation and relationships with our customers and users to ensure trust and transparency. We are dedicated to making sure you succeed.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
We support our customers from day one. That is why we offer industry leading 24 hr support and on site services, such as repair and replacement equipment.
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