Remembering Karl Kresser (1962 – 2022)

The British Cinematographer team was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Karl Kresser.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends and the teams he worked with throughout his career, including the years he spent at Otto Nemenz and as president of Cine Gear.  

Welcome to LA 

While a boy growing up in Dornbirn, Austria, Karl Kresser visited Los Angeles and was immediately taken by the sunshine, blue skies, and warm-hearted people. After completing his studies with a master’s degree in photography he made his move to Hollywood and nabbed a position as driver at busy Otto Nemenz International on Vine Street. Pre-cellphone, Internet, and satellite navigation days, he thumbed his way through the fat LA Thomas Street Guide and soon traversed the busy streets like a native. Within a year he passed the van keys on to the next entry level hire and his visual skills as a photographer, combined with a razor-sharp mind, can-do attitude, and endearing personality were a great fit for a growing motion picture camera rental company. He moved upstairs literally and became ONI’s Marketing Manager. Along his career path he earned associate memberships from the American Society of Cinematographers, Society of Camera Operators, and SMPTE.  

Karl & Juliane Partnership  

Some folks are lucky enough meet the right person at the right time and it changes their life forever. Karl would be the first one to tell you, that day for him was in 1991 when he took Juliane Grosso on their first date. They both fell hard and fast. Their inevitable marriage soon followed and for the next thirty years they formed a dynamic duo known as Karl and Juliane. The power of their relationship seemed to give them the Midas touch, creating personal and business success time and time again. 

“Everyone is smiling at CineGear” – Karl Kresser 

What started as an annual Otto Nemenz networking party during a local LA tradeshow eventually had legs of its own. Managed by Karl and Juliane, the attendance grew, and technology companies wanted to show their gear. The dynamic duo saw the new need for their style of event that retained that warm industry networking feel while displaying the tech that made the industry run. It was clear that it had outgrown the scope of the Otto Nemenz party. With Otto’s blessing Karl and Juliane redubbed their official event Cine Gear Expo and rolled up their sleeves to make it became one of the most anticipated shows of the year.

Today, Cine Gear Expo has become the go-to community for artists and technicians in the moving image industry to gather, learn and discuss the latest industry happenings. His pet project, the Cine Gear Screening Series Film Festival has honoured hundreds and encourages innumerable emerging filmmakers. 

Grosso Kresser Vineyard 

But Kresser had more to accomplish. After countess trips to Central California’s emerging wine country for routine get-aways and family reunions, Karl became seriously interested in following his lifelong passion—winemaking. With his characteristic enthusiasm, he studied winemaking and soaked in the deep secrets of the ancient art—from seeds, to soil, to corking. Like everything else Karl and Juliane delved in as a team and planned their ideal winery. In 2012 their dream property became available in the westside of Paso Robles between Los Angeles and San Francisco. There was more to learn and much work to be done but that never stopped them. Five years later a row of medals for Grosso Kresser’s Cabernet Sauvignon and their “Candere” Bordeaux-style wine, lined their mantle and they served the award-winning reserves to guests at Cine Gear Expo. 

Life Well Lived 

Karl Kresser was a quiet man with a big smile that lit up when shooting his memorable photos, talking about great films, or raising up a glass of Grosso Kresser with Juliane, surrounded by good friends. His calm and capable presence will be missed.   

The industry pays tribute to Karl Kresser (March 20, 1962 – April 10, 2022) 

“For most people, long exposure to this industry tends to erode enthusiasm, but Karl’s must have been of granite.  I am one of countless professionals in this game who looked forward to seeing Karl and will miss that experience.”

Mark Weingartner ASC

“This sadness is far reaching, and I hope you can take some comfort in knowing how much good you both have done for this industry, Karl will be greatly missed.”

Frank Kay, J.L. Fisher

“He will be remembered for his expansive knowledge, enthusiastic spirit and his gracious generosity … And to the both of you as a great team, goes our appreciation for your decades of Cine Gear’s presenting Hollywood’s emerging artists and technologies …”

Respectfully, Peter Anderson ASC

“Gail and I agree that Karl was the nicest person that either of us have ever met. When Karl was working at Otto Nemenz he would regularly lend me camera packages—he knew that I was a young DP that had just moved to LA and he did everything he could to help me, I will be forever grateful for his generosity and open heartedness.”

William Mackenzie-Smith, director of photography