After 20 years working for Tiffen, international director of sales Robin Thwaites has decided that the time has come to call it a day and retire from his position with the company as of the end of May this year.
Technically, it is actually 43 years of association with Tiffen products and especially Steadicam, if you count the 23 previously spent at OpTex.
He said: “Either way, it is both a very long time and also seems like just the blink of an eye.”
Thwaites started as a stills photographer working in a small studio but soon moved on, landing at Optical and Textile (OpTex), where he remained for 23 years.
OpTex were the partner for Tiffen filters and then also became the outlet for Steadicam. This led to being involved with the first UK Steadicam workshop taught by the late great Ted Churchill in 1988 and then a follow-up a year later.
Subsequently, the need for a short course was recognised, and Thwaites formalised the three-day (now called Silver) workshop.
During his time at Tiffen, he has had the privilege of travelling to many countries, some now inaccessible, and meeting so many people from the film and TV industry that have all made him welcome, and in particular the special family that is Steadicam.
He has started many Steadicam operators on their careers via their renowned workshops where he, Danny Hallett and many other distinguished Steadicam professionals have given so much valuable tuition.
Each workshop is a different experience in its location, tone and people, ranging from four-wall studios to historic hotels and even castles.
The common language has been Steadicam, and of course humour rather than just actual words. Thwaites said: “It is definitely the people that have made the job what it is.”
“Special mention needs to be made of everyone at Tiffen, Steven, and Andrew, and particularly my Tiffen International friends and colleagues Danny and Jane, and all other former Tiffen International crew.
“A special mention to Garrett Brown and Jerry Holway, who I have had the privilege to call friends for many years.
“Of course, the late Ted Churchill. So many other people; the ‘travelling circus’ of friends that I have made at exhibitions and events over the years, others far too numerous to mention individually, but a special thank you to Geoff Chappell, who got me into this thing in the first place.
“Finally, for customers, you probably already know him, but if not your new contact will be Danny Hallett at the Tiffen International office: [email protected]. He is the guy who I have spent more anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations with in various parts of the world when I should actually have been at home with my wife Erin, who has put up with me and supported me through everything without fail.”
