Filmtools Inc. dubs itself Hollywood’s source for motion picture and digital video products. Clients range from Academy award winning filmmakers to a growing number of amateurs and students who, in owner Stan McClain’s words, “want to shop where the big boys shop.” He treats them all the same, offering the same low prices and high service. McClain talks about how he started in the business, why he hates debt, and why he grows his own food and raises chickens in his yard. My father owned a television advertising agency so I was always around film. Back then it was 35 mm cameras. My father was an avid photographer too. That’s where my interest in film and cameras began. When I was 20, I was hired on the movie set of “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” as a production assistant. I moved up to be involved with the loading and uploading of aerial camera equipment in and out of a helicopter. From there I was hired by an aerial camera equipment manufacturer at Van Nuys Airport and I became the astrovision technician working with the camera system in Clay Lacy’s Lear Jets. I traveled with Clay Lacy as a camera technician. In 1982, I moved from camera tech to camera operator on the show “Magnum PI.” The producer there started a new show called “Air Wolf” and I was the aerial cameraman. Some day, I’ll get back into it. In 1985 I stared Pasadena Camera Systems with Dan Wolfe of Wolfe Air. I was there 10 years. In 1995, I wanted to take the company in a different direction than Dan. Eventually we parted ways. After my five-year non-compete agreement came to an end, I started this business. We sell motion picture equipment and expendables to the entertainment industry. It’s gaffing tape, lighting jells, rope chain, camera cleaning supplies…things that get used up. Most people borrow money to start a business. I bootstrapped it. I have no debt at all. I’ve taken all my earnings and profits and reinvested them in the company. What’s wrong with debt? How’s it working for the country? It was not until the 1970s that people started to use credit cards. Once credit cards were distributed widely, people started to live above their means. It’s created a wrong sense of security. It’s why people are upside down in their lives. headquarters: Burbank President: Stan McClain three-year growth rate: 20.5 percent 2010 Revenue: $11.21 million 2009 Revenue: $9.58 million 2008 Revenue: $9.33 million I am trying personally to get away from all credit cards and all debt. That’s why I’ve run my company debt-free. I am borrowing money for the first time next month to write a large purchase order for a new camera. Only three companies are being asked to sell this and we are one of them. It costs $20,000 a piece and we want to buy 100. So I’m stepping into the world of debt for the first time. I wouldn’t do it, but I don’t have a million dollars. I stay away from debt in my personal life too. I don’t have any besides my mortgage, which I’d like to have paid off within five years. I’m cautious. I have chickens in my yard — I am that cautious. I also have a bass pond that’s stocked. I have bees, as well. I compost. I have a garden. I grow everything there: lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, corn, turnips, potatoes, beets, celery, cauliflower, chard, collard greens, artichoke, and fruit trees, I have those too. We don’t live on it 100 percent. But it sure takes a dent out of the grocery bill. I’d like to be as self-sufficient as possible, especially in my retirement years. I can’t think of a better way to spend that time than to work in my garden. This will be our best year ever. We had 40 percent growth over 2010. We’ll be at $17 million for 2011. It’s not coming from the film industry. That’s been in decline for 20 years. The growth is from independent filmmakers, amateurs and students. Much of it is coming from this new camera, the GoProHD Hero. People of all ages are devouring this thing. I can’t keep it in stock. I’m selling 50 a week. You can’t look through it, so it has limited functions, but it’s outstanding for $200. Kids in the X Games had them, so that made it an instant hit. They mount this on a bike or a skateboard or attach it to their helmet and they shoot with it. It’s got a suction cup, or a Velcro strap and kids shoot while they skate or ski. Then they post the video on YouTube. It’s great to see the enthusiasm some of the kids have. And of course, they want to shop where the big boys shop. And we treat all our customers the same. Whether you are an Academy award winning cinematographer or a student, we give you the same low price. — As told to Judy Temes
Why I Grow My Own Food
