The VP Gang

President

Rick is the “ringmaster” of Visual Products. Through integrity, honesty and humility, Rick monitors and guides virtually all customer and employees’ interactions. He possesses a clear vision of how Visual Products can make a positive difference in the lives of our customers. It is with Rick’s hard work and attention to detail that we are able to assure 100% customer satisfaction. Bringing over 30 years of industry experience to the Visual Products family, Rick has been a Director of Photography, a Lighting Director, and a Gaffer. Rick is a true maestro, having shot, gaffed, and gripped countless productions all while never missing an opportunity for a good punchline.

Business Development and Sales

Jason is the business developer and sales manager at Visual Products. Leading the charge in finding used film equipment around the world, Jason manages our book of business clients looking to purchase equipment we’ve procured. Since taking over this role in early 2021, Jason has brought in numerous business opportunities and accomplished the important task of fulfilling several clients’ wish lists. With Jason’s upbeat & inquisitive personality, we are eager to see him continue to grow into this position, fulfilling the buying and selling needs of filmmakers everywhere. In 1993, Jason graduated from Loyola University, New Orleans with a B.A in Philosophy. Upon graduation, Jason quickly realized what little opportunities were available in philosophy, and on a whim, took a flight to South America where he reconnected with Brazilian exchange students he had befriended in high school. While in Brazil, Jason learned to speak Portuguese fluently and started his own export company that continues to thrive today.. Jason’s hobbies include screenwriting, gourmet cuisine, maintaining as healthy a lifestyle as possible and spending as much time with his two sons, Nicholas and Felipe .

Senior Technician/Designer

Paul’s career began as an electronics repairman for the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division before transitioning to Victor Duncan Inc., one of the largest cameras and lens rental houses in the United States. While there, he trained at Arriflex, Panavision, Alan Gordon Enterprises, Cooke Optics, and others. Paul also spent some years ‘in the trenches’ working as a first assistant cameraman. This allowed him to combine his impressive technical knowledge with real-world application. It’s through this experience, that Paul is able to understand what equipment goes through and what our clients go through when their gear malfunctions on set and location. Originally from ‘The Motor City’, Paul’s formative years turned into an immersion in everything mechanical, including work experience as a machinist and developing a long-standing love for photography. Paul’s meticulous nature and technical knowledge gained through his 35+ years of growth and learning have made him a highly respected technician in the field. This dedication to the craft found Paul teaching himseIf 3D CAD, and subsequently led him to design and engineer numerous custom items only available at Visual Products. When Paul is not in the shop engaged in repair or re-engineering a piece of gear, he can be found with one of his many guitars in hand or thinking about buying his next one…

Lens and Camera Technician

Adding an international flair to the Visual Products service department, Paul Hillman has been a lens and camera technician for VP since 1999. Paul first moved to the states in 1989 from his birthplace of Dudley, England, whose current claim to fame is as a shooting location for Netflix’s Peaky Blinders. Paul’s career first began with Whitehouse Audio Visual in California before joining the crew at Visual Products. Paul has become one of the best lens technicians in the business, having trained at Cooke & TLS in the U.K., Abel Cine Tech, along with being one of the last people to train at Cinema Products. Paul has a vast knowledge of Angenieux lenses and is currently the only person in the country doing a Super 16 conversion on Cinema Products CP16 cameras. His knowledge and experience lead the way for Paul to be one of the first people to add color HD video to Cinema Products cameras & early Aaton LTR’s. Beyond repairing lenses & cameras, Paul is a motorcycle enthusiast and avid rider, having spent time restoring his own. Paul’s laidback attitude and appreciation for nature has steered him to hiking and bird watching.  With an uncanny ability to make you feel appreciated and a wicked sense of humor, Paul is a joy to spend time with.

Camera Support Technician

Marty specializes in the repair and maintenance of all camera support gear for the Visual Products service department. From geared heads and fluidheads, to tripods and Technocranes, if it supports and/or moves a camera Marty’s the man for the job. Not only is he well-versed in the service and repair of major camera support brands like Sachtler, Oconnor, and Cartoni, Marty has also trained in England at the world-renowned Ronford-Baker factory. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Marty’s expertise and proficiency bring a craftsman’s touch to every piece of gear he services. Outside of his workshop, Marty enjoys folk music and working around his farm. Often seen by others as a man of integrity, Marty is truly passionate about environmental conservation and working to preserve nature.

Digital Media Specialist

Chad is the newest member of the Visual Products family, bringing a cheerful attitude to our team. Chad is a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut, earning an MFA in Studio Art. Chad also holds a BFA in Printmaking from the University of Akron’s Mary Schiller Myers School of Art. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, Chad has spent much of his life as an artist creating imaginary solutions to imaginary problems. With a background in printed ephemera and limited-edition artist books, Chad’s practice has expanded to include video documentation and new media technology like 3D printing and laser cutting. When Chad is not spending time in his studio, you can find him supporting the local DIY music scene or reading a book in his hammock. Now as a member of the Visual Products digital media department, we are excited to see his creativity and ideas flourish into the marketing of our products to you.

Administrative Assistant

Heidi is the most recent addition to the Visual Products team. She comes to us with an extensive background in management so stepping in and managing the daily affairs at VP has been a natural progression for her. Varying widely day by day, Heidi’s duties range from answering and directing calls, managing the books, to organizing the next fun Visual Products family affair. Heidi’s role at Visual Products involves not only supporting the staff but also supporting the needs of our clients. In her spare time, Heidi enjoys interior design, landscaping and searching for her next midcentury treasure in an antique shop.

Human Resources

Having come from an education background, Jill is the definition of what it means to be an active listener. She has the innate ability to pick up on the little things while having wise and supportive conversations with all whom she meets. Passionate about the details, Jill is focused on making sure the Visual Products crew’s needs are met, allowing our crew the freedom to better serve our customers and their needs. If you can’t locate Jill, the odds are high that you’ll find her outside enjoying the sounds, smells, and elegance of nature.