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CEO and Co-Founder of AbelCine, Pete Abel has guided the company’s strategic and business development since AbelCine’s inception in 1989. He has brought the company from a small, family-run camera service operation to today’s multi-channel organization.
Pete also serves as the company’s Marketing Director and continues to work closely with all departments, nurturing key strategic relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
In 2013 Pete was named an associate member of the ASC, in recognition of AbelCine’s many contributions to the development and representation of significant motion picture technologies.
Pete has been in the film industry since 1979, when he worked as camera and optical technician.
As COO and Co-Founder, Rich Abel has been directing the company’s operations and guiding the development of AbelCine’s service, product development and research related departments since 1989. Rich is the driving force behind the company’s IT and systems strategies, facility development, inventory and fulfillment development, and administrative operations.
Rich also served as the company’s Rental Director until 2002 and the Service Manager until 2007, and continues to work closely with these management teams on development and growth.
Rich became an associate member of the ASC in 2013, in recognition of AbelCine’s many contributions to the development and representation of significant motion picture technologies.
Rich’s industry experience began on the bench, as a camera technician, in 1983.
Henry Jiang, Chief Financial Officer, has over 15 years of experience in corporate accounting and finance management, and manages the financial strategies of the organization.
Prior to joining AbelCine in 2004, Henry gained a broad range of experience in the corporate finance field working for multi-national corporations, particularly in budgeting, asset management, internal auditing and financial reporting. He has a background in engineering and experience overseeing performance management teams and engineering projects.
Henry received his MBA in Finance and International Business Management from Stern School of Business, New York University. He is a Certified Public Accountant, registered in the State of New York.
As AbelCine’s Director of Product Strategies, Joe Facchini develops national sales and product strategies that are relevant to AbelCine’s expanding customer base.
Prior to joining AbelCine, Joe worked at Panasonic for over 25 years. Most recently, he served as their Vice President of Sales and Product Management for professional video products.
Joe is a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, the Society of Broadcast Engineers and the International Television Association.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and worked as a Systems Engineer at Panasonic before moving into sales and marketing.
As Director of Education, Jeff Lee oversees the educational initiatives of the company and develops business opportunities in this area. Jeff helps develop new curriculums, whether for in-person workshops, online courses, or custom training. He also manages the training team across all three offices.
Jeff is a technical editor on AbelCine’s blog and serves as the lead technologist for AbelCine NY. He joined AbelCine in 2009 as a member of the sales team. He then transitioned to Camera Technology Specialist and Trainer, eventually becoming the National Training Manger.
Additionally, Jeff is an accomplished still photographer who has traveled extensively working on documentary projects. His work has appeared in publications such as Shutterbug, and he has been a featured Gawker Artist. His photo blog can be found at jeffleephoto.com.
Born and raised in NYC, Jeff attended Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of Arts where he concentrated in both photography and filmmaking.
As Director of Human Resources, Gala Napakh oversees the strategic hiring of new employees, as well as developing staff training and benefit programs. She also manages the operation of the HR department.
Gala joined AbelCine as the Human Resources Manager in June of 2007. She comes from a diverse professional background that includes finance and music management. With over a decade of experience in the HR field, Gala previously held HR positions at Vibe Magazine, Spin Magazine and Register.com.
Gala attended CUNY Baruch, majoring in Finance, and is a member of SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management).
As Director of Technical Development, Jesse Rosen heads up AbelCine’s Engineering Department and in-house product development projects. He and his team are responsible for developing products and technologies that enable existing gear to work more effectively for our clients.
Jesse’s work at AbelCine combines his background in computer science with his love of filmmaking. Prior coming to work at AbelCine, Jesse was a client, purchasing the Aaton Super 16 camera.
On this camera, he then shot the acclaimed independent film Trans. The film was shown at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Reader’s Jury prize for best film.
Since then Jesse has worked on many film and television projects, including Martin Scorsese’s blues documentary, Lightning in a Bottle, as video engineer, and several documentary projects as cinematographer.
As Director of Sales, Dawn Terranova oversees the overall strategy and direction of AbelCine sales, as well as engaging with and supervising key sales accounts.
Before joining AbelCine, Dawn spent over 20 years at Sony Electronics managing some of Sony’s top accounts and developing key initiatives for Sony’s overall channel sales strategy. Dawn is a recipient of Sony’s highest honor, the Samurai Award. The Samurai Award is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, inspire others, and show an ongoing commitment to positively influencing their surroundings.
Dawn attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, with a degree in Business/Marketing.
Girvan Calder has been a member of the AbelCine Service Department since 1996. He began as an Aaton camera electronics technician and was named the NY Service Manager in 2003.
Girvan was born and raised in New York and moved west in 2007 to head up the service department of the newly expanded AbelCine LA Office.
Girvan holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1995) from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. He has served a technician and consultant on Scrubs, Sex in the City and NFL Films productions.
Megan Donnelly joined the AbelCine team in 2015 as the company’s first Camera Technology Specialist based out of Chicago, eventually relocating to LA. Prior to joining AbelCine, Megan was the Technical Manager at Fletcher Camera and Lenses / CineVerse in Chicago, where she provided technical and workflow support for multiple features and television series. She also developed the curriculum for the International Cinematographer’s Guild Digital Loader Workshops, which she taught nationwide.
Megan is an accomplished Director of Photography for commercials, music videos, and narratives. One of her television pilots was a finalist in the New York Television Festival in 2013, while another television pilot won the Chicago Television Pilot Competition in 2014. Most recently one of her commercials won a Midwest Emmy in 2014. View her work at megandonnelly.net.
Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Megan Donnelly graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Media Arts with a concentration in Cinematography.
As Sales General Manager, Jeff Giblin supports the LA-based sales team and oversees the department, in addition to building customer relationships and generating leads.
Jeff joined AbelCine in 2011 as a Production Sales Assistant before being promoted to Retail Sales in 2012 and Account Sales in 2015. His previous experience includes Sales Representative at Alan Gordon Enterprises, where he worked with resellers of the company’s products. He has also worked in various production jobs including: DIT, Camera Assistant, Camera Operator, and Director of Photography.
Jeff has a B.A. in Media Communications from Asbury University, where he won an Ohio Valley Regional Student Production Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
As Rental Operations Manager, Matt Giblin oversees the daily functioning of Rental in LA, including technical and quality control processes. He develops procedures to benefit the client experience by increasing efficiency and accuracy.
Matt started with AbelCine in 2010 as a Rental Check In Agent. He held several positions in the department, before being promoted to Rental Operations Manager in 2016.
Prior to joining AbelCine, Matt worked as a freelance DP and 1st AC, the highlight of which was being an Assistant Camera in the Beijing 2008 Olympics. He continues to freelance as a DP, and has shot dozens of award winning shorts, a feature film, several web series, and a documentary on the Special Olympics World Games.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Film from Asbury University in Kentucky.
Kari Hess heads up AbelCine’s Midwestern Production Sales from their regional location in Chicago. She is a former news photographer turned sales associate with 20 years of experience in the acquisition side of our industry.
Approaching her job from a solid base of practical experience, Kari has taught industry seminars and private classes on subjects ranging from “ENG Field Lighting” to “Choosing The Proper HD Camera Package” to groups small and large.
Kari is a graduate of the University of Iowa’s Communication, Broadcasting and Film program.
As Sales General Manager, Johnny Heatley oversees New York and Chicago sales teams and supports them in generating leads and building lasting customer relationships. He also helps customers take advantage of AbelCine’s wide range of services.
Johnny joined AbelCine in 2013, working in inventory and fulfillment out of the LA office. In 2015, he transferred to the company’s expanded Chicago location. During his time at AbelCine, Johnny has held a variety of positions including Order Administrator, Sales Agent, Customer Service Manager, Office Manager, and Sales Supervisor.
Previously, Johnny worked at Ron Robinson, Inc. as a warehouse manager and distribution manager for their Apothia fragrance line. He also has worked as a professional musician for DreamWorks Music, and in his spare time continues to write music for the entertainment industry.
As Service Manager, John Kelly oversees the operations of the NY Service Department including the repair, maintenance, and assembly of cine equipment.
John joined AbelCine in 2012 as a Rental Expeditor. He then became a technician and later Manager of Rental Returns in AbelCine’s busy New York rental operation. Previously, he worked as a cinematographer in NYC and Washington D.C. and in Rochester, NY as a technician for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.
John earned his B.F.A. in Film Production at the Rochester Institute of Technology and has shot features, shorts, commercials and, most recently, children’s documentaries. He is currently an active contributor to the Kinograph Project.
As General Manager, Alex Kurze oversees the day-to-day activity of the New York rental department in order to offer the best customer experience possible.
Prior to joining the AbelCine rental team in 2011, Alex worked as a freelance producer. He continues to freelance as a creative and production consultant. His work has screened successfully at high profile festivals such as Cannes and Tribeca. Most notably, one project was qualified, yet not nominated, for an Academy Award in the Live Action Short Film category for 2014.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Although born and raised in Germany, Alex considers himself a true New Yorker at heart.
As Rental Manager, Gabriel Mays works with producers, cinematographers, and assistant camera operators to provide the highest level of customer service. He ensures that all their equipment needs are met on budget.
Before coming to AbelCine in 2015, Gabriel previously worked as a Communications Instructor and Electronic Media Engineer at a private university. He taught various courses in electronic media, including film, broadcasting, and digital arts.
Gabriel is an award-winning cinematographer, director, producer, and editor known for his innovative research and implementation of new film techniques. He was also one of the first to implement HDSLR cameras into filmmaking. He has been the cinematographer on dozens of independent films, documentaries, and music videos.
As Business Development Manager, Mike Nichols oversees new and existing rental business in New York and Los Angeles, as well as identifying opportunities for all departments.
Before joining AbelCine’s rental department in June of 2008, Mike was the head of production for a NY-based commercial production company, Zooma Zooma, whose clients included Nike, McDonald’s, Sony and Kodak.
In 2000, he was invited to the Cannes Film Festival as part of Kodak’s Emerging Filmmakers Program. In 2011, Mike’s first feature film, BreadCrumbs was released worldwide. Recent co-producing credits include A Woman, A Part and 11:55 Holyoke, which was Executive Produced by John Leguizamo.
Mike earned his B.A. in Film Production at Brooklyn College, where he was the president of the Film Society. His first professional job was as a production assistant on the Robert De Niro film, A Bronx Tale.
As Customer Service Manager, Erin Poole helps provide the best possible experience for AbelCine’s customers on the West coast and nationwide. She facilitates the most efficient solutions and answers to all questions that arise.
Erin joined AbelCine in 2014 as an Inside Sales Rep and has nearly a decade of experience working in the entertainment industry. She worked as a rental agent for six years at Radiant Images and Keslow Camera, and prior to that she freelanced as a 1st AC and event photographer.
Erin majored in Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz and has a Certificate in Cinematography from the Los Angeles Film School.
As Customer Service Manager, Andrea Sunara helps provide the best possible experience for AbelCine’s customers on the East coast and nationwide. She finds the most the efficient solutions and answers to their questions and helps customers navigate all of AbelCine’s services. Andrea is an expert on the AbelCare flexible spending program.
Andrea has been with AbelCine since 2010 and is proud to have been a valued member of the company for most of her professional life. She began in the Accounting department, working on accounts payable and financial reporting. She then worked in AbelCine Finance Services for four years, helping clients acquire equipment through established programs and customized financing packages.
A native New Yorker, Andrea attended the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University, where she majored in Finance, and minored in Economics and International Business.
As Integration Sales Manager, Jason Zapata supports the integration and engineering teams in their sales efforts and develops new business opportunities. He is also a product manager for the CameoGear accessory line, developed and manufactured by AbelCine. Jason is also an ISF certified monitor calibration technician.
Jason joined AbelCine in 2012 as the Service Manager and then became the Sales General Manager, both in New York. Previously, Jason was the Media Arts Equipment Cage Manager at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production.
Jason worked as a videographer and editor for Personify Productions in Philadelphia, and freelanced as a Master Control Operator for both WWSI Telemundo and The Comcast Network. A documentary feature he worked on—The Anderson Monarchs, about the first all-black girls’ competitive soccer team in the USA—won the 2010 Sundance Institute Documentary Fund grant.
Megan Donnelly joined the AbelCine team in 2015 as the company’s first Camera Technology Specialist based out of Chicago, eventually relocating to LA. Prior to joining AbelCine, Megan was the Technical Manager at Fletcher Camera and Lenses / CineVerse in Chicago, where she provided technical and workflow support for multiple features and TV series. She also developed the curriculum for the International Cinematographer’s Guild Digital Loader Workshops, which she taught nationwide.
Megan is an accomplished Director of Photography for commercials, music videos, and narratives. One of her TV pilots was a finalist in the New York Television Festival in 2013, while another pilot won the Chicago Television Pilot Competition in 2014.
Most recently, one of her commercials won a Midwest Emmy in 2014. View her work at megandonnelly.net.
As Director of Education, Jeff Lee oversees the educational initiatives of the company and develops business opportunities in this area. Jeff helps develop new curriculums, whether for in-person workshops, online courses, or custom training. He also manages the training team across all three offices.
Jeff is a technical editor on AbelCine’s blog and serves as the lead technologist for AbelCine NY. He joined AbelCine in 2009 as a member of the sales team. He then transitioned to Camera Technology Specialist and Trainer, eventually becoming the National Training Manger.
Additionally, Jeff is an accomplished still photographer who has traveled extensively working on documentary projects. His work has appeared in publications such as Shutterbug, and he has been a featured Gawker Artist. His photo blog can be found at jeffleephoto.com.
Born and raised in NYC, Jeff attended Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of Arts where he concentrated in both photography and filmmaking.
As one of the original staff members of AbelCine, Ian McCausland was integral to the formation of the company’s rental department back in 1990. Ian reprised this role in 1997 when he moved out West to launch the rental department of AbelCine’s Burbank operation. He currently serves as a Camera Technology Specialist and Trainer.
Most recently, Ian shot and edited a short-form documentary about vintage travel trailers called Aluminum Skins, which was screened at the 2009 Phoenix Film Festival.
Ian holds a BA in Film from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts. His credits include the 1999 Black Sabbath concert video, The Last Supper, and the 2008 Smashing Pumpkins documentary, If All Goes Wrong.
Ian holds an open water certification from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).
Juliet joined AbelCine’s Burbank office in 2005 as a rental assistant, one of seven employees in that office at the time. When the company moved into a larger building, she also moved into the role of Digital Cinema and Broadcast Technician.
With the growth of AbelCine Training, she once again stepped into a new role as one of AbelCine’s Camera Technology Specialists. She continues to work as a technical supervisor and digital imaging technician on concert, commercial, and feature film shoots.
Juliet earned a B.A. in Film at Emerson College in Boston, where she was nominated for Best Cinematographer and won a Best Advanced Film Evvy Award and a Best Director Award.
Geoff Smith joined AbelCine in 2015 as a Camera Technology Specialist with a focus on workflows from capture to post-production. He as been a technical editor of AbelCine's blog since 2017.
Geoff has a background in technology from web development to content management at companies like VMware, Lucasfilm and Silicon Graphics (SGI). Prior to joining AbelCine, he worked on an independent feature as a DIT and Assistant Editor. A passionate photographer, his editorial and fine art work has been published in newspapers and magazines, as well as exhibited in New York City and online.
Originally from New York, Geoff graduated from California State University, Chico earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Design with an emphasis in Media Arts.
Nic Somera became a Camera Technology Specialist in early 2017. He has been with AbelCine since 2013 when he joined the Burbank office as a Retail Sales Agent.
Nic has a freelance production background working as a Camera Operator, 1st Assistant Camera, DIT, and Gimbal Technician. His experience on set and on location has given him a strong perspective in the areas of camera rigging and camera movement. He was one of the first AbelCine employees to be trained with 3-axis electronic gimbals, like the FreeFly Systems MōVI, and has continued in that theme of cinematic movement by adding Steadicam Bronze level certification to his skill set.
Nic holds a BS in Film Studies from Full Sail University, where he graduated as valedictorian.