Samy's Camera is proud to announce the launch of the latest addition to the Samy's family:
Samy's Locations - our 24hr premium account service. Through this division, we offer a full range of professional services and rental items above and beyond our already vast rental list.
There another aspect that makes our newest division truly stand out: our dedicated staff. In an effort to provide a stellar first impression, meet Hisham - the Director of Samy's Locations.
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HIsham (center), Director of Samy's Locations, is pictured with the Samy's Locations crew.[/caption]
Samy's Camera has launched a new division: Locations. What does this division provide for clients? How does it differ from our rental department?
"Locations" is a full service stop for professional photographers and studios: from film, to seamless paper, to cameras, to lighting. We are the natural extension of one's production and will fill in any of your production needs.
What is your position/Role at Samy's Locations?
I'm the Director and my job is to be available and make sure everything is working as close to perfect as possible. I'm the one accountable if something is going wrong. I'm one of a small, dying breed who make themselves accountable.
How does Locations differ from its competitors?
We have no competitors.
Samy's has the largest rental inventory in the country. Samy's also has the best prices. What people think are competitors are really our customers. Everyone uses Samy's. We're just helping production houses who are also a customer of ours.
How long have you been working in the photography industry? How did you get your start?
About twenty years. I started in motion pictures and worked my way up from camera loader to line producer. Then, I was on a promo photo shoot for a movie poster. Amazing! It was a small group and everyone was having so much fun. I fell in love and never looked back. Previously, I worked at Smashbox Studios, I owned a motorhome company, and have had an amazing life as a photo assistant and producer. From Nick Knight to David Bailey, from LL Bean to Dior, from Madonna to George Clooney - I have had an amazing life and wouldn't change anything.
Working in Los Angeles in this industry seems very exciting. Have you had run ins with big names? If so, what was your favorite experience with meeting a famous face?
It's amazing how many celebrities you meet working in LA. Every week it's a new face. My favorites are the classic Hollywood royalty like Betty White, Steven Spielberg, or Ron Howard. I even got a chance to meet Robin Williams and Johnny Cash. I can't put that experience into words - what it's like hearing Johnny Cash yell from the other room made every hair on my body stand up. When your're so used to seeing people on a piece of paper or through a TV screen, when you see them in real life, you are hit with one big realization: They are just people. And, as long as you treat them with respect and not as object to entertain you, you're probably going to have a great time with them - As long as you do your job well, of course.
Locations is a 24/7 model. How do you and your team keep up with client demand?
Most people are reasonable and they call during normal hours. However, it's normal for me to get a email at 1am, as someone is working late and want me to get on something first thing in the morning. But, that's what being a full service department means more then anything: that you are in the production with the producer. If they need your help, you need to help. I don't always have the answers; but, I guarantee you, I'm going to work hard to find a solution.
Learn more about Samy's Locations Services here.
