United Kingdom- On 8 November 2015, Bill Vinten, a man of vision whose achievements shaped the broadcast industry worldwide, passed away.

The son of William Vinten who founded The Vitec Group, was one of the key influencers and instrumental in what the business is today.

As a renowned cinematographer during and around World War II, Vinten understood the needs of camera operators, translating his knowledge into remarkable products that transformed the industry.

 His achievements include the design of the first camera pedestal that allowed cameramen to track and jib simultaneously without losing sight of the viewfinder, along with the first pan and tilt head to meet the BBC’s specifications for manoeuvrability.  With further enhancements throughout the years, these designs laid the groundwork for today’s flagship products, becoming internationally recognised by broadcasters around the globe. 

“Bill’s incredible dedication to our business spanned a long life of service that continued well beyond retirement,” said Stephen Bird, CEO of the Vitec Group. “The Vinten name remains one of the most respected in the camera support industry with over 240,000 units in circulation. We are truly indebted to this remarkable and lovely man.”