Ted Churchill Accident

Garrettcam

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Jun 19, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/19/95

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This is a repost from the AOL Steadicam Folder. I called Rob to ask if I
could post it here in order to help contact Ted's legion of friends in the
business overseas. He was dear to me. Garrett Brown

Subj: Ted Churchill Death 95-06-17 19:15:00 EDT
From: DRAPERacs

Everyone concerned with the technical side of film making will be saddened
by the death of Ted Churchill this morning (Saturday).

He died when the car he was driving hit a tree near Lincolnville just
North of Rockport, Maine where he lived.

Ted was a dear friend, a brilliant Steadican Operator, a gifted teacher, a
true artist and a real character who elevated the Art of Steadicam by
sharing his encyclopedic knowledge and expertise with everyone.

He will be missed.

Rob Draper,acs

Kirk Pennak

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Jun 19, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/19/95

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In article <3s5be3$k...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, garre...@aol.com
(Garrettcam) wrote:

Oh god. This is tragic news.

I took the Steadicam workshop back in '82, with Garrett and Ted as
instructors; not so much to become an operator per se, but to understand
its use and limitations as a film professional and writer.

During that week of training, I also came down with a killer case of
dysentery. I lost over 15 pounds that week - yet no matter how bad I felt,
there was no way I was going to leave Rockport. Watching Garrett and Ted
work their magic was too good to miss.

What really amazed me, though, was watching Ted (no offence, Garrett).
Even though Ted had this tool down _cold_, I'd watch him during his free
time as he practiced his moves over and over and over and over and over -
just because he wanted to hone his edge one degree sharper and make his
moves even more fluid than they already were. His dedication to his craft
astounded me.

At the end of the week, feeling like I was one foot in the grave, I
actually managed to pass the tests and receive my certification. At the
traditional lobster dinner that evening (hey, just looking at lobster was
tough on me) I was surprised to receive a gag prize from Garrett and Ted -
a T-shirt with a hand-drawn Steadicam video sighting grid skewed forty
five degrees to the left; in the center of the grid were the words I
PASSED.

Later, I found out that the shirt was Ted's idea.

I still have that shirt.

Ted Churchill was not only an incredibly gifted and talented man, but he
was a nice guy as well - and we all know how few of _those_ there are in
this world.

He will indeed be missed.

Alan Disler

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Jun 21, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/21/95

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Garrett,

I am in serious shock over this! I cannot believe it. I worked with Ted
over the years and always enjoyed his humor and talent. He will be
sorely missed. Please let me know if any funds or memorials are planned.

Alan

Tim Tyler

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Jun 21, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/21/95

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The news just knocks the wind out of you.

How sad.

Aslan401

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Jun 22, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/22/95

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my screen name is aslan401 but some may know me as chuck aube or just as
401.
It was a name that Ted gave me when we first met in 88' as the months
grew in time we became closer (we both went to RISD and we both loved this
thing called steadicam) in time we would call each other friend.
Over the years Ted helped me through the dark days of my life when I
wanted to give in and die he would say that "he would be pissed off if I
were to "check out" and that he would never forgive me".......
After some hard times he told me "that he could understand the desperation
that I had felt a few years earlier" but as he said to me, I told him that
he was my closest friend and that I would have a hard time if he were to
leave before we grew old .
I am having that hard time now,it breaks my heart that I have lost one of
the truely great people in my life and that my loss is being felt all over
the world by the countless thousands of people that Ted has touched in
some way.
I am planning to go up to Rockport in a few weeks with another friend of
ours and say goodbye to a friend.
If any one has any info about where he will be burried or where the
remains will be placed please e-mail me at asla...@aol.com
thanks,
chuck aube

john beck

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Jun 24, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/24/95

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If there is an afterlife, it just became a much more interesting
place.

If there is an afterlife and it has an internet connection:
Ted, May your lenses be long and may your neighbors have no
curtains. J.B.

Michael Temmer

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Jun 26, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/26/95

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I also knew ted & like many people who knew him find it hard to
imagine hin gone I am saddened to hear the news

michael temmer