Chapman Tires

A Legacy Built on Camera Movement

Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment is one of the most storied names in professional film and television production. Chapman/Leonard traces its roots to 1945, when Ralph T. Chapman founded Chapman Studio Equipment in Southern California with a single goal: to engineer a more versatile camera crane for Hollywood productions. That founding mission has driven more than seven decades of relentless innovation in camera support technology.

From Hollywood Stages to Global Productions

The company grew dramatically when Leonard Chapman — Ralph's son and a UCLA-trained mechanical engineer — joined the business and eventually merged his own firm, Leonard's Studio Equipment, with his father's operation in 1965. The combined entity, Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, quickly became the go-to resource for directors and cinematographers seeking reliable, precise camera movement. Among the company's earliest high-profile endorsements was Cecil B. DeMille, who used Chapman equipment on the epic production of The Ten Commandments, cementing the brand's reputation for delivering on the grandest of creative visions.

Industry-Leading Camera Support Equipment

Chapman/Leonard manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of professional camera support solutions, all built in the USA to exacting standards. Their product lineup includes:

• Camera Cranes – Versatile, high-reach cranes designed to deliver sweeping, cinematic shots with fluid motion control.
• Camera Dollies – Widely regarded as the gold standard of the motion picture industry, Chapman dollies combine hydraulic lift systems with smooth, precise tracking.
• Telescoping Arms & Jibs – Engineered for extended reach and flexible mounting configurations on location or on stage.
• Remote Camera Systems – Designed to capture stable footage at high speed or in challenging environments, including underwater scenarios.
• Pedestals & Bases – Robust, reliable platforms that form the foundation of any camera support setup.
• Custom Camera Vehicles – Mobile solutions for productions that need to keep cameras moving in dynamic environments.

Trusted by the Industry's Best

Over the decades, Chapman/Leonard equipment has appeared on the sets of countless feature films, television series, commercials, and music videos. The company has earned the trust of legendary filmmakers and has been recognized with prestigious technical achievement awards. Their equipment has been refined through direct collaboration with working professionals — including feedback from directors and cinematographers on some of Hollywood's most ambitious productions. Today, under third-generation leadership, Chapman/Leonard continues to push the boundaries of what camera movement can achieve, with facilities spanning North Hollywood, Orlando, and the UK.

Engineered in the USA, Used Worldwide

Every Chapman/Leonard product is designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring consistent quality and the ability to rapidly iterate based on real-world production feedback. Whether outfitting a major studio feature or a fast-moving broadcast sports unit, Chapman/Leonard's commitment to precision engineering and unmatched customer support has kept it at the forefront of the camera support equipment industry for over 75 years.