Hi everyone,

My name is Thijo van Beek, 55 years old (or young) and since only a few years I am a free-lance cameraman.
I live in Nieuw-Vennep in Haarlemmermeer, a part in the west of the country .

I have been a truck driver for over 30 years, but not in heart.
In 2004 I had two strokes in a week, and was not allowed to drive a truck no more.
My strokes didn't give me too many problems after a year, thank God!
I had to stay home and watch TV for the rest of my live.

That is not my idea of living, so I realized this was my chance to do what I always dreamed of: making films.

I worked on that 24/7 almost.
Did some courses, spended a lot of money, took every change to learn as much as possible,
as soon as possible.

Now since December I finally have my own very (!) small business: Red Baron Media.
The sad part is two weeks later my wife, who was excited as I was, suddenly died, two days before Christmas.
I haven't touched a camera for a few months, until a great chance came up, she also would have been sooooooo proud of.
I was asked to do the camerawork for a film about useless violence, people killing each other
just because they don’t like the face or so.

After that film some more work came up, and I am happy to do what I’m doing.
Still I don’t make big money, but life looks great again, although missing my Bettie still is a pain.

I would love to get in contact with people in filmmaking around the world, professionals or not.

I have a Sony HVR V1 and a Sony HVR S270 at this moment.
And lots of other equipment, like a 4 mtr crane, and a 9 mtr trackdolly (since yesterday)

Hope to hear from you guys! ( and girls of course!)

Thijo van Beek

Hello Thijo,

My deep sympathy in the loss of your wife. You have been through a lot of upheaval and sorrow in a short amount of time.

But your attitude is wonderful. You're going to do some great things! Congratulations on making a film that not only would have made your Bettie proud but sounds like it could help others.

Looking forward to hearing about more projects from you.

Hallo Thijo,

Greetings from a fellow Dutchman. Had a look at your website and must say that you have a professional approach. I too have always dreamed of making films. From back when I was 13 and got a GAF 64 XL super 8 camera (I am looking at 47 at this time).

Apart from the artistic approach (which is most important in my point of view) I also always have liked the technical side. At the age of 17 I filmed with a synchronized Uher Report recorder (wonderful machine by the way). I skipped the start of the video era because it was such a giant step backward. Now I have been filming (serious) video for a couple of years.

Maybe we could do a project together sometime (like having a go at the DV Challenge).

See you around.

Mario