Arri Media's Bill Lovell Dies at 59

Bill Lovell, head of 3D and digital at Arri Media, died unexpectedly on March 13. He was 59.

The U.K.-based exec has been with Arri since 1996, and before that he spent two decades with the BBC Film Department.

"Bill Lovell was a force in the transition from film to digital, both for Arri and for the industry," said Steve Schklair, CEO of 3Ality Technica. " Bill was a solid human being, a true innovator, and one of the good guys. He treated everyone honestly, and always went above and beyond no matter what was requested of him. Bill made the world a better place and shall be sorely missed."

Said Bill Russell, Arri's vp of camera products: "Bill Lovell was a kind, patient and knowledgeable colleague who shared his insight and wisdom with us on many levels. he played a key role in the success of our digital imaging technologies and made it all look easy. We will miss him dearly."

“He was known to thousands of students [and] cinematographers with whom he exchanged his courteous and kind demeanor in explaining with a smile and generosity of spirit the intricacies of the digital world,” said a tribute to Lovell on the web site of Imago, the European Federation of Cinematographers. “Bill embraced the digital revolution of which it can be said he was a true pioneer."