newsmaker/jb/1stjc/mark2nd

Roy Atlas might be considered to be a man on the move literally.

Atlas just became The Shotmaker Co.’s new president and chief operating officer. And though the name might not ring any bells, the work being done probably will.

Shotmaker rents and sells camera cars pick-up trucks outfitted with cameras, cranes and other equipment used to film movement scenes in movies.

The company, which won an Academy Award in 1986 for the creation of the original Shotmaker camera car, has worked on “Mars Attacks,” “Batman Forever,” “Beverly Hills Cop III,” “Apollo 13,” and the new “Jurassic Park” sequel.

Atlas, who previously owned and operated two Miller/Coors and Pepsi Cola distributorships, said the jump into show business is an exciting one.

“This is much different than anything I’ve done before,” said Atlas, who holds a doctorate in business from the University of Pennsylvania.

“We produce the technology that everybody uses when filming a chase scene. The regular public might not know us by name, but the movie industry can’t live without us,” he said.

Atlas’s arrival comes at a time when Shotmakers is undergoing a major expansion.

The company moved into a new, 24,000 square foot facility in North Hollywood. The extra room will allow for more work in-house, and offer enhanced maintenance services for clients.

“By moving to North Hollywood, we have made it easier and more convenient for our clients,” he said. “The plan is to grow the company and make it a better resource to the Hollywood film community. I’ve come at the exact right time to help pursue these goals.”

The company was founded in 1983 by director Hal Needham and camera systems specialist Bill Fredericks. It currently has a fleet of 18 camera cars.

Joe Bel Bruno