June 10, 1956 - June 30, 2006
Roland Schlotzhauer of Lenexa, KS- Cinematographer and 1st AC died June 30th, 2006 in a helicopter crash in Iowa. He died doing what he loved to do, shooting aerials. He was shooting footage for the baseball movie, �The Final Season�. Roland is survived by his wife Kathy and step-daughter Lisa (also 2 grandchildren and one great grandchild). Other family members include his Mother Edna, brothers, Roycee, Rodger, Robert, Ronald and Sisters Roleta, Rogena, Roveta and Rondah. Roland was 50 years old.
This is an on line TRIBUTE to Roland that my friend David Allen Grove helped me get started. Please add your thoughts and stories and let�s help keep his spirit alive.
On a personal note, Roland was a good friend to me. He always treated me with respect even when I was rather new in this business and working with him the first time back in the late 1980�s. Roland had been working in the film and video business based out of the Kansas City market for about the past 25+ years. He and I had flown together on countless helicopter flights shooting aerials all over the greater Kansas City area. He owned a lot of film and video gear and he had become the largest rental facility in Kansas City. Many people counted on Roland to take care of their gear needs and he always delivered. Roland was someone that I always looked up to when buying equipment. He always seemed to make the right buying decisions at the right time. I often said that he was my Equipment Buying Hero.
Roland produced a wit on the set that could only be matched by his brother Roycee Schlotzhauer a top dolly grip in the Midwest. Roland managed to keep a set alive with laughter even when things were not going well and always played a key roll in keeping productions moving along. He was always prepared and he moved around the set at the speed of light. He also was the fastest person I ever saw wrap himself and his gear off a set. He was quick.
Roland will be missed very much by everyone in the Midwest that worked in production. I spoke with 2 of the young camera assistants that Roland helped train and bring up the ranks and the void they feel is huge. Roland was instrumental in helping young people get started in the film business. His spirit will remain alive within those he trained and he will be sorely missed. Not replaceable but remembered forever.
My 5 year old son said it best tonight at dinner. Josh said, �He died and went up to Heaven and became a Guardian Angel with wings.�
Roland I appreciate your friendship away from work and all you have done to help me in the film and video business. You will never be forgotten!!!
FROM: Steve Fracol - Smithville, MO