Inspiring Conversations with Salvador Gonzalez of Cinematic Precision

Today we’d like to introduce you to Salvador Gonzalez.

Hi Salvador, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Salvador Gonzalez \ Sal Gonzalez
I believe it’s important to start with this.
back on 1989 I was working as assembler on electronics CLS Lacer Systems in the City of Hawthorne CA
South LA there was a machinist who was doing works for the company, so one day it passes to my mind, what about if I ask Norm for a part/time and at the same time I learn how to work with metals.
So, I asked him, and he accepted.
That’s how I started on the machining, I worked with Norm Larsen in his garage as part/time for about a year, and unfortunately, he passed away, I learned a lot from him on conventional machines, because previously he was machining instructor at LATC (Los Angeles Technical College).
Then went to SCROC (Southern California Regional Occupational Center) for 2 years, it was a big sacrifice because I was working 10 hours and then school, My Son was 8 years old, and I saw him awake only on weekends.
Because when I left to work, he was sleeping, and when I returned from school he was sleeping already.
On the training school I got an opportunity to work on Machine Shop, So I took it, that was in 1991
I work on Rancho Dominguez (Southwest Industries) for 5 years.
when I was working for them, a co-worker wanted my position, so he showed me a piece of newspaper that I still have with me.
they were offering work for a machinist in a very famous rental house in Hollywood (Otto Nemenz International)
I went for an interview and thanks God I got the work.
I worked there for 15 years 5 as machinist and 10 as R&D (Research & Development) Manager.
1996-2011
On 2011 I decided to start my own company Cinematic Precision, I was not easy but with the help of good friends I made with the years I worked for Otto Nemenz was able to do it till now.
I manufacture brackets for Cameras, Lences and Steadicam Systems.
And now I do works for the Aerospace Industry as well.
I have privilege to be the first and the only one in the world that was doing custom work for the Movie Industry and still doing, I haven’t made research to see somebody else is doing it, or I still the only one.
My Wife Ymelda Gonzalez played a very important roll on my success.
She has been always telling me to keep ahead, like when I started learning there was a work mate that told me that machining was not a good choice, and my wife said do not believe that, wherever you go there is machine, every single company has at least one machine.
And she was right here I am after 35 years.
Cinematic Precision it’s a Family company I work with my grandchildren Angel and Adrian Gonzalez.
My Son Sal Gonzalez Jr. was my partner for many years as well till he decided to work by himself.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenges had been the strikes and the pandemic.
Hollywood hasn’t been the same after that.
That’s why I had to look for new venues like the aerospace.

As you know, we’re big fans of Cinematic Precision. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in manufacturing custom brackets for Cameras, Lences and Steadicam Systems
What sets me apart from others:
I’m the only one in the world that do custom brackets.
I always bring best quality work and materials.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
There are always risks Machines are very dangerous, and the equipment that goes into my brackets it’s very expensive as well, I have to make sure it won’t brake wile is in use.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cinematicprecision.com
• Instagram: @cinematicprecision
• Facebook: cinematicprecision

Image Credits
The cart was used on the Super Bowl halftime show Bad Bunny was transported on it