Founded in 2014 by Erica Basel, Camera Ambassador is one of only three equipment rental houses nationwide owned and operated by a woman. Her vision was to create a vibrant community of artists by providing high-quality film equipment and top-notch service paired with genuine support of their productions.
Camera Ambassador is a one-stop shop, carrying everything from cameras and lenses to grip trucks and production supplies. Their equipment roster includes high-end brands such as Arri, Red, Canon, Cooke, Zeiss, O’Connor, Small HD, Teradek, and more. They’ve also got you covered with specialty items such as anamorphic lenses, gimbals, and grip trucks.
While supporting clients through equipment rentals is their main focus, Camera Ambassador is much more than that. They offer monthly workshops & feedback sessions, host screenings, promote filmmakers, provide internships, and fund the annual Community Builders Grant.
When walking into the shop, you can often be greeted by the shop dog, met with a warm smile, and take a moment to kick back at their snack bar before prepping your rental. Camera Ambassador loves getting to know their clients and supporting them in all areas of development and creation.
FOUNDER & CEO
Follow her on IG @hello.erica.duffy
Erica Duffy (she/her) is the mama bear of the whole operation. Erica loves connecting with clients, collaborators, and people alike. She is very active in the Chicago film community and recently accepted the role as Executive Director of The Midwest Film Festival. Along with being an aerial yoga enthusiast, she is an incredible trip planner and was likely a world renowned travel agent in a former life.
RENTALS MANAGER
Follow her on IG @ ellen.rose.partain
Ellen (she/her) is the smiling face and warm voice of Camera Ambassador. She’s a master organizer who loves to help clients find the best combination of gear within their budget. When she's not at Camera Ambassador, she enjoys arts of many mediums including drawing, painting, designing handmade cards, and decorating.
LEAD TECH
Follow him on IG @ericsilv3r
Hailing from Philadelphia with the mane of an angel, Eric (he/him) is the Tech Lead at Camera Ambassador. When he's not breaking a sweat in the tech department, he works as a Movi Operator and Camera Assistant. Eric spends his free time photographing his life in the city and capturing much needed headshots of his cat, Luna.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Follow him on IG @MattCarrollDP
Matt Carroll (he/him) is a cinematographer based out of Chicago, specializing in narrative, documentary, and commercial filmmaking. He has had the pleasure of directing photography on a variety of narrative projects as well as collaborating with artists and brands like Wilco, Iron & Wine, Fender, NPR, and Fontaines D.C. When he's not at Camera Ambassador or on set, he enjoys playing Magic and playing video games with his cats, Rhonda and Phoebe.
JUNIOR DESIGNER AND CONTENT SPECIALIST
Follow them on IG @justyna.lepa
Justyna Lepa (she/they) is a documentarian and editor from Chicago. They passionately chronicle community stories and make films that heed cultural competence. Outside of Camera Ambassador, you can find them backcountry backpacking or crafting Pokémon card shadowboxes.
MASCOT
Follow her on IG @cashewsworld
Named for her cool and creamy vibes, Cashew acts as Camera Ambassador's mascot and pup-in-charge. As a connoisseur of Chicago's film industry, Cashew knows just what filmmakers need while in the studio: a hot doggy breath full of love and some of the best cuddles this city has to offer.
ASSISTANT TO MASCOT
Follow her on IG @wwwillows_worlddd
Known for whipping her ears back and forth, Willow is an expert in carrying sticks thrice her size. While Willow loves her position as assistant to the mascot, she sees her role as merely a stepping stone towards her real dream: directing and starring in the reboot of the iconic 1996 family drama, Shiloh.
ASSISTANT TO THE ASSISTANT MASCOT
Follow him on IG @bodhibunch
With a joyful wag of the tail, Bodhi delights in making new friends and hanging with his besties Cashew and Willow. Lovingly nicknamed "Goof Troop", Bodhi enjoys cuddling with customers, learning new tricks, and overall being a good boy. Outside of Camera Ambassador, you can find Bodhi taking walks and well-earned naps!
Camera Ambassador is proud to support and collaborate with some of Chicago's finest filmmakers. Our day players work with us in the shop and out in the field. They save the day when we need extra hands and represent Camera Ambassador on a daily basis.
