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An unsung powerhouse of film and TV production

Hsin-Yi Lo,South Eastand
Simon Furber,Addlestone
News imageMovie Makers A birds-eye-view of many trailers parked at an open-space. The space is surrounded by trees and greenery.Movie Makers
Movie Makers, based in Addlestone, has been involved in more than 1,130 film and TV productions

Behind the glitz and glamour of numerous major cinematic productions is a family-run company working studiously to ensure operations run smoothly.

Based in Addlestone in Surrey, Movie Makers supplies facility vehicles including star trailers, makeup and wardrobe lorries, dining buses and mobile production offices.

Its founder, Tommy Traylen, said its ethos was to "make life easier for crews working on location".

The company has been involved with more than 1,130 film and TV productions including Maleficent, Justice League, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dumbo, Eastenders and Fleabag.

News imageMovie Makers Tommy Traylen, who has greying hair, is wearing a black suit, white shirt and a white tie with pale blue spots. Movie Makers
Tommy Traylen is the founder of Movie Makers which supplies facility vehicles to film production crew members

Running for more than 30 years, the company now has a fleet of more than 700 location vehicles and about 200 staff, with offices across the UK, and Indiana, in the US.

It also provides artist trailers, including luxury Fifth Wheel and American RV-style units, support for technical teams and mobile gyms.

Mr Traylen told Secret Surrey some celebrities had specifically requested Movie Makers' vehicles "otherwise they won't do the movie".

"We are blessed when we find ourselves in that position," he said.

"Stars like our units and the people who work for us. This is what we strive to achieve."

News imageMovie Makers Four large white sofas with pillows inside a custom-made trailer. In the middle of the room are two coffee tables with a vase on top. There is also a wide screen television mounted on the wall. Movie Makers
Mr Traylen said the company's ethos was to make life easier for film crew members

Mr Traylen said Robert De Niro was one of his favourite celebrities to work with, and he had the the "fortune" of doing his first job with him for the film Ronin in 1997.

"His team told me Mr De Niro and his team were happy with our service," Mr Traylen said.

He said he was hired again to work with the actor for the 1999 film Analyze This, which led to an ongoing collaboration.

News imageMovie Makers A series of white vehicles and trailers stationed on a park. Movie Makers
Movie Makers said it had about 700 vehicles and more than 200 staff

With such immense responsibility in ensuring film production adhered to precise timelines, Mr Traylen has had "his fair share of stress".

"I used to thrive on stress but it's only in later life I realised it isn't good for me.

"I think it was the hunger of wanting to build the business," he said.

News imageMovie Makers A makeup and wardrobe room inside a trailer. There are three sets of desks, each fitted with a mirror and drawers. There are makeup placed on the desks and three black swivel chairs. There is also a sink and extra drawers and cupboards on the other side of the room. Movie Makers
Mr Traylen said some film stars had specifically requested the service of Movie Makers otherwise they "would not do the film"

Mr Traylen said he had worked through the night on many occasions to meet his commitments, to avoid jeopardising film production schedules.

"If we can't provide our service and we hold up the film crew, that could cost us hundreds of thousands of pounds," he explained.

He said his sons were now part of the team, continuing the family legacy with the same hands-on principles and attention to detail.

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