Second Reef

A short Story

About us

Our Story

“Reefing becomes necessary when the wind speed increases to a level that could overpower the boat or make it difficult to handle. There are various scenarios where reefing is needed, such as sailing in strong winds, encountering sudden gusts, or when the boat starts to heel excessively. Reefing helps to maintain balance, stability, and control of the boat, preventing it from being overpowered by the wind.”

– Understanding the Meaning of Reefing a Sail: A Comprehensive Guide

Second Reef set sail in 2019 when we began our journey by providing other companies in the film industry with the support they needed. Over the past 20 years, we have developed friendships and an intricate network of film professionals that forms the hull of our vessel and has given us the experience necessary to navigate uncharted territories.

We have always kept our focus on optics and optical tools that make a difference for cinematographers.

We are very selective in what we do and how we do things, so when Tribe7 started with the Blackwing7 project, we were on board from the first minute as their exclusive distributors in Europe and heavily involved in bringing Tribe7 products to the rest of the world.

Recently, Klaus Eckerl from IB/E Optics asked us to coordinate and represent IB/E Sales in most parts of the world. Our close relations with them through the TRIBE7 project led us to collaborate more closely by allowing them to maintain their focus on manufacturing and allowing us to use our strengths in bringing clients, resellers, and IB/E together to form a world-spanning network, ensuring that IB/E Optics products are available wherever needed.

In the background, we have also been working on our very own projects, which we will announce shortly.

At Second Reef, we strive to provide the highest quality products and services to the best of the best cinematographers or rental houses anywhere on the planet.

We are passionate about the worldwide film industry. We are experts in our field, and our journey takes us to all corners of the globe. Optical tools are one of the primary creative tools for cinematographers when they create art. We continually work hard to get them the most interesting lenses and optical tools to that end. 

The Second Reef challenges the status quo, explores new possibilities, connects people, and navigates dangerous waters. We find solutions in the uncertainty of the fog and opportunities in the open sea. We reef when others seek safe harbor.

Our travels have led us to remote places, uncharted waters, and distant shores. Curating the best selection of high-end cinema lenses and tools for creative filmmakers is the wind in our sails and has brought us here.

We always wanted to do things a little bit differently and bring risk-takers, innovators, and forward-thinkers together to create something special. Technical understanding, market climate forecasting, and a relentless desire to help you reach your goals combine to form the hull of this vessel. Let us take you places others can’t, guide you through uncharted waters, and transport your ideas to distant shores.

We sail when others go home.

Why Second Reef

“Reefing becomes necessary when the wind speed increases to a level that could overpower the boat or make it difficult to handle. There are various scenarios where reefing is needed, such as sailing in strong winds, encountering sudden gusts, or when the boat starts to heel excessively. Reefing helps to maintain balance, stability, and control of the boat, preventing it from being overpowered by the wind.”

– Understanding the Meaning of Reefing a Sail: A Comprehensive Guide

Second Reef set sail in 2019 when we began our journey by providing other companies in the film industry with the support they needed. Over the past 20 years, we have developed friendships and an intricate network of film professionals that forms the hull of our vessel and has given us the experience necessary to navigate uncharted territories.

We have always kept our focus on optics and optical tools that make a difference for cinematographers.

We are very selective in what we do and how we do things, so when Tribe7 started with the Blackwing7 project, we were on board from the first minute as their exclusive distributors in Europe and heavily involved in bringing Tribe7 products to the rest of the world.

Recently, Klaus Eckerl from IB/E Optics asked us to coordinate and represent IB/E Sales in most parts of the world. Our close relations with them through the TRIBE7 project led us to collaborate more closely by allowing them to maintain their focus on manufacturing and allowing us to use our strengths in bringing clients, resellers, and IB/E together to form a world-spanning network, ensuring that IB/E Optics products are available wherever needed.

In the background, we have also been working on our very own projects, which we will announce shortly.

At Second Reef, we strive to provide the highest quality products and services to the best of the best cinematographers or rental houses anywhere on the planet.

We are passionate about the worldwide film industry. We are experts in our field, and our journey takes us to all corners of the globe. Optical tools are one of the primary creative tools for cinematographers when they create art. We continually work hard to get them the most interesting lenses and optical tools to that end. 

The Second Reef challenges the status quo, explores new possibilities, connects people, and navigates dangerous waters. We find solutions in the uncertainty of the fog and opportunities in the open sea. We reef when others seek safe harbor.

Our travels have led us to remote places, uncharted waters, and distant shores. Curating the best selection of high-end cinema lenses and tools for creative filmmakers is the wind in our sails and has brought us here.

We always wanted to do things a little bit differently and bring risk-takers, innovators, and forward-thinkers together to create something special. Technical understanding, market climate forecasting, and a relentless desire to help you reach your goals combine to form the hull of this vessel. Let us take you places others can’t, guide you through uncharted waters, and transport your ideas to distant shores.

We sail when others go home.

“Second Reef transcends the ordinary – it’s a living testament to our unwavering passion for cinematography. Each lens we craft and every service we provide embody our dedication to elevating the art of filmmaking. Our ongoing journey is defined by a relentless spirit of innovation, motivated by our deep desire to empower filmmakers and breathe life into their creative visions. Second Reef is more than just a brand; it’s a vivid reflection of our enduring commitment to achieving cinematic excellence.”

– Alexander Schwarz, CEO

Meet the crew

Alexander Schwarz

CEO
After earning his M.S. in Computer Science, he began his career in the film industry by helping develop one of the leading Video Assist Systems used on film sets. He moved up to become the Senior Director of Key Accounts, Worldwide at a major camera rental house where he excelled at helping cinematographers and production houses. VIP clients interested in shooting with anamorphic lenses were his primary focus. In 2013, he became an Associate Member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), and over the years, he has created a network of film industry professionals that is second to none.

James S. Bouchie

CEO
Ten years of sales and marketing experience in the film industry combined with sixteen years of overseas university teaching, including Communications, Writing, Literature, and Film, provide a solid skill set that combines both the practical elements of business with the aesthetic sensibilities of a lifelong teacher and student. An American that has lived for almost 30 years in Europe, to include Italy, Russia, Kosovo, and Germany, his interest in intercultural communication and a lifetime of experiences give him insight into the challenges every business faces when dealing with people from different cultures and societies.

Sophie Schaffland

Marketing & Operations Manager
Following a gap year in New Zealand, where she gained valuable life experiences, Sophie earned her Bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Communication with a focus on Journalism and 3D Graphics. Her journey led her through various endeavors, including an internship at a television network, where she began to explore her passion for the media world. Currently serving as the Marketing and Operations Manager at Second Reef, she oversees a diverse range of responsibilities, encompassing customer relations, administration, as well as contributing creatively to projects like marketing strategies.

Philip Vischer

Vice President Sales & Client Relations
An American-European with a unique blend of seven years in film industry sales and marketing and sixteen years of international university teaching, combining practical business skills with intercultural expertise.

Frank Brünnig

Special Projects
After earning his M.S. in Computer Science, he began his career in the film industry by helping develop one of the leading Video Assist Systems used on film sets. He moved up to become the Senior Director of Key Accounts, Worldwide at a major camera rental house where he excelled at helping cinematographers and production houses. VIP clients interested in shooting with anamorphic lenses were his primary focus. In 2013, he became an Associate Member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), and over the years, he has created a network of film industry professionals that is second to none.

Andrea Neidenbach

Executive Assistant
An American-European with a unique blend of seven years in film industry sales and marketing and sixteen years of international university teaching, combining practical business skills with intercultural expertise.

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