07/24/2026
Sharing some sad news - Early Monday morning of this week, July 20th, the Atlanta film community lost a beloved comrade. My dear friend Don B. Cely passed away quietly at around 10:15am at MUSC hospital in Charleston.
Without doubt most of our colleagues, customers and fellow crew members know that Don and I were an almost inseparable set lighting team for the bulk of the 1990's and 2000's. It's also no secret that 95% of what I've learned about the craft and 95% of what I know about growing our type of business, I learned from this outstanding man.
Don was a superb gaffer, lighting designer and lighting cameraman, but more than that, he was a truly great friend. It's hard to quantify how important he was and still is to me, as well as to all the other friends we have in G&E that he helped in our freelance careers.
We will soon post details on where and when a proper celebration of DonBob's journey will be held for his film/TV family. For now, keep the afternoon of August 15th open.