About Us

Everyone in the CHPV team has to have the patience of a saint, the carrying strength of a mule,
the negotiating skills of a diplomat and the head for heights of a mountain goat.
We are used to working safely in the fast paced offshore environment.
We don't expect things to stop for us to get our shots!

Alan O'Neill

Alan has built CHPV over the last 42 years into the company that it is today. He learnt his skill as a photographer whilst in the army. On demob, he moved to Lowestoft to work as a wedding photographer for Charles Hodge. However he soon found himself being sent offshore to document the North Sea oil and gas industry, then in its infancy. Expanding to include film production, Alan took over control of the company (now known as CHPV) in 1984. His longevity in an industry that now leans heavily towards renewable forms of energy, means that Alan is recognized wherever he goes and lauded for his work. Somehow he manages to find spare time to pursue his hobby as a carpenter, and although he has now given up scuba diving he finds relaxation paddle boarding instead.

Andrew Pinder

Andrew has worked with CHPV for over 20 years, bringing skills as a documentary film maker and expert in technology. He has a PhD in physics and is a Chartered Engineer, and is a former research leader specializing in laser and optical techniques applied to biomedical problems. Drawn increasingly towards science communication, he left the employ of the government in 1999 to start a new career in the media. He has since produced and directed a number of science and education series for the BBC, ITV and Teachers' TV. His work has been recognized with three awards. Working offshore gives Andrew the opportunity to indulge his other great passion which is sailing. He is a qualified Yachtmaster with his own modest yacht and has competed in the classic Fastnet Race.