Tony Shapps who was known to many as Mr Widescreen passed away in September 2023 aged 91.
Tony and his wife Beryl ran The Widescreen Centre on Dorset Street London for many years, he also was also involved with the Widex Exhibition that showcased Anamorphic film making. He was very active in the promotion of anamorphic filming both still and cine, visiting clubs and the conventions.
The shop sold a wide range of film products, cameras, projectors, raw film stock and printed films from a few sources Canterbury Films are one, they also had ‘Centre Classics’ range. Talking Pictures TV have even shown one of their films Rollercoaster.
I think Tony's love of anamorphic filming really helped scope releases here in the UK.
Tony is survived by his wife Beryl, daughter Marla, and sons Grant and Andre.
Tony Shapps
The Widescreen Centre. (This was after Tony ownd the shop)