Lew V. Adams was a Primetime Emmy Award-nominated cinematographer who worked on television series and TV movies. His work can be seen on "Victory at Entebbe," "Judgement: The Trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg," and Visions.
Lew Valentine Adams spent the majority of his life behind the scenes — behind the camera, planning productions or serving as a producer and director, to bring other people's stories to life.
Lew V. Adams was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 7, 1945, to Louis Taft and Marjorie Valentine Adams. His father, Louis "Red" Adams, served in the Navy as a Gunnery Sergeant and the family lived on the Naval Air Base. Lew's mother, Marjorie ("Granny GG"), shared with me that his love for airplanes began at a very young age; he would watch the planes take off and land from his playpen.
Lew spent most of his childhood in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Austin High School in 1963 and later attended the University of Texas. He moved his family to Los Angeles in 1965, after learning of opportunities in the film industry from his Uncle Ron, who was also one of his best friends.
As the youngest cameraman at NBC, his strong work ethic allowed him to advance quickly. In those days, professional growth relied heavily on word of mouth. He worked with countless talented people on more shows than can be listed, but his favorite highlights included The Dean Martin Show, The Andy Williams Show, The Bob Hope Show, Operation Entertainment, and their various specials and holiday programs. Lew had three main loves: Louise, airplanes, and making movies. He was able to combine all of these on several of his latest productions, since he and Louise started VNE Productions. They worked together so well and were true partners in every way. She was the wind beneath his wings. They worked together on Stealth Helicopter and many other government productions for The Discovery Channel. Their latest labor of love was The Heroes of Old Hickory, which took over 20 years of research, prep, and filming. They spent many months in France, filming interviews with WW2 veterans and war re-enactments, and met so many amazing people who became their close friends. Lew and Louise received an award from the town of Mortaine, France, with a plaque placed in a memorial on the hill, and special recognition from the National Guard for their work on the Heroes of Old Hickory documentary and for bringing the history of the town and the story of the American soldiers to life.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lew was a man of many passions. He excelled at building and flying model and private airplanes and drones, working on cars, and fixing almost anything. He dedicated his life to making memorable and meaningful films and fighting for water and wildlife conservation.
Lew was one of the leaders in the conservation efforts to protect Roy Creek Canyon and the Pedernales River from overdevelopment and overpumping. Lew's dedication to preserving the canyon and its wildlife was an inspiration to many people in the Hill Country.
