Monaco Digital Film Labs is an example of an increasingly rare phenomenon – a third generation, family-owned business operating in the technology sector. When the qualification "San Francisco business" is added to this equation, Monaco’s standing becomes even more impressive.

The company’s photographic roots actually go back four generations, to JB Monaco’s arrival in America. JB and his brother Louis ran several photo studios in Nevada and San Francisco before JB finally settled in North Beach, the city’s Italian center. There he developed a reputation as one of San Francisco’s most prominent studio photographers, and also excelled in his private reportorial work, in particular his nationally recognized images documenting the city’s great earthquake and fire of 1906.

But the true origins of the company as it stands today must be credited to Dan Monaco, JB’s son. Dan was an engineer and mechanic of impressive ability who, after running a precision machine shop from his home on Russian Hill during the Second World War, began processing motion picture film. He built and maintained the first processing machines himself.

Dick Monaco

Dick Monaco began working with his father in 1955, when the business was still located in the family home on Leavenworth Street. What Dan possessed in mechanical ability, Dick would prove to equal in business insight and timing. As the company grew Dick oversaw two relocations, first to Columbus Avenue in North Beach and then to the company’s current location south of Market Street.

During Dick’s long tenure as President of Monaco Labs, he guided the company into emerging technologies including 35 millimeter processing, telecine transfer and tape duplication, and digital imaging. His influence on the company’s survival and success is unrivaled.

The company today employs a rare combination of personnel, unique not only in their insight to emerging technologies and imaging formats, but also in their connection to Monaco’s evolution, from film to the rapidly-changing digital world.

 

 

 

 

For an historic view of Old San Francisco through the lens of JB Monaco, including images of the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906, visit the official website:

www.jbmonaco.com