Panavision Australia Looks to the Next 50 Years

Panavision Australia has operated as a supplier to the film and television industry
in Australia for over 30 years and played a vital role in its development and success.

Panavision Australia has operated as a supplier to the film and television industry in Australia for over 30 years and played a vital role in its development and success. Samuelson Film Service first opened in Australia as part of the Samuelson global operations to support local film makers and international productions shooting in Australia. After buying and merging with the John Barry Group in 1986, Samuelson Film Service also became the agent for Panavision and introduced Panavision equipment into Australia. In May 1997, Panavision purchased the Samuelson worldwide film group, forming Panavision Australia. During these years, the company has extended its services into audio rental through the Audio Sound Centre, lighting rental with the formation of PANALUX, part of the world's largest lighting rental operation and digital camera rental by the acquisition of Broadcam in 2007. Panavision has also kept pace with events and changes in Australia’s filmmaking industry such as the ongoing transformation to digital acquisition and the move of post services from back end onto the set. “We were the first rental operation in the world to rent 24p cameras for the production of a feature, the Sony F900 to ‘Star Wars: Episode II’ in 2000, and the first to rent the Genesis, for ‘Superman Returns’ in 2005,” said Managing Director Martin Cayzer. “We were the first to introduce the Phantom HD Gold HS camera and now have the largest range of digital equipment in Australia.” Apart from a large range of inventory, Panavision’s technicians, engineers and marketing staff have contributed their experience, services and the company’s global connections to local filmmakers. They have provided access to the latest equipment, which can be supplied as needed. Local features and TV that have been made with the Genesis, for example, include ‘Carla Cametti’, ‘Accidents Happen’, ‘Kings of Mykonos’ and ‘Daybreakers’, to name just a few. Nevertheless, regarding the distinctive looks and success of the 'Matrix' movies, 'Mission Impossible II', 'Moulin Rouge', 'Australia' and other major movies Panavision’s equipment has been used for, Martin Cayzer said, “The DPs, Art Directors and Production Designers have been responsible for achieving the looks. Panavision’s contribution to these productions has mainly been our custom lens packages - anamorphic (C Series through to the latest G Series), Primo spherical range, Digital Primos and others. It is a collaborative, creative contribution.” Panavision's support for large international digital features such as the ‘Narnia’ films and ‘Superman’, local features and TV drama, documentaries and commercials is set to continue. They supply on-set systems for RED and Phantom cameras. “Digital capture is an evolutionary process,” said Cayzer, “and we are in the enviable position of still having the largest film camera inventory and the latest digital inventory. Whether it's film or digital equipment, Panavision is still about the best possible service to the customer whether the project is a one day commercial or a six month feature. Panavision is currently moving to modern purpose-designed premises next to Deluxe Australia in Lane Cove, giving their customers improved access to processing and post production facilities. The move also locates John Barry Group both north and south of Sydney Harbour. Panavision will be opening its doors at their new location at Unit 1  706 Mowbray Road Lane Cove 2066 on Monday 16 November. www.panavision.asia