Film Store Rental Brings New Offerings To The Industry

"Production is constantly evolving and it needs to be supported by a hire company that will not only adapt with it but actively facilitate development," says Jason McCleave, Managing Director of Film Store Rental, a new broadcast hire facility based in south-west London.

Offering a full inventory of the latest in broadcast equipment, including cameras from Alexas and Amiras to DSLR packages, plus a full range of lenses and grip equipment, Film Store Rental is armed with everything a brand new broadcast hire facility should be bringing to the table.

"The difference is that the Film Store is run by people with a passion for the art of capturing moving images, and therefore a genuine interest in, and respect for, the equipment. This translates across the whole hire process starting with a knowledgeable point of contact who knows the equipment inside out and is able to offer advice on how to achieve a desired result."

The History
Jason has been in the broadcast industry for over a decade in various incarnations, from camera operating to hire facilities operations. He is also a qualified drone pilot.

"The drone stuff has been great – it has taken me all over the world. However, I've always had a preference for the technical side of things, whether that is repairing a camera or creating a custom camera solution. So, as much fun as I have had traveling around, I'm very happy in the workshop at my own facilities house."

The Film Store is, essentially, the culmination of Jason's varied endeavours. He credits this experience in helping him appreciate what a customer requires from a hire facility. "Having a better understanding of the experiences and demands of each level of the process enables us to help in an informed way, from the inception of each project, and provide support throughout. There is now a new generation of camera operators and production companies and I think a new facilities house will compliment this demographic."

The Challenge
The idea of the Film Store has been in Jason's mind for a while. Now, having gone through the process of making it happen, he is glad he took his time. "It's tough – the kit is expensive and there's an awful lot of it. New technology is evolving daily and healthy competition from new manufacturers is manipulating prices in the market. Keeping up with the advances in technology was a major consideration when starting the company and it has become a central part of the business plan with regular CAPEX's and reviews of what is emerging and what areas require investment."

Equally, a lot of thought has gone into the details of the Film Store's hire service, from lightweight custom foamed flight cases to the perfect accessories supplied with each item.

The Film Store also offers demonstrations, training and camera test days to help clients get the most out of their equipment.

The Hire Business
There are clear benefits to hiring equipment as opposed to buying your own. "The demands of every production are different and equipment should be chosen because it is suitable for the project, not just because you happen to have it. The hire model enables customers to chose exactly the right kit for each particular job."

Equally, by hiring equipment, you avoid the risk and expense of owning, insuring, servicing and maintaining kit that may already have been superseded by something superior. "It is a gamble – the kit needs to pay for itself."

The work of the hire company is also changing – in the past, budgets were higher and most productions were broadcast or corporates. The internet has opened it up completely, online channels and campaigns can have audiences that dwarf many prime time television programs and therefore require a high production value.

"Production is constantly evolving and it needs to be supported by a hire company that will not only adapt with it but actively facilitate development. Owned and run by a new generation, we are genuinely interested in the ever changing technology and what is required to make things look exceptional."

This article is also available to read at BFV online.