Written by David Lewis on Nov 6, 2008. Posted in On Location

Two of the top South African rental companies become one

Two of South Africa’s most successful equipment rental companies have joined forces to offer their combined equipment inventories and extensive technical expertise to international features, commercials, dramas, documentaries and live shows.

One8Six and Panacam, both with a long pedigree of servicing the South African production industry, have become Panavision South Africa (trading as Panavision Cape Town and Panavision Johannesburg).

One8Six has its roots as a supplier of camera equipment to the South African commercials industry and its core managerial and technical staff will carry their specialist experience with them to the new Panavision South Africa operation.

Panacam has been the sole agency and supplier of Panavision equipment to many of the biggest feature films shot in southern Africa, including Blood Diamond and Lord of War, and its staff bring with them extensive knowledge of Panavision film and HD camera systems, and the exclusive skills necessary to supply and service major features.

Tony Eddy, Managing Director of the new entity, said: “We are all enthusiastic about finalising the merger of Panacam and One8Six as Panavision South Africa, and we are confident that the industry will see it as constructive growth that will offer production companies a better choice of equipment and better service.”