We are an international trade association. That was our message to rental companies during an informal get-together at Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse in Toronto on January 24th. Rental companies share similar challenges. Membership in ESTA/PERG is an opportunity for industry partnership with other thought leaders. There is value for Canadian companies in being a part of it, and there is value for PERG in having the weight of these important companies at the table.
The get-together was sponsored by Fujifilm/Fujinon and arranged by PERG Council member Stosh Durbacz (Fujifilm) and myself. During my time in Toronto we were able to visit seven rental companies and we were given a gracious reception at every stop. We were able to sit down with the principals from each company and compare notes on a range of challenges and opportunities from theft and fraud, to possible industry events. It was a real pleasure to see the facilities—from the chic rustic oak check-out bay benches at 2D House, to the spotless and efficient setup at Dazmo, to the expansive William F. White Centre with its visionary new camera prep area. Paul Mason (Panavision), Stewart Aziz (Keslow), and John DeBoer (SIM) each generously shared their time. The companies, which are all current PERG members, were able to give us their perspective on future PERG initiatives currently under discussion by the PERG Council. While there were perhaps a few small distinctions to be found, on the whole Canadian companies share the same challenges as PERG members south of their border.
With about 30 shows currently shooting in Toronto, and the next installment of Star Trek gearing up to shoot at Pinewood Toronto Studios, the town’s rental companies seem busy and healthy. While it is yet to be seen how the Canadian companies will choose to engage with our association, PERG is glad to have taken this first step of knocking on their doors and extending a handshake.
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