By Brendan Swift
Four local companies, led by camera shop ARRI Australia, are relocating to the NSW suburb of Lane Cove, bolstering the location’s film and technology credentials.
Panorama Business Park already houses major local film conglomerate Deluxe Australia and camera shop Panavision Australia, which will be joined over the next month by ARRI Australia, film provider Kodak (Australasia), camera rental shop Cinoptix, and film and recording specialist Sound & Vision Stock Shop.
ARRI managing director Stefan Sedlmeier said the move would allow greater co-operation between the businesses while “for the customers it’s a one-stop shop”.
ARRI, which has a team of five staff, will sub-lease part of its 700 square metre floor space to Kodak, Cinoptix, and Sound & Vision Stock Shop. ARRI previously had about 1100 square metres at its previous location in Macquarie Park, which also housed Kodak.
Panavision and Deluxe are leading a push to rename the area Film and Technology Park, to better reflect the nature of the companies which now comprise the area.
Deluxe has also been expanding in recent months, integrating visual effects company Postmodern Sydney, which it acquired in April 2010. Deluxe's US-based parent company also recently bought Ascent Media Group’s post-production businesses for $US68 million although the repurcussions for the Australian business are not yet known.
Sedlmeier said the area, which will also soon including tech shop Future Reality, has room to house more companies.
The move by ARRI, Kodak, Cinoptix, and Sound & Vision Stock Shop is expected to be completed by January 15.