The UK’s largest camera rental facility, Procam has acquired US-based camera rental company HotCam New York. Procam hopes to expand its US client base, while also supporting UK-based clients shooting in the US. The company plans to expand HotCam New York’s offering in the US, as well as extend Procam’s reach into new territories, through further acquisitions over the next 12 to 24 months.
HotCam New York will mirror the range of services provided by Procam’s UK offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which include kit and crew rental, project management, workflow consultancy and training for TV drama, features, commercials, branded and VoD content. Procam is planning on keeping the HotCam New York branding for the business.
In the UK Procam has worked with production companies including All3Media and Monkey Kingdom (part of NBCUniversal). Its recent productions include Made In Chelsea and The Island With Bear Grylls, and it has provided crew and equipment on both sides of the Atlantic for Dynamo: Magician Impossible (pictured).
HotCam New York has a long list of high-profile US shows to its credit, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, American Pickers and Teen Mom. The company was established in December 2004.
The strategic purchase of HotCam New York was led by Procam’s Group CEO, John Brennan and backed by private equity firm, Foresight Group.
“American production companies have long been asking us to open a facility in New York, and we’ve looked to set up shop there for many years,” said Brennan. “Additional group investment will see HotCam New York progress even further with a series of up-to-date enhancements and solutions, and this will also enable us to expand into supporting more high-end dramas and feature productions.”
Clive Jones CBE, chairman of Procam, added: “The combined entity will have a leading position in the global TV, drama, features, commercials, branded content and VoD hire sectors. These increased capacities will allow us to better meet the huge demands of current customers and acquire new ones. We’re ultimately laying the foundations to advance our goal of growing into a global and integrated TV, drama and film facilities company.”
The acquisition of HotCam New York is the latest part of Procam’s ambitious expansion plans. It follows the recent purchase of UK-based lens service and manufacturing facility True Lens Services. Procam also recently acquired rental company Hammerhead TV, expanding its services into Scotland.
