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and support of the VFG network,” Houston points out. “And this will also be the case when we expand our international network further. By opening in the Southern Hemisphere, for example, we will be able to make the most of the seasons - moving equipment there during our winter, and vice versa, to give maximum benefit to our cus- tomers worldwide.”
VFG is one of the few companies in the market which can supply a complete package along with lights, consumables, film and video stock as well as both film and video cameras. “We supply all that is necessary for making any type of produc-
tion,” says Houston. “And in any format of film or video.” This package was completed by the acquisition of Michael Samuelson Lighting last July in a deal worth around £3 million. This is the company’s fifth acquisi- tion since its flotation in 1997. VFG Michael Samuelson Lighting’s gaffers and sparks are highly regarded among cameramen and crew and the long-standing reputation has recently been enhanced by an investment of £1.5 million in new lighting equipment.
Other acquisitions include the Film Game, bought in November 1997, one of the market leaders in the supply of film stock and consumables to the industry. At the Wembley headquarters, using the compa- ny’s affiliated organisation PTO@VFG, VFG can supply a complete broadcast crew on demand. It can also offer refurbished pro- duction offices on a short or long term basis for as little as £75 to £100 per week.
However VFG does more than just sup- ply the facilities and the equipment, and acquire companies. It encourages produc- tions to evolve by offering a financial ser- vice too. VFG’s specialist finance division provides funding for equipment purchases for all types of company in the industry as well as individual technicians. Unlike other finance companies, it understands the tech- nology involved enabling it to provide an enhanced service to its clients. VFG Finance already operates throughout Europe.
VFG has also spent the last two years developing its new glass filter for the industry through its manufacturing unit in Wales, Formatt Filters. This was launched at June 1997’s Showbiz Expo in Los Angeles and goes into full scale pro- duction this month. VFG claims that the filter is the most technically advanced in the industry and has already taken over £500,000 in orders for it across the world.
All of this, in the long term, is the company’s way of contributing to a healthy community within the film and television industries. The word has clearly gone way beyond those printed on the back of some fancy bomber jackets. ■ RACHEL MINTER
Photos: on the set of David Copperfield - above: Director Peter Medak, inset above left: the crew and inset above right: DP Elmer Ragalyi; On the set of Oklahoma! - top right, inset above and middle