Procam puts US expansion plans into action

• HotCam New York rebranded and refocussed as Procam New York, with new productions supported

• Mark Schwietering hired as VP operations, Procam New York

• Sean Smith promoted to VP customer relations, Procam New York

• Huge financial investment in digital cinematography kit made by Procam Group

Procam, the UK’s largest camera rental facility, has embarked on the next phase of its expansion into the US market with the immediate rebrand of HotCam New York, the camera rental company it acquired in March this year, to become Procam New York (www.procamny.com), plus the significant expansion of its New York operation with new staff appointments, and a large financial investment in the latest digital cinematography equipment nearing $1.9million USD / £1.2million GBP. These moves are part of a long-term strategy to extend Procam’s reach into the US, that also strengthen Procam’s services to clients shooting on both sides of the Atlantic, and have already attracted a range of new productions to the company.

Procam has rebranded HotCam New York to Procam New York, ushering in a new focus on customer service. In parallel with the rebrand, the company has made two major appointments at Procam New York. Mark Schwietering has joined Procam New York as the company’s new VP of operations, whilst Sean Smith becomes VP of customer relations, moving from his previous role as VP of operations.

Schwietering (pictured right) brings 10 years of experience to Procam New York and joins the company from AbelCine in Los Angeles. Schwietering is familiar with Procam’s service-led client philosophy having previously worked for three years at Procam’s London HQ. His deep experience in supporting clients in the UK and USA are of great advantage to Procam New York as it moves forward with its US expansion plans.

Smith (pictured below) has over 20 years of US production experience, including a number of years working as a production manager on feature and TV projects, including the Emmy-nominated Funny Or Die’s Billy On The Street comedy series. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for looking after and enhancing all current and future client relationships for Procam New York. 

Maintaining its position as a premium supplier of digital cinematography equipment, Procam Group is investing £1.2million GBP / $1.9million USD in the very latest high-end kit. The expanded inventory includes ARRI Alexa Mini and Sony FS7 cameras, Angenieux 45-120mm zoom lenses, several sets of Angenieux Optimo lenses (16-40mm and 30-76mm) and Cooke S4/i T2 Prime lenses (18/25/32/50/75/100/135mm). This significantly bolsters Procam's existing digital cinematography offering, adding to its current stock of ARRI Alexa and Amira cameras, and Sony F55s. All equipment is available to clients across Procam’s UK and US offices.

Procam's Group CEO, John Brennan, said,

“Procam is a highly client-focussed operation ­– offering the very latest equipment, backed up by first class services and support. We want our US client base to enjoy the same levels of service and expertise through Procam New York that the company is renowned for delivering across the UK. Since opening in March, we’ve expanded and refocussed Procam New York’s range of services to mirror that of our UK offices. This includes kit and crew rental, project management, workflow consultancy, expert advice, training and 24-hour support. As well as servicing US clients, we support UK clients shooting in the US by offering a seamless experience when booking cameras and crew in the US, accompanied by our renowned product expertise. New York, and the US in general, can sometimes be tricky places to shoot, but Procam New York makes it easy. Whether it’s technical advice or dealing with local obstacles, both Mark and Sean and the team at Procam New York are on hand to help – sourcing crews and utilising Procam’s great relationships with the local production community and the New York Mayor’s Office. I am pleased that our early approach has already met with wonderful success.”

Procam New York recently supplied camera kits to historic space event Pluto Space Probe for NASA and Bigger Bang TV, A+E Television Network’s reality series American Pickers, the Jane Street Entertainment series Swipe Right, and Rock Shrimp Production's 12-camera multi-cam set-up Beat Bobby Flay. Upcoming work includes productions with Vice Media, the United Nations, the CMJ Music Fest in NYC, and MTV’s True Life documentary series.

Speaking about his appointment as VP of operations at Procam New York, Mark Schwietering, said,

“We are starting to build something spectacular here. Re-joining the Procam team and being a part of the group’s expansion plans in the US market is a thrill. Since the acquisition we have already had the opportunity to bid for bigger shows, which is fantastic.”

Procam New York’s VP of customer relations, Sean Smith, commented,

 ”I'm hugely excited to be part of the team taking Procam New York to the next level. In this new role, I am here to personally ensure each client receives the same high standards of service and support they have come to expect from the Procam brand.”

Read about the rebrand in The Hollywood Reporter here.