INSPIRING EXCELLENCE

PERG manager Harry Box looks forward to an active and inspirational agenda for the association and its members in 2023.

Subscribers of Cinematography World may or may not know about the trade groups that work behind-the-scenes to support the motion picture/television/commercial markets, nor the organisations that work behind the behindthe-scenes groups, such as the Production Equipment Rental Group (PERG), which represents professional camera and lighting rental companies in the Americas and beyond. PERG is part of the international entertainment trade association ESTA. So, for just a moment, let me bring to the forefront what’s going on way, way behind-the-scenes.

Zeiss, Innerspace Cases and My Case Builder our section of the industry. The companies that are participating in PERG’s EWI have each volunteered to present a topic. In addition, PERG is reaching out to business leaders, industry experts, production managers, DPs, people in

– provide demonstrations and presentations and the day closes out with a barbecue of brisket and ribs, beer and wine. All of this provides an extraordinary opportunity to network with other lens professionals, manufacturers, experts and lens technicians from local camera rental companies in Los Angeles. PERG has also launched new dedicated channels on Slack for lens technicians to share technical information, stay in touch, and get guidance when needed.

The second educational event is for lighting service technicians. It takes place in conjunction with Filmscape Chicago, a regional tradeshow in Chicago that has specialised in high quality training events. The three-day training event precedes the tradeshow. Grip/electric courses include a two-day advanced ARRI service class, as well as part-day classes by Kino Flo, Astera, Creamsource, LiteGear, Ratpac, American Grip, Hubbell, Chimera and Rag Time. In combination with the Filmscape Chicago tradeshow that features its own slate of educational events, it is a great opportunity for lighting and grip service technicians and staff.

A theme has emerged for PERG’s events and initiatives in 2023 – training and education. The pandemic is mostly behind us (we hope), the motion picture television production business is busy, and the welcome challenge for employers is now to keep up with demand and to hire and train enough staff. PERG is helping to facilitate three kinds of training events.

Firstly, PERG has partnered-up with the amazing team at Duclos Lenses to provide entrylevel, professional, optics training specifically for rental company lens technicians. The two-weeks of training include level 1 and level 2 lens technician training courses taking place in February 2023 in Burbank, CA. The training is part of PERG’s effort to address the shortage of qualified lens service technicians throughout the industry. The training will be attended by 39 lens technicians from 31 different companies from all over the US, and beyond, with some trainees coming from as far as Europe and South America. Each of the Wednesdays are public lens showcases to which local rental company staff are invited. The sponsors – Ang é nieux (Band Pro), Atlas Lenses, Chrosziel, Cooke, Duclos Lenses, Fujifilm/Fujinon,

The third form of educational event is truly unique. PERG is gearing-up for a new series of virtual educational presentations available to all PERG member companies, specifically targeting employees in the early stages of their careers. PERG aims to provide 60-minute virtual sessions every two to three weeks throughout the spring and into the summer of 2023. In each session, industry experts and veteran rental staff will discuss the rental business, production technology, or a related topic essential to running a successful business and supporting the motion picture/ television/commercial production markets. The object of the series is to educate and inspire, to pull back the curtain and allow entry-level employees get perspective on the crucial role played by professional rental companies. Mentorship, education, and inspiration can help seed the next generation of leadership in our industry.

The series is presented in association with PERG’s Equitable Workforce Initiative (EWI) (https://esta.org/PERG/Initiatives/ewi.html). The initiative, which is sponsored by Netflix, places workers from historically underrepresented groups into full-time entry level positions at PERG rental companies, supported by grants, and provides a structure for providing those employees with unique training opportunities that could spark a long-term commitment and advancement in crew leadership positions, and professionals in insurance and law, to contribute to the series. All sessions will be recorded, and PERG hopes to create the foundation for a library of resources that can be used for many years to come.

Professional rental companies serve such an essential role in supporting production, characterised by technical expertise, depth of inventory, and an intense level of customer service. Education and training are an essential part of preserving the expected level of excellence and preparing the next generation of leadership in the rental industry.

Harry Box PERG Manager Production Equipment Rental Group (part of ESTA)