Two top South African equipment rentals companies have joined forces as a result of Media Film Service’s purchase of Digitalfilm, following the decision of Digitalfilm owner Frank Meyburgh to sell the company and re-locate to the UK.
The deal was finalised within three weeks for an undisclosed sum.
Says Neill Horsfall, GM of Media Film Service (MFS): “Although the ownership has changed, Digitalfilm will continue to run as an independent division within the MFS structure, offering its high levels of service to its existing client base. Therefore it will be business as usual.’
Samantha Guillaume of Digitalfilm comments: “Now more than ever Digitalfilm’s focus is to continue to give our client base and suppliers absolute commitment, taking the legacy that Frank Meyburgh and his wife Sue created to new levels, with the strength of MFS behind it. It’s a very exciting time for Digitalfilm, MFS and the industry in general.’
Digitalfilm will operate independently out of premises located within the current MFS Johannesburg property at Tripark, 17 Eastern Service Road, Eastgate Extension 8, Sandton (telephone 011 258 5050).
“Having MFS and Digitalfilm in the same building puts us in a unique position to offer the widest variety of equipment to the industry, whether it is the individual or largest production house – putting a smile on all clients’ faces,’ states Horsfall.
He notes that a task team comprising some key MFS Johannebsurg staff has been put together to give Digitalfilm all the support it needs to ensure continued service delivery and individual solutions to its clients. Gideon Furst, Geoffrey Collins and Sue-Rina Haupt are the core individuals of this task team.
Horsfall continues: “MFS has managed to secure contracts with all the key Digitalfilm staff – the familiar faces of Isaac Mashishi, Devin Zivkovic, Paris Ndlovu, Duncan Dube and Believe-it Moyo will still be seen on the operational side, with Maggie Mashishi and Nthuli Ndweni giving support from administration. Samantha Guillaume’s plans are to join her family abroad.’
Frank Meyburgh will be on hand during the month of March to “hand over the torch’.
As to the differences and synergies between the two companies Horsfall points out that Digitalfilm deals primarily with the individuals such as stills photographers and videographers, as well as corporate clientele, churches and schools.
He adds: “Digitalfilm offers a quick and easily accessible solution to this sector of the market whereas MFS’ business model is geared more towards the medium and large commercial and long-form customers. We’ve been investigating entering Digitalfilm’s market for some time and this purchase opportunity provides a great entry, which we hope will add significant value to all parties.
“Digitalfilm has always been a company that trades in technology, and it is our intention to continue this model. As new technologies come in to play, Digitalfilm will be at the forefront supplementing the existing offering with new and exciting equipment across a broad range related to its market.’
As to how this new development will impact on the industry Guillaume comments: “Frank Meyburgh has been an integral part of the industry for many years, his contribution unparalleled. The comments we have had from our industry colleagues have all been very supportive, laced slightly, with a touch of surprise.
“Our incredible staff has been with us through this journey this past month, and their support and commitment has been unwavering. We are truly humbled. It’s been an inordinately difficult decision for both Frank and Sue to sell Digitalfilm, but for various reasons, they have decided it is time to leave.
“It’s not just our equipment and staff that have made Digitafilm what it is today. The continued loyalty and support of our friends, clients and suppliers have made our legacy possible. Without them and Frank’s generous spirit (and Sue’s for sharing him 24/7) this would have been a rather sad and numbing end to an amazing journey.
“We are thrilled, beyond description, that MFS is taking Digitalfilm forward into the “new age’ so to speak – and have every confidence that the next chapter will be just as fascinating.’
screen africa magazine – march 2013
