Origin announces major cine expansion with Cinewest merger

Origin, leading cine, live broadcast and post production equipment rental specialist, has continued its successful programme of growth by bringing Cinewest on board.

Cinewest, based in Bristol, leads in cine camera, lens and grip rental, and its specialist team and Bottle Yard Studio location will join Origin Film & TV. The Cinewest integration follows the acquisition of MCR Broadcast in 2022.

Although only founded in 2020, Origin is already very successful in the broadcast and production market, delivering major reality and sporting projects, not least through its unrivalled experience in the EVS and workflow market. This merger will bolster Origin’s offering through the Bristol base, a key local location for many of its clients in Wales and the south-west of England, as well expanding the inventory for the developing drama and commercials sector.

“This was an easy decision for us,” said Liam Wife, operations director at Origin. “We have many clients already in the Wales and the south west, and have seen a big increase in drama and documentary production in the region. Our relationships with DoPs and production staff are what make Origin stand out, and we are delighted to be able to offer a full range of local services on their doorstep”

The move bolsters the company’s abilities to deliver regional services and facilities, and complements the work that Origin already does across the UK. Clients will now be able to choose the nearest location to them and benefit from local services such as on-premise prep bays, equipment training and room rental as well as a broader range of services including cloud-based rushes, archiving and remote lens tests.

Origin’s extensive experience means they can truly offer an end-to-end solution, from on set to post. Specialist teams in each area work with clients to design and manage innovative workflows that deliver on quality, creativity and budget, and with due regard for the environmental impact .

“Success in a rental business is much more than having the right hardware on the shelf,” Wife explained. “We understand the real requirements of our clients, whether it is for live television, broadcast drama or feature shoots. Our specialists give one-to-one support for camera operators, DoPs and production teams to ensure they get the look and feel they want.

“This merger bolsters our capabilities all round,” he continued. “We have an enhanced range of kit, we have more expert staff, and we have extended our spaces for prep and set-up. The result is going to be even better service for the broadcast and movie industry in the UK.”