Procam seals deal for Leicester lens firm

Procam said the deal would allow it to deliver the latest British lens engineering technology to its customers, including TV clients that want to create content with the production values often associated with films.  

Procam chief executive John Brennan said: “We know that lenses can make or break a production and the acquisition will allow us to reduce the time it takes for these products to come to market.

“This is another step we are taking to improve client service and make sure that the whole experience is expertly managed, from booking to broadcast.”

True Lens Services, which was founded in 2001, manufactures and services lenses and matteboxes for TV and film. It specialises in low-to-medium volume production, prototype or pre-production precision engineering projects.

This year, it converted a set of 1950s Cooke Speed Panchro lenses for use with digital cameras on feature film Mr Turner.

The company’s Morpheus lens was also used to shoot The Bourne series of films as well as Casino Royale.

TLS founders Colin Sanders and Keith Truslove will remain with the business as the company is incorporated into the wider Procam Group.

In May last year, Brennan led a management buyout at Procam.

Four months later, it acquired rival hire firm Hammerhead TV.

Procam said that since the MBO and acquisition, revenues have doubled from £5m to £10m.

It expects revenues to reach £20m by 2017 as a result of the launch of further unnamed services and the completion of more acquisitions.

Procam chairman Clive Jones said: “The cinematic style achieved by shows like Made In Chelsea has increased buyer demand for the look in overseas markets.

“By bringing True Lens Services into the Procam Group, Procam can take British lens engineering to new levels and create many more opportunities for production companies in a rapidly expanding global market place.”