Panavision

Panavision

Camera rental and motion-picture equipment provider

Overview

Panavision provides motion picture equipment and services, focusing on camera and lens systems, lighting, and grip gear that are available through a rental-only model. Its products include notable anamorphic lenses, lightweight camera bodies like the Panaflex, and digital cinema cameras such as the Genesis, along with post-production support via Light Iron (dailies, VFX, color grading) and filter lines from LEE Filters. The company maintains and updates its entire equipment inventory in-house, ensuring consistent quality and rapid upgrades for customers worldwide, rather than selling gear outright. This model differentiates Panavision from competitors who primarily sell equipment, giving it control over maintenance, customization, and timely technology refresh. Panavision’s goal is to provide end-to-end cinematography solutions that cover the full workflow—from camera and lens capture to post-production—supported by a global network of facilities and agents.

About Panavision

Simplify's Rating
Why Panavision is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Hardware

Entertainment

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$470.5M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

1954

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The $130 million 2026 credit facility adds liquidity for inventory and technology investment.
  • Fritz Heinzle joined as VP of sales on April 30, 2026, strengthening revenue execution.
  • Primo 65 and 65ZW expansions ride the 2026 large-format and 65mm production wave.

What critics are saying

  • Heavy asset ownership requires constant financing; the May 27, 2026 revolver secures current assets.
  • Sony’s RIALTO 65, due first half 2027, targets the same large-format customers.
  • Headcount fell from 1,259 in 2023 to 1,177 in March 2026, signaling pressure.

What makes Panavision unique

  • Panavision’s rental-only model controls maintenance, updates, and fleet consistency worldwide.
  • Primo 65, launched June 2026, extends the Primo look to 65mm sensors.
  • Proprietary SP70 and PV65 mounts lock productions into Panavision’s ecosystem.

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Funding

Total Funding

$470.5M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

3 Rounds

Debt funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Debt Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

1%
Digital Cinema Report
Jun 3rd, 2026
Panavision unveils new Primo 65 lens series.

Panavision unveils new Primo 65 lens series. Panavision has unveiled the new Primo 65 lens series. Delivering the famed look of Panavision's storied 35mm-format Primo spherical optics, Primo 65 primes offer full coverage of 65mm-format camera sensors. This latest addition to Panavision's lens inventory reaffirms the company's commitment to providing cinematographers around the world with the most comprehensive collection of optics available to rent, with lenses to meet any artistic and technical requirements. The Primo 65 series of spherical primes was built in response to cinematographers' requests for Primo characteristics from lenses that cover 65mm-format sensors. The full set comprises 12 focal lengths: 21mm T2, 27mm T2, 30mm T2, 35mm T2, 45mm T2, 50mm T2, 65mm T2, 80mm T2, 100mm T2, 125mm T2, 170mm T2, 225mm T2.5. All focal lengths feature Panavision's proprietary SP70 mount and share a common 4.44-inch (112.8mm) front diameter, with commonly spaced focus and iris rings to help streamline lens changes. The lenses' red and yellow engravings pay homage to the original Primo series. Panavision's optical approach with the Primo 65s favored an artistic touch over a pure mathematical design. The result is that the lenses deliver the clean, high contrast look the original Primos are known for, without being overly sharp or clinical. Select aberrations keep the image feeling natural and organic, with a flattering softness that complements close-ups, while improved breathing control makes them well-suited to visual effects workflows. The lenses feature a round bokeh with a subtle cat's-eye effect at the edges of frame, and the multiband flare presents as an attractive cascade across the lens elements without being overly pronounced. Primo 65 lenses are compatible with multiple sensor diagonals, delivering high performance across 65mm, large format and super 35 digital cameras. "The internal layout of the Primo 65s echoes the opto-mechanical design of the original Primos," said Dan Sasaki, Panavision's senior vice president of optical engineering and lens strategy. "In terms of their contrast, focus falloff and more, the Primo 65s are a true match to our 35mm-format Primos. They fully cover the 65mm digital format, and they also deliver excellent performance on super 35 and large-format sensors." Introduced in the late 1980s, Primos have become synonymous with Panavision's legacy of optical innovation. The original Primo lenses were the first completely matched family of primes and zooms designed for cinematography, setting a new standard for spherical lens performance. Empire of the Sun, directed by Steven Spielberg and photographed by Allen Daviau ASC, was the first feature film shot with Primos, and in the decades since, the lenses have been used on celebrated features such as Casino, Titanic, The Matrix and Black Panther and lauded series including Friends, The Sopranos, This Is Us and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Panavision Primos have also been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with a Technical Achievement Award and a Scientific and Engineering Award, and by the Television Academy with an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. Over the years, the Primo lineage has grown to include the sharper and higher contrast Primo 70 lenses as well as the softer and lower contrast Primo Artiste series, both of which were designed for use with VistaVision-size sensors. Panaspeed primes offer a close companion to Primos for large-format sensors, but Primo 65 represents the truest match to Primos with the largest coverage. Complementing the Primo 65 primes, Panavision has also introduced the new 65ZW 20-36mm T4 wide zoom. Panavision's complete range of optics providing 65mm-format coverage also includes the 65 Vintage, System 65, Sphero 65 and Super Panavision 70 lens series. "The new Primo 65 series marks an exciting evolutionary step for the Primo family of lenses and for Panavision's continuing optical innovation," said Sherri Potter, chief revenue officer for Panavision. "As camera manufacturers continue to unveil digital systems with 65-format sensors, Panavision remains ready to support filmmakers with an unprecedented range of high-performance lenses offering the optical attributes they're looking for and the coverage they need." Primo 65 lenses will be available for rent later this year.

Structured Finance Association
May 27th, 2026
Siena Lending and Hilco Global close $130M financing with film equipment leader Panavision

Siena Lending Group and Hilco Global have closed a $130 million financing facility with Panavision, a global leader in motion picture and television production services and equipment. Siena served as agent and sole bookrunner, holding $80 million of the facility, whilst Hilco holds the remaining $50 million. The revolving credit facility, secured by current and fixed assets, provides Panavision with additional liquidity and financial flexibility to support future growth and investment in technology and service capabilities. Founded in 2012, Siena Lending Group is an asset-based lender providing financing solutions from $20 million to $500 million across the US and Canada. The company is a portfolio company of Franklin BSP Capital Corporation, an affiliate of Benefit Street Partners, a subsidiary of Franklin Resources.

postPerspective
May 15th, 2026
Light Iron gets new life as artist-owned post house.

Light Iron gets new life as artist-owned post house. Light Iron, the respected full-service picture post facility, has transitioned into employee ownership through the acquisition of the company's assets from Panavision. The ownership group is led by Ian Vertovec, Corinne Bogdanowicz and Megan Marquis. Vertovec and Bogdanowicz, both veteran colorists, have been integral to Light Iron since its original founding. Marquis, a 13-year veteran of the facility, will serve as general manager, guiding operations and strategic growth. Original founders Michael Cioni and Peter Cioni were instrumental in completing the purchase and will continue their involvement as advisors to the company. Under its new structure, Light Iron says it remains committed to its core identity while embracing innovation and adaptability. The company will continue operating under the established Light Iron brand from its flagship Hollywood facility, which has long served as its creative home, while leveraging partnerships across the United States and globally to support productions wherever they are based. It will maintain its existing service offerings, including dailies, final picture finishing and mastering. Additionally, the company plans to expand its proprietary Galixy software platform, designed to support dailies workflows, visual effects pipelines and streamlined internal collaboration. Originally developed to power Light Iron's own operations, Galixy will now be made available to external partners and companies seeking more efficient, scalable post workflows. As an artist-owned company, Light Iron says it places creative talent at the center of its mission. The team adds that it is investing in new technologies and custom workflows to better serve the evolving needs of filmmakers, studios and content creators worldwide.

Business Examiner
May 8th, 2026
British Columbia movers & shakers May 8, 2026.

British Columbia movers & shakers May 8, 2026. May 8, 2026 News influencing decision makers in BC. Kimberlee Alexander will be joining Panavision's Vancouver office as Director of Sales and Market Development. Panavision is a leading producer of production solutions for the global entertainment industry. Jacob George Samuel has launched KOLLAR Consulting Inc., now headquartered in Richmond. T. Marshall Sadd, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Navacord, has been named to the Insurance Business Canada Magazine Global 100 list for 2026. Simons has announced that it will be opening a store in the former Nordstrom location in downtown Vancouver's Pacific Centre, marking the 20th Simons store in Canada. Dave Stephens, Principal and President of Lida Group of Companies, announced that the 39-unit Purpose-Built Rental project on Bay Street has officially received approval. The Pacific Seaweed Summit was launched by Chief Chris Roberts in the Wei Wai Kum Gukwdzi, also known as the "big house." Mike Smith has joined Ashdown Capital. Prospera, Coast Capital, and Sunshine Coast credit unions have formed an official historic merger that will consolidate operations and integrate systems, services, and products in the coming months. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey at the City Centre 4 building in the Health & Technology District, has officially opened. Beedie has announced the sale of a 4.67-acre parcel at TERRA in Langford, with subdivision approval now achieved for TERRA WEST. Ledcor announced a $3 million donation to BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Through the Equity + Emerging Development Program, Creative BC has announced $200,000 in funding to assist up-and-coming and equity-seeking filmmakers in British Columbia. Recycle BC will move post-collection services in-house starting on June 1, 2026, bringing complete operational control over processing, end-market management, and logistics. Recycle BC and Urban Impact have been chosen to collaborate on Post-Collection Services. Ted Laursen stepped into the role of Director, Corporate Financing at BDC. Burson announced the official opening of its new office in Victoria, located right in the heart of the provincial capital. On April 14, a 1.67-acre property at 6686 Bell McKinnon Rd. was sold for $905,000. Tiny Twins by Twins Café will soon be opening on Granville Street in the former location of Westcoast Grooming Company. Night Owl Kitchen + Bar was opened by Bobby Naicker and Chandan Gill at the location of the former Delta Lion Pub, 112 Street & 84 Avenue, Delta. The Magnet, located at 309 W Pender Street in Vancouver, celebrates its seventh anniversary. The development permit for the new structure to be constructed on the site of the four-story apartment buildings at 1340 Sussex St. and 1337 Saunder St. was unanimously approved by Esquimalt council. Cressey Development Group's high-rise project at 727 North Road in the Burquitlam district, which has been in the works for at least three years and was affected by a fire, has been approved by the Coquitlam City Council, moving the project forward. A commercial property, zoned C2 (service commercial) with high visibility located at 5948 200 St., Langley, was sold on April 15 for $3.45 million. It features three rental units, with two set to turn over in the next 18 months, along with outdoor storage space leased until 2028. Revenue generated from the varied tenant base contributed to a 4.9 percent cap rate at the time of sale. CBM Lawyers is celebrating 50 years serving the Fraser Valley community. Moment Energy, headquartered in Coquitlam, has announced that it has secured $40 million in Series B capital to fuel its growth and expansion across North America. Kinton Ramen is expanding its food court locations throughout Canada and British Columbia. Acuyo, a new Mexican restaurant is preparing for its grand opening on May 15 at 1140 Alberni St in downtown Vancouver. The "How to Buy or Sell a Business" Seminar will be held at Clark Wilson LLP in Vancouver on June 4. The official schedule for the second Fraser Valley Economic Summit, which will take place on May 21 at the University of the Fraser Valley, was released by the Fraser Valley Business Coalition. The Prince George Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members Associa BC and Chinook Yoga Inc. Nominations are now open for the Prince George Chamber of Commerce's 41st Business Excellence Awards. A proposed overdose prevention site at 900 Helmcken St., including the building and parking lot, was unveiled Tuesday by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who wants to prevent its opening. The Business Administration Information Session will take place at the Prince George campus of the College of New Caledonia on May 12, 2026. Creative BC announced the recipients of the 2025/26 Magazine Publishers Market Fund program, which provides financial support for B.C. magazine publishers to attend select markets and domestic and international trade events for the purpose of promoting their publication list in both foreign and domestic markets, securing new business opportunities and professional development. The following 14 companies to receive grants for eligible activities are: Aleph Media Creative Agency Inc., Vancouver, $4,530 FOLKLIFE Magazine, Victoria, $5,000 Forestnet Media, North Vancouver, $5,000 Geist Magazine, Vancouver, $5,000 Northword Magazine, Hazelton, $5,000 ODDCRITIC Magazine, Vancouver, $2,000 RANGE Studios Ltd., Vancouver, $5,000 REP Here In Canada, Victoria, $5,000 Riptide Resources Inc. o/a Motorcycle Mojo, Vernon, $5,000 Roam Media Inc, Comox, $4,500 Snowseekers Inc., Powell River, $5,000 subTerrain Magazine, Vancouver, $5,000 The Capilano Review, Vancouver, $3,204 Young Naturalists' Clubs of British Columbia Society, North Vancouver, $5,000 Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE * indicates required The Business Examiner South Vancouver Island provides business news, advice, and data for the following communities:Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich,Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, James Bay, Langford, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Victoria,and View Royal

Post Magazine
Apr 30th, 2026
Fritz Heinzle named VP of sales at Panavision.

Fritz Heinzle named VP of sales at Panavision. WOODLAND HILLS, CA - Panavision (panavision.com) has appointed Fritz Heinzle vice president of sales, reporting to chief revenue officer Sherri Potter. He will be based out of Panavision's Woodland Hills headquarters, where he will support the company's global sales initiatives. As VP of sales, Heinzle will help drive global revenue growth and support technical sales of camera systems and lenses, with a focus on developing new business opportunities. He will collaborate closely with Panavision's rental teams around the world to establish new customer relationships while reinforcing the company's longstanding support for existing clients. Heinzle brings more than three decades of industry experience to his new role. Born in Austria, he studied automotive engineering before transitioning into the film industry as a camera technician on film sets. In 1996, he brought his hands-on problem-solving skills and passion for technical precision to Hollywood, joining Otto Nemenz International as a camera technician. In nearly 30 years with Otto Nemenz, Heinzle became the company's executive vice president. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers. "I'm thrilled to join the Panavision team, whom I've known and respected and considered colleagues throughout my career," Heinzle says. "The motion-picture industry continues to evolve with the emergence of new technologies and business models, which present exciting opportunities for Panavision and our customers. I'm eager to explore these new horizons across all the markets Panavision serves as we continue to support and inspire filmmakers around the world."

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