After a 14 year absence, Panavision cameras has come back to Chicago in a big way — thanks to the current flow of television and film activity — after an absence of 14 years, when in 2002 it packed up its local operation and headed back to Los Angeles.
Heading the new full-service office is general manager Sharon Walker, who also returned to Chicago last year after serving 13 years with Panavision’s LA headquarters in various roles, following a five-year stint with Panavision’s previous North Side offices here.
“I am thrilled with the company’s current executive leadership and vision and how they saw the value of a Midwest operation,” Walker says of the new iteration.
The company plans to move into the first floor of a vintage multi-unit building north of Lake and Ashland in West Town. Walker expects the office renovation to be completed for a mid-November opening.
“Our space is bigger than our competitors have going and is what people would expect of Panavision,” Walker notes without disclosing the square footage. “Given that Panavision is a global company, we can resource for whatever the needs are, providing optimal service for camera and lens rentals in the Midwest.”
Panavision is presently supplying cameras and servicing Fox TV series, “The Exorcist” and “APB,” filming at Cinespace. “We feel we are in a good position to also serve Chicago’s growing independent film community and commercial business,” she says.
While Walker is in the process of hiring what ultimately will be an to-be-determine number of experienced staffers, she has reunited with two pros with whom she worked at the earlier Chicago Panavision: Rental manager Stan Glapa and optic technician Al Collins, who previously held those same positions at Cineverse (Fletcher Camera).
Panavision is currently located in temporary space on the third floor of Resolution Digital Group in the Carroll Industrial Corridor, while construction of the Midwest headquarters is being completed.
Panavision came to Chicago in June, 1997 when it bought and absorbed 37-year old Victor Duncan, Inc. the leading film camera and lighting rental house in the Midwest. Glopa at the time worked for Victor Duncan and Walker was with another camera rental house.
Now living in East Lakeview, Walker says she is delighted to be back home and near her family. “I liked living in LA and enjoyed my friends there. But when I got back here last year I realized I was still a Midwest girl at heart.”
Email Walker at Sharon.walker@panavision.com or phone her at Panavision, 312/638-8475.
