F I N A N C I N G
The Northampton Filmhouse, born from a successful redevelopment of two established arts venues
Medialease: Helping you pay the price of success CT often focuses on innovation, but that comes at a price. We meet Paul Robson, MD of Medialease, a finance specialist helping cinemas fund technological ambitions.
U
SING INNOVATION TO ENHANCE the
prospect of further industry-wide financial support now that
movie-going experience: is the goal of
the Virtual Print Fee has run its course. So alternative funding
those on the technical side of cinema.
options are needed — and Paul’s model is based on arranging
Indeed, Cinema Technology magazine
finance from a panel of approved funders.
extols the virtues of new systems and
“We’ve provided finance for many projector upgrades
products that hit the market — but less
and digital cinema projects across the UK,” Paul explained.
often do we discuss how cinemas can expect to pay for it.
“Whether that’s to a chain, an independent or simply for a
Medialease is an asset finance company offering a range
screening room, our technical knowledge and experience in
of options for those looking to provide audiences with the
the sector helps us to provide appropriate finance deals that
benefit of the latest technologies. These include medium
fit the demands of the industry.”
and long-term rental, on and off-balance sheet leasing and
Many cinemas used the VPF to upgrade to digital but no
hire purchase. It has financed technology in the broadcast,
projector lasts forever. A lot of the projectors were installed
post-production and live events sectors for nearly 20 years
using the scheme a decade ago will soon need upgrading —
and in recent years has also specialised in finance for cinemas.
and Medialease can provide affordable solutions to allow
As well as providing cinemas with projectors, media servers
cinemas to change their projectors before they reach the
and other kit, the company works with broadcasters, post-
end of their shelf life. Monthly payments provide certainty
production houses and events companies, supplying editing,
and transparency in terms of cost. Suppliers often have
grading and audio equipment, and 4K cameras and location
special leasing offers only available through certain channels
playout equipment for major sports broadcasters.
and offered through finance providers such as Medialease.
Founder and MD of Medialease, Paul Robson started in
Significantly, for cinema operators at whatever scale, is the
his first finance job in 1994, working for a captive manufacturer,
realisation that access to technology is not necessarily
which led to him working as a broker in the VFG Video Film
restricted by cost but can be enabled by finance. The
and Grip rental house. Paul then set up Medialease in 2003,
practical case studies outlined on the page opposite show
recognising the demands placed on cinema operators as
examples of different venues achieving their goals with
they face an array of new technology but with seemingly little
affordable and realistic financial support
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01/08/2019 15:04
