Broadcast facilities director Rowan Bray will step up to become managing director of broadcast and independent film in the U.K. Simon Briggs will assume his role as group managing director in the U.K.
Bray joined Prime Focus from Halo in November 2009 and has been a driving force in the recent successes of both divisions.
Also joining the Old Compton St. facility is Anne Marie Phelan, the former studio sales manager at The Hospital Club, who takes up a senior sales role. A specialist in entertainment and comedy, and highly experienced in dealing with HD workflows, Phelan has been brought in to drive the move into this market. She has also held positions at Channel 4 and, WTN in a career that has spanned more than 22 years.
The investment in equipment is aimed at improving data workflows and creative output for the company’s existing client base and its growing business in new markets. The new gear includes the purchase of four FilmLight Baselight data grading consoles along with two Dolby Professional Reference Monitors for optimum color grading. There have also been upgrades to the latest DS hardware and software in London and an expansion and full upgrade of the broadcast division’s central offline Editshare storage system as well as the installation of a Trinoy equalizing unit in the audio department.
Prime Focus’ new 13,300 sq ft facility in New York’s West Village will launch at the start of 2012. As part of this expansion, senior Flame artist Anne Trotman has moved from Prime Focus Commercials in London to boost the local VFX offering in New York.
“This is an exciting time for the Company with expansion and investment on both sides of the Atlantic,” said U.K. managing director Simon Briggs. “Rowan’s appointment enables me to fully oversee this strategy and allows her to take the broadcast division forward as it diversifies its creative offering and operating markets. It also completes the U.K. group’s management structure.”
