ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE. VMI
A COMPANY WITH A CONSCIENCE VMI is so much more than a major camera rental house – it is leading the filmmaking industry into a healthier and greener future
WHEN IT COMES to choosing a rental company for your filmmaking equipment, there’s a big selection, so it pays to make an informed decision about which one to go with. Many offer a wide range of equipment, but few take their responsibilities to their staff and the environment as seriously as VMI. It’s here that VMI really stands out as something special and truly unique. With bases in London and Bristol, VMI specialises in hiring quality digital camera packages for TV drama, features, documentary, natural history, commercials and corporate productions – having supplied equipment on 14 drama series in 2021 alone. It stocks every 4K+ camera format – from Sony FX6, RED Komodo and Canon C300 Mk III to Sony Venice, RED V-Raptor and ARRI Mini LF, as well as specialist cameras like the Phantom VEO-4K super slow-motion (capable of 1000fps in 4K RAW) and Canon ME20F-SH, which has an extraordinary super low-light rating of 4m ASA. Plus, it offers lenses, lighting, grip and sound equipment to be a one-stop shop. VMI has been a certified living wage employer since 2019, and last year made a commitment to be an entirely net zero company by 2030. It’s just the latest step in VMI’s 20-year effort to reduce its impact on the environment. The firm’s huge efforts on sustainability, and wider influence on the rental industry to help bring about lasting environmental
ELECTRIFYING VMEDIA is VMI’s media and battery hire facility, pictured here with its BMW electric delivery vehicle
“When you rent from VMI, you know you are dealing with informed, professional people”
measures, won VMI the Hero of Net Zero award, presented at the COP26 climate summit by the UK government. More than 160 businesses entered the competition, making a commitment at the UK Business Climate Hub to achieve net zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of the government’s climate goals. VMI won over the judges for taking responsibility for the environmental impact of the whole rental sector, spreading the sustainability message as founding members of Bectu’s Film For Future group. “We pride ourselves on having very strong values of being a fair, equitable company and a good, responsible employer and were recognised as being one of the UK’s top 100 Greatest Places to Work earlier this year,” said Barry Bassett, VMI’s Managing Director. The company, which started in 1979, has been recognised for excellence by winning many awards over the years. This included Park Royal Business Of The Year 2022. As a recognised Investors in People company, VMI supports ongoing training and development for all staff. So, when you rent
from VMI, you know you are dealing with informed, professional people, with not only equipment know-how, but a commitment to a long-term future for filmmaking and the environment. With solar panels and EV charging bays installed at both buildings, investment in developing diverse young filmmaking talent, choosing to bank only with ethical financial institutions, in-office recycling, and even a move to vegetarian meals for its people, VMI is genuinely a company with a conscience. That’s why it’s no surprise it has been nominated for a service accolade in our sister magazine, the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards for Rental House of the Year.
WINNING TEAM Yet another award for VMI – a major rental house that is leading the way as an environmentally conscious and responsible employer
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