Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

(Woodland Hills, CA)--Dan Sasaki, who left Panavision in 2007 to pursue other interests, has returned to the company as an optical engineer. Sasaki, who has created innovative lenses to meet clients� unique needs, will report to Rick Gelbard, Vice President, Engineering, Research & Development.

�Panavision is very excited that Dan will once again be part of our optical program,� said Billy Campbell, President and CEO, Panavision Inc. �Dan brings 21 years of optical knowledge and experience back to Panavision. His ability to interface with our client base and provide innovative products to the Panavision line will benefit the entertainment industry.�

Sasaki�s past successes have included the flare lenses used by Janusz Kaminski, ASC on �Saving Private Ryan,� various anamorphic lenses, primes and zooms, and a wide variety of specialty lenses. �Dan Sasaki has always been my secret weapon at Panavision,� said cinematographer Wally Pfister, ASC. �His knowledge and skill with anamorphic lenses is completely unique in our industry. His return to Panavision is an example of the company�s dedication and commitment to providing the best film equipment and service. For myself and director Chris Nolan, that is essential in our pursuit of perfection in imagery.�

In 2005, Dan created the prototype Anamorphic Wide-angle Zoom (AWZ), which came to be known as the �Bailey lens,� named after cinematographer John Bailey, ASC. Now, production AWZ lenses based on his design have become a highly desired part of Panavision�s anamorphic lens inventory. �His return is a homecoming for sure,� said Bailey. �Dan is a mentor and godfather to many cinematographers, including me. He has helped continue to make the anamorphic format a viable reality for many young cinematographers.�

Richard Mosier, 1st camera assistant, acknowledged, �He�s a great asset, and I think it�s incredible that he�s back. My entire career as a first assistant, he was the person I dealt with for lenses. He made a lot of specialized lenses, including the 20mm anamorphic that John Schwartzman, ASC, used on �Pearl Harbor.��

Sasaki�s new role under Gelbard in Research and Development will give him the opportunity to pursue his passion for developing new lens designs. �I am thrilled to have Dan join our product development group at Panavision. His knowledge, experience and capabilities make him a unique contributor to our efforts to provide the best optical products to the cinematography community,� said Gelbard.

About the company
Founded in 1954, Panavision Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision camera systems, comprising of film and digital cameras, lenses and accessories for the motion picture and television industries. Panavision systems are rented through its domestic and international owned and operated facilities and distributor network. Panavision also supplies lighting, grip and crane equipment for use by motion picture and television productions.

www.panavision.com

For more information contact:
Suzanne Lezotte
Director of Public Relations
Panavision Inc.
Tel: 818-427-0116
Suzanne[dot]lezotte[at]panavision[dot]com

Skip Ferderber
Electronic Media Relations
Skip Ferderber & Associates
Tel: 425-315-1724
skip[dot]ferderber[at]skipf1[dot]com