New leadership appointed: Servo announces its new chief executive officer
In a significant move for the Australian film industry, Sam Pantos has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SERVO, a leading end-to-end film production services company. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Pantos is poised to lead SERVO into its next phase of growth.
Based in Australia, SERVO has quickly established itself as a vital partner to several global film and television studios. The company's services include incentive financing for independent productions and a Net Cost model that increases the volume of international Production Development Value (PDV) projects coming into Australia.
Pantos, who most recently served as Director of Operations for NEOM Media Industries, brings extensive production finance and operations expertise to his new role. He began his career at Fox Studios Australia and has held senior executive roles at Sony Pictures Television's Playmaker Media and Endemol Australia. Under his leadership, NEOM Media Industries expanded Saudi Arabia's screen capacity and oversaw the delivery of the region's first purpose-built studio facility.
"I am thrilled to be returning to Australia to lead SERVO as we embark on our next chapter," said Pantos. "SERVO enables global studios to unlock Australia's unmatched value by removing complexity and delivering a vast range of services."
Jon Kuyper, a co-founder of SERVO, stated that Australia is fast becoming one of the world's most dynamic production hubs, and Pantos' appointment is a testament to this. "Sam's experience, financial expertise, and leadership will ensure SERVO continues delivering exceptional service," said Kuyper.
Dean Hood, another co-founder of SERVO, expressed his excitement about welcoming Pantos as CEO. "We have a high-functioning executive team that includes Mel Chryssochoides, William Creamer, Julie Stewart, and Michael Pontin, and Sam's appointment further strengthens our leadership," said Hood.
SERVO's founders and board members also include Genevieve Hofmeyr, Marvin Saven, and Jamie Hilton. The company began operations in Australia in January 2023 and operates offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. When Perth Studios begins operations, SERVO will open a new office in Western Australia.
Pantos' appointment comes as SERVO has capitalized on Australia's competitive PDV and Location and Producer Offset to provide production services capturing over A$1 billion in Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE). The company has worked with major international studios such as Amazon MGM Studios, Apple Original Films, Miramax, and Paramount Pictures.
Notable productions that SERVO has provided services for include Liam Neeson's action thriller Ice Road: Vengeance and Shane Black's big-budget crime film Play Dirty for Amazon MGM Studios. Ron Howard's Eden, which generated approximately AUD26.5 million to the Queensland economy and supported over 300 local jobs, is another example of SERVO's impact on the Australian film industry.
With Pantos at the helm, SERVO is poised to continue its growth and contribute significantly to the Australian film industry.
[1] Sam Pantos appointed as CEO of SERVO, Australia's leading film production services company. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.servo.com.au/news/sam-pantos-appointed-as-ceo-of-servo
[2] Pantos joins SERVO's high-functioning executive team. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.servo.com.au/news/pantos-joins-servo
[3] SERVO's services enable global studios to unlock Australia's unmatched value. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.servo.com.au/services
- Sam Pantos' extensive background in the industry, coupled with his expertise in finance and business, will aid SERVO in exploring opportunities to link the film industry with technology, entertainment, and other global finance sectors.
- With Pantos as CEO, SERVO aims to solidify its position in the film industry and extend its partnerships with studios in the entertainment, technology, and finance sectors for continued global growth and success.
