Premiere Los Angeles Production Equipment & Camera Rentals for Professional Filmmakers
After fully adopting digital filmmaking in 2011 by only carrying digital cameras, Birns & Sawyer has continued to explore the innovations of the industry by supporting new digital trends, including LED lighting solutions.
Today, we exist for the filmmaker because we love films, we love making films, and we love helping others make their films a reality. We want nothing more than to be a part of your production so you can be a part of our history!
Birns and Sawyer’s History & Management
Our History
Celebrating Over 60 Years of Service
Founded by Jack Birns and Cliff Sawyer in 1954, Birns & Sawyer is a famed motion picture camera rental company that has quickly become the premiere place for professional filmmakers to buy and rent production equipment in Los Angeles.
In 1998, cinematographer/gaffer William Meurer acquired Birns & Sawyer and merged the legacy company with his existing lighting and grip company Gunner Lighting; making Birns & Sawyer a full solution rental house for any production.
Mari Acevedo
CEO & Director of Operations & Sales
Mari Acevedo has 27 years of system integration experience with broadcast camera packages.
Mari started her career in Hollywood with Walt Davis Enterprises/Steadi Systems. She later served at Hoffman Video Systems as Broadcast Equipment Account Rep for system integration projects. As the industry evolved, Mari formed her own company Hi-Def Inc to serve international clients in Digital Cinema and Broadcast A/V.
Mari is versed in all digital camera systems, multiplex systems, LED lighting and all support gear.
Michael Shugrue
President/ General Manager
Michael Shugrue has worked in the Film & Television Industry for the past 35 plus years.
He is a 4th generation Filmmaker & Technician. He has owned and managed rental companies all over North America. He has won 2 Emmy awards for his Technical and Camera work, and received a Emmy Award recognition for the TV Series “The West Wing.”
He has directed and produced live motor-sports and reality productions around the world.”
Quality Service & Gear
We are committed to provide exceptional service and gear ready-to-use.
Birns & Sawyer’s Office & Studio Staff
Conjie Quiddaoen
Head Lens Tech
Jim Alcantara
Account Executive
Joe Johnson
Director of Rentals
Paula Hill
Accountant & Bookkeeper
Kayla Hodge
Sales & Purchasing Admin / Marketing
Brandon Epperson
Head Camera Tech
Matthew Figueroa
Rental Operations Coordinator
Wyatt Grennan
Prep Tech
Brandon Bent
Returns Agent
Jeremy Sullivan
Driver / Utility Tech
Cody Cook
G&E Tech
Lucas Manansala
Lens Assistant
