THE SPARKS HISTORY
Sparks Lighting Ltd. was established in 1992 with the help of world-renowned cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond ASC. "Richy" Béla Romwalter has been our General Manager since 1995. When we opened our doors for business in 1992, our goal was to provide the Hungarian, Eastern and Western European film industries with the latest, most technologically advanced lighting, grip equipment and generators available for rent. Since then, we have expanded our rental arsenal to include many additional options and product offerings to satisfy the most demanding production artists from across the world.
Reviews
"SPARKS Camera and Lighting was integral to the shoot of TV Series RANSOM. Sparks offered quality equipment and quality advise. Our Canadian Co-Production was consistently happy with the familiar style of service Sparks offered. The staff were responsive throughout...”
"SPARKS Camera and Lighting was integral to the shoot of TV Series RANSOM. Sparks offered quality equipment and quality advise. Our Canadian Co-Production was consistently happy with the familiar style of service Sparks offered. The staff were responsive throughout the bidding process. Sparks team was organized in tracking equipment, Purchase Orders and Billing. I highly recommend their service, and look forward to working in Hungary again."
Tashi Bieler SVP Production Film, Television and Digital Entertainment One
”"SPARKS Camera and Lighting rental company operates a friendly and efficient service, supporting Hungarian productions and International Films shooting in Budapest. All the staff were only too pleased to help with anything I needed when I was last out there prepping and...”
"SPARKS Camera and Lighting rental company operates a friendly and efficient service, supporting Hungarian productions and International Films shooting in Budapest. All the staff were only too pleased to help with anything I needed when I was last out there prepping and great support during filming. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending."
Julian Bucknall 1st AC
”Sparks provided all of our camera and lighting needs on the feature film, DON'T BREATHE. They were extremely competitive in their pricing, reliably attentive in their service, and highly responsive to our special needs and requests. I wholeheartedly recommend Judit and her team, and hope to...”
Sparks provided all of our camera and lighting needs on the feature film, DON'T BREATHE. They were extremely competitive in their pricing, reliably attentive in their service, and highly responsive to our special needs and requests. I wholeheartedly recommend Judit and her team, and hope to have the pleasure of working with them again in the near future.
”I really appreciated the dedication for great service at Sparks. You offered me space for tests and gear for the tests when needed and helped tremendously with camera gear for the show. The people working at Sparks were very courteous, kind and worked hard to make the DP feel at home...”
I really appreciated the dedication for great service at Sparks. You offered me space for tests and gear for the tests when needed and helped tremendously with camera gear for the show. The people working at Sparks were very courteous, kind and worked hard to make the DP feel at home whenever coming to the facilities. Thank you Sparks for the support on Midsommar.
”Working with SPARKS is an amazing experience, on top of a flawless project! In 2009, while receiving the task of providing filming equipment for the 1st original production in CEE by HBO done in Romania, we quickly realized that the level of performance, endurance and service quality...”
Working with SPARKS is an amazing experience, on top of a flawless project! In 2009, while receiving the task of providing filming equipment for the 1st original production in CEE by HBO done in Romania, we quickly realized that the level of performance, endurance and service quality required, could not be found in our home country. That's how I met SPARKS. Three months of shooting and we didn't miss one screw. Fast-forward ten years later, having started my own production company, a project pops up in Budapest. First and last thought was again, SPARKS! But what's really remarkable, is that my client was not able to arrange a shooting locally on such short notice and they somewhat gave it up. Needless to say, calling Judit solved the situation in a matter of hours. Moreover, I wasn't able to travel and direct the shots, but working with these guys felt just like I was there: instant feedback on the progress of prep, shooting, everything turning up just as I asked, quickly receiving the recorded material, pre-selected, well-lit and fabulously directed with great creative input. But above all, exquisite customer care for my client, more important than any gear. Not that it matters, because I'm sure they treat everyone the same way, regardless of budget and expertise, but this was my biggest client, most important agency in Romania and the account was the most famous brand in the world. I let it all to SPARKS and I did good. And all this in two phone calls, three e-mails and a pleasant IM conversation. The only thing I hated about this project was that I wasn't able to visit the beautiful Budapest and catch up with these guys. Won't happen again! ??
If you really want to look good in front of your client, choose SPARKS!
”If you are shooting a feature film or series in Central and East Europe, I can highly recommend Sparks Camera & Lighting LTD for all your camera, grip and lighting needs. Judit and her team provide a professional crew, that has proven, under a tight schedule, to be up to the task for...”
If you are shooting a feature film or series in Central and East Europe, I can highly recommend Sparks Camera & Lighting LTD for all your camera, grip and lighting needs. Judit and her team provide a professional crew, that has proven, under a tight schedule, to be up to the task for the production requirements of 90 episodes in two seasons, produced for HBO Romania. Their gear is top-notch and their ability to handle the rigors of production in a safe and efficient manner has proven to be invaluable for our production.
”Sparks and Judit Romwalter were exemplary partners in the making of Ransom (tv series CBS, GLobal,Eone, Sienna Films, Big Light). We were well supported and had a wonderful experience shooting with them in Budapest!
”From Sept 2018 to Sept 2019 I've been working in Budapest on Denis Villeneure's Dune. Big sets, multiple international locations which all made for a long and complicated filming schedule. Having not shot in Hungary before I was not familiar with the different vendors and not aware of...”
From Sept 2018 to Sept 2019 I've been working in Budapest on Denis Villeneure's Dune. Big sets, multiple international locations which all made for a long and complicated filming schedule. Having not shot in Hungary before I was not familiar with the different vendors and not aware of Sparks owned and run by Judit Romwalter. I happy to say that I now am, and what they do. Sparks whilst having lighting, grip and camera equipment to provide for othjer projects, looked after our ever growing camera demands and did not skip a beat. As well as our core camera package there was the usual level of last minute requests items that mysteriously stopped working or got broken inevitably at 6pm on a Friday.....regardless of day or time Sparks were on call to change / mend / swap at short notice. I look forward to my return to Hungary in the future and teaming up with Sparks.
Thank you Judit!
Many thanks James
”I have worked with Judit and via her Sparks on numerous occassions to source cameras and equipment- whether it be for long-running series projects in Romania and Hungary where she beat out all competitors or to provide cost comparisons and bidding in Poland and Czech Republic. So many...”
I have worked with Judit and via her Sparks on numerous occassions to source cameras and equipment- whether it be for long-running series projects in Romania and Hungary where she beat out all competitors or to provide cost comparisons and bidding in Poland and Czech Republic. So many positive things I can say- firstly she's extremely personable and knowledgeable and efficient- always working to service the clients no matter day or time. Sparks' prices and equipment are top rate in central and Eastern Europe, and integrity of the bidding and invoicing process is paramount to them. I honestly can not say I have ever experienced a problem working with them. And when equipment breaks it's repaired or replaced expeditiously. Of all the many services I have used in Eastern Europe, I would put Sparks and Judit and her team at the very top.
”Judit and company provides not simply the best quality of work, she is fun to be around. An access to any production. SPARKS Camera and Lighting provides best service equipment avilable in Budapest. They even purchase and update equipment on request on special occasions. Thanks Judit,...”
Judit and company provides not simply the best quality of work, she is fun to be around. An access to any production. SPARKS Camera and Lighting provides best service equipment avilable in Budapest. They even purchase and update equipment on request on special occasions. Thanks Judit, Richie and company. You guys are the best. Looking forward to work with you again at the nearest future. Best regards to everybody.
”"Judit Romwalter provided excellent service for camera, lighting and grip rentals, while I was shooting a very challenging television show in Hungary"
Richard A. Bullock, film and television producer
”I throughly enjoyed working with Judit and the rest of the folks at Sparks on “Outside The Wire” for Netflix. We had 3 camera crews, 4 Panavision DXL2 cameras, and only one set of G series anamorphics. It was a pretty physical show, and the support we got from Sparks was...”
I throughly enjoyed working with Judit and the rest of the folks at Sparks on “Outside The Wire” for Netflix. We had 3 camera crews, 4 Panavision DXL2 cameras, and only one set of G series anamorphics. It was a pretty physical show, and the support we got from Sparks was amazing. I was very fortunate to have a top local crew, and I’m proud to say I didn’t bring in a single outside crew member. The locals were great and had a wonderful relationship with Sparks. The shoot went very well, and I had a fantastic time in Budapest. If I have a chance to work in Budapest again, I wouldn’t hesitate to call upon Sparks.
”When I was in pre-production on the Pilot for the Amazon Studios, hit International TV show "Hanna" based in Budapest, Hungary, with locations in Slovakia, Spain, Morrocco, London, and Berlin the needs for Camera, Grip, and Lighting had to work in all these countries. My first thoughts were...”
When I was in pre-production on the Pilot for the Amazon Studios, hit International TV show "Hanna" based in Budapest, Hungary, with locations in Slovakia, Spain, Morrocco, London, and Berlin the needs for Camera, Grip, and Lighting had to work in all these countries. My first thoughts were of using Panavision Lenses and Camera's with their stellar international support; that is when I met Judit Romwalter at SPARKS Camera and Lighting. Not only did Judit supply me with all the Lighting, Dollies, and Crane support, but she secured the very special and sought after Panavsion P-Vintage lenses that I felt would capture the rich story of Hanna in her new world. This collaboration garnered me an Emmy nomination for best One-Hour dramatic Cinematography. SPARKS gave me everything I needed to create the visuals that director Sarah Adina Smith and I wanted the world to see. As Film production goes global, having a European rental house that can realize all my hopes and dreams is the most comforting feeling for any filmmaker. I look forward to my next international project and know that SPARKS will be my #1 Collaborator.
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I photographed the movie “ In The Land of Blood and Honey”..directed by Angelina Jolie.. shot entirely on locations in the great city of Budapest.Having shot fifty or so films using equipment from Panavision HQ in Los Angeles I wanted to continue with their cameras and lenses on...”
I photographed the movie “ In The Land of Blood and Honey”..directed by Angelina Jolie.. shot entirely on locations in the great city of Budapest.Having shot fifty or so films using equipment from Panavision HQ in Los Angeles I wanted to continue with their cameras and lenses on Angie’s movie which would be shot on film. So after many very high recommendations from both Panavision and other cinematographers ‘ SPARKS ‘ provided every thing I needed and serviced our movie expertly both in prep and follow up on location. .I would dearly love to shoot another film in Budapest.. and would dearly love to share it with the great SPARKS team.
”I have had the supreme pleasure of working with SPARKS, in Budapest. The film I was shooting decided to use Budapest as our location, we were creating Germany, Berlin in particular in around that fabulous city, set during and before WW2. I am lucky enough to have made films all around the...”
I have had the supreme pleasure of working with SPARKS, in Budapest. The film I was shooting decided to use Budapest as our location, we were creating Germany, Berlin in particular in around that fabulous city, set during and before WW2. I am lucky enough to have made films all around the world, each experience has a familiarity but also quite different, the common factor is as storytellers that we are creating fantastic worlds within worlds, the other main unifying element are the people involved and the equipment, the drive, talent and experience of my collaborators. Essential partners are the local equipment rental houses, they have to have a huge range of equipment available, knowing its detail and intricacies, the quality should be of the highest order, servicing the equipment and clients with pride. It is incredibly important to understand, creatively and technically why we might need the gear, any particular item and range of equipment required, the fusion of the pieces, coalescing into a beautiful whole, advising us, supplying with passion and confidence, giving us confidence that we have the finest, most reliable equipment available as we embark on our daily journey, chasing those creative jewels. Judit Romwalter and her wonderful team at Sparks Camera and Lighting in Budapest fulfil all of this, and so much more, for me they quite phenomenal, up there with the very finest, outstanding in their 24/7 service, with undying enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to our creative endeavours.
”I wish to recommend Sparks HU for their excellent support in supplying the camera equipment for Ari Aster’s feature, ‘Midsommar’. In addition to their attention to detail, Judit Romwalter and her team at Sparks were a pleasure to work with, always positive, responsibly and...”
I wish to recommend Sparks HU for their excellent support in supplying the camera equipment for Ari Aster’s feature, ‘Midsommar’. In addition to their attention to detail, Judit Romwalter and her team at Sparks were a pleasure to work with, always positive, responsibly and pro-actively budget conscious and extremely thorough. Ari’s DP Pawel Pogorzelski is an exacting practitioner and had pre-designed the lighting for Midsommar’ in detail with Ari some two or so years prior to shooting. Their precise vision was realised in every detail and to budget with the immense support of Sparks’ close liaison with Panavision UK to obtain everything the Director and DP required, including large format cameras and specific lenses that were all in very short global supply. Sparks’ experience and their partnership with Panavision UK made the entire process of testing in London and shipping to Budapest a seamless one, enabling Camera tests to take place in the UK for a Hungarian shoot. Judit and her team sourced and provided the camera equipment that we needed for the entire film, in partnership with Panavision UK and nothing was ever too much trouble, however challenging the request. They backed this up with true 24 hour support throughout the nine week schedule, which saved us several times when replacement or additional equipment was urgently required. I would not hesitate to work with Sparks on future feature or TV Drama productions that involve Hungary. Their experience and reputation speaks for itself and having enjoyed the benefits of these at first hand, I can recommend them most highly.
”I had the great privilege of working with Judit and the Sparks team on a TV series a number of years ago in Budapest. We shot four episodes almost entirely on location and it was a fantastic experience. Shooting in Budapest was completely foreign to myself and my team but we were warmly...”
I had the great privilege of working with Judit and the Sparks team on a TV series a number of years ago in Budapest. We shot four episodes almost entirely on location and it was a fantastic experience. Shooting in Budapest was completely foreign to myself and my team but we were warmly greeted by fellow filmmakers and given access to remarkable locations and local talent. After just a few days, we were a film family. Arguably, of the 22 episodes we made, these last four were the best of the season due to the staggering cinema and scope afforded to us. Judit and the Sparks team made our transition from Canada to Hungary incredibly smooth. Everything was organized beautifully and we felt an immediate partnership in all of their efforts. They too just wanted to make the best episodes possible and we succeeded. I would not hesitate to work with Sparks and Judit again should our needs call for such a privilege.
”Sparks were ever communicative, hugely helpful, patient to our changing needs, and always worked with us with professionalism and a minimum of fuss. A really great service all round. I’ll be recommending the producers of any job I’m fortunate enough to be engaged on in Hungary...”
Sparks were ever communicative, hugely helpful, patient to our changing needs, and always worked with us with professionalism and a minimum of fuss. A really great service all round. I’ll be recommending the producers of any job I’m fortunate enough to be engaged on in Hungary to service the production.
”When working with Sparks, productions get far more than simply an equipment vendor. The quality of gear, expertise of the staff, and level of customer service is above and beyond what any producer and their crew can expect. I can’t wait to return Europe to work with Sparks again.
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