In a world where complex devices and complicated processes were stealing the soul of filmmaking, Blackwood Camera set out to relieve creatives of the hassles of production and bring creativity back to production. Before implementing their new camera rental software, their team was drowning in scattered information and tangled communication. Booqable surprised the team by offering a centralized platform that made all their backend work actually work together.
The software totally transformed how their team works together, from Production Managers to Camera Techs, giving them a clear view of their extensive inventory. As they manage their rental products from brands such as RED, ARRI, Sigma, and Leica, Booqable has helped the team at Blackwood Cameras stay up-to-date on their latest client projects. As a go-to partner for major networks like HBO, Netflix, and Apple TV+, implementing this advanced equipment rental software has helped Blackwood Camera focus more time on helping their clients bring their creativity to life.
The challenge: when tech takes over
Rob Blackwood saw a real problem in the film industry. The digital revolution was making production life complicated and frustrating for creative teams. “The digital revolution was making set life confusing and clunky for creatives,” Rob explains. Moving from film cameras to digital meant navigating a maze of technical requirements that threatened to crush creativity.
Blackwood Camera decided to be different. Instead of just handing out equipment, they focused on making life easier for film crews. Their service covers everything from cameras and lights to crew, locations, permits, and even motion control robotics. As Rob puts it, “We focus on service. Our goal is to make the gear invisible so creatives can do what they do best.”
Removing admin overheads with Booqable
Before adopting Booqable’s equipment rental software, managing their business was a constant juggling act. Rob remembers using a mix of spreadsheets and note-taking that never quite worked well together. “We were patching things together, but nothing really connected,” he recalls. Booqable changed everything. The platform solved their biggest headaches almost overnight.
When they implemented the system, something unexpected happened—they got more than just a software solution. When reflecting on their previous experiences with customer support channels, Rob shared that “We expected to get stuck in endless email chains”. Instead, they were hands-on and went above and beyond to help us.”
The sales rep stood out as someone who genuinely cared about their business, not just making a sale. “Our rep really understood our needs,” Rob notes, “which is rare these days.” They saved tons of time by cutting down on paperwork, and the menial admin tasks that Booqable now takes care of. Communication between team members became instant and crystal clear. Customers quickly noticed the difference, appreciating how smoothly everything ran.
“Our team is more connected than ever,” Rob emphasizes. “We can now see exactly what’s happening in our business and deliver better service.”
Onboarding new team members with the mobile app
For a camera rental house like Blackwood Camera, managing a fluid workforce is everything. Their business thrives on quickly bringing together the right team for each unique film project. The Booqable mobile app became their secret weapon for managing temporary staff and complex production needs.
When a new project comes in, they can bring on extra warehouse techs and crew members in minutes. New team members can instantly access all the order details they need, tracking equipment availability, and manage a delivery all from the ease of their smartphones. Whether they’re in the warehouse or on a film set, everyone stays connected.
A staff member can now check equipment details on the fly, confirm last-minute gear needs, or log returns instantly. Warehouse staff manage shipments and track orders with a few taps. The app turns every smartphone into a powerful management tool, breaking down traditional barriers between the office, warehouse, and production site. This seamless communication means Blackwood Camera can assemble and manage teams with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
What’s next
With Booqable as their dedicated equipment rental software, Blackwood Camera is poised for continued growth. What started as a mission to cut through technical complexity and restore creativity to filmmaking has evolved into a testament to how the right technology can transform an entire industry approach. Rob Blackwood’s vision of making equipment invisible and focusing on service has found its perfect match in Booqable’s innovative platform.
For production services looking to streamline operations, reduce administrative overhead, and empower their teams, Blackwood Camera is a powerful example of how technology, when thoughtfully implemented, can help an organisation regain focus on its core mission.
