Support for your team

“We like to think of ourselves as part of your team,” says John, co-founder. When you call up, you get to discuss the job directly with the person who will be doing the artworking and printing. And having an experienced ear to bounce ideas around with can be extremely useful when you’re working at pace on a production. “Sometimes we can steer people onto a more practical path and save them money!” says John’s long-time colleague Dave.

Printing the impossible

You may think you’ve got an unusual or even impossible request, but the Data team have almost certainly seen stranger things over the years! During our visit, they were printing a rubber book that could be thrown at an actor’s head. They’ve also worked out ways of printing on everything from papyrus to toilet paper. “It’s down to years of trying things and using machines for things they’re not meant for,” says Dave.

40 years of experience

Next year will be Data Reprographics’ 40th anniversary. They started in domestic TV in the 1980s, before branching into feature films, working on Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Full Monty, Saving Private Ryan, Shakespeare in Love and others. More recently it’s been F1, Mickey 17, The Fantastic Four, 1000 Blows and Heads of State. “If it’s UK-based and we haven’t done anything for it, it’s a rarity,” says Dave.

Ready for last-minute emergencies

Got a last minute request? No problem. The Data team are used to it. “I’ve been here 27 years!” says Dave. “We know how it is. The deadlines aren’t the fault of the people sending them in. It’s a team effort and we always get things done.”

A workspace for you

This year the company expanded into the next-door premises, creating an office space where Graphic Designers or other Art or Set Dec crew can work. As well as having a space to work from, crew will benefit from having “instant advice right here in the print team”, says John.

Graphic props, ready to go

Data have their own, vast archive of graphic props, ready for set. You need 30 cans of 1950’s lemonade for someone to drink on set? All Data needs from you is the cleared brand name from your production’s clearance department. Other food packaging, maps, passports, family photos, newspapers, travel posters, wallpaper, labels … you name it, they have it in stock, for any era. Just send them an email with your prop list.

One-stop shop - large or small

They don’t just print, they design too! Anything from a billboard to a matchbox. “We make it up with the graphics on it and then physically install it on set,” says Ant, who’s worked at Data since his teens. “Our aim is to take the heat off you.” They will also cut and construct your props in their workshop - Data’s team are adept at folding vintage newspapers, constructing boxes of washing powder, cigarette cartons.

Sample boxes

Data have a beautiful sample box for clients, showcasing the different materials, print types and other key things Data Reprographics can do. John has put out a special invite to any Filmbase members who want to visit, ask for a sample box or get in touch. You can contact John and the team on 01784 243 996 and email mail@datarepro.co.uk

They understand the industry

We loved visiting the Data team to see the huge scope of work that they do for film and TV. They have a fantastic focus on getting the job done to a very high standard and fully understand the pressures of production demands and deadlines. They also always lend a sympathetic ear when you’re in the middle of a crazy job. And who doesn’t need that every now and again!

Support for Filmbase!

And lastly, Data Reprographics are supporting crew by being a Filmbase partner for another year! Many thanks to the team for helping us keep the site running so we can keep sending out those Job Alerts!