SERVO Names Sam Pantos as New CEO to Drive Growth in Film Production

SERVO Appoints Sam Pantos as CEO

In a significant move for the Australian film and television industry, SERVO, the country's leading dedicated end-to-end film production services provider, has appointed Sam Pantos as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made on August 10, 2025, marks a crucial step in the company’s ongoing expansion and strategic growth plan.

Sam Pantos joins SERVO with an impressive background in production finance and operations, aiming to leverage his extensive experience to propel the company's growth trajectory. He has previously held pivotal roles in major film and television institutions across the globe. Most recently, he served as the Director of Operations at NEOM Media Industries in Saudi Arabia, where he was instrumental in enhancing the region's film capabilities and oversaw the development of its first purpose-built studio facility.

Before his time in Saudi Arabia, Pantos built a notable career at Sony Pictures Television’s Playmaker Media and Endemol Australia, and he began his journey in the industry at Fox Studios Australia (now known as Disney Studios Australia) twenty-five years ago. This wealth of experience offers SERVO the leadership it needs to navigate the complexities of today’s competitive production landscape.

SERVO’s co-founder, Jon Kuyper, expressed confidence in Pantos's appointment, highlighting Australia’s burgeoning position as a vibrant production hub. "Our country is rapidly emerging as a global contender for film and television production, thanks to our competitive incentives, skilled crews, excellent facilities, beautiful locations, and an optimistic approach. The enthusiasm from both international studios and local operators illustrates SERVO’s integral role in supporting Australia's seasoned professionals in the industry."

Co-founder Dean Hood also shared his excitement, saying, "Welcoming Sam as CEO is a thrilling development. His vast film and TV knowledge, along with his financial acumen and leadership qualities, are vital to ensuring we continue offering exceptional service and reinforce our standing as the premier production partner in Australia."

Under Pantos's leadership, SERVO aims to assist global studios in realizing the advantages of working in Australia by simplifying their production processes and providing a broad range of services to meet their needs. "I’m honored to be tasked with leading such a remarkable team and am eager to continue this exciting journey here at home," Pantos said, emphasizing his commitment to the Australian production community.

Founded in January 2023, SERVO has swiftly established itself as an indispensable partner for international film and television studios looking to operate in Australia. The company collaborates with a multitude of influential studios, including Amazon MGM Studios, Apple Original Films, Miramax, and Paramount Pictures. It capitalizes on Australia's competitive Post-Production Offset, Location Offset, and Producer Offset programs, which has allowed it to facilitate over A$1 billion in Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE).

One of SERVO's recent projects includes providing comprehensive production services for Ron Howard's film, Eden, which is set to release in the United States on August 22. The film was shot in various locations across Queensland, generating approximately AUD 26.5 million for the local economy and supporting over 300 jobs. SERVO’s extensive range of services included everything from production planning and budgeting to crew hiring and accounting, showcasing its end-to-end support for filmmakers.

Other notable projects serviced by SERVO include Liam Neeson’s action thriller, Ice Road Vengeance, filmed in Victoria, Australia, as well as Play Dirty, a high-budget crime film co-starring Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield.

SERVO’s founders, including Dean Hood, Jon Kuyper, Genevieve Hofmeyr, Marvin Saven, and Jamie Hilton, will continue to provide strategic guidance moving forward. Pantos will join a talented executive team featuring Mel Chryssochoides, William Creamer, Julie Stewart, and Michael Pontin in solidifying SERVO's future.

To accommodate its growth, SERVO currently operates offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast, with plans to open a new office in Western Australia as operations at Perth Studios commence, further integrating offshore production into the Australian landscape.

For more information, visit SERVO’s official website.