Origin, which was formed over 24 years ago by Stephen Higgs, specialises exclusively in the hire of Schoeps microphones.
"I started the business when I left the BBC, slowly building up the company and investing all profits back into stock," says Stephen. "I decided to invest solely in Schoeps because I've always used them and believe they're the best and most versatile microphones on the market."
Origin now has a stock of over 150 Schoeps microphones and more than 140 active rods and cables, but it is not only this that has made it a success.
"When I started, I was working with film makers and I produced bespoke stereo kits that made the audio production of day-to-day stereo drama film making that much easier. That's no longer a requirement, but making 'widgets', and other rigging items helped microphones 'disappear', enhancing major national televised events. Knowing what engineers want out in the field has always been my passion and my focus."
The company has built up an illustrious list of clients including The Proms, all televised Westminster Abbey and St Pauls Cathedral occasions for the past 14 years, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings College, Cambridge, as well as Abbey Road and Air studios.
But Stephen is now looking forward to taking things a little easier, splitting his time between London and Paris, where his wife is from.
"When I was toying with the idea of selling up, I wanted to make sure that the ethos of the company would be continued," he says. "I had a chat with my clients, and discussing it with them it became very clear that Terry Tew Sound and Light was the right company to take it on and forwards."
"We are delighted to be able to carry on Stephen's legacy," says Terry. "We have always had the same attitude towards our clients that he has and have longstanding relationships with them - for instance we're currently working on our 14th consecutive series of one of the UK's favourite television shows - so bringing Origin into our portfolio seems a very logical next step."
(Jim Evans)
