FSM managing director Rick Schweikert departs after 32 years; issues statement regarding exit

Sydney-based FSM managing director Rick Schweikert has announced his departure from the creative studio after 32 years.

Says Schweikert: “FSM was established by Steve Dunn and myself in 1984. We started with a seed of an idea to break with the conventional post company ways and as the saying goes, just do it for ourselves. Like any start up, the first few years were challenging, terrifying and huge fun – we had nothing except determination and a desire to do good work. We had no money, earned no personal income, did everything ourselves but still managed to convince a bank to loan us enough for our first set of equipment. And we’ve now borrowed, and paid back, many, many millions.

“We were hugely dedicated, still are, spending countless hours at all times of the day working on project after project. Just ask our partners and they’ll confirm the sleepless nights, the long days and the crazy uncertainty of it all.

“Now, 32 years later, having made thousands and thousands of commercials, many feature films, hundreds of corporates, documentaries and TV series, innumerable music clips, quite a few birthday videos, too many research animatics and employed hundreds of talented people, the partnership is concluding. Not in a bad way, but it’s time for me to move on.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved. Not only is the company the longest running post business in the country, it’s been a privilege and pleasure to work with many of this countries most talented people. And probably as satisfying is giving a start to the professions of people we employed over the years who have gone on to prosperous and successful careers.

“There are too many people to thank, but I have to single out my wife Louise as having the patience of a saint and the sense of humour to allow me to follow the dream. And to Stephen and his wife Neidra who have shared the journey.

“The business continues in safe hands and an exciting future, with Stephen solely at the helm. He’s ably assisted by an enthusiastic team, including newly appointed EP Craig Sloane, CD Emile Rademeyer and a great crew of designers, compositors and production staff. I leave on the best of terms and with a massive sense of achievement that we survived this long, through significant economic upheavals along with cultural and professional changes. We’ve done pretty well to make a life for ourselves and families, expand our horizons and most importantly, maintain our sanity.

“To all my clients and colleagues, both past and present, thank you for all the support, encouragement, friendship and entertaining anxious times. There’s been some great moments in advertising that make us laugh, and sometimes shake our heads in wonder – it’s been one hell of a ride. As my daughter says, I’m now funemployed.