Vale Rick Schweikert – a driving force in the Australian post-production industry
The industry will be saddened to hear of the passing of Rick Schweikert, a driving force in the Australian post-production industry. Schweikert was best known for steering post house Frame, Set & Match (FSM) from its early days to become one of the country’s most respected creative studios.
Schweikert co-founded FSM in 1984 with Steve Dunn, who would later continue the business under the VANDAL name. Together, they helped establish a culture of craft, technical ambition and creative excellence that became synonymous with the FSM name.
Schweikert led FSM from its inception until 2016, building a team that at its peak included around 65 creatives and production staff, and expanding the company’s capabilities across colour, VFX, design and finishing. FSM’s growth under their leadership was visible not only in scale but in output. The company expanded its 3D and VFX teams, delivered high-profile projects across automotive, broadcast and brand work, Documentaries and Feature Films and earned recognition throughout the Australian and International post-production community.
A hands-on and highly versatile leader, Schweikert balanced creative oversight with financial, operational, marketing, HR and technical responsibilities. His influence shaped FSM’s evolution into a flexible, full-service post partner for agencies, production companies and broadcasters. He was also deeply involved in the industry more broadly — supporting professional bodies and mentoring emerging talent.
After a partnership of 32 years, Schweikert announced his retirement from FSM in 2016 and sold his half of the business to long time business partner Steve Dunn. Leaving an unparalleled business partnership unique to the industry and a company which has foundations now lasting over 41 years.
This closed a significant chapter in which he helped elevate Australia’s post-production standards and nurture a generation of practitioners.
Steve Dunn posted this tribute on Facebook:
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that my long time business partner Rick Schweikert passed away yesterday.
The fight against cancer has been over a year now and lately a very tough one.
A great man and business partner for over 32 years. The pic (below) from a long time ago at the start of our journey.
The legacy of FSM will be hard to beat.
My thoughts go out to Louise, Casey, Olivia and all his family.
Read more tributes on CB’s Facebook page
and on Steve Dunn’s Facebook page
5 Comments
An absolute legend. I owe everything to Rick. He took a chance on a kid from Canberra who could edit a little. Thank you Rick. Sending love to your girls.
Very sad news. Rich was an absolute legend and a great bloke.
How very sad indeed. I grew up with Rick and in the halls and suites of FSM. A true gentleman.
Rick ran FSM creating a culture and standard of work that allowed everyone, clients, staff, creatives to achieve their best. He gave his creatives every opportunity to grow. For me there was never a ‘shitty’ work day at FSM and with the many great characters who were there.
And he had a great collection of Reg Mombasa illustrations!
RIP. All the best to his family.
Great memories of Rick guiding me throughout my early editing days, editor Anna Whyte and I booked FSM suites back in the mid 80’s. We were cutting sound for a Sports series for Kennedy Miller. Also, living with his then future wife, Louise, I knew of Rick’s great love of absurdity and the fact he did not suffer fools. On the work front he brought warmth, humor and meticulous industry insight, and technical prowess. Reuniting in New York (my hometown) decades later with both his girls grown up, he hadn’t changed, he was in fine funny, critical form! Rick was greatly admired and respected. He will be very missed. Deepest Condolences to Louise, Casey, Olivia and extended family.