The Australian post-production community is mourning the loss of Rick Schweikert, the visionary co-founder of Frame, Set & Match (FSM) and one of the sector’s longest-standing creative leaders.
Schweikert, who helped define the look, craft and ambition of Australian post for more than three decades, passed away this week after a year-long battle with cancer.
Schweikert launched FSM in 1984 alongside Steve Dunn, establishing a studio that would go on to become one of the country’s most respected creative powerhouses.
Together they built a culture grounded in technical precision, creative risk-taking and the kind of end-to-end craft that helped shape the modern post-production landscape.
A legacy built across 32 years
Schweikert led FSM from its founding through to 2016, overseeing its expansion into a full-service operation spanning colour, VFX, design, finishing and 3D.
At its peak, FSM employed around 65 staff and delivered standout work across automotive, broadcast, brand campaigns, documentaries and feature films.
He also invested heavily in the broader industry, supporting professional bodies and mentoring up-and-coming talent.
After 32 years, Schweikert retired from FSM in 2016, selling his share to Dunn and closing one of the most enduring creative partnerships in the sector.
FSM’s foundation, built under their joint stewardship, has now held for more than 41 years.
In a heartfelt message posted to Facebook, Dunn honoured both their partnership and Schweikert’s character:
“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.”
Schweikert leaves behind a towering legacy: a studio that became synonymous with excellence, an industry shaped by his standards and mentorship, and a generation of practitioners who built their craft under his influence.