Digital Cinema Report - Production and Post Production Articles

Eight Dalsa Origin 4K Cameras Used on Quantum Solace

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:57:15 -0400

The newest installment in the James Bond series, Quantum of Solace starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, will feature a complex visual effects shot captured with eight Dalsa 4K Origin cameras.

Aria, Full Circle, Axis3D Collaborate on The Mortician 3D

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:50:57 -0400

London-based production companies, Aria Films and Full Circle Films are in the early discussions post-production facility Axis3D to produce what is expected to be one of the first UK feature films to

CinePostproduction Installs BrightDrive Recording System

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:58:35 -0400

CinePostproduction has installed a BrightDrive Pro4 media recording system at its branch, Bavaria Bild and Ton.

Production Equipment Rental Association Names Johnston Executive Director

Tue, 13 May 2008 14:02:29 -0400

The Production Equipment Rental Association has named John Johnston executive director. PERA president, Pat Patin, co-owner and vice president of Texcam Inc., based in Houston, Texas, made the annou

Avid Introduces Next-Generation RAID Solutions

Wed, 14 May 2008 04:33:38 -0400

Avid Technology has announced the next-generation of its high-performance storage disk arrays: Avid VideoRAID ST and Avid VideoRAID SR.

Band Pro East Office Opens in New York City’s Chelsea Neighborhood

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:02:56 -0400

Band Pro Film & Digital has opened Band Pro East, a new branch office dedicated to servicing the needs of production industry professionals in the Northeast, Southeast and eastern states.

Technicolor Adds Four 2K Processors for HD Encoding Work

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:30:35 -0400

Los Angeles-based Technicolor Creative Services has purchased four Digital Vision DVNR 2K image processing systems for use in high-definition DVD compression and authoring work.

Dart Upgrades Digital Intermediates Capabilities

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:01:07 -0400

Central American production company and post facility Dart has selected SpeedGrade XR to drive their digital intermediates finishing pipeline.

Okada Named to Third Term as ASC President

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:11:24 -0400

Daryn Okada has been chosen by to serve a third one-year term as president of the American Society of Cinematographers. The other officers are vice presidents Michael Goi, Owen Roizman, and Richard Crudo; treasurer Victor J. Kemper; secretary Isidore Mankofsky; and sergeant at arms John Hora.

Indigo Son, Vital Distraction in production on Seven Masters

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:13:33 -0400

Indigo Son Productions has started production on the full-length animated film Seven Masters. This film will be the first in a series Indigo Son will produce in a partnership with Vital Distraction, provider of 3D graphics for film, television and music videos. Distribution rights were secured by Universal /Vivendi and release is anticipated in Q2, 2010.

Jock Animation Uses Sledgehammer on Animated Feature

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:19:33 -0400

Johannesburg, South Africa-based Jock Animation selected a Sledgehammer network attached storage system to support their work on a full-length animated feature film currently in production.

EUE Planning “Dream Stage” in Wilmington, North Carolina

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:28:14 -0400

EUE Screen Gems Studios, home of the largest studio lot east of California, is building the largest film and television production

IndiePix, Nelson Madison Films Release Skid Row

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:38:16 -0400

IndiePix, the Internet-based distributor of independent films, has announced a partnership with Nelson Madison Films’ distribution arm, Indie Rights, Inc. The partnership coincides with the launch of the new ‘Activist’ and ‘Educational’ Editions of Skid Row – a no-holds-barred documentary featuring Pras Michael from the Fugees, as he takes to the streets of downtown Los Angeles for nine days, with no money or food.

PERA Opens National Office in New York

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:39:34 -0400

The Production Equipment Rental Association has opened a new national office in Manhattan at 101 West 31st Street.

Digital Vision to Support Red

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:04:38 -0400

Digital Vision has announced that all its software systems will now support footage captured with Red One cameras.

Kodak Scholarship Winners Names at Conference

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:06:37 -0400

Recipients of the 2008 Eastman Scholarship and Kodak Faculty Scholars Programs were announced last month during the 62nd Annual University Film and Video Association Conference at Colorado College.

Big Sky Documentary Film Fest Deadline Approaches

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:12:55 -0400

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West, is seeking submissions for its sixth annual event to be held February 13-22.

Digital Domain to Install Tactic

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:14:34 -0400

Digital Domain says it will integrate the Tactic digital asset management system from Southpaw Technology into its digital production workflow. The company plans to use it on upcoming feature film, commercial and game projects.

Zacuto Opens Professional Video Sales Showroom in Chicago

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:16:01 -0400

Zacuto has opened a professional video sales showroom in River North, Chicago. The company says it is now the only full service showroom in Chicago selling professional video camera setups.

Aardman Animations Buys Third Sledgehammer HD!O File Server

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:20:33 -0400

Aardman Animations has taken delivery of its third Maximum Throughput Sledgehammer HD!O file server and real-time, multi-format video device.

Atlantik Film Migrates to Tapeless Workflow

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:23:30 -0400

Atlantik Film, a Hamburg-based branch of CinePostproduction, has migrated to a tapeless workflow.

Band Pro Announces Lease-to-Own Program

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:26:26 -0400

Band Pro has announced a special Lease-to-Own program for select Sony equipment and Zeiss DigiPrime and DigiZoom lenses purchased from Band Pro.

Schneider Introduces Lens Accessories for Sony HVR-Z7U

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:32:45 -0400

Schneider Optics has introduced a full array of professional Century HD lens accessories to complement Sony's HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270OU camcorders.

Projectiondesign introduces the cineo32 Production Specific DLP Projector

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:50:50 -0400

Norwegian projector manufacturer projectiondesign previewed the first prototype of their cineo32 production specific projector to over 40 of London’s post-production and production community last month in Soho London.

Vitec Group to Acquire Litepanels

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:55:59 -0400

Sand Creek Massacre Documentary to be Featured in Native American Festival

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:00:11 -0400

The Film and Video Center of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian requested that the award-winning The Sand Creek Massacre documentary film be entered in its 14th Native American Film + Video Festival to be held in New York City March 26 - 29, 2009.

Omnimago Chooses DVS Technology for Storage System Reorganization

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:32:47 -0400

Ingelheim, Germany-based A/V post-production provider Omnimago has purchased a DVS-SAN from DVS.

ASC Dedicates 2009 Heritage Award to Memory of Bud Stone

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:36:27 -0400

The American Society of Cinematographers dedicated the 2009 Heritage Award to the memory of Burton “Bud” Stone, who was president of Deluxe Laboratories for 18 years.

HTV illuminate Lights Up Color Pipeline With Film Master

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:38:35 -0400

HTV illuminate has purchased two Digital Vision Film Master color grading systems. The Film Masters will become an integral part of an expanded workflow and service offering at the Hollywood post-production facility, well-known for digital cinema packaging, digital intermediate, mastering, restoration and standards conversion for film and television.

Rogue Element Films, Band Pro Munich Demo Sony F35 at Pinewood

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:51:32 -0400

Rogue Element Films and Band Pro Munich are hosting an all-day demo October 9th of the Sony F35 camera and related technologies at Pinewood Studios in London.

Jack Green to Receive ASC Lifetime Achievement Award

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:51:10 -0400

Jack Green will receive the American Society of Cinematographers 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd Annual ASC Outstanding Achievement Awards celebration in February.

EUE Screen Gems Building New North Carolina Production Stage

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:52:06 -0400

EUE Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina has broken ground on the third largest indoor production stage in the United States.

Introduction to the Motion Picture Industry

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:31:14 -0400

Read an Exclusive Excerpt from the new Book

By John W. Cones

Doorpost Film Project Awards $100,000 to Filmmaker John Gray

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:23:53 -0400

The Doorpost Film Project announced that filmmaker John Gray won the $100,000 grand prize for his dramatic short film Before I Wake, which explores one man’s confrontation and eventual emotional release from the haunting, paralyzing effects of familial sexual abuse in his past.

Hollywood Post Alliance Announces Award Nominees

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:26:42 -0400

Nominations were announced by the Hollywood Post Alliance for the Third Annual HPA Awards. Winners of the prestigious HPA Award will be announced on November 6 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California.

IFTA Board Gains Four Industry Leaders

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:29:46 -0400

The Independent Film & Television Alliance announced the results of its board of directors election in which four industry leaders will join the global trade organization’s executive committee. The announcement was made by Jean Prewitt, president and chief executive officer of IFTA.

16x9 Introduces Converter for Sony PMW-EX1/EX3

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:17:02 -0400

16x9 has introduced the EX 0.75 Aspheric Wide Converter – the first wide converter to bring the benefits of aspheric technology to DV and HDV cameras, The optical solution for getting wider angle images from Sony’s popular new PMW-EX1 and EX3 camcorders, the EX 0.75X provides a 25 percent greater angle of view while maintaining full zoom capability.

Cinecolor Labs in Chile, Mexico Accepted in Kodak ImageCare Program

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:55:29 -0400

Cinecolor Chile and Cinecolor Mexico have successfully met Kodak ImageCare Program requirements for the camera negative processing aspects of their operations.

Cooke /i Technology Goes Live on Red One Cameras

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:04:31 -0400

Cooke Optics has announced that its /i Technology will be available on all Red One cameras.

Panavision to Rent Phantom HD Cameras

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:42:43 -0400

Panavision has announced an agreement with Abel Cine Tech and Vision Research for the acquisition of Phantom HD high-speed digital cameras. The contract means that the Phantom HD cameras and custom accessories will be available for rent in a complete system package with Panavision optics, including anamorphic lenses.

Mac Guff Upgrades Facility to Support 3D

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:51:23 -0400

Mac Guff, one of France’s largest digital visual effects design studios, is installing Exanet’s ExaStore Clustered NAS 2008 to ensure that its 3D animation, video effects and post-production processes are supported at the highest performance levels available.

DeckLink Cards Capture from Two Video Sources on Single MacPro

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:37:43 -0500

Blackmagic Design says its range of DeckLink cards are the only video-capture cards available to enable two Softron MovieRecorder applications running on a single MacPro workstation to simultaneously capture video from two different sources. Using a MacPro coupled with two DeckLink cards and two applications of Softron MovieRecorder enhances facilities’ ingest capabilities.

Arri Looks to Acquire Some Dalsa Digital Cinema Assets

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:24:23 -0500

Semiconductor and electronics company Dalsa is committed to eliminating the ongoing losses in the digital cinema division by the end of the year. The Waterloo, Ontario, Canada-based company has recently entered into a non-binding letter of intent, which includes a 30-day period of exclusive negotiations with Arri. Under the terms of the letter of intent, Arri would acquire certain existing assets of the Dalsa digital cinema division. In any event, Dalsa Digital Cinema and its Origin camera will almost certainly be history by the end of this year.

DVS, Arri Certify SpycerBox for ArriScan

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:34:01 -0500

DVS and Arri have announced the certification of SpycerBox as a high-performance storage solution for ArriScan, speeding up post-production workflows through the interaction between the two systems. Scanned footage can be transferred directly from ArriScan to the SpycerBox via InfiniBand, making it immediately available for further processing.

Petrol Unveils Its Raincover Weather Protection Tool

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:17:33 -0500

Petrol, a Vitec Group brand, has introduced the PRC-EX1 transparent Raincover, a weather protection device for Sony PMW-EX1 and HVR-Z7 cameras.   Petrol's one-piece design makes the Raincover easy to install, even while shooting. Constructed largely of clear polyurethane for maximum visibility, the PRC-EX1 offers quick access to all camera features and enables work with the flip out LCD screen fully open.

Zacuto Announces Four New Camera Mounts

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:29:34 -0500

Chicago-based production equipment maker Zacuto has announced four new mounts including the Zephyr, Zacuto's 15mm lightweight support plate; the ZRed, an EVF Red One Mount; the Zandy, a19mm to 15mm rod mount; and the Zgrip Zandy, an articulating handgrip.

Optimo Rouge has Alternative Rentals Customers Seeing Red

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:58:58 -0500

Alternative Rentals of Los Angeles, California has added the new PL-mount Optimo DP Rouge lenses, models DP 30-80 and the DP 16-42, from Thales Angenieux. “We are excited about adding the Optimo DP Rouge line to our current inventory of Angenieux Optimo and other zoom lenses,” says Cory Williams, president and CEO of Alternative Rentals. “The Optimo DP Rouge lenses have been optimized for the new generation of large format digital cinematography cameras. We believe these lenses will become a staple for future PL mount digital cameras and we are pleased to be the first rental house in the industry to carry them.”

LaserPacific Forms New Business Unit for Digital Mastering

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:08:56 -0500

LaserPacific Media Corporation has announced the formation of a new team and business unit to focus on digital motion picture mastering and re-mastering. With this expanded capability, LaserPacific CEO Brian Burr also announced the appointment of Ron Burdett as general manager of the mastering unit, and Lou Levinson as the supervising colorist - mastering, among others.

S3 Entertainment Group, Yessian Music/Dragon Licks Create Michigan Music Licensing

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:00:46 -0500

S3 Entertainment Group of Ferndale, Michigan has teamed up with Yessian Music/Dragon Licks, Detroit, to form Michigan Music Licensing. S3 managing partner Jeffrey Spilman and Yessian president Michael Yessian jointly made the announcement.  Michigan Music Licensing will provide clients with a one-stop solution to license, enhance, edit, mix or rearrange songs for feature film and television productions.

Schneider Introduces Century HD Lens Add-ons for Sony PMW-EX3

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:08:14 -0500

Schneider Optics has introduced a line of Century HD lens add-ons for Sony's new PMW-EX3 camcorder. These attachments are designed to expand the capabilities of the Fujinon 14x lens supplied with the camera. Operators can increase the field of view with no loss of ability to zoom, instantly shift the focal range to telephoto when needed, or enjoy the ultra wide angle of view and remarkable barrel distortion of the widest fisheye.

Zacuto Unveils Nine Panasonic HPX170 Kits for HD Camera Transformation

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:35:46 -0500

With the release of the P2 HD Panasonic HPX170, HD camera package maker Zacuto announces nine kits that transform cameras into a camera package for use with the camera or in conjunction with a depth of field adapter.

DigitalFilm Tree Wins HPA Judge’s Award for Creativity

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:26:48 -0500

DigitalFilm Tree has been recognized by the Hollywood Post Alliance with the Judge’s Award for Creativity and Innovation for the modern data-centric post network they created.

K-Tek Introduces the Klassic Traveler Kit

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:46:09 -0500

K-Tek has introduced the Klassic Traveler Kit. Created to meet the needs of the busy boom pole operator on the go, the new kit offers the K-Tek Klassic 6-Section graphite boom pole (K-87CC), K-Mount microphone suspension (K-MT), and a slip-on Fuzzy windscreen (Z-FSO) in a single, cost-effective package.

The Foundry Ships Ocula Stereoscopic Tool for Post-Production

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:51:37 -0500

The Foundry is now shipping Ocula – a collection of plug-in tools designed to solve common problems with stereoscopic imagery, boost productivity in post-production, and ultimately help to deliver a more rewarding stereoscopic viewing experience.  

Panasonic New 64GB P2 Solid-State Memory Card

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:55:38 -0500

Panasonic has announced the immediate availability of its new 64GB P2 solid-state memory card, providing expanded recording capacity for its line of P2 and P2 HD camcorders and workflow products.

TigerTiger Post Upgrades Digital Intermediate Capabilities

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:50:04 -0500

Malaysian post-production facility TigerTiger Post has purchased a BrightDrive media recording system for a new commercials workflow.

Centro to use Asia’s First DVS ProntoXway for 3D Projects

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:00:28 -0500

Hong Kong animation and visual effects studio Centro Digital Pictures has installed the Asia Pacific Region's first DVS ProntoXway. The post house is utilizing the multi-channel disk recorder for the implementation of 3D applications and high-resolution presentations.

The Great Camera Shootout

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:03:48 -0500

When DP Joe Stunzi came to Chicago to test all of the new HD cameras on the market against each other, he initially had hopes of making a short video using the new Canon 5D Mark II. However, Zacuto’s Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn and Scott Lynch decided that another 5D MKII fluff piece is not what was needed. "We needed to see the 5DMKII in relation to other cameras", says Weiss. So the Great Camera Shootout of '08 was born.

Kiki Chansamone and Jason Forest Create Finishing House Bully Bros. Post

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:52:01 -0500

Creative Director/Lead Effects Artist Kiki Chansamone and Executive Producer Jason Forest have opened Bully Bros. Post, a new full-service post and visual effects facility in Santa Monica, California.

Panasonic Broadcast Unveils New Scene Files for P2 HD

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:00:59 -0500

Panasonic Broadcast announced that it has developed a wide range of scene files for its line of P2 HD camcorders to expand users’ shooting capabilities.

S3 Entertainment Group Launches Michigan Film Finance

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:04:51 -0500

S3 Entertainment Group has announced the launch of Michigan Film Finance, a company to collaborate with producers and out-of-state lenders in financing films, maximizing the film production incentive tax credit and creating new jobs in Michigan.

American Society of Cinematographers Announces Achievement Nominees

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:21:39 -0500

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button photographed by Claudio Miranda; The Dark Knight shot by Wally Pfister, The Reader by Chris Menges, and Roger Deakins, Revolutionary Road by Deakins; and Slumdog Millionaire by Anthony Dod Mantle, are the finalists in the feature film category of the 23rd Annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Awards competition. Slumdog and Benjamin Button were both shot digitally.

Gamma & Density Releases a 3cP-Red Workflow

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:20:02 -0500

Gamma & Density has announced that it has created a new 3cP-Red workflow designed to increase the technical efficiency and creativity of all aspects of a cinematographer's work.

Apple Enhances Final Cut Pro’s PH Recording Mode

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:41:36 -0500

Panasonic has announced that Apple’s new Final Cut Pro version 6.0.5 software now incorporates support for the professional PH recording mode offered in its AG-HMC150 handheld AVCCam camcorder.

Camera Operator of the Year Nominees Named

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:18:25 -0500

Will Arnot, (Milk) Stephen Campanelli, (The Changeling) Robert Gorelick, (The Dark Knight) Kim Marks (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Martin Schaer (Eagle Eye) are the finalists in the feature film category of the Annual Society of Camera Operators Lifetime Achievement Awards Camera Operator of the Year competition. The recipient will be named during the awards celebration at the Leonard Goldenson Theater of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on February 21st.

Deluxe Digital London Chooses Atempo Time Navigator

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:37:15 -0500

Post house Deluxe Digital London has chosen the Atempo Time Navigator to move, manage and protect large digital movie post-production files across its tiered disk and tape-based storage infrastructure. Deluxe Digital London, whose work includes hit movies such as Quantum of Solace, Atonement, Happy Feet and Beowulf, was looking for an easier way to automatically identify large, individual movie files and move them to the most appropriate storage media for either backup, archive or production purposes.

Litepanels Introduces 1x1 Bi-Color LED Light

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:38:53 -0500

Litepanels has introduced the 1x1 Bi-Color LED light. According to the company, the new Litepanels 1x1 Bi-Color enables never-before possible utility by providing a single fixture capable of generating a color temperature of either 3200°K or 5600°K, or an infinite range of color temperatures in between.

The Red Priest Posts at Rumblefish

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:21:20 -0500

Rumblefish has announced that it is handling post-production for Vivaldi, the Red Priest, a Liana Marabini film. Rumblefish managing director Massimo Germoglio edited the film, which presents a rich new portrait of the famous and prolific Baroque composer from Venice.

TCS Gets Sony F35 CineAlta Camera

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:25:26 -0500

The New York based professional equipment company Technological Cinevideo Services has taken delivery of the new Sony F35 camera. The camera is already hard at work.

Cinemarr, Randall Dark Shoot HD Commercial for Ripley’s Aquarium

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:25:24 -0500

Cinemarr Entertainment tapped the services of HD pioneer Randall Dark for Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies first high definition commercial.The 30 second spot, a mixture of live action and animation, was shot in 1080i with the Sony HDCam and Canon HD zoom lens and will be onlined and offlined at Cinemarr Entertainment in Sevierville, Tennessee. TripAdvisor.com recently named Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies the number one aquarium in the United States.

MaXedit Server Now Shipping

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:52:52 -0500

Maximum Throughput has announced that its MaXedit Server Edition, which the company says is the first multi-user editing application, is now shipping.    

MTI Films Unveils Control Dailies DA at HPA

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:06:13 -0500

MTI Film offered a first-time technical demonstration of its new process for supporting digital acquisition through its award-winning dailies solution, Control Dailies.

SpectSoft Introduces 3D Live

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:03:16 -0500

SpectSoft has announced 3D Live, a new standalone stereoscopic 3D system that offers the ability to take two individual SDI streams in, mix them down and feed them out via DVI/HDMI or Display Port in real-time.

Digital FX Chooses BrightDrive Media Recording for Collaborative DI Workflow

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:38:56 -0500

Digital FX, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has installed a BrightDrive media recording system to provide the infrastructure for its data-centric digital intermediates workflow.

Liquid Pictures Introduces 3D System for Shooting Underwater

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:06:49 -0400

Liquid Pictures has announced what it says is the world's first camera system utilizing Red digital cinema cameras capable of shooting 4K 3D footage on land, underwater, and macro 3D.

SOC Names Robert Gorelick Camera Operator of the Year

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:06:28 -0400

The Society of Camera Operators has named Roberrt Gorelick (The Dark Knight) as Camera Operator of the Year. Upon receiving the award, Gorelick said, “This is the first award I've ever won, except for a bowling trophy.”

South Africa's Waterfront Studios Installs EditShare Workflow

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:14:24 -0400

Cape Town-based Waterfront Studios has deployed an EditShare 18TB storage system to facilitate production workflows across its various operational units.

Band Pro Offers Financial Services to Customers

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:45:22 -0400

Band Pro Film & Digital has announced a new customer-focused financing program. Now Band Pro can offer a number of customized financing options specifically designed for the needs of the broadcast and cinema production industries.

OConnor Updates the 2575 Fluid Head

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:16:25 -0400

OConnor has upgraded its workhorse Ultimate 2575 Fluid Head with the new D model. Improvements include ergonomic changes to controls and more pan-bar mounting points. The 2575D retains the counterbalance specifications and other characteristics that contributed to the popularity of its predecessor.  

New Petrol Ditty Bag Holds Accessories

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:23:55 -0400

Petrol has introduced the Ditty Bag, a lightweight carrier designed to keep essential tools and accessories well organized and close at hand during production. 

Colorfront Installs DVS Clipster for Digital Intermediates

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:22:48 -0400

Hungarian post-production facility Colorfront has integrated DVS’s Clipster digital intermediates workstation into its workflow.

Sachtler Introduces FSB4 Fluid Head

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:27:00 -0400

Sachtler has introduced the FSB4 fluid head. With a payload ranging from 0-8.8 lbs (0-4 kg), the FSB4 is ideal for users of HDV cameras.

Cine Gear Expo Moves to New Location

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:10:29 -0400

Cine Gear Expo 2009 is moving to a new location at the Paramount Pictures Studio Lot in Hollywood.

Mytherapy D-Cinelab Opens New London Facility

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:53:17 -0400

Mytherapy D-Cinelab has opened a new facility in London's West End.

The Memories of Angels Entered in Competition for Focal International Awards

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:57:01 -0400

The National Film Board of Canada has announced that The Memories of Angels, by Luc Bourdon, is part of the official competition for the 2009 FOCAL International Awards. The winners of this year’s awards, which are designed to promote the use of archive images in the creative media, will be announced during a ceremony held in London, England, on May 5.

Sachtler Introduces Cine 7+7 HD Fluid Head System

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:21:35 -0400

Sachtler has introduced the Cine 7+7 HD fluid head, a 100mm system that offers a host of cine-style features including a front pan bar.

West Post Digital Completes Work on Skiing Everest

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:47:16 -0400

West Post Digital has completed the finishing on a jointly produced film that turned 50 hours of DV and HDV footage captured by ski mountaineers over the last decade (1998—2008) into the full-length adventure feature Skiing Everest.

India’s 8mm Productions Installs Scratch-Red 4K Workflow

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:19:26 -0400

8mm Productions is a production and post-production company with its roots firmly grounded in the heart of Bollywood. Two years ago, 8mm ventured into, for it the then unknown world of digital 4K cinema. Today they have incorporated Assimilates Scratch digital system as the data pipeline that completes its 4K workflow.

All Mobile Video Offers EX3 Carrypack Portable Production System

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:30:40 -0400

New York City-based All Mobile Video recently built a new multi-camera tapeless EX3 Carrypack portable production system around Sony PMW-EX3 camcorders and Fujinon lenses. Three Fujinon XS13x3.3 wide-angle lenses were purchased specifically for the multi-camera unit.

IntoPix Opens North American Subsidiary in Virginia

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:46:23 -0400

IntoPix has opened a U.S. based subsidiary, IntoPix America headquartered in Virginia. The move signals the company’s intent to grow its business and support in the North American markets.

Kodak Unveils Latest Film Stock in Vision3 Family

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:48:54 -0400

Eastman Kodak Company has unveiled the latest product offering in its Vision3 technology platform: Kodak Vision3 250D color negative film 5207/7207 incorporates all of the advancements and imaging cha

ESTA and PERA Announce Merger Agreement

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:36:12 -0400

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association and the Production Equipment Rental Association have announced an agreement to merge, subject to final ratification.

German Film Lab 50th to be Certified by Kodak ImageCare Program

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:35:30 -0400

Kodak has announced that CinePostproduction Geyer Köln in Germany is the 50th lab to be certified in its global ImageCare quality program. According to program manager Diane Carroll-Yacoby, "We have kept the standards high and the qualification process rigorous. That's why participants take such pride when they qualify and their customers see the ImageCare Program symbol as a sign of quality."

Éclair Installs Three MaxT Sledgehammer Systems for Film Restoration

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:46:43 -0400

French digital post-production company Eclair Laboratoire has purchased and installed three MaxT Sledgehammer HD!O network attached storage systems at the heart of its film restoration facility.

Offhollywood Installs Clipster Red Systems in New York, Baton Rouge Facilities

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:58:13 -0400

New York post house Offhollywood has purchased the DVS Clipster with Red workflow DCI mastering acceleration hardware, which allows for a real-time Red 4K workflow. Offhollywood says it is the first facility on the East Coast to have the capability. A second Clipster system will be installed in the Offhollywood South/Digital FX facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Vilmos Zsigmond Named Kodak Cinematographer in Residence at UCLA

Wed, 13 May 2009 15:27:33 -0400

Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC has been named Kodak Cinematographer in Residence for the spring quarter at the University of California Los Angeles School of Theatre, Film and Television. Professor William McDonald inaugurated the mentorship program with the support of Kodak in 2000.

Groovy like a Movie

Thu, 14 May 2009 11:07:10 -0400

The San Diego production company Groovy like a Movie offers to provide you the best possible service for your video/movie production needs. Paid promotion.

Beloved Pictures to Produce Paul and Hale Script Nora

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:59:09 -0400

Beloved Pictures has just entered into a six-figure deal with Cinco Paul (Horton Hears a Who, College Road Trip, Santa Clause 2) and Jon Hale to begin pre-production on their screenplay entitled, Nora

Rome’s Cinecittà Digital Factory Upgrades Facility

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:03:24 -0400

Cinecittà Digital Factory of Rome worked with Hanover-based  DVS when it recently reorganized its facility and upgraded its post-production workflow.

Cineped to unveil 360-Degree Camera Support System at Cine Gear Expo

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:08:25 -0400

Cineped will unveil the final version of its panoramic 360-degree camera support system at this year’s Cine Gear Expo June 6 at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood.

NEHST Studios Acquires Production Rights to Matt Christopher Book Series

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:29:09 -0400

NEHST Studios has acquired production rights to the popular Matt Christopher sports book series. Meistrich plans to start by developing films based on the books, beginning with The Kid Who Only Hit Homers and The Basket Counts.  Nehst signed the rights agreement with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, which is home to the hugely popular book series Gossip Girl and Twilight.

National Film Board of Canada Installs Digital Vision Film Master

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:32:00 -0400

The National Film Board of Canada has installed a Digital Vision Film Master color grading and finishing system. The Film Master will become an integral part of the NFB’s tapeless workflow at their Montréal headquarters and an important acquisition in its ongoing transition to digital.

Pomfort SilverStack Now Supports the ArriRaw Format

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:35:02 -0400

Pomfort SilverStack v1.5 has added support for the ArriRaw format from D-21 Arri digital film cameras to their production-proof application suite.

Rogue Element Films to open Digital Cinematography Facility at Elstree Studios

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:37:45 -0400

Independent rental house Rogue Element Films is to open a new digital cinematography facility at Elstree Studios on the outskirts of central London.

Marmaduke Dailies linked between London and LA

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:30:24 -0400

Cinesite has been awarded a major visual effects contract for the Twentieth Century Fox production Marmaduke, based on the 1954 newspaper comic strip created and illustrated by Brad Anderson. The film is scheduled for release in 2012.

Filmworkers Club Upgrades Two Facilities with Da Vinci Systems

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:55:50 -0400

Chicago-based Filmworkers Club has upgraded two of its facilities with three da Vinci Splice post-production systems, which enable the facilities' existing da Vinci 2K Plus systems to be used for non-linear, in-context color grading.

IFC Installs Spirit 4K Datacine and Bones System

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:51:22 -0400

The IVC Digital Film Center in Los Angeles has expanded its 2K / 4K film scanning, remastering, and archival services with the new Spirit 4K DataCine and Bones system from Digital Film Technology of Germany. IVC has digital intermediate, digital cinema and HD mastering facilities and has been providing the mainstream and independent film and commercial industry with services for more than 20 years.

Panavision and Louma Introduce new Camera Movement System

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:51:33 -0400

Panavision Remote Systems and Loumasystems have introduced the Louma 2, a new-generation camera movement system built on an open-architecture platform, to the U.S. The new system expands Louma's telescopic crane technology with the introduction of an open-architecture programmable software platform, ShotAssist, that enables cinematographers to plan intricate multi-axis shots, and execute them with less rehearsal and fewer takes than any other camera system.

Arriflex Introduces ArriLaser 2 Film Recorder

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:32:48 -0400

Arriflex has introduced the ArriLaser 2, what the company is calling the next generation of a film recorder that has established itself as an integral component of digital intermediates workflows all over the world.

Da Vinci Resolve now has added Support for Red and 3D Files

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:43:37 -0400

Da Vinci Systems has announced that its Resolve v.6.2 software for R-series color grading systems for the first time enables Resolve to color grade native digital motion picture files — including debayered Red RAW files — and to grade between two remote systems. Available worldwide, new features in Resolve 6.2 also include enhanced support for 3D color grading projects.

Independent Film Gala to Honor Tower Productions

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:45:58 -0400

IFP/Chicago will be honoring Towers Productions at this year’s 2009 Independent Film Gala on September 25th. Towers Productions was chosen as the Honoree for the 2009 Independent Film Gala in celebration of their 20th Anniversary and dedication to production in the Midwest.  

Production Begins on Oka! Amerikee

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:11:23 -0400

Roland Films and James Bruce Productions are proud to announce Oka! Amerikee, a bittersweet comedy based on the unlikely friendship between an American ethnomusicologist and the Bayaka people of the Central African Republic. The film stars Kris Marshall, Isaach Bankole and natives to the areas: Bayaka and Bantu.

Q Black Media Acquires the Rights To Janet Fitch’s novel Paint it Black

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:14:55 -0400

Q Black Entertainment has acquired the rights to Janet Fitch’s Paint it Black. Chris Luu, Joe Q. Bretz and David Blackford”s company, who bested multiple suitors for the rights, will produce along with Coup d’ Etat Films and Deviant Films.

Wider Angles for Canon & Panasonic Cameras with new Century Add-on Lenses

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:46:57 -0400

Schneider Optics has introduced a new line of Century Pro Series HD lens accessories to complement and enhance the performance of 43mm front lens thread camcorders.

CineDDR said to be Available on August 1

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:49:37 -0400

CineForm and Drastic Technologies are releasing the CineDDR, which the companies say delivers an accelerated workflow by creating media files that are immediately usable in post production – a significant development over tape workflows whose recording formats are not widely supported in post-production. The CineDDR made its debut at NAB 2009.

Intel-A-Jib Provides Key Support for Fred & Vinnie Shoot

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:31:55 -0400

Matthews Studio Equipment’s Intel-a-Jib provided key support for the Steve Skovan (writer/executive producer Everybody Loves Raymond) directed independent feature Fred and Vinnie. When cinematographer Jason Tomaric and key grip Thomas Hunt began prepping for the short 18-day shoot, they knew they needed equipment that would help them move fast and capture multiple moves at the same time.

Otto Nemenz Takes Delivery of Ten Sony F35 Cameras

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:04:03 -0400

Band Pro has announced that renowned rental house Otto Nemenz International has taken delivery of ten new Sony F35 cameras.

Post Logic Studios Restores Scientific Films for the National Archive

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:10:49 -0400

Post-production facility Post Logic Studios, a division of Prime Focus Group, is completing restoration of more than 80 scientific micro-cinematography short films developed by world-renowned academics and funded by the National Science Foundation.

Cineworks in Miami First U.S. Film Lab Certified by Kodak

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:09:42 -0400

Cineworks Digital Studios in Miami, Florida, has become the first U.S. laboratory – and the 51st worldwide – to successfully complete Kodak ImageCare Program certification.

New SeaSun Underwater Housings for Litepanels

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:13:03 -0400

Litepanels has teamed with Hollywood-based underwater motion picture specialist HydroFlex to develop a family of next generation underwater lighting fixtures, the Litepanels SeaSun Underwater housing series.

My Eye Media adds Sohonet Network

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:15:25 -0400

My Eye Media has chosen Sohonet as its dedicated, ultra-high-speed global media network.

Offhollywood Opens First Authorized Red Rental House on the East Coast

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:16:58 -0400

Offhollywood has opened the first authorized Red Digital Cinema camera rental and service facility on the East Coast.

Scenewise Launches Version 2.0 of Educationally Enhanced Film

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:23:53 -0400

Scenewise has launched version 2.0 of its proprietary educationally enhanced Film format ee Film has officially launched version 2.0, which the company says enables documentary filmmakers to convert their passion into revenue. 

Deep Explorers Document the Graveyard of the Atlantic

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:32:28 -0400

This summer, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of the Marine Sanctuaries and Rutgers University Institute of Marine and Coastal Science, Deep Explorers documented the wreck of the USS Monitor, a U.S. Navy warship that has been resting 230 feet down on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean for more than 150 years. The company produced a series of video segments, entitled Graveyard of the Atlantic, which were posted on the NOAA website during the expedition.

Mr. X Delivers Visual Effects for Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:45:33 -0400

Toronto post house Mr. X created visual effects for director Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock, which opened in theatres last month. Based on Elliot Tiber’s autobiographical book, the film is a coming-of-age story set in the social upheaval of 1969.

OConnor Introduces 120EXe Fluid Head

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:53:42 -0400

OConnor Engineering has introduced the 120EXe Encoded Heavy Duty Fluid Head, designed to provide high-precision pan and tilt position information for cinema quality visual effects production on feature films and commercials. The new 120EXe is being premiered by Mo-Sys in conjunction with Mo-Sys’ latest camera motion capture system.

Alabama’s Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival Runs September 25-27

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:03:51 -0400

The 11th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, sponsored by the Alabama Moving Image Association is being held September 25-27 in downtown Birmingham.

Digital Jungle Offers Enhanced 2K Telecine System

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:13:31 -0400

Digital Jungle is now offering enhanced 2K telecine transfer services. Dave Walker, the facility’s new chief engineer enhanced the capabilities of the Cineglyph telecine specifically for Digital Jungle. He is also the creator of the system, which is used worldwide in motion picture post-production.

Final Deadline to enter the 2010 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:48:57 -0400

October 20th is the final deadline for submitting entries to the 2010 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, which will be held February 12-21, 2010.

Blackmagic Design Acquires DaVinci Systems

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:53:38 -0400

Blackmagic Design has announced the purchase of all assets of DaVinci Systems. This purchase means Blackmagic Design will now offer DaVinci Resolve DI color correction systems and DaVinci Revival film restoration products for sale worldwide.

Hollywood Post Alliance Announces Engineering Excellence Award Winners

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:36:01 -0400

The Hollywood Post Alliance has announced that three groundbreaking technologies have been honored to receive the organization’s respected Engineering Excellence Award. The recipients were chosen following a lively and well-attended presentation and judging session late last month at LaserPacific Digital Theatre in Hollywood.

Offhollywood Bases Expansion on Red and Scratch Post 4K Workflows

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:52:28 -0400

After relocating their operations to a new state-of-the-art studio in SoHo during summer 2008, Offhollywood is expanding again, adding a full new floor as a totally dedicated Red camera rental and service facility – the first such Red-authorized facility in the United States.

Element Technica Introduces a Series of 3D Production Tools

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:59:15 -0400

Element Technica announces the new Technica 3D Series, which brings a new level of precision, speed and simplification to stereoscopic 3D motion picture production.

Marek Poray-Heywowski Shoots The Interrogation of Harry Wind

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:40:05 -0400

Filmmaker Marek Poray-Heywowski recently traveled to Switzerland to shoot The Interrogation of Harry Wind for Sunvision Filmatelier. The spy thriller recently wrapped principal photography and is scheduled for release in early 2010.

Kodak Certifies Laboratorios Gama SAI in Santiago, Chile

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:17:45 -0400

Kodak has announced that Laboratorios Gama SAI in Santiago, Chile has successfully completed all requirements for Kodak ImageCare Program certification.

Anschutz Film Group/Walden Media Installs Nucoda HD System

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:20:00 -0400

Hollywood’s Anschutz Film Group/Walden Media has taken delivery of Digital Vision’s Nucoda HD system. Digital Vision has worked closely with Walden to create a streamlined color pipeline from dailies to final delivery for their international productions. The two grading and one conform systems for Walden form the cornerstone of a production and post-production workflow on The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which is one of the industry’s first 100-percent digitally acquired, file-based feature projects.

Sachtler Introduces the Artemis EFP HD SE Camera Stabilizing System

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:34:57 -0400

Sachtler has introduced the artemis EFP HD SE camera stabilizing system, designed to work with the Red One camera. The EFP HD SE was designed and engineered in Germany, following the same philosophy as the entire artemis stabilizing line.

ASC Dedicates 2010 Heritage Award to Memory of Richard Moore

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:14:21 -0400

The American Society of Cinematographers has dedicated the 2010 Heritage Award for outstanding achievement in a student film to the memory of Richard Moore.

IFP/Chicago Third Annual Independent Film Gala a Sold Out Success

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:04:20 -0400

IFP/Chicago held its third Annual Independent Film Gala September 25th at the WIT Hotel in Chicago. It was the most successful gala yet, proving the third time is a charm.

DFT and Cinevation Form Strategic Partnership

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:55:58 -0400

Digital Film Technology and Cinevation have announced that they have formed a strategic partnership.

Zacuto USA Releases New Version of DSLR Optical Viewfinder

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:10:06 -0400

Embracing the wave of the growing popularity of DSLR cameras, Zacuto has introduced the Z-Finder V2, an optical viewfinder that allows DSLR cameras to have the correct form factor for video.

Thirtieth American Film Market to be held November 4-11 in Santa Monica

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:48:40 -0400

The 30th American Film Market, which is being held November 4-11 in San Monica, California, will screen 445 motion pictures in 27 languages, including 73 world premieres and 311 market premieres, to an expected 8,000-plus film buyers and industry professionals from more than 70 countries.

Clearwater Productions of Johannesburg Acquires a Red Camera

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:53:06 -0400

Clearwater Productions of Johannesburg South Africa has taken delivery of the first of two Red One 4K digital cinema cameras.

Fix to Premiere at Village East in New York City

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:15:20 -0400

Director Tao Ruspoli’s award-winning independent feature film Fix will be premiering November 20th at The Village East Theatre in New York City.

Nominees Announced for the Fourth Annual HPA Awards

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:34:36 -0400

Recognizing the abilities of the talented men and women behind the scenes who play a vital part in the creation of motion pictures, commercials and television, nominations have been announced by the Hollywood Post Alliance for the Fourth Annual HPA Awards. Winners of the prestigious HPA Award will be announced during a gala evening ceremony on November 12th at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. The awards, launched in 2006, acknowledge creative and technical excellence in the art, science and craft of post-production in twelve categories.

Wake the Witch Releases on the Internet

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:44:53 -0400

In yet another example of the ways in which independent filmmakers are releasing their projects Unfiltered Entertainment last month announced that its movie Wake the Witch would be distributed through Amazon.com and FilmBaby.com this.

Advanced Digital Services Upgrades its 4K Capabilities

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:27:39 -0500

Advanced Digital Services has upgraded its digital intermediate capabilities to diversify the post-production services currently offered by the company.

OConnor Supports To The Arctic 3D for MacGillivray Freeman Films

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:41:26 -0500

MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation, Campion Foundation, the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Oceana have joined forces to document the changes occurring in the Arctic.

Caleb Deschanel to Receive ASC Lifetime Achievement Award

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:43:58 -0500

Caleb Deschanel will receive the American Society of Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award.

iO Film Upgrades Color Management Services for Astro Boy

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:31:55 -0500

iO Film completed a wide range of services and deliveries for the Summit Entertainment release of Imagi Studios’ Astro Boy.

Prime Focus Launches 2D-to-3D Conversion Process View-D

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:54:14 -0500

Prime Focus has introduced View-D, which it says is a proprietary 2D-to-3D conversion process that allows filmmakers to create stereoscopic 3D movies from source material shot on virtually any medium.

Band Pro Hosts 25th Anniversary One World on HD

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:20:50 -0500

This December Band Pro Film and Digital opens its doors to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a must-see One World on HD open house and new digital seminar series.   

Cooke Optics and /i Technology Work on System to Cut Production Time

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:53:54 -0500

Cooke Optics is working with The Foundry to incorporate /i Technology into its compositing application Nuke.

Kitzinger Wins Best Director Award at La Femme Film Festival

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:24:52 -0500

Hope for a Thorn, a microbudget digital feature film written and directed by Erin Kitzinger, won the Best Director prize following its world premiere at LA Femme Film Festival in October.

Petrol Introduces Rain Cover for the Red One

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:23:55 -0500

Petrol has introduced the Petrol PRC-Red-1 rain cover especially designed to provide environmental protection for a fully equipped Red One camera.

Fujinon Introduces New PL Mount Zoom Lens

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:47:28 -0500

Fujinon has introduced the new 75-400mm T2.8-T3.9 PL mount zoom lens. It has the model number HK5.3x75 and is the second lens in the series.

Otto Nemenz Acquires Fujinon Zoom Lenses

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:19:55 -0500

Los Angeles rental company Otto Nemenz International has updated its lens inventory to include new 18-85mm T2.0 zoom lenses from Fujinon, with additional lens purchases on the horizon. It is the first facility in North America to offer Fujinon PL lenses for rental.

Petrol Introduces Camera Bag for the Red One

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:30:53 -0500

Petrol has introduced the Petrol Red Bag PRB-15, a camera carrier specifically designed to transport and protect the Red One digital camera. The Red Bag’s dual directional upside down zippers open smoothly for quick and easy access to the interior. Inside, a removable upper tray with detachable dividers provides a place to stash the Red One’s essential accessories.

Quick Film Budget Launches Website

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:13:25 -0500

Quick Film Budget launched its website, which is designed to enable writers, directors, producers and filmmakers to create professional customized film budgets for their scripts and projects by themselves.

The Warrior Makes Use of the MAX Menace

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:33:15 -0500

Principal photography has just finished on the 2010 Lionsgate release Warrior, starring Nick Nolte. The production made extensive use of MSE’s monster light mover MAX Menace. One of the key sequences took place inside a Pittsburg hotel room.

Sol Negrin to Receive ASC Presidents Award

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:43:37 -0500

Sol Negrin will receive the Presidents Award from the American Society of Cinematographers during the 24th Annual ASC Outstanding Achievement Awards.

Band Pro Introduces “Mystery Prime” Lenses

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:46:01 -0500

At the One World on HD event, Band Pro Film and Digital introduced a new brand of ultra-high performance PL mount prime lenses, designed to deliver optical performance for true 4K imaging and beyond. After three years of design and prototyping, the new T1.4 lenses, still code named “Mystery Primes” within Band Pro, are fully developed and three focal lengths were demonstrated on the F35 camera at the event last month.

Blue Ocean Film Festival moves to the Monterey Peninsula

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:48:35 -0500

The Blue Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit will relocate its global ocean-focused event to the Monterey Peninsula beginning in 2010. The initial Monterey festival – with the aquarium as the presenting sponsor – is planned for August 25-29. Blue’s international film competition call for submissions will open in mid-January and film festival passes for the inaugural Monterey event will go on sale in late February.

Geoff Boyle Chooses Mantis for Wallander

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:08:48 -0500

Cinematographer Geoffrey Boyle recently finished another installment in the Swedish-language film series based on Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell’s fictional character Kurt Wallander. The ongoing series Wallander airs on Swedish and Nordic television channels, then moves to the BBC and is released on DVD. Boyle credits Element Technica’s Mantis camera support for expediting shooting of the last two episodes.

Filament Wraps the Music Voyager

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:28:34 -0500

JVC Unveils 2D-3D Stereoscopic Image Processor

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:55:43 -0500

JVC Professional Products has introduced the IF-2D3D1 Stereoscopic Image Processor, which works as a 2D-to-3D converter and as a 3D L/R mixer for video content producers.

Panasonic Unveils Integrated 3D Camcorder

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:12:49 -0500

Panasonic has unveiled what it says is the world’s first professional, fully integrated full HD 3D camcorder. The company showed engineering samples of the camera at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month. Panasonic says it will begin taking orders in April and will ship cameras in the fall.

ASC Names Nominees for Outstanding Achievement

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:33:16 -0500

The finalists in the feature film category of the 24th Annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Awards competition are Barry Ackroyd for The Hurt Locker, Dion Beebe for Nine, Christian Berger for The White Ribbon, Mauro Fiore for Avatar and Robert Richardson for Inglorious Basterds. The winner will be announced during the ASC Awards celebration at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Hollywood on February 27.

BSAT Labs Hires Indian VFX Facility Chennai

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:45:24 -0500

The 2D to 3D conversion company BSAT Labs has hired Indian VFX facility Chennai.

Fuze Box Launches Fuze Movie

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:29:00 -0500

Fuze Box has launched Fuze Movie, a real-time collaborative media review and approval system created specifically that uses Skype to help editors, VFX artists and digital media designers faced with the challenges of collaborating with numerous remote, and often widely distributed colleagues and clients.

De Leon Shoots Ebb and Flow

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:56:28 -0500

Filmmaker Marcus De Leon recently finished shooting Ebb and Flow a 90-minute documentary about heavy metal band Misery Signals and its 2009 worldwide concert tour.  

OConnor Debuts New Cine-Style Follow-Focus System

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:14:28 -0500

OConnor has introduced a completely modular cine-style follow-focus system.

Arri CSC Adds Weisscam to Inventory

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:05:42 -0500

Equipment rental house Arri CSC, the largest full service equipment rental group in the United States, has enhanced its range of digital cameras.

Band Pro Debuts Range of 3D Production Equipment

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:13:41 -0500

One primary concern for today's stereographers is the size of the cameras. Bigger cameras require bigger 3D rigs and limit mobility. When a handheld or Steadicam shot is necessary, the smaller the cameras, the better. Band Pro recently debuted one of Sony's newest cameras, the HDC-P1.

Independent Films Top Oscar Nominations Again

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:11:42 -0500

Independently financed films surpassed those from the major studios in this year’s Academy Awards nominations among all categories, as well as in the top categories of Best Picture, Director, Actor/Actress and Supporting Actor/Actress, according to figures released from the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Pictorvision Moves to Larger Offices

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:26:38 -0500

Aerial camera systems manufacturer Pictorvision moved to a larger location in Van Nuys, California this month.

Maibaum Gears Up for Sons of Anarchy

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:55:54 -0500

With the new season of Sons of Anarchy fast approaching, cinematographer Paul Maibaum is starting to gear up for another round of the hit FX Network series.

AMWA Approves AAF Effects Protocol AS-05

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:27:18 -0500

The Advanced Media Workflow Association has formally approved the Advanced Authoring Format Effects Protocol, AS-05.   The AAF Effects Protocol allows greater interoperability between video post-production systems by defining a set of new effects beyond those in the AAF Edit Protocol, AS-01.

Anaheim International Film Festival to Debut in October

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:38:47 -0500

The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival will debut this October, marking the addition of a world-class cultural event to Orange County and the international film festival circuit.

Digital Vision and CineForm Partner on New Software for SI-2K Camera

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:11:22 -0500

Digital Vision has partnered with CineForm as a key element of its forthcoming Nucoda 2009.1 release.

Mytherapy Streamlines Digital Cinema, 3D Mastering Workflows

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:58:26 -0500

Central London post facility Mytherapy D-Cinelab has appointed David Wilson to head up its digital cinema mastering department.

Omnibus Press Announces Independent Film Producer’s Survival Guide

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:07:35 -0500

Omnibus Press has published The Independent Film Producer’s Survival Guide: A Business And Legal Sourcebook third edition by Gunnar Erickson, Mark Halloran and Harris Tulchin.

Crawford Purchases Baselight HD Color Grading System from FilmLight

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:04:47 -0500

Crawford Media Services has purchased a Baselight HD color grading system from FilmLight and plans to make it a central component of a new facility that it is constructing for its Crawford Post Production division.

Grass Valley Names Cut and Win Contest Winner

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:27:06 -0500

Grass Valley has announced the winner of its highly Cut And Win contest, in which editors using Edius real-time editing software were tasked with producing a commercial on the features and capabilities of Edius to compete for a chance to win thousands of dollars’ worth of production gear. 

Matthews Ships Gear to Raleigh Studios in Budapest

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:45:55 -0500

Matthews Studio Equipment has shipped multiple quantities of over 465 different items of grip and lighting control products to Origo/Raleigh Studios and Hollywood Rental, Budapest. The company estimated the value of the shipment to be in the high six-figure range.

MTI Film Buys Two Nucoda Film Master Systems

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:48:01 -0500

MTI Film has purchased two Nucoda Film Master systems from Digital Vision as part of their expanding end-to-end workflow in their new Hollywood facility. The initial order puts two Nucoda Film Masters in place as a key component in their color grading for restoration service offerings.

S.two Ships New FlashDock Transfer Station

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:12:44 -0500

S.two has introduced FlashDock, a portable editorial ingest and archival station for FlashMag solid-state magazines from OB-1, S.two’s on-board digital film recorder. The self-contained uncompressed recorder for HD, HD4:4:4 and raw production, OB-1 weighs less than seven pounds and draws less than 20W of power, is powered directly from the camera, fully solid state and completely silent in operation.

Gen Art Film Festival Celebrates 15th Year

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:01:04 -0400

The 15th Anniversary of the Gen Art Film Festival presented by Acura kicks off on April 7th at New York’s historic Ziegfeld Theatre. Opening the festival will be Josh Radnor’s writing/directing debut happythankyoumoreplease, which was shot in New York and won the prestigious Sundance Audience Award.

Kodak Releases Film Calculator

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:26:52 -0400

Kodak has released the Kodak Film Calculator and Glossary application, the first of several Kodak cinema tools to be released as a free download from the iTunes App Store.

Production Wraps on Mid-Life Gangsta

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:32:09 -0400

Cinematographer Frederic Goodich recently completed principal photography on the feature film, Mid-Life Gangsta. Revolving around a recovering addict’s search through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles to avenge his father’s death, Mid-Life Gangsta was going for a gritty, natural look.

Oriental Post in Bangkok Upgrades its Facility

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:44:01 -0400

Bangkok post house Oriental Post has added technology from DVS to offer an even broader array of services to its customers including a Clipster and a SpycerBox SAN.

Writer-Director Emilio Portes Wins Kodak Grant

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:14:34 -0400

Writer-director Emilio Portes has received a product grant from Kodak for his Spanish-language film Pastorela (A Christmas Play) as part of the Guadalajara Film Festival's Construye 4 (Guadalajara Constructs).

Koerner Camera Buys a Fujinon PL Series 18-85mm/T2.0 Zoom Lens

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:18:58 -0400

Film and digital rental house Koerner Camera Systems, which has locations in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington has purchased a Fujinon PL Series 18-85mm/T2.0 zoom lens.

Australian Authoring House Motionlink Diversifies into the DCI Market

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:20:19 -0400

When the Australian company Motionlink expanded into the business of distributing Digital Cinema Packages for cinema in 2010, they were faced with the challenges of DCP packaging and DCPs workflows – specifically speed and performance.

Harishchandrachi Factory to Open Phuket Film Festival

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:47:38 -0400

The opening film for the second Phuket Film Festival will be the Asian premiere of Indian director Paresh Mokashi's debut film, Harishchandrachi Factory. Mokashi will attend.

Element Technica Delivers 50th Quasar 3D Rig

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:12:05 -0400

Element Technica, designer and manufacturer of 3D rigs, has delivered its 50th Quasar 3D rig. The Technica 3D Quasar mounts full-sized and equipped digital cinematography cameras such as the Red One, Sony F23/35 and 1500, ARRI D-21 and Genesis in stereoscopic pair configuration.

The ICA Broadens Portfolio of Training Courses

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:50:56 -0400

The International Colorist Academy has increased the number and types of colorist training courses available providing students with more opportunities to expand their knowledge and learn directly from an experienced colorist.

Imagica, Reliance MediaWorks Form Alliance to Serve the Japanese Market

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:04:37 -0400

India's film and entertainment services company Reliance MediaWorks and Japan's lab and post-production company Imagica have formed an alliance to provide film restoration, image processing and enhancement and HD conversion services to Japanese broadcasters and studios.

Digital Magic Acquires Clipster for Shanghai Expo

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:35:06 -0400

In anticipation of the Shanghai Expo, Hong Kong digital intermediate specialist Digital Magic expanded their 4K DI pipeline by integrating a second DVS Clipster into their workflow.

Syfy and Columbia Create Award for Top Student Filmmaker

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:24:47 -0400

Syfy and Columbia University School of the Arts have announced the creation of the Syfy Imagine Greater Development Award, which will be awarded to the top student filmmaker in the Columbia University School of Arts Graduate Film Program whose project best exemplifies creativity and imagination.    The 2010 award will be presented during the Columbia University Film Festival on May 7 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in New York City.

AIFF, Orange County Launch One-Minute Film Challenge for Local Students

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:34:13 -0400

The Anaheim International Film Festival, in conjunction with the Orange County Department of Education has launched the AIFF One-Minute Film Challenge, the first-ever countywide effort to encourage student filmmaking at the middle and high school levels. Working under the guidance of teachers and parents, students will be invited to create, produce and direct a one-minute short film for submission to AIFF.

Volker Bahnemann Award for Cinematographers Created for NYU Film School

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:41:30 -0400

In honor of and in recognition of Volker Bahnemann’s more than 40 years of service to the filmmaking industry, Arri has established The Volker Bahnemann Award for Cinematographers at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film & Television. The grant was conceived to inspire future generations of cinematographers and empower talented students to realize their artistic potential.

Urvashi Cinema Installs India’s First 3D Screen

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:13:55 -0400

The Urvashi Cinema in Bangalore, India has undergone a significant upgrade in anticipation of some thirty 3D movies to be shown in the next 12-18 months.

Imagica Installs a FilmLight Baselight Four Color Grading System

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:15:54 -0400

Japanese post house Imagica has installed has a Baselight Four color grading system from FilmLight into one of its existing digital intermediate suites at the Tokyo Imaging Centre.

Malibu Film Festival Screens its First 3D Film

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:57:39 -0400

The Caretaker 3D, starring Dick Van Dyke marked the first time that the Malibu Film Festival has included a 3D film into the program.

Rising Sun Pictures Hopes to Benefit from Tax Breaks

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:20:50 -0400

Rising Sun Pictures, which has produced visual effects for more than sixty feature films including the Harry Potter series, expects to be a chief beneficiary of newly expanded trade rebates designed to promote film production in Australia.

Band Pro Offers FGV 7D-PL for Cinematographers

Fri, 28 May 2010 11:46:12 -0400

Band Pro is offering the new FGV 7D-PL camera, modified by FGV Schmidle. This versatile cinematography tool is a standard Canon 7D permanently retrofitted with a one-piece lens/sensor/base-mounting element made of solid steel. Unlike most DSLR modifications, the FVG 7D-PL comes with a one-year limited warranty from FGV Schmidle.

ContentFilm Acquires The Dog Squad: 3D

Fri, 28 May 2010 16:33:04 -0400

ContentFilm International has acquired worldwide rights to The Dog Squad: 3D to be directed by Les Mayfield (Flubber, Blue Streak, Miracle on 34th Street, Encino Man). Steve Carpenter wrote the original script.

Deluxe Digital Media Upgrades to 4K

Fri, 28 May 2010 16:35:33 -0400

Deluxe Digital Media, Hollywood, has acquired a DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic to provide the ability to color correct in the 4K environment. The new system will be added to their existing suite of Resolve 2K systems.

Element Technica Introduces Ultra-Small Neutron 3D Rig

Fri, 28 May 2010 17:13:54 -0400

Element Technica has introduced the ultra-small Neutron 3D rig, which is designed to mount lightweight 3D camera packages for stereoscopic video capture from smaller jibs, Steadicams, portable camera and point-of-view positions.

Filmworkers Creates Budweiser Commercial from Still Photo

Sat, 29 May 2010 12:55:22 -0400

Starting with just a still photograph, Filmworkers built a world-class soccer stadium and filled it with more than 30,000 screaming fans for a new Budweiser spot promoting parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev's global sponsorship of the World Cup in South Africa.

Company 3 uses ArriScan for File-Based Workflow

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:23:02 -0400

Award-winning post-production facility Company 3 has built an innovative file-based post-production pipeline around its ArriScan film scanner to handle all film negatives for commercials, music videos and feature films.

Cadillac Video Uses a Mix of Cameras

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:55:02 -0400

Hal Long, principal of production company Henry Films, Los Angeles recently directed a launch video for the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. The 90-second video, produced by Aquila Productions of New York originally screened at the Detroit Auto Show, continues to play at auto shows around the country, and is used in General Motors’ marketing of its new prestige coupe. The director of photography was Mark Raker with additional cinematography by Jeffrey Dougherty.

MPC Buys Two Baselight Stereo Grading Systems

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:24:03 -0400

London post house MPC has purchased two FilmLight Baselight stereo grading systems for their Wardour Street facility. The system will integrate with their existing color grading workflow giving the colorists wider access to 3D stereoscopic technologies.

Petrol Bags Introduces 10th Anniversary Line

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:08:47 -0400

To commemorate its tenth anniversary, Petrol Bags has introduced the Black Deca line, which the company says sets a new standard in professional bags.

PMI Digital Upgrades Facility

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:11:04 -0400

PMI Digital has installed a Utah Scientific 400 digital routing switcher interfaced with a Barco high-resolution multi-viewer in its new, 20,000 square foot facility in Pittsburgh.

The Divide is Filming in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:42:02 -0400

The Divide is in production in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Xavier Gens, the French filmmaker behind the $100-million dollar-grossing Hitman is directing the movie from a script by Karl Mueller and Eron Sheean. The film is a suspense-ridden, character-driven apocalyptic action thriller that focuses on a small set of divisive individuals all vying for the primal chance to survive. 

3ality Digital Says Sports Driving its Growth

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:40:15 -0400

In recent months, 3ality Digital has supported a growing number of high-profile sports broadcasts and production tests in the United States, France, Korea, India, Australia and the United Kingdom.  

And They’re Off Filmed on Canon 7D with Light Illusion Gamma Curves

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:43:27 -0400

US Indie film And They’re Off has been captured by Ulf Soderqvist predominantly using Canon’s 5D and 7D cameras, enhanced by the use of Light Illusion designed Gamma Curves aim at maximizing the capture capabilities of these ostensibly still cameras.

Arri Names Abel Cine Tech Alexa Authorized Reseller

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:48:16 -0400

Arri has selected Abel Cine Tech as an authorized reseller for the Alexa camera. Arri will continue supporting its traditional film camera customer base in established rental houses and other avenues, while Abel Cine Tech is charged with reaching independents and owner/operators through new and existing channels.

Michael Goi Elected ASC President for Second Term

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:54:06 -0400

Michael Goi has been elected to serve a second term as president of the American Society of Cinematographers. The other officers are vice presidents Richard Crudo, Owen Roizman and John C. Flinn, III; treasurer Matthew Leonetti; secretary Rodney Taylor; and sergeant at arms Ron Garcia.

Band Pro Reduces Price of Sony SRW-9000

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:56:44 -0400

Band Pro has reduced the price of a fully loaded Sony SRW-9000 2/3-inch HDCam-SR camcorder from $105,840 to $95,000. The 9000 Package includes an HDVF-C30WR viewfinder and all option boards; enabling dual-link HD-SDI output, variable recording 1-60fps and RGB 4:4:4 processing.

Documenting the Great Los Angeles River Clean Up

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:33:42 -0400

Filmmaker Kathy Kolla, president of Cola Kat Productions of Beverly Hills, California recently shot a short-form documentary about the great Los Angeles River clean up, also known as “La Gran Limpieza.” The Los Angeles River Project (working title) will be shown on the festival circuit, especially at many of the environmentally themed film festivals that are gaining in popularity and impact in the U.S. and internationally.

CopterStudios Outfits its Mini-Helicopters with new JVC Cameras

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:44:44 -0400

CopterStudios, a specialty production company based in Santa Rosa, California, has outfitted two Halo remote-controlled helicopters with JVC GY-HM100 ProHD camcorders for close-range aerial cinematography. The Halo-based helicopters have captured footage for cable network programs, movies, and TV commercials, as well as promotional footage for Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries, real estate properties, and golf courses.

Kodak Adds to Vision3 Line of Film Stock

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:16:37 -0400

Kodak has just added two new films to its Vision 3 family. The stock additions include a medium-speed, tungsten-balanced color negative camera film, and a color intermediate film optimized to work with digital post-production technologies.

Cinedeck Extreme Now Available

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:13:47 -0400

Cinedeck has announced the immediate availability of Cinedeck Extreme, what the company says is the industry’s first portable, cinema-grade on-board recording, monitoring and playback device designed for use at every level of television, commercial, independent or major motion film production. Cinedeck Extreme made its US debut at NAB 2010.

Color Space in Mexico Upgrades DI Capabilities

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:30:04 -0400

Color Space, a newly launched post house in Mexico City, has acquired a Northlight 1 film scanner and Baselight HD color grading system from FilmLight as part of its bid to become a market leader in color grading for commercials, music videos, short films and feature films. The only post-production facility in Mexico focused exclusively on color grading, Color Space has made Northlight and Baselight the backbone of a highly flexible digital intermediate infrastructure capable of servicing projects of all types.

Deluxe Signs with SmartJog to Distribute Digital Cinema Content to Europe

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:45:58 -0400

Deluxe Digital London has signed an agreement with SmartJog to distribute digital cinema content to theatres in Europe.

Industry Renaissance in Poland

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:38:58 -0400

With a heritage as a film factory for world-famous directors and cinematographers Wroclaw, Poland is reasserting its potential for homegrown and foreign film production and post. The city is now attracting significant projects in digital animation and post from around the world. This renaissance has inspired Divizion to open a film factory of its own, providing in-house production resources, a clutch of Red One cameras, with Red Epic Stage 2, editing and Assimilate’s Scratch Digital Finishing Solution for the VFX and digital intermediates.

Light Illusion Releases LightSpace CMS

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:25:55 -0400

Light Illusion has released LightSpace CMS, a fully featured color management system, which is a continued development of Light Illusion’s LUT manager display and calibration software.

Mosfilm Expands its Digital Intermediates Capabilities

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:02:33 -0400

Mosfilm, one of Europe’s largest film corporations, has installed a DVS Clipster and part of its ongoing effort to upgrade and digital intermediates capabilities.

Pinewood Studios Embarks on Major Restoration Effort

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:08:57 -0400

Pinewood Studios Group has acquired a Northlight 2 film scanner from FilmLight for use in its newly established media preservation, restoration and archive facility. The new scanner will be used in restoring film-based titles from the StudioCanal British Library archive, comprising some 140,000 items including the renowned Ealing film library. The archive has been based at Pinewood for 20 years.

Alvernia Studios Acquires Cintel MillenniumHD Film Scanner

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:18:59 -0400

Alvernia Studios, situated near Krakow, Poland has installed a High Definition MillenniumHD film scanner from Cintel.  

Growing Number of Customers Take Delivery of Arri Alexa Cameras

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:23:29 -0400

Alternative Rentals, Arri CSC, The Camera House, Clairmont Camera, Fletcher Camera, Otto Nemenz International, Sim Video, Stargate Studios, TCS, VER, Videofax and Video MTL are among the first companies in North America to take delivery of Arri’s Alexa cameras.

Ted Gagliano to Receive Hollywood Post Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:01:50 -0400

Ted Gagliano, president of 20th Century Fox feature post-production, will receive the Hollywood Post Alliance’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the HPA Awards in November. The Lifetime Achievement Award pays tribute to well-respected individuals who have made a significant contribution to the post-production industry.

Industry Mourns the Passing of Manfred Klemme

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:43:15 -0400

The industry mourns the passing of Manfred N. Klemme, innovator and founder of K-Tek Boom Poles. Klemme, who died July 2, was 71.

Maya Indie Film Series Tours the Country

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:46:43 -0400

The Maya Indie Film Series launched its second annual eight-city tour in Dallas on July 23 before traveling to New York on August 6. The series, which debuted last summer, will bring six critically acclaimed, Latino-themed films to the top eight U.S. markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Washington D.C., San Jose, and San Diego.

North Carolina Broadens Film Tax Incentives

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:49:47 -0400

North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue has signed a new 25 percent film incentive into law that took effect last month. The new legislation broadens qualifying expenses including, but not limited to, labor fringe benefits (including health, pension and welfare contributions); per diems, stipends and living expenses; most importantly, it raises the overall project eligibility cap from $7.5 million to $20 million per project.

Cintel and Marquise Technologies Partner to offer Telecine Workflows

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:06:46 -0400

Cintel and Marquise Technologies have announced that Marquise’s Ocean controller will be distributed through Cintel and will fully support all Cintel telecines.  

HPA Appoints Avid’s Vincent Maza to its Board of Directors

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:08:21 -0400

The Hollywood Post Alliance has appointed Vincent Maza, worldwide marketing manager/post production for Avid to its board of directors.

IndiePix Launches West Coast Operation

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:21:41 -0400

IndiePix, the internet-based distributor of independent films, has announced the expansion of its operations with the launch of a new West Coast office.

MTI Film Adds Two Nucoda Film Masters

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:36:48 -0400

MTI Film has added two more Nucoda Film Masters from Digital Vision to the pipeline at their new Sycamore Street facility in Hollywood, California.

Industrial Light & Magic Turns to Luxology modo

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:47:45 -0400

The Art Department at San Francisco-based Industrial Light & Magic is now using Luxology's 3D modeling and rendering software, modo to increase speed, flexibility and efficiency.

Zentropa Installs Clipster for Digital Cinema Post Work

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:50:50 -0400

Zentropa, the largest film production company in Denmark has installed a DVS Clipster. Film director Lars von Trier founded the company.

Close-Up Global Entertainment brings Russian Classic Back to Life

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:59:31 -0400

Close-Up Global Entertainment has distributed Russian films to the international marketplace for more than 15 years and recently the company decided to bring restoration of their classic films in-house. The company, which is housed in a 10,000 square foot warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, works with major international players including Mosfilm.

Doremi Releases Universal 3D Format Converter

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:54:38 -0400

Doremi’s Dimension-3D Universal 3D format converter converts any 3D format to any other. It can fit into virtually all stereoscopic workflows allowing any 3D input stream format to be used with all types of currently available displays, including high-end projectors and the latest generation of 3D-ready LCD screens. It also includes frame-rate conversion.

Iridas Announces Stereoscopic Native Workflow for Arri Alexa Cameras

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:04:15 -0400

Iridas has announced what it says is the industry’s first stereoscopic native workflow optimized for the Arri Alexa.

OConnor Introduces 2065 Fluid Head for Digital Cameras

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:34:23 -0400

OConnor has introduced the 2065 Fluid Head, designed to handle popular digital cameras like the Red One, Sony F-35, and Arri Alexa.

John Trapman Shoots Aerial Shots for Treasure Buddies

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:10:03 -0400

Aerial director of photography John Trapman chose the new Eclipse helicopter camera mount for Treasure Buddies, part of the Air Bud series, which takes the pack to the ruins of ancient Egypt. He shot the plates in San Diego, California.

Republic Pictures turns 75 Years Old

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:31:48 -0400

The Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council and the Museum of the San Fernando Valley will salute legendary movie studio Republic Pictures on its 75th anniversary September 25th at the former Republic lot in Studio City, California. Stars such as Adrian Booth, Anne Jeffreys, Ann Rutherford, and Peggy Stewart are slated to attend.

Sklavis Film Lab Upgrades

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:38:08 -0400

Sklavis Film Lab in Athens, Greece has installed a refurbished Rascal Digital and Pandora Pogle Film Scanning Suite for both new and archive productions.

Barco Unveils Cinema Projector for Post

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:43:02 -0400

Barco has unveiled a brand-new cinema projector specifically intended for digital post-production.

Can Communicates Buys Four Element Technica 3D

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:32:45 -0400

Can Communicate has purchased four active stereographic 3D rigs from Element Technica.

Deluxe Acquires ITFC

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:42:22 -0400

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group has acquired the business and assets of ITFC, a leading provider of post-production, content management, authoring, media access and asset management services to the UK and European television and cinema industry. Chris Higgs will continue as managing director of the acquired business.

Digital Factory Introduces Video Watermarking Service

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:46:18 -0400

The French film and audio post-production service provider Digital Factory has introduced a video watermarking service offering for tape delivery and file processing based on Civolution’s NexGuard application.

Dolby Introduces the PRM-4200 Professional Reference Monitor

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:03:09 -0400

Dolby has introduced the 42-inch PRM-4200 professional reference monitor which the company says is the world's first LCD-based video reference display that accurately reveals true and deep black levels and provides higher contrast across the entire color spectrum, and an unprecedented luminance range and level. The monitor will be available later this year.

Facing the Storm Premieres at Kansas Film Festival

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:41:14 -0400

The world premiere of Facing the Storm: the Story of the American Bison will be held at the Kansas International Film Festival on October 2. The film is an ITVS/Montana PBS co-production.

IFTA Names New Officers

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:46:38 -0400

The Independent Film & Television Alliance has announced its new executive committee and board of directors. The elections were held as part of the IFTA’s annual members meeting.

MPC Buys Three TrueLight 3D Systems

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:05:30 -0400

MPC has purchased three FilmLight Truelight 3D systems: two systems have already been installed in its Wardour Street headquarters (London) for use on a current stereo 3D project.

The Refinery Upgrades

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:04:07 -0400

Responding to a surge in client demand for the highest-quality digital film grading, full-service South African post-production facility The Refinery has invested in a Baselight HD color grading system from FilmLight.

Sachtler Unveils the Cine DSLR Fluid Head

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:16:22 -0400

Sachtler has introduced a new fluid head specially designed for DSLR filmmakers. The Cine DSLR has a payload range of 2 to 11 pounds and is thus ideal for state-of-the-art digital single-lens reflex cameras with HD video function.

Air Racers 3D in Production

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:33:38 -0400

3D Entertainment Films will Air Racers 3D: Forces of Flight with the film’s original partners, Pretend Entertainment and Stereoscope.

ASC Calls for Entries for Student Filmmaking Award

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 08:48:47 -0400

The American Society of Cinematographers has announced a call for entries in the 2011 William A. Fraker Heritage Award competition for outstanding artistic achievement in student filmmaking.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies Offer Film Production Insurance

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 10:38:14 -0400

Philadelphia Insurance Companies has launched an insurance product for the film production industry.

Mazzei Chooses OConnor to Support Goo Goo Dolls Video

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 10:51:42 -0400

Cinematographer Marco Mazzei recently chose the OConnor 2575 to support his latest music video for the Goo Goo Dolls.

Sony Expands XDCam Line with PMW-500

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 11:03:44 -0400

Sony is expanding its XDCam line of tapeless acquisition technologies with the introduction of the PMW-500 shoulder-mount professional camcorder.

Rifkin to Speak at TromaDance AFM Press Conference

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 11:08:28 -0400

Independent filmmaker Adam Rifkin will join the panelists who will speak at the TromaDance Press Conference at the American Film Market on November 4th at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

Illumination Dynamics Opens Camera Department in North Carolina

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:11:24 -0400

Illumination Dynamics has established a camera division at its North Carolina facility to further complement the rental of lighting, grip, generators and power distribution to the entertainment, live broadcast and special event industries. The new department will be fully supported by parent company ARRI CSC and will start with a camera inventory including Arricam Lite, Arriflex 435, 235 and D-21 packages.

Deluxe, Universal Sign Film Print Services Agreement

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:59:12 -0400

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group today announced the signing of a multi-year, exclusive worldwide 35mm film print services agreement with Universal Studios that includes Focus Features.

HPA Announces Winners of Brinkman Scholarships

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:30:52 -0400

The Hollywood Post Alliance has announced the winners of the 2010 J. Michael Brinkman Scholarship Awards, honoring outstanding students and industry professionals committed to excellence and a desire to further their careers in post-production.

New Mexico Film Office Moves to Campus of Santa Fe University of Art and Design

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:49:33 -0400

 The State of New Mexico Film Office last month moved to the campus of Santa Fe University of Art and Design.

Panasonic AG-AF100 to Start Shipping in December

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 17:02:43 -0400

Panasonic Solutions Company has announced that the AG-AF100, which it calls the industry’s first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder optimized for high-definition video recording, will start shipping on December 27th at a suggested list price of $4,995.

Petrol Bags introduces Digibag DSLR Camera Bag

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 17:09:35 -0400

Petrol Bags, a Vitec Group Brand, has introduced the Digibag DSLR camera bag. This semi-hard cushioned carrier is uniquely designed to safeguard a video-enabled DSLR camera and important accessories while on the go and keep them well organized on location.

IVC Digital Film Center Opens 4K Mastering Theatre

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 17:14:10 -0400

The IVC Digital Film Center in Hollywood now features a 4K mastering theatre with both 4K and 2K projection, THX certified surround and what the company claims is the largest, currently installed color reference screen, a 23-foot by 12-foot JKP Affinity.

Cinesite Awarded Effects Contract for X-Men

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:06:19 -0500

Cinesite has been awarded a major contract for work on the new Twentieth Century Fox movie, X-Men: First Class. The new film is the prequel to the X-Men series of films and is due for release in June 2011.  

DSC Labs Releases Red CamBook

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:40:01 -0500

DSC Labs has released the Red CamBook to its CamBook chart series to complement the workflows of both the Red One and the anticipated Red Epic cameras.

Shedding Light on Global Climate Change

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:20:26 -0500

Deepei Film Productions documentary Going South – Cycling through the Americas follows four cyclists as they rode south through the two American continents to shed light on the issue of global climate change. On their way from the northernmost point of Canada to the southernmost tip of Argentina the four cyclists visited both businesses and private households to report on their efforts toward sustainability.

Production Underway on Man on a Ledge

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:38:25 -0500

Principal photography has begun in New York City on the Summit Entertainment feature Man On A Ledge. An ex-cop and now wanted fugitive stands on the ledge of a high-rise building while a hard-living New York Police Department hostage negotiator tries to talk him down. The longer they are on the ledge, the more she realizes that he might have an ulterior objective.

Ljud & Bildmedia Buys Two Systems from Marvin Technologies

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:43:36 -0500

Stockholm-based Ljud & Bildmedia, one of Sweden’s leading film production rental houses has purchased two systems from Marvin Technologies for backing up capture data and generating all camera deliverables on the spot, including LTO tape masters, offline files, DVD dailies and high resolution production stills.

Mercury Post Purchases Scanity Film Scanner

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:47:17 -0500

Mercury Post Production, a boutique advertising post house based in Seoul, Korea, has purchased a Scanity high-speed 2K-film scanner from Digital Film Technology.    Mercury Post is the first facility in Korea to purchase a Scanity film scanner and is using it as the hub for its commercial digital intermediate workflow, alongside a Blackmagic DaVinci 4K Resolve Color Corrector.

American Film Market Attendance Rose by Six Percent

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:09:59 -0500

The 2010 American Film Market ended last week and reported that overall attendance had increased by six percent – 7,695 to 7,246 – over the previous year. Buying companies increased by one percent, 664 compared with 658 last year. Buying executives remained nearly on par with last year at 1,417 versus 1,419.

Fifth Annual HPA Award Winners Announced

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:28:20 -0500

The Hollywood Post Alliance has presented the Fifth Annual HPA Awards. The HPA Awards honor the best of the best talent working behind the scenes in motion pictures, television and commercials. A number of special awards for Engineering Excellence, Lifetime Achievement and Creativity and Innovation were handed out.

Howland Chose K-Tek Klassic for Independent Film

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:34:44 -0500

LA-based sound mixer Chris Howland chose the K-Tek Klassic Graphite Boom Pole for the independent feature 2 Million Stupid Women, co-produced and shot by Jay Holben.

OConnor Supports Modern Family

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:46:18 -0500

Cinematographer James Bagdonas ASC has chosen OConnor fluid heads to support the new season of Modern Family. OConnor’s stability and high performance allows the show’s operators to capture those on-the-fly moments key to the mockumentary style of the production.

OptiTrack S250e Motion Capture Camera Now Available

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:39:06 -0500

The OptiTrack S250e motion capture camera is now available. The company says the S250e is the first full-featured Ethernet motion capture camera in the world for under $2,000.   

Schklair Named CEO of 3ality Digital

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:13:12 -0500

3ality Digital has appointed Steve Schklair as its CEO. Schklair, a well-known figure in the S3D community, has led the creative debate on what makes good stereo 3D over the past five years, while acting as CEO of the technology development and production subsidiary of 3ality Digital, which drove the company’s outstanding growth in 2010.

Bats Documentary Wins 3D Cinematography Prize

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 10:15:41 -0500

The Dark Carnival Film Festival in Bloomington, Indiana presented the Best Cinematography award to San Diego-based 3D Production studio PassmoreLab for its just-released 3D documentary The Extreme Nature of Bats.

Deluxe To Acquire Business Units from Ascent Media

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 10:22:51 -0500

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group has signed an agreement with Ascent Media Corporation to acquire Ascent's Creative Services and Media Services businesses, including the well-known brands of Company 3, Beast, Method, Rushes, Encore Hollywood and Level 3 Post.

Prime Focus Awarded Multi-Picture Deal for 2D-3D Conversion

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:28:22 -0500

Prime Focus group has been awarded a multi-picture order worth approximately $45 million for 2D to 3D stereoscopic conversion work from a Hollywood studio to be executed in the next 30-36 months.

Technicolor Asia Celebrates ISO Certification on Seventh Anniversary

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:07:03 -0500

Technicolor Asia has become Thailand’s first post-production facility to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification. The announcement was made last month as the facility celebrated its seventh anniversary in business.

The Foundry Launches Free Public Beta of Storm

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:11:20 -0500

The Foundry has launched an open beta of their new digital cinema camera workflow product, Storm, which addresses the growing complexity of shooting digital, performing a variety of core tasks on and near-set and bringing camera and post-production closer together. 

YoYo Powers the Pipeline at The Mill

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:26:33 -0500

London VFX studio The Mill is using YoYotta’s YoYo workflow management system to anchor its production pipeline. The award-winning studio handles commercials work for a wide variety of high-end clients, including recent spots for companies like Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Sony PlayStation, Ford and T-Mobile. The company says its YoYo system contributed greatly to the success of the Nike World Cup three-minute spot, Write the Future.  

Deluxe Closes Ascent Media Deal

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:34:28 -0500

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group has closed its acquisition of Ascent Media Corporation's creative services and media services businesses, including Company 3, Beast, Method, Rushes, Encore Hollywood and Level 3 Post.

Digital Artists, Killer Digital Announce Partnership

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:36:18 -0500

Digital Artists has reached a multi-year collaboration with Killer Digital, a newly formed partnership between Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler’s Killer Films and their former CAA agent Kevin Iwashina.

Francisco Partners Completes Acquisition of Grass Valley

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:01:49 -0500

Francisco Partners has completed the closing process with Technicolor and finalized the acquisition of the Grass Valley Broadcast & Professional business.

Panasonic Shipping AG-AF100 Camera

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:13:07 -0500

Panasonic has begun deliveries of the AG-AF100. Targeted at the film and video production communities, the AF100 delivers shallow depth of field and the wider field of view of a large imager. It is available now at a suggested list price of $4,995.

SOC Operator of the Year Nominations, Lifetime Achievement Recipients Announced

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:13:07 -0500

The Society of Camera Operators has announced its nominees for the Camera Operator of the Year competition and the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

Thailand Earned $60 Million on Film Production in 2010

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:15:51 -0500

Thailand earned $60 million from foreign film production teams shooting in the country last year, according to the Department of Tourism.    

American Movie Company adds Red Ones

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:42:51 -0500

The American Movie Company, New York, has added two Red One digital cinema cameras to its line-up of advanced equipment.

On the Road with Napoleon

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:47:59 -0500

Jim Carbonetti, stereoscopic supervisor and compositor for 3D Blast in Los Angeles was recently tapped to guide the stereoscopic production for Napoleon 3D, a new comedy starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Russian actress, Anna Semenovich that brings an entirely new perspective to this legendary historic military conqueror.

Singapore’s VHQ Installs Pandora Revolution Express

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:47:36 -0500

Singapore post house VHQ has selected Pandora's Revolution Express to anchor the company's color correction workflow, from ingest to deliverables. Along with YoYo software, included with the Revolution Express package, VHQ now has data workflow for all file formats, crucial for the volume of work required of a modern facility.  

Rising Sun Pictures Finishes Red Dog, The Dragon Pearl

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:57:59 -0500

Australian digital production facility Rising Sun Pictures has used Nucoda Film Master to grade and finish two major feature films, Red Dog and The Dragon Pearl both due for release this year.

Linux Color Correction Added Grit to The Fighter

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:23:40 -0500

Colorist Tony Dustin of Hollywood-based Technicolor used the DaVinci Resolve Linux non-linear color correction system for color grading work done on Paramount Pictures/Relativity Media’s critically acclaimed feature film The Fighter, directed by David O. Russell. The film stars actor/producer Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams, and recent Golden Globe winners Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, and is currently in theatres nationwide.

Julia Roberts Given ASC 2011 Board of Governors Award

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:23:50 -0500

Julia Roberts was given the American Society of Cinematographers 2011 Board of Governors Award during the 25th Annual ASC Outstanding Achievement Awards gala in Hollywood on February 13 at the Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom.

Barco Releases Dedicated Digital Cinema Projector for Post Production

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:35:42 -0500

Barco has announced the commercial release of its DP2K-P, a digital cinema projector specifically designed for the needs of the post-production community. It features an expanded color gamut and contrast, brightness uniformity and specialized post-production software.

Arri Certifies Codex on ArriRAW T-Link

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:52:00 -0500

Arri has given an ArriRAW T-Link (Transport Link) certificate to Codex Digital confirming the ability of its recorders to record raw data from the Arri Alexa film-style camera.

Tiny Island Productions Succeeds with Dream Defenders

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:09:17 -0500

Tiny Island Productions, a small production company from Singapore is making ripples around the world with its animation project Dream Defenders. The show, which is targeted at six to nine year olds, is also Singapore's first animation series in stereoscopic 3D.  

Schmidt Chooses OConnor for The Mechanic

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:21:56 -0500

Eric Schmidt chose the OConnor 2575 to support The Mechanic, directed by Simon West. The high-tech action feature about an elite assassin (Jason Statham) out to avenge his mentor’s murder, was shot on film at a location in Detroit, Shreveport, Washington DC and at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

Rezn8 Hired to Create Mysteria Title Sequence

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:34:21 -0500

Rezn8, a subsidiary of Stereo Vision Entertainment, was retained by Tunnel Post to create the title sequence for the murder mystery thriller Mysteria, starring Billy Zane, Danny Glover and Martin Land

Zeiss Names Abel Cine Tech Authorized Service Partner

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:46:55 -0500

Lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss has appointed Abel Cine Tech, a supplier of professional film and digital equipment with facilities in New York City, Burbank, California, and Chicago, Illinois, as an authorized service partner.

Inception Earns Top Honors from Cinematographers

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:02:10 -0500

Wally Pfister, Jonathan Freeman, and Stephen Windon claimed top honors in the three competitive categories at the 25th Annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Awards celebration. Pfister won the ASC Award in the feature film competition for Inception. Freeman earned top accolades in the television episodic category for Boardwalk Empire (HBO). Windon was the recipient of the television movie/miniseries award for The Pacific (HBO).

BBC Buys Ten DSC Labs Test Charts

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:32:33 -0500

BBC Studios and Post Production has purchased 10 of DSC Labs test charts for camera calibration. BBC S&PP will be utilizing the charts in its brand-new 3D production studio and on the set of its award-winning flagship primetime continuing drama, EastEnders.

Eurolab Installs a Marquise Technologies Mist

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:46:30 -0500

Eurolab, one of the key film labs in Italy, has acquired a Marquise Technologies Mist to install with their telecine suite.

Fancy Film Upgrades Color Capabilities

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00:43 -0500

By Sammy Loren

Fancy Film, a boutique post house located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles has invested in Digital Vision’s Nucoda FilmMaster.   “Digital Vision makes great finishing systems,” says Bill Macomber, owner and lead editor of Fancy Film. “But what gets us excited is that we’re coloring on one of the best systems in the world.”

Lerner Shoots Diaphanous Breeze Music Video

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:33:20 -0500

Denver-based Director of Photography Rich Lerner has purchased the new Panasonic AG-AF100 large imager HD cinema camcorder for production assignments ranging from documentaries to independent films to commercial spots. His first AF100 project was a music video, Diaphanous Breeze, for an original composition written and performed by pianist Lisa Downing.

Cine Gear Expo to be held June 2-5 in Hollywood

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:16:21 -0400

This year’s Cine Gear Expo will be held on June 2-5. More than 12,000 participants are expected to take part.

New York Cinematographer Ed David Hangs Up His HDSLRs

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:40:12 -0400

New York City-based cinematographer Ed David says he has hung up is HDSLRs in favor of a new camcorder for his work for Lifetime Networks. Among others, his assignments have encompassed shooting a series of promos for Lifetime in which women were interviewed about the network’s movie offerings.

Dana Christiaansen Wraps Spots for Jeep and Suzuki

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:42:51 -0400

Respected for his work on high-profile automotive commercials, director of photography Dana Christiaansen recently shot commercials for both Jeep and Suzuki. Christiaansen is known for capturing delicate detail on the rugged terrain of challenging car and truck shoots.

Matching Style with Content

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:27:47 -0400

Art & Copy, a three and a half year labor of love, which explores advertising and the creative revolution with some of the most influential characters who have shaped the world of advertising, premiered at Sundance and has played theatres across the country. It has just been released on DVD through PBS Home Video. Doug Pray directed the film; Peter Nelson was the cinematographer. The team’s challenge was to adopt a style for the film that complemented the ads they were using in the documentary.

The Mill Installs Nucoda Fuse Systems

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:45:14 -0400

The Soho-based visual effects studio The Mill has installed two Nucoda Fuse systems to manage all footage that travels in and out of The Mill TV and Film Studio. Recent projects using Fuse include Doctor Who, Merlin, Primeval and stereographic CG shots for the new Narnia film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The systems are housed in the new Mill TV and Film suites in its Clipstone Street premises.

Trapman Uses Pictorvision Wescam on Acura Shoot

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:51:19 -0400

Aerial director of photography John Trapman chose a Pictorvision Wescam system to shoot a new Acura MDX commercial spot. Shot at the picturesque Spray Lakes Reservoir in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada, the spot is slated to start airing in the Japanese market immediately upon completion.

From Sound to Silence Now Available on BigStar

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:09:55 -0400

Brooklyn Girl Productions’ award-winning documentary film From Sound to Silence, winner of the Best Inspirational Documentary, prize at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival is now available on the on-demand platform BigStar.

DQ Entertainment to Produce Trio of 3D Animated Feature Films

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:13:35 -0400

India’s DQ Entertainment has announced its 3D feature film release slate currently under development, to be released starting 2012 through 2014. The company says it will release three 3D feature with one release planned every year: The Jungle Book (2012-2013), The New Adventures of Peter Pan (2013-2014), and The Phoenix and the Flying Carpet (2013-2014).

Glassworks Installs Baselight HD Color Grading System

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:56:15 -0400

Amsterdam visual effects and post house Glassworks has invested in a Baselight HD color grading system from FilmLight to enhance its grading capabilities for their core commercial and broadcast markets.

GunMetal Industries Releases Pipe Bomb 3D

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:00:41 -0400

GunMetal Industries has released the GunMetal Pipe Bomb 3D, a professional HD-based 3D camera system that uses distinct dual-camera (left eye/right eye) recording in an extraordinarily small package.

Spider-Man Movie Using 3ality’s New Wireless, Handheld Beam Splitter Rig

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:21:47 -0400

The Amazing Spider-Man, directed by Marc Webb now in production from Columbia Pictures under the direction of Marc Webb Directed by Marc Webb, the film is using 3ality Digital’s new TS-5 wireless and handheld beam splitter mirror rig.

Ocean Telecine Controller Now Supports Cintel DSX, C-Reality

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:23:36 -0400

Marquise Technologies has announced that its Ocean telecine controller now supports Cintel DSX and C-Reality telecine family.

Codex Digital to Manufacture an ArriRaw Recorder

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:25:14 -0400

Codex Digital has reached an agreement with Arri to manufacture a Codex ArriRaw recorder for use with Arri’s Alexa and Arriflex D-21 film-style digital cameras.

Prime Focus Converting Star Wars: Episode I

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:33:01 -0400

Lucasfilm and Prime Focus have announced that they are collaborating on the 3D conversion of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace for theatrical release Prime Focus was selected by Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic following an exhaustive testing process.

Manhattan Film Festival Launches Revenue Sharing Program

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:34:49 -0400

The Manhattan Film Festival has launched a Filmmaker Revenue Sharing Program. Since their inception they have made it a priority to find new ways to help filmmakers make a career out of filmmaking.

Rushes Installs Cintel ditto Film Scanner

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:37:30 -0400

Rushes Post Production, London, has purchased a diTTo evolution film scanner from Cintel International. The diTTo evolution will scan 35mm 2, 3 and 4-perf film as well as 16mm film to 2K and 4K data for grading in the Resolve Color Correction suite. 

El Chico Blanco Production to start in June

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:04:02 -0400

Titan Worldwide Entertainment will begin shooting the El Chico Blanco in June, it was announced by chairman and CEO, Brad Feinstein.   El Chico Blanco tells the story of Ben Harper, a white outcast raised in the barrio, rises to a position of power against all odds.

Richard Crudo Named 2011 Kodak Cinematographer-in-Residence at UCLA

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:53:18 -0400

Kodak and UCLA have named Richard Crudo the 2011 Kodak Cinematographer-in-Residence for the spring quarter at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television.

Blue Sky Credits NVIDIA for Dance Scenes in Rio

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:59:41 -0400

Filmmakers at Blue Sky Studios give credit to NVIDIA Quadro professional graphics tools for helping bring a cast of dancing characters to life in their new movie Rio.

Spice Shop Buys First Baselight 2 Control Surface

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:32:34 -0400

Spice Shop, Bangkok, has become the first post-production facility worldwide to purchase the new Blackboard 2 control surface for Baselight.

ASG Hosts Animation Workshop

Sat, 14 May 2011 11:47:35 -0400

Advanced Systems Group will present an animation and compositing tools workshop on May 25th. Focused on computer animation, compositing, and visual effects software, the free event will include in-depth product demonstrations and workshops. 

Envision Media Arts in Production on Chained

Sat, 14 May 2011 14:36:51 -0400

As part of a stronger emphasis on its film and television departments Envision Media Arts, has started production on the self financed feature film Chained. With US theatrical distribution by Anchor Bay and Jennifer Lynch (Surveillance) directing, Chained was written by Damian O'Donnell. Principal photography on the psychological thriller, about a young man who was abducted as a child and now is wrestling with following in the footsteps of his kidnapper, begins in June.

Litepanels Introduces H2 Hi-Output LED Lights

Sat, 14 May 2011 15:21:25 -0400

Litepanels has debuted Litepanels’ H2 Hi-Output LED lights. The company says the new fixtures answer the need for an LED fixture capable of throwing illumination over a 20 to 25 foot (6.1 to 7.6 meters) distance, providing HD-friendly light with all the advantages of Litepanels proprietary LED fixtures.

Petrol Bags Introduces DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case

Sat, 14 May 2011 15:34:48 -0400

New from Petrol Bags is the DigiSuite DSLR camera case. The front lid of this semi-hard suitcase-style carrier unzips quickly to reveal a central compartment contoured to comfortably fit up to two DSLR cameras with lenses attached. Detachable internal dividers help secure contents and create pockets for storing a matte box, camera plate, follow focus, camera light, viewfinder and cables.

Qube Launches Online Xport Store

Sat, 14 May 2011 15:36:53 -0400

Qube Cinema has launched an online web store where filmmakers, post houses and pre-show content creators can purchase the new QubeMaster Xport Final Cut Studio plug-in.

Sachtler Unveils FSB Family of Camera Heads

Sat, 14 May 2011 15:40:31 -0400

Sachtler has introduced the FSB family, a product line designed to provide a suitable head for every HDV camera, as well as for DSLR cameras with video function.

Schneider Optics Introduces Protective Covers for 3D Beam Splitters

Sat, 14 May 2011 15:48:02 -0400

Schneider Optic’s has introduced 3D Windows that are made of anti-reflective water-white glass to protect valuable 3D beam splitters, which are susceptible to damage from flying debris and are difficult to clean without damaging.

Venture 3D Converted Screen Gems’ Vampire Thriller Priest

Sat, 14 May 2011 16:00:03 -0400

Venture 3D says that it converted the majority of Screen Gems’ vampire thriller and Korean comics adaptation, Priest, into stereoscopic 3D.

ALT Systems Offers Smoke Classes

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:34:48 -0400

ALT Systems has expanded its training programs and appointed Brent Gilmartin as artist advocate and senior trainer. In that position Gilmartin, a certified Autodesk trainer, will lead the company’s efforts in developing and implementing proprietary courses for Autodesk creative finishing products, beginning with its new Smoke for Mac curriculum for professionals new to finishing or unfamiliar with the Smoke interface.

Schneider Expands Century Line of Add-Ons

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:55:24 -0400

Schneider has expanded its line of Century Pro Series HD lens add-ons.

Digital Doman Buys Katana Site License

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:06:00 -0400

Academy Award winning production house Digital Domain has bought a site license of Katana from The Foundry. 

Digital Factory Purchases Teranex Technology for 2D-3D Conversion

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:09:31 -0400

French post house Digital Factory has selected Teranex VC1-2D-3D real-time 2D to 3D conversion technology to convert selected archival and new 2D content into simulated 3D programming.

Thor, Avenger Releasing in Dolby Surround 7.1

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:56:16 -0400

Dolby Laboratories has announced that both 2D and 3D formats of Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger are being released globally in Dolby Surround 7.1.

Making Gnomeo & Juliet

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:12:06 -0400

When Starz Animation Toronto needed a storage solution that would fit the high standards of production for the animated film Gnomeo & Juliet, the company turned to Globalstor Data Corporation and the company provided two 32-drive ExtremeStor-DI servers to support the stereoscopic 3D work and stereo streams for the film, which was already in production.

HPA Awards Announces Call for Entries

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:22:03 -0400

The Hollywood Post Alliance has announced the call for entries for the sixth annual HPA Awards. Awards will be presented at a gala event at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on November 10th.

First Annual 3D Advertising Summit Held May 13th

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:32:47 -0400

More than 150 industry professionals turned out to hear all about the impact of 3D on commercial production from some of the most experienced practitioners in the business at the first annual 3D Advertising Summit held May 13th at Kerner Studios in San Rafael, California.

POP Sound Handled the Audio on Jiro Dreams

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:03:34 -0400

POP Sound provided sound editorial and mixing services for Jiro Dreams of Sushi, director David Gelb’s new documentary. Re-recording mixer Tim Hoogenakker led the sound team for the film, which tells the story of an 85-year-old master sushi chef from Japan and his quest to create the perfect piece of sushi. Magnolia Pictures recently acquired North American rights to the film, just ahead of its screening at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

Maine Media Workshops, Sony Schedule Summer Courses

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:22:19 -0400

Maine Media Workshops is joining forces with Sony Electronics to give students and working professionals a chance to get their hands on the next generation of digital production technology. Starting this summer, workshops are available using Sony’s new handheld Super 35mm PMW-F3 and NEX-FS100U camcorders, and XDCam EX camcorders.

Aaron Sorkin to Receive UCLA Screenwriting Award

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:50:34 -0400

The Social Network’s Armie Hammer will present Oscar winning writer Aaron Sorkin the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s 2011 Distinguished Achievement in Screenwriting Award. The award presentation is a part of TFT’s Festival of New Creative Work’s Screenwriters Showcase on June 6th at Ralph Freud Playhouse in Westwood. Writer/producer Mike Werb will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. 

Unit Upgrades Color Grading Services

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:54:32 -0400

In a significant boost to its color grading services for commercials, Soho post-production company Unit has purchased a Baselight HD color grading system from FilmLight. The new grading system is installed at Unit’s newly opened 9400 square-foot facility and is part of the service offering of the company’s specialty sub-brand The Finish, which also provides visual effects and compositing services.

Michael Goi Elected to Third Term as ASC President

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:10:26 -0400

Michael Goi has been elected to serve a third term as president of the American Society of Cinematographers. The other ASC officers also voted in are vice presidents Richard Crudo, Owen Roizman and John C. Flinn, III; treasurer Victor J. Kemper; secretary Fred Goodich; and sergeant at arms Stephen Lighthill.

Cinesite Cuts to the Chase

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:31:13 -0400

Cinesite completed more than 300 stereoscopic visual effects shots for Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. For its first full stereo 3D project, Cinesite was tasked with creating large-scale photorealistic 3D environments for a dramatic carriage chase through London.  

Deluxe Visual Effects Standardizes on Shotgun Software

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:38:53 -0400

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group has purchased a multi-site Shotgun license to connect its global facilities, which include Method Studios in Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York and London; Postmodern in Sydney, and Rushes in London.

French Open Broadcast across Europe in 3D

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:02:11 -0400

The entire 2011 French Tennis Open, Roland Garros, was broadcast live in 3D to more than 17 countries across Europe in cooperation with Eurosport, making it one of the first multi-day sporting events available in 3D to thousands of European homes. 3D broadcast of the event was provided in France in partnership with Orange.

Hollywood Center Studios Goes Solar

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:04:49 -0400

Stages Five and Six at Hollywood Center Studios, built in 1919, originally included clerestory windows so that film productions could be lit with natural light.

Documentaries Take Center Stage at Long Island Expo

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:28:39 -0400

The Long Island International Film Expo will hold its 14th annual installment July 7-14 at Bellmore Movies in Bellmore, New York. While critically acclaimed short and feature-length, student and animated films will be shown, the abundance of documentaries and foreign films will take the lead this year. 

Filmmaker Adds Water Protection to Camera Package on Documentary

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:45:21 -0400

To shoot a recent National Geographic special, Oceanus, with Bob Ballard, the oceanographer that discovered the Titanic and other famous ships, director of photography David Linstrom knew he would be shooting in difficult waters. As he put his camera package together, two Sony PDWF800s, Fujinon 13X4.5 lenses, a Tyler nose mount and a camera-mounted gyro stabilizer, he realized his additional challenge would be to keep the lenses clean of debris while shooting in rain or over water.

POP Handles Audio Post for Fashion Film

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:47:16 -0400

POP Sound provided sound post-production services for a 30-minute documentary featured in Beauty Culture, a groundbreaking exhibit now on view at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles.

Ubiquity Broadcasting Opens California Production Facility

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:58:26 -0400

Ubiquity Broadcasting has expanded its creative capabilities with a 30,000 square foot digital cinema and 3D production facility in Los Angeles that includes three sound stages.

X-Men Got First Class Effects from Cinesite

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:33:08 -0400

Cinesite has completed more than 115 visual effects shots for Twentieth Century Fox’s X-Men: First Class, which hit cinemas last month. Among the effects Cinesite created were a retro version of the Cerebro Room, Azazel’s fight sequences, a military parade in Red Square and Washington, DC devastated by nuclear war.  

Company 3, Method Studios Add 3D Workflow Service

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:39:50 -0400

Company 3 and sister facility Method Studios are now offering clients a workflow for stereoscopic 3D feature film digital intermediates. Filmmakers now have the option to have any portion of left/right eye alignment fixes – associated with all stereoscopic cinematography – addressed within Method's dedicated stereography division.

Fletcher Camera to Represent FotoKem's nextLAB in Midwest

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:27:17 -0400

FotoKem has announced that its nextLAB system is now being represented in the Midwest region by Fletcher Camera & Lenses with offices in Chicago and Detroit.

Framestore Acquires Shotgun Site License For London and New York Studios

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:43 -0400

Framestore has invested in a Shotgun site license to track productions and collaborate on visual effects work across its London and New York studios. The global site license brings more than 500 Framestore digital artists online with Shotgun. Today Framestore is using Shotgun to manage production workflow on film projects including: War Horse (pictured), The Smurfs, Johnny English Returns, Your Highness, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Panasonic Introduces AG-AC7PJ Camcorder

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:50:34 -0400

Panasonic has introduced the AG-AC7PJ shoulder-mount camcorder. The camera has full 1920x1080 recording to an SD Memory Card at 480i.

Smoothing out the Bumps

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:01:31 -0400

Joey Skibel immerses himself in capturing exciting images of a variety of sports exhibitions. He recently shot professional skateboarder Zac Archuleta, to show the physical artistry and excitement that is part of this dynamic sport.

The Monk Installs Sonnet Storage System

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:20:44 -0400

The Monk, an independent video post-production company based in Cape Town, South Africa, has installed a Sonnet Fusion DX800RAID eight-drive RAID SATA storage system to support on-location editing and provide storage for production of high-end retail commercials and other television productions.

Game of Thrones Shot with Arri Alexas

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:17:48 -0400

HBO’s successful series Game of Thrones was shot on location using Arri Alexa cameras.

Catskill Mountain House Wins Gold Remi

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:44:06 -0400

The feature-length documentary Catskill Mountain House and The World Around was awarded with a Gold Remi award at the 44th Annual WorldFest Houston International Film Festival. The prestigious Remi Award is named after famed sculptor Frederick Remington and was given to Tobe Carey, producer/director at Willow Mixed Media, a not-for-profit arts group located near Woodstock, New York, and the man chiefly responsible for the project.

DaVinci Resolve 8 Update is Available Now

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:19:06 -0400

Blackmagic Design has announced the immediate availability of DaVinci Resolve 8, an update that includes new powerful features and is available for download from the Blackmagic Design web site for all DaVinci Resolve users free of charge.

Decode Takes Delivery of Arri Alexas

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:23:54 -0400

London 3D specialist rental/sales house Decode has taken delivery of two new Arri Alexa Plus camera systems. 

The Look in Soho Installs a LightSpace CMS

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:42:07 -0400

The Soho boutique post house The Look has installed a LightSpace CMS for facility-wide color management control.  For Thomas Urbye, managing directyor of The Look, the selection of LightSpace CMS was the perfect solution to the growing needs for accurate calibration throughout the facility, as well as extending into associated operations and workflows, including VFX, editorial and on-set look management.  

Meduza Shoots Final Shuttle Launch

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:50:02 -0400

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration invited Meduza Systems use its 4K 3D camera Meduza to shoot the final Space Shuttle Launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida, which took place July 8.

OnSight Installs Cel-Scope3D Signal Analyzers

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:04:48 -0400

OnSight, one of Britain's most active 3D origination and post-production facilities, has chosen Cel-Soft Cel-Scope3D stereoscopic signal analyzers for its Soho operation. A total of four systems have been installed for use in 3D editing, video effects correction and digital intermediate processing.

Petrol Bag Introduces DSLR Campack Plus

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:13:42 -0400

Now there’s a backpack-style camera carrier designed specifically for DSLR cameras. Petrol Bags has introduced the DSLR Campack Plus.

Nowell Chooses Pictorvision for Air Racers 3D

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:16:18 -0400

Aerial director of photography David B. Nowell, ASC recently took Pictorvision’s Eclipse into the air to capture stunning 3D footage that simulates the feeling of a real air race.

Pivotal Post Upgrades its Digital Mobile Lab Service

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:22:32 -0400

Pivotal Post, which supplies editorial systems to film and television productions worldwide, is now using Codex’s Digital Lab system as the hub of a new mobile workflow for backing up digital camera media, processing dailies and preparing deliverables for editorial and other post production processes. The service, which is designed to support the many film productions currently using Codex recording technology, allows film and television productions to perform on-set or on-location much of the digital laboratory work that formerly required a post-production facility.

Spy Comes to the Rescue for Priest

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:41:40 -0400

In the post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller Priest from Screen Gems, a warrior man of the cloth ventures out from hiding when his niece is kidnapped by a pack of murderous vampires. Directed by Scott Charles Stewart from the graphic novel of the same name, Priest was released in 2D and stereoscopic 3D, and premiered last month.

3ality, OffHollywood Announce Partnership

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:07:55 -0400

3ality Digital and OffHollywood have announced a partnership. “As 3ality Digital expands into more markets, we are broadening our outreach with the most innovative partners in the industry. Our two companies bring the very best of both worlds together, providing turn-key S3D production solutions for filmmakers, as well as for episodic television producers,” says Lucas Wilson, director of business bevelopment, 3ality Digital.

Arri Releases SUP 4.0 for Alexa and Alexa Plus

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:35:19 -0400

Arri has released the Alexa Software Update Packet 4.0, which provides a number of new features and improvements for both the Alexa and Alexa Plus models, based on Arri’s ongoing research and development as well as feedback from film and television professionals working with Alexa in the field.

Element Technica Delivers 200th 3D Rig

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:40:26 -0400

Element Technica has delivered its 200th Technica 3D rig. Number 200 is an Atom model, purchased by Evergreen Films, who coincidentally took delivery of the very first Technica 3D rig about two years ago. The Atom is purpose-built to mount Red Epic 5K cameras.

The Foundry Releases Nuke 6.3

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:47:20 -0400

The Foundry has released Nuke 6.3 to address the requirements of all VFX industries. New features will benefit small and medium companies using Nuke to create highly visual and engaging commercials, at the same time as delivering new technologies that boost Nuke’s functionality for movie projects.  

Linkin Parkʼs Iridescent to Screen in 3D at Theatres Worldwide

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:37:57 -0400

Grammy-Award winning, Linkin Park and Warner Bros. Records, teamed up with PassmoreLab to create the bandʼs latest music video, Iridescent in stereoscopic 3D. The song plays during the end credits of the number one box office film, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The 3D music video is playing in select independent theaters worldwide at the end of the movie.

The Look in Soho Installs a LightSpace CMS

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:52:08 -0400

The Soho boutique post house The Look has installed a LightSpace CMS for facility-wide color management control.

PostWorks NY Partners with Technicolor to Provide Post Services in New York

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:58:32 -0400

Telecorps Holdings, the parent company of PostWorks NY has signed a binding agreement to partner with Technicolor to jointly provide editorial, color grading and other post-production services in New York. The company’s PostWorks facility and Technicolor’s Technicolor East Coast facility, both located in Soho, will operate as a single unit under the name Technicolor/PostWorks.

Decode Relocates as 3D Business Grows

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:05:40 -0400

3D specialist rental/sales house Decode has relocated to larger premises.   

Elements Introduces Small Table Top Dolly

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:22:17 -0400

The Elements Table Top Dolly is small enough to fit in a camera bag but robust enough to support any camera weighing up to 15 pounds. Each of the three included wheels can individually rotate a full 360 degrees.

Legend Films Upgrades 3D Pipeline with IRIDAS Systems

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:32:36 -0400

Legend Films has made a significant investment in its stereo conversion pipeline with a major deployment of IRIDAS SpeedGrade NX, FrameCycler DDS and FrameCycler PRO systems.

OConnor Introduces Ultimate 1030 Fluid Heads for Lighter Cameras

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:36:12 -0400

OConnor has introduced the Ultimate 1030 D and 1030 Ds fluid heads designed especially for use with new full-format sensor, lighter weight cameras such as the Red Epic and Scarlet as well as the Sony F3.

Petrol Bag Introduces DSLR Campack Plus

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:40:37 -0400

Now there’s a backpack-style camera carrier designed specifically for DSLR cameras. Petrol Bags has introduced the DSLR Campack Plus.

Think Like a Man Starts Production

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:12:59 -0400

Production for Think Like a Man has begun in Los Angeles. The highly-anticipated comedy is an adaptation of comedian and nationally-syndicated radio host Steve Harvey's New York Times best-selling book, Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man.

Autodesk Signs Exclusive Deal for Disney’s XGen Technology

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:39:21 -0400

Autodesk has obtained a license from Walt Disney Pictures with a five-year exclusivity period for the XGen Arbitrary Primitive Generator technology, which was used most recently by Walt Disney Animation Studios in the hit animated film Tangled.   XGen technology was first presented by WDAS in a research paper at SIGGRAPH in 2003 for the creation of computer-generated fur, feathers, and foliage.

Captain America Action Footage Shot with Canon DSLRs

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:02:48 -0400

Canon has announced that the highly anticipated feature film, Captain America: The First Avenger used Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR cameras to capture many of the movie’s action shots. Throughout the super hero action picture, the 5D Mark II was used to shoot motion sequences that were seamlessly integrated with the production’s 35mm film footage.

Dashwood Releases Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:10:15 -0400

Dashwood Cinema Solutions has released version 3.0 of Stereo3D Toolbox LE, the light edition counterpart to its plug-in for stereoscopic 3D mastering.

Element Technica Introduces Riser Kit for Sony F3

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:12:44 -0400

As Sony’s engineers were putting the finishing touches on the company’s groundbreaking PMW-F3 Super 35mm sensor camcorder, Element Technica was working in close cooperation with the camera maker to develop purpose-built accessories to allow the new F3 to utilize the thousands of existing motion picture camera and lens accessories in rental house and owner/operator inventory. The first of ET’s F3 accessories is a riser kit, which includes a form-fitting bottom plate that reinforces the F3’s body and provides a stable mounting point for bridge plates, risers, Steadicam, remote heads and other support gear.

IRIDAS Upgrades FrameCycler PRO

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:28:07 -0400

IRIDAS has significantly strengthened its desktop stereo playback and review system, FrameCycler PRO. With this new release, FrameCycler PRO adds greater file format support for workflow flexibility, including full support for Arri Alexa RAW and Red Epic, and offers 12-bit Apple ProRes support compatible with Arri’s SxS card output.

Kodak adds Philippine Lab to ImageCare Program

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:29:30 -0400

Philippines-based SQ Film Laboratories has become the newest member of the Kodak ImageCare Program, a quality assurance plan for film laboratories initiated in 1996 by Kodak and prevalent throughout 31 countries worldwide today. SQ Laboratories was recently accredited for its Camera Negative Processing operations, indicating to filmmakers that critical film handling and quality standards are being maintained by the facility.

Pinkau Upgrades with Iridas SpeedGrade NX

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:55:43 -0400

Pinkau was the first German company to gain international notoriety for their 3D usage in the entertainment sector and is one of the few companies in Germany to provide specialized 3D underwater equipment. Recently, the company added Iridas SpeedGrade NX to its post-production suites to grade and finish Ocean 3D.

Pixomondo Standardizes Workflow on Shotgun

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:01:01 -0400

International visual effects company Pixomondo has standardized on the Shotgun web-based production management and collaboration system.

QubeMaster Xport now Compatible with Apple Compressor 4

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:07:11 -0400

Qube Cinema has announced the full compatibility of the QubeMaster Xport plug-in with Apple Compressor 4.

Adobe Acquires Iridas SpeedGrade Technology

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:54:48 -0400

Adobe Systems has acquired certain assets of privately held Iridas.

Cineimage Makes Major Purchase of Pixel Farm Workflow Technology

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:45:11 -0400

London-based restoration and 2D-to-3D conversion facility, Cineimage has committed to the largest single European purchase of The Pixel Farm’s restoration and remastering software and systems.

Cineworks Opens Satellite Operation in Baton Rouge

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:49:57 -0400

Louisiana-based Cineworks has opened a satellite operation at Celtic Media Centre to support film production at the Baton Rouge sound stage facility and around the capitol region. When fully staffed, the new location will employ four to six people full-time, new jobs added to the company’s roster of 15 experienced technical experts.

DreamWorks Animation Selects Mari to Enhance In-House Pipeline

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:01:22 -0400

DreamWorks Animation SKG has purchased a Mari site license from The Foundry to enhance its in-house pipeline. The studio has already begun utilizing Mari on upcoming productions.

Scorsese's Hugo First to Use New Cooke Lenses

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:20:54 -0400

Martin Scorsese’s eagerly anticipated 3D film, Hugo is the first production to use all three families of Cooke lenses: 5/i, S4/I and Panchro/i. It is also the first major motion picture shot with 5/i lenses (closely followed by Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris) and the first major film to use /i Technology (metadata) and Transvideo CineMonitor HD 3D View /i monitors.

Death of a Forest Named Finalist at IFFF

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:28:32 -0400

The documentary Death of a Forest explores how warmer winters are allowing pine beetles to survive in higher numbers and, as a result, kill millions of acres of pine tree forests in the western United States and Canada. The project was named a Finalist in the Shorts category at the 2011 International Forest Film Festival, a collaboration between the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Method Opens Facilities in Australia

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:39:12 -0400

Method Studios, the visual effects group within the Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, has announced the addition of three facilities in Australia, further expanding Method's already established network of studios in Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York and London.

Optical Art, Hamburg, Upgrades 3D Capabilities

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:52:14 -0400

Hamburg-based post-production house Optical Art has upgraded its f color-grading suite with a Kinoton Digital Cinema system to meet the demand for premium 3D services.

Gearing Up for National Geographic’s Expedition Wild

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:11:28 -0400

When executive producer/director of photography Thomas Winston geared up his company, Grizzly Creek Films, for a new series of National Geographic Expedition Wild specials, he knew he was going to face rugged terrain and he chose his equipment accordingly.

Production Starts on Alchemist Agenda

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:15:58 -0400

The Hive has begun production on a feature length motion comic with director Marty Weiss based on his Amazon Studios winning script, The Alchemist Agenda.

Documenting the French Coastline

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:39:55 -0400

Early in 2012, the European public-service channel Arte will broadcast a 90-minute documentary entitled Le relief d’une côte. With more than 3000 kilometers of coastline, France indeed offers a very varied and beautiful panorama. To film in S3D, Gédéon Programmes employed the technical team of Binocle 3D.

Deluxe Consolidates Post Operation

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:11:30 -0400

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group has integrated its Deluxe 142 digital intermediate facility into Company 3’s feature film post house.

ICG Names Award Winners

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:30:11 -0400

The International Cinematographers Guild presented its three major awards at the American Society of Cinematographers offices in Hollywood last month in connection with the Guild’s Emerging Cinematographer Awards.

Framestore adds Ikinema Technology to Motion Capture Pipeline

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:35:34 -0400

London VFX house Framestore has incorporated Ikinema technology into its motion capture production pipeline. The company says Ikinema’s inverse kinematics system is now the key motion capture solving and retargeting tool that Framestore uses to create special effects and animation for both its broadcast and VFX projects. 

Panasonic AG-HPX250 Now Available

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:50:04 -0400

Panasonic’s new AG-HPX250, its first P2 HD handheld camcorder with 10-bit, 4:2:2 independent-frame, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra recording, is now available at the suggested list price of $5,995.

Filming Ends on The Paperboy

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:51:54 -0400

Filming has wrapped in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the erotic thriller The Paperboy. Lee Daniels, who directed the Academy Award-winning Precious directed this character-driven film set in central Florida during the late 1960s.

Sachtler Introduces Telescopic TT 75/2 CF Lightweight Tripod

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:01:53 -0400

Sachtler has introduced a new lightweight two-stage carbon fiber tripod ideally suited for HDV and video enabled DSLR cameras.

Coppola’s Twixt Used AJA Converter for 3D Sequences

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:16:27 -0400

American Zoetrope used the AJA Hi5-3D Mini-Converter for the post-production reviews of stereo 3D sequences for Twixt, the 2011 thriller from director Francis Ford Coppola that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month.   Twixt, staring Val Kilmer and Elle Fanning, is a 2D feature that includes six minutes of stereo 3D in various sequences throughout the film. During post-production American Zoetrope had a SIM2 projector for screenings and needed a solution to feed it the proper signal for playback of stereo 3D material.

Assimilate Opens Office in India

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:02:08 -0400

Assimilate has established a sales and technical support division in India. The company has also extended its reseller network and appointed new Authorized Training Centers covering key filmmaking and broadcast markets across the country for its Scratch Six and Scratch Lab file-based workflow products. The company says the initiative underscores Assimilate's commitment to supporting the burgeoning broadcast and Bollywood filmmaking industries in India.

Binocle Tests Phantom Flex 3D at Alga Panavision France

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:30:16 -0400

At the invitation of Alga Panavision France Binocle recently conducted a 3D workshop at an open house in Aubervilliers. The theme was shooting high-speed stereoscopic footage using the Vision Research Phantom Flex camera.

Dashwood Releases Stereo3D CAT Alignment System

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:53:04 -0400

By Valentina I. Valentini

Whether you’re just starting out with stereoscopic 3D projects or you’re experienced in 3D technology, Dashwood Cinema Solutions has introduced a technology to aid in on-set 3D calibrations and configurations. The system, Stereo3D CAT, addresses what is often one of the most difficult aspects of shooting in 3D: aligning the separate images.

GoPro Goes Underwater for Rip Curl

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:00:39 -0400

GoPro was used to create a new video for international surf brand, Rip Curl, that uses the first ever mobile, waterproof 48-camera array to capture never-before-seen perspectives of two-time world champion surfer, Mick Fanning, doing what he does best in the warm waters of the South Pacific.

Drabinsky to Receive HPA Lifetime Achievemant Award

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:03:08 -0400

Cyril Drabinsky, president and CEO of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, is the recipient of the HPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be given to Drabinsky at the HPA Awards gala on November 10th at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lifetime Achievement Award pays tribute to those respected individuals who have made a significant contribution to the post-production industry.

Louis Lumiere Installs a Marquise Rain Color Grading System

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:13:21 -0400

The French film school Louis Lumiere has installed a Rain Marquise Technologies color grading system.

National Geographic Cinema Ventures Wins Four Awards at Jackson Hole

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:24:53 -0400

Flying Monsters 3D, a film produced by Atlantic Productions in association with Sky 3D and distributed by National Geographic Cinema Ventures, took home the honors for Best 3D Film at this year’s Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. The Last Lions, a feature-length documentary produced and distributed by NGCV and directed by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert, received awards for Best Theatrical Film, Best Music and Best Editing.

Post Haste Sound Expands With Video Editing and Encoding Services

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:29:33 -0400

Post Haste Sound, Los Angeles has expanded its services to offer video editing, mastering, encoding, quality control and more from a new video suite.

Slasher Films to Start Production on Nothing to Fear

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:33:30 -0400

New horror company Slasher Films, which was recently launched by Academy-Award winning producer Michael Williams and Rob Eric (Session 9, The Fog of War) and iconic rocker Slash (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), has announced that its first film Nothing to Fear will begin principal photography late October in Louisiana. Director Anthony Leonardi III is making his feature debut.

MTI Film Selects T-Vips Video Gateways for Remote Color Correction and Daily Screening

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:00:54 -0400

MTI Film has selected a video transport system from T-Vips to facilitate remote collaboration of the 2012 revamp of TV's iconic Dallas series. Featuring old and new generations of the Ewing dynasty at Southfork Ranch, the TNT show is also updating its post-production methods to enable real-time transport of show dailies between its Dallas studio and MTI's color correction facilities in Los Angeles.

Amerisis Studios to Launch with Baselight Color Grading System

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:47:50 -0400

Amerisis Studios, a newly launched post-production facility in Quito, Ecuador, has purchased FilmLight’s Baselight color grading system and will use it as the centerpiece of its service offering for

Prehistoric Digital Installs Barco DP2K-P Projector

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:50:37 -0400

Los Angeles post-production facility Prehistoric Digital has installed a Barco's DP2K-P digital cinema projector in its new studio.

Blackmagic Design Releases DaVinci Resolve 8.1

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:07:08 -0400

Blackmagic Design has announced that DaVinci Resolve 8.1 is now available. The update is available to all DaVinci Resolve customers free of charge and can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design web site.  

Digital Domain Standardizes on Tweak Software for Stereo Dailies

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:04:20 -0400

Digital production studio Digital Domain has standardized on Tweak’s RV and RV-SDI software to enable a common collaborative viewing experience from desktops to screening rooms for image, sequence and 2K stereo dailies review throughout its studios.

P+S Technik Introduces the PS-Cam X35

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:56:51 -0400

P+S Technik has introduced the PS-Cam X35, a camera that the manufacturer says is the first film-style digital cinematography camera made for the daily creative use of various kinds of special speed and motion effects including slow motion, fast motion, ramped motion, and time lapse motion.

Sony Upgrades Vegas 3D Editing Software

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:20:58 -0400

Sony Creative Software has announced the latest upgrade to its Vegas editing technology. Vegas Pro 11 adds significant performance improvements to the award-winning nonlinear editing, courtesy of OpenCL and highly optimized GPU hardware acceleration for video processing and rendering.

Todd-AO Upgrades ADR Facilities in Hollywood

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:29:50 -0400

In the latest phase of a continuing effort to expand and upgrade its sound facilities, Todd-AO has completed a full technical overhaul of ADR stage 5 at its Hollywood studios. One of the largest facilities of its type in Hollywood, the ADR stage has been equipped with a new Pro Tools workstation, a Soundmaster ION operating environment and a Christie HD playback system.

Ubiquity Studios Tests Sony’s F35

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:33:26 -0400

Ubiquity Studios of Irvine, California recently filmed a new Bentley Continental SuperSports coupe from the local Bentley dealer to put Sony F35 camera through its paces.

Unexpected Brings Robots to Life for Vestel

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:36:21 -0400

The latest Vestel commercial features an army of robots swiftly dealing with a pirate attack on an ocean-going ship. The lifelike movements of the robotic heroes were made possible by Xsens MVN motion capture technology.

Chapters the Surf Movie Posted at AlphaDogs

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:24:08 -0500

AlphaDogs Post Production of Burbank, California has completed work on Chapters the Surf Movie, which follows professional surfers including three-time world champion, Colin McPhillips  and others at various locations around the world.

Arri Alexa Now Supports Avid DNxHD

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:37:34 -0500

Arri’s Alexa camera range now offers in-camera support for Avid’s open standard and widely adopted Avid DNxHD codec.

New Eye Tracking Process for Film

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:46:39 -0500

House of Moves says it has developed a proprietary process using electrooculraphy (EOG) to capture accurate eye movement for facial animation in films and video games. The process has already been used on more than six projects for several clients including EA.

Identity FX Embraces SGO Mistika 4K System

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:48:56 -0500

Identity FX has announced that it has embraced the SGO Mistika 4K system and is unveiling a new category of comprehensive 2D and stereoscopic 3D production and post-production services that the company says closes the loop in the 2D and stereo 3D production pipeline.

Marquise Ocean Now Supports MWA Novas’s Flashtransfer Vario

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:02 -0500

Marquise Technologies, based in Switzerland, has announced that its Ocean film transfer controller now supports the MWA Nova flashtransfer vario.

Wolff Chooses Eclipse and Iwerks for Large Format Feature

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:05:05 -0500

When pilot and aerial coordinator Marc Wolff began prepping for a large format feature to be shot in Budapest, he decided to pair Pictorvision’s Eclipse with the Iwerks camera as an alternative to Imax.

Schneider Now Shipping Platinum IRND Filters

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:12:24 -0500

Schneider Optics has announced that its range of absorptive Platinum IRND filters designed to fulfill the demanding requirements of today’s digital cinematography cameras is now shipping.

Soundelux’s Glenn T. Morgan Created the Sound for The Way

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:33:17 -0500

Supervising sound editor/sound designer Glenn T. Morgan of Soundelux created the sound elements for Emilio Estevez’s new film The Way.

Cinedeck, Sony Announce Rebate Program

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:43:24 -0500

Cinedeck has teamed up with Sony to launch a rebate promotion on Sony XDCam EX and F3 cameras when purchased with a Cinedeck EX recorder.

Cineworks Opens Satellite Operation at Millenium Studios

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:50:47 -0500

Louisiana-based Cineworks has opened a satellite operation at Millennium Studios to support film production there and around the Shreveport-Bossier City area. When fully operational, the new location will employ three to five people full-time, new jobs added to the company’s roster of 15 experienced technical experts.

Hannover House Expands In-House Post Capabilities

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:54:42 -0500

Hannover House, the operating division of Target Development Group has made a capital commitment to expand the company's in-house, post-production facilities to include full mastering capabilities to service all of the company's Video-On-Demand customers. Previously, mastering of Hannover House features for VOD clients was handled by several Los Angeles-based labs generating up to six, distinctive delivery formats. The move to internalize the mastering and servicing is expected to save the company over $250,000 in the next year, and expand Hannover's abilities to create additional delivery materials.

Canal+ to Broadcast 3D Documentary Maskay, the Lost World Adventurers

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:15:33 -0500

The 90-minute documentary Maskay, the Lost World Adventurers will be broadcast on Canal+ in 3D on December 14. The film tells the story of the young explorer Evrard Wendenbaum when he realized his dream and joined an international team of researchers to the rocky trails of Maskay, an almost unknown region southeast of Madagascar, which is now threatened by unregulated deforestation.

Editing Complete on Military Documentary From Philadelphia to Fallujah

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:08:27 -0500

Sweet Prince Productions has wrapped up editing for the documentary short From Philadelphia to Fallujah, a film that pays tribute to the courage, honor and bravery of the graduates of the U.S. military academies at West Point and Annapolis.

Studio Saving on Energy Costs using Thinkbox Deadline

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:29:09 -0500

Technical director Lukas Dubeda of duber studio in the Czech Republic says he has saved as much as sixty percent on energy costs using the Deadline Power Management system from Thinkbox Software.

THX Announces THX cineSpace Partner Program

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:31:02 -0500

THX has announced the THX cineSpace Partner Program, a growing ecosystem of experts in the content production space, with a common goal of offering products that ensure quality end-customer experiences and effective color management throughout the production chain.

DFT Flexxity Now Supports ProRes Files

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:26 -0500

Digital Film Technology has announced that its Flexxity suite of software applications (Dailies, Playout, Archive) now includes native support of ProRes files on the Linux OS.

JVC Lowers Price of GY-HM710 ProHD Camera

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:57:36 -0500

JVC has announced a new lower price on its GY-HM710 ProHD camcorder. Its new $5,995 list price includes the camera head with bayonet lens mount, viewfinder, microphone, Anton/Bauer battery plate, and Canon 14:1 ENG lens. The company also announced the JVC Power Promotion, a limited time offer that includes a free Anton/Bauer power system package with the purchase of a new GY-HM710.

Alvernia Studios First in Poland to Join Kodak Imagecare Program

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:02:23 -0500

Poland's Alvernia Studios is the newest member of Kodak's Imagecare Program, verifying that the laboratory meets the highest standards for camera negative processing, a Phase I accreditation. This is the first lab in Poland to be certified.

Light Illusion, S.two Form Strategic Partnership

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:05:20 -0500

Light Illusion and S.two Corporation have announced a strategic partnership to bring to the Indian market S.two’s digital film recording systems, including the OB-1 on-board recorder with removable FlashMag solid-state magazines and the FlashDock family of compact transfer stations.   CEO of Light Illusion India, Sundeep Reddy, has been working with the S.two family of Raw recorders for some time as a DP.

The Foundry Releases Mari 1.4

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:07:30 -0500

The Foundry has released of Mari 1.4. Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of the most demanding VFX texture and matte painting artists, Mari is a 3D digital paint tool that simplifies artist workflow.

Rethinking Santa Claus in 3D

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:14:35 -0500

Earlier this year, Walton Isaacson was hired to create a holiday ad for Philips Norelco’s new SensoTouch 3D rechargeable razor. They decided to re-imagine one of Norelco’s most popular holiday ads of all time. The long-running original was known for a stop-motion Santa that sledded through the snow atop one of their products. It is widely regarded as a classic. For the new :15 to :30 second spots, the firm wanted to imitate the original’s look, but incorporate a new twist. This time the razor would be 3D. That’s where re:think studios – a 3D design, modeling and animation company based in Chicago – came in.

Panasonic Low-Cost 3D Camera Available Now

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:16:24 -0500

Panasonic has announced pricing and availability for its latest professional 3D camcorder, the HDC-Z10000, delivering in December at a suggested list price of $3500. The Z1000 achieves the industry’s nearest close-up of approximately 17.7 inches (45cm) for a twin-lens 3D camcorder, while maintaining an equivalent 32mm wide angle of view. It records close-up images that would be conventionally difficult to capture in crisp detail.

Danna Kinsky Shoots Anti-Gay Bullying PSA

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:19:36 -0500

Director of photography Danna Kinsky may use large cameras and heavier support equipment when shooting feature films like the upcoming Untold, but she wants the same kind of support performance when she shoots with smaller form factor cameras, like her Canon 7D. In connection with the Untold project, Kinsky shot a public service announcement about anti-gay bullying in schools.

Making the Case for Previs

Nick Dager — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:33:53 -0500

Animators at the Previs (short for previsualization) Department of 20th Century Fox say their work has saved productions time and money and, even better, is putting creativity back at the heart of filmmaking. One of their main tools is Xsens’ MVN Motion Capture system.

DaVinci Resolve 8.2 Beta for Windows Now Available

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:51:06 -0500

Blackmagic Design has announced that DaVinci Resolve 8.2 for Microsoft Windows public beta is now available for download in both the full-featured DaVinci Resolve 8.2 and free DaVinci Resolve Lite versions. The DaVinci Resolve 8.2 for Windows license is included with the Mac OS X version, so all current Mac OS X customers automatically get a license for the Windows version, and can download it now to use in their facility.

New Documentary Focuses on Detroit Firefighters

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:55:19 -0500

Filmmakers Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez recently shot the feature documentary Burn, a project that focuses on a year in the life of Detroit, as seen through the eyes of its firefighters, the men and women tasked with saving a city that many have written off as dead. The documentary was executive produced by Denis Leary and partner Jim Serpico and produced by Putnam and Sanchez.

Cineworks Opens Satellite Operation in New Orleans

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:07:16 -0500

Louisiana-based Cineworks has opened a satellite operation at Second Line Stages to support film production at the Garden District sound stage facility and increase its capabilities in the Greater New Orleans area.

Dream Anthem Posts at Optimus, Chicago

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:29:26 -0500

A new campaign for American Family Insurance evokes the company’s association with heartland values through finely crafted images of factory workers, motorcycle riders, newborn babies and kids diving into swimming pools. Conceived by Ogilvy & Mather, Chicago, the campaign involved a seven-day shoot in Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. Post work was completed at Optimus, Chicago.

Hollywood Edge Releases Segue Surround 5.1 HD

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:32:13 -0500

The Hollywood Edge has announced the release of Segue Surround 5.1 HD, a first-of-its-kind sound effects toolkit featuring more than 1,100 whooshes, stingers, impact effects, atmospherics and other transitional elements created in true 5.1 surround sound. The large collection is well suited for films, broadcast television, radio, commercials, trailers, interactive media, podcasts and other types of programming requiring special sound treatments.

JVC Introduces 24-Inch 3D Production Analysis Monitor

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:59:43 -0500

JVC has introduced the DT-3D24G1U 24-inch HD 3D LCD production analysis LCD monitor.

P+S Technik Opens Technical Center in Hollywood

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:06:19 -0500

P+S Technik has opened a technical center in Hollywood to service and support the PS-Cam X35 and other P+S products in the United States.

Documenting the Search for Pirate Gold

Nick Dager — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:10:48 -0500

Pirate Island follows legendary underwater archeologist Barry Clifford as he searches for pirate shipwrecks in the waters near Île Sainte-Marie, a tiny island off the coast of Madagascar. As with Somali pirates today, the Indian Ocean was terrorized in the 18th century by marauding seamen, who amassed huge fortunes by pillaging commercial vessels. Clifford, the only person to previously have found a pirate shipwreck, was seeking evidence of these early pirates and their booty.

32Ten Studios Launches on Former ILM Site

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:52:03 -0500

Kerner Optical has launched 32Ten Studios, which will be based at the former site of Industrial Light and Magic in San Rafael, California. The new venture will be employee owned and will be headed by industry veterans Tim Partridge, who will serve as president and CEO, and Greg Maloney who will serve as COO.

Animal Logic Honored for its Work on The Owls of Ga'Hoole

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:04:27 -0500

Australian visual effects and animation studio Animal Logic received the inaugural Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for Best Visual Effects on Sunday for its work on Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole.  

Avid Project Sharing Available on Archion EditStor ES

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:06:49 -0500

Archion Technologies is now offering Avid project sharing on its EditStor ES Shared Storage System, which the company says enables complete collaboration between multiple Avid editors simultaneously working on the same open project.  

ArriLaser, Pictorvision to Receive Academy Awards

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:41:20 -0500

Arri and Pictorvision will both be awarded with Scientific and Engineering Academy Awards at the 84th Annual Academy Awards for Technical Achievement during a ceremony on February 11 in Beverly Hills.

Autodesk to use Dot Hill Storage Systems for 3D

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:43:07 -0500

Dot Hill Systems has entered into a supply agreement with Autodesk.

B&H Authorized Dealers for Canon Digital Cinema Cameras

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:46:07 -0500

B&H Photo Video, New York, has been chosen by Canon to be among the select authorized dealers for the Canon C300 and EOS C300 PL cinematography cameras.

Eighteenth Annual HPA Retreat Set for Indian Wells

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:06:23 -0500

The Hollywood Post Alliance Tech Retreat 2012, the 18th annual gathering of post-production industry leaders, is set to take place February 14-17, at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, California.

Scorsese to Receive 2012 Harold Lloyd Award

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:30:33 -0500

Hugo director, Martin Scorsese, has been named the 2012 recipient of the Harold Lloyd Award by the International 3D Society in Hollywood.

The Adventures of Tintin Wins Golden Globe for Animation

Nick Dager — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:40:53 -0500

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s The Adventures of Tintin was this year’s Golden Globe winner for Best Animated Feature Film.