Animation studio Laika has purchased a site licence of Katana from The Foundry and plans to fully implement the software on its next feature film production. Laika is the world-renowned animation studio behind the Academy Award-nominated Coraline (2009) the first stop-motion feature film to be conceived and photographed in stereoscopic 3D and forthcoming release ParaNorman (in 3D in select theatres this summer). Laika’s decision to purchase a site licence comes as the VFX team looks for ways to better manage the consistency of lighting and handle increasingly complex shots. Katana will now help them to build a more asset-driven pipeline with better control over the looks of their CG materials. The node-based approach will allow them to create and manage looks for large numbers of assets with minimal setup between tasks. It will also streamline shot lighting workflows and let them easily maintain standards and rigs across multiple assets shots and sequences. Andrew Nawrot computer graphics and look development supervisior at Laika says “Katana’s procedural workflow makes perfect sense for feature film look development and lighting. Katana’s core features were driven directly out of large-scale visual effects production and this makes it an incredibly unique flexible and effective platform for look development and lighting. With stop-motion the scope of the sets and environments as well as the quantity of characters has traditionally been bound by the physical dimensions of the stages. With Katana’s ability to handle incredibly complex environments and thousands of assets we’re able to keep up with the increasingly expansive stop-motion worlds in which our films are set.” Originally developed by Sony Pictures Imageworks Katana takes an innovative recipe based approach enabling facilities large and small to build highly scalable and efficient lighting pipelines without a large internal engineering effort. Jeff Stringer director of production technology at Laika says In each successive film at Laika we are more ambitious than the last. We expect that Katana will put our VFX team in a better position to scale up the complexity of their work on these films. The team at The Foundry has been very attentive and responsive to us as we work through the integration. It is a collaborative effort since many of the tools we need are developed at The Foundry. We knew we could expect this as we have enjoyed years of good support from them with Nuke.” Andy Lomas Katana product manager says “Laika is a wonderful addition to the growing portfolio of Katana clients. Katana is incredibly versatile and can be used on all types of productions including live action CG and stop-motion. We are excited to be working with such a respected studio and can’t wait to see their first Katana project.” Katana 1.0 was released in October 2011 and is already in use in production at Industrial Light and Magic Digital Domain Sony Pictures ImageWorks and most recently Reliance MediaWorks and Spin VFX. Katana continues to be under evaluation at a number of studios both large and small. The Foundry www.thefoundry.co.uk Laika www.laika.com ,3334
Legend3D Forms New Division Stereo Works,2012-05-31, Legend3D has introduced Stereo Works a new business division dedicated to collaborating with entertainment studios to create stereo images for feature films. Stereo Works supports Legend3D's 3D conversion portfolio by leveraging the company's propriety technologies to address a variety of stereoscopic issues faced by today's studios. By adapting Legend3D's existing asset control platform and efficient workflow systems Stereo Works offers film studios and VFX teams an experienced partner to provide precise post-production stereo imaging services. Legend3D has a deep understanding of all types of stereo and with extensive R&D we've developed tools that lead the industry in quality and efficiency. Stereo Works is a natural extension of our conversion services and enables us to better serve studios in managing native 3D post-production projects says Dr. Barry Sandrew founder chief creative officer and chief technology officer at Legend3D. Stereo Works provides a wealth of stereoscopic services such as native stereo repair to address camera anomalies lens refractions and reflection issues. It also supports stereoscopic rotoscoping color matching compositing of graphic elements and 2D plate corrections for flawless finished products that convey the director's vision and help enhance the audience's experience. The team led by Jared Sandrew Stereo Works' head of creative and Legend3D's stereoscopic visual effects supervisor includes Legend3D senior team members. The division is wrapping up its first major studio assignment for 3D release early this summer. Legend3D is an established 2D-to-3D conversion partner for Hollywood studios and with the creation of Stereo Works we're building upon our successful technology platforms to enhance offerings and fill the need for high-quality post-production stereoscopic visual effects says Tom Sinnott Stereo Works' head of operations and Legend3D's chief operating officer. This extended arm enables us to expand our work with studios to cost-effectively support high-end VFX projects and overcome common stereo hurdles both as a part of and in addition to 2D-to-3D conversion. Stereo Works is based in Legend3D's San Diego office. Legend3D www.Legend3D.com ,3335
Manor Hill Pittsburgh Upgrades with Sony 4K Projection ,2012-05-31, The 90-year-old Manor Theatre in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania has chosen Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection technology for its transition to digital. The cinema originally built in the 1920s is a landmark building for the local community and was given its last significant upgrade by owner Rick Stern in 1992. Stern and his daughter decided that now is the time for a reincarnation of the theatre and have converted its four screens to Sony Digital Cinema 4K technology with one screen capable of 3D. The Sterns will also finalize the renovation of a new bar and concession stand and are looking at serving tapas style food in addition to the traditional popcorn offering.
“The main renovation and remake of the theatre all started with the necessity to look at digital conversion ” says Stern. “We realized that if we were going to make that commitment to upgrading the technology we wanted to take it a step further and secure the theatre’s future for the next 10 years. We are very much honored to be bringing the Sony 4K digital technology experience to Manor Theatre and we are committed to being the best in providing a first-class viewing experience.”
“Manor Theatre understands the value of offering movie-goers a unique cinema experience and the rollout of Sony Digital Cinema 4K technology at the Squirrel Hill location in Pittsburgh fits perfectly with the company’s vision ” says Christopher Simpson national account manager for Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Solutions Group. “4K content is continually being released by every studio and having a 4K infrastructure in place makes a destination theatre like Manor better prepared to continue delivering unparalleled immersive programming well into the future.” ,3336
Sachtler Searching for Oldest Fluid Head,2012-05-31,
Premiere fluid head maker Sachtler is looking for the oldest of its Video 18 fluid heads in use. Owners of Video 18s worldwide are invited to submit the serial number of their fluid head and a photo. The oldest Video 18 head still in-use will be exchanged for a new Video 18 S1 tripod system with Speed Lock CF. In addition all Video 18 owners who enter will be part of a drawing in which three additional Video 18 S1 tripod systems with the Speed Lock CF will be awarded. Sachtler requests that owners worldwide send photos of their Video 18 being used in the field. The Video 18 has been setting the standard in ENG/EFP production since 1984. Exceptionally robust the Video 18 works dependably in extreme temperatures ranging from -40° to +140° F (-40° to +60° C) and when shooting in unusual conditions. Video 18 fluid head owners around the world are encouraged to participate. The company plans to post photos of the legacy Video 18 systems working in exotic and challenging locations. The contest ends June 30. Entry form eligibility requirements and terms of use and further information can be found at www.sachtler.com/video18 ,3337
Sony Pictures Claims 3D Attendance Record,2012-05-31, Sony Pictures and Berlin’s O2 World held host to the German premiere of Men in Black III last night with the film screened using state-of-the-art Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection systems. A total of 6 819 viewers attended the German premiere at the multi-functional O2 World in Germany last night making it the largest 3D movie screening ever done. Sony Pictures Releasing is now a Guinness World Record holder. The set-up in the arena comprised an array of four Sony 4K SRX-R320 projecting left eye and right eye 3D images simultaneously onto a giant 25.9m x 14m screen. Celebrity guests such as Will Smith Nicole Scherzinger and Josh Brolin were all in attendance at the German premiere along with film director Barry Sonnenfeld. David McIntosh senior vice president Sony Digital Cinema said “We are delighted to support the premier of Men in Black III with our Sony 4K Digital Cinema projection technology allowing the delivery of a truly innovative cinematic evening. Offering an immersive visual experience to the Men in Black III premiere attendees Sony’s unique digital cinema projection system provided spectacular detail with easy on the eye 3D even on a screen as large as 25.9m.” Martin Bachmann managing director Sony Pictures Germany said “Men In Black III is a hugely popular and eagerly anticipated film release and one which we wanted to showcase by using the best projection technology available. Sony’s projection system allows viewers to get incredible detail and clarity something which is absolutely essential for this action packed blockbuster.” The eagerly awaited Men in Black III sees the return of Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones). J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black but nothing not even aliens perplexes him as much as his wry recent partner. But when K’s life and the fate of the planet are put at stake Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him – secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner the agency and the future of humankind. ,3338
Zecotek Granted Patents for Glasses-Free 3D Display System,2012-05-31, Zecotek Photonics has announced that the European Patent Office has issued a Notice of Allowance and the Eurasian Patent Office has issued a Notification on Readiness to Grant a Eurasian Patent for the 3D/2D switchable optical imaging system for its glasses-free 3D auto-stereoscopic display system. The European Notice of Allowance and the Eurasian Notification on Readiness add to the other global patents including U.S. patent number 7 944 465 covering glasses-free 3D auto-stereoscopic display system strengthening Zecotek's worldwide patent position as the company moves to fully commercialize its innovative 3D technology and other photonics technology. We take considerable care in the protection of our intellectual property and receiving the Notice of Allowance from the European Union for our glasses-free 3D display system is very important to the overall commercialization of this valuable technology said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk chairman president and CEO of Zecotek Photonics. Our 3D auto-stereoscopic display offers a real volumetric 3D viewing experience with one of the widest viewing angles and the highest resolution compared to competing technologies and it is critical that the IP be protected. Our objective is to pursue full commercialization of our 3D technology with a strategic partner. The European patent allowance includes all countries of the European Union. The Eurasia Patent Organization includes 9 former-Soviet nations: Russian Federation Republic of Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Kyrgyz Republic Republic of Belarus Republic of Tajikistan Republic of Azerbaijan Republic of Moldova and Republic of Armenia. The European and Eurasian patent allowances cover the 3D/2D switchable optical imaging system of Zecotek's Real-Time 3D Display. The 3D/2D switchable optical imaging system further improves the core capabilities of the 3D display technology by introducing a software-selectable full-resolution 2D mode with viewing angles and dynamic range/colour depth on par with conventional 2D displays. The patent covers technology for 3D and 2D modes dynamic adjustment of viewing angle number and width of viewing zones as well as the functionality to dynamically control the positioning of different viewing zones. Patents have now been granted to Zecotek for its 3D display system in Europe Eurasia the United States and Australia. Patents have been filed and are pending in Japan China Korea and India. ,3339
Testronic Deluxe Partner on Testing Tool,2012-05-31, Testronic Labs has announced that its File-Based QC Lab has implemented a Veristream testing tool designed by Deluxe Digital Studios. “Studios are actively exploring solutions that incorporate highly developed automated tools to improve production efficiency ” says Seth Hallen CEO of Testronic. “To that end we have been working with Deluxe Digital Studios to support this development and to implement their toolsets into our workflows. We are very excited by what Deluxe’s powerful new tools can do in the hands of the Testronic team.” Rob Seidel executive vice president of Deluxe Digital Studios says “Using sophisticated algorithms Veristream analyzes source video masters and encoded streams identifying potential corruption or processing issues that could have been introduced throughout the video production process. In doing so Veristream predicts potential video anomalies in a highly accurate fast and reliable way providing efficient ways for operators to review and verify potential issues. The efficiency enabled by this automation is a major step forward in quality assurance testing and we are unveiling this service with Testronic Labs because they bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge and testing experience.” While the human element can never be discounted in the testing field automation tools are the next important development area for quality assurance. The ability to move large files through a pipeline with automated prequalification is increasingly crucial to a viable workflow. Part of the appeal for Hallen is the ability of Veristream to analyze almost any picture element. “When we work on a title that may have as many as 26 versions and numerous encodes there are literally thousands of files to test on a single project ” he says. “Testronic is dedicated to the innovation and investment that is necessary to lead the testing industry forward into these new digital areas. We have engaged in a number of beta trials with Deluxe on these tools and will continue to provide them with usability data to enhance refinement of the software.” Hallen says “While various types of automation tools have been available for a number of years Veristream incorporates a fresh approach to creating powerful efficiencies for the rapidly evolving needs of our supply chain. It’s exciting and an honor to be involved with Deluxe Digital Studios on this initiative.” ,3342
Taking Titanic to New Dimensions
,2012-05-31, By Valentina I. Valentini West Coast Correrspondent “Of late 3D has been imposed upon filmmakers by the studios ” said Jon Landau at during the Titanic to 3D panel at NAB. “And that’s where it’s gone awry – 3D needs to be a creative choice coming from the filmmakers. Like we saw with Hugo where even Jim [Cameron] said it’s the best 3D he’s ever seen including Avatar because it came from the filmmakers’ choice.” As the most experienced industry leaders have been preaching for the last few years of the 3D digital era the future is a hybrid – as a filmmaker one should be using every tool available to them. This was the emphasis given by Oscar-winning VFX Supervisor Rob Legato (Avatar Apollo 13 Hugo) William Sherak president of StereoD and Landau of Lightstorm Entertainment on the panel where the recent 2D-3D conversion of Titanic was discussed. The decision to convert the iconic film was not a snap decision. Landau and Cameron started the process of converting Titanic four years ago having agreed many years prior that if they could do it again they’d do it in 3D. They began by giving one minute of film to 15 different companies and asked them to convert it eventually landing at Lightstorm and Stereo3D. Titanic’s 194 minutes was broken down and 279 360 frames were converted at the ripe price of $18 million. But with a box office gross of over $200 million worldwide – last weekend alone they made $64 million in China – there has been no fretting of whether or not the conversion was worth it for the 60 weeks and 450 people (in Los Angeles alone) that worked on it. “We’re still at the very early stages of conversion ” Landau said. ”The tools will get better and the costs will get lower however the timeframe won’t change.” Which as Sherak emphasized conversion is not just the press of a button but rather a frame-by-frame process where the filmmaker gets to decide the depth of every shot. “Jim and his team are so specific which makes it so much better for everyone involved ” Sherak said. “It’s not a technical process. It’s a creative process that uses technology which allowed Jim to be very involved – by choosing of the IO [Inter Ocular] and convergence determining the level of drama by enhancing each shot in these ways. Our goal is to get a frame in 3D exactly the way the filmmaker wants it.” Next up for Lightstorm is Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. Watch out Mr. Cameron the dinosaurs are coming. ,3343
Event Cinema Association Formed in Europe to Grow Alternative Content,2012-06-01, A trade association is being formed in Europe to support companies there that are active in the production and distribution of alternative content in movie theatres Digital Cinema Report has learned exclusively. The new group’s chairman Melissa Keeping said “The Event Cinema Association will be a non-profit organization limited by guarantee so there will be no share capital and the objectives will be purely to represent and further activities of those involved in the sector.” According to Keeping the ECA will be run by her as chairman and administrator and will be overseen by a president and supported by a board of six people from the distribution exhibition services and marketing industries. For the establishment of the ECA a board will be selected and invited. Keeping said “Board membership will entail bi-monthly board meetings along with an annual AGM in London. We would like to have the board selected and confirmed by July 1 with an initial meeting around the time with the first marketing materials ready by September 1.” The organization will initially be concerned with two main objectives she said that of marketing and lobbying. As the association grows other objectives will be added. It will do this by implementing a variety of initiatives in the areas of marketing lobbying best practice awards initially on a pan-European basis with the objective of expanding this into other territories globally. The ECA website will be developed as a central portal for marketing event cinema screenings supported in time by advertising she said and the association will produce a two-three minute trailer four times a year to promote event cinema as a general concept promoting upcoming concerts opera theatre cultural and the association itself. Raising the profile of the industry will also include vital trade show presence such as group stands at relevant conventions: CinemaCon CineAsia CineEurope and ShowEast Keeping said adding that a key element to raising the profile of this industry would be to stage an awards ceremony in London and celebrate the diversity of event cinema with a dinner and awards for example for such things as Best Event Best Classical/Opera Event and Best Marketing Campaign. Among other issues Keeping said that the ECA will be lobbying governments for a reduction in rates applicable for Alternative Content distributors and a reduction and standardization in the VPF fees charged by exhibitors. Geraint Howells of Howells & Co will be appointed as accountants and company secretary. “They have extensive experience in representing trade bodies and NPOs in the media sector ” she said “and have been involved in the set up of the MMF AIM BASCA and PRS.” This new initiative includes trade association membership in addition to all the benefits offered previously for Live Screen Events for the same price: a customer facing website marketing the content to the public and an official trade body protecting the interests of the industry. “Only with these vital elements in place can the alternative content industry be allowed to grow at an exponential rate ” Keeping said. Event Cinema Association www.eventcinemaassociation.org ,3345
Arri Hosts Party at Cannes,2012-06-15,For the third year in a row Arri played host to the Cannes International Film Festival Director’s Fortnight Happy Hour events bringing together directors producers cinematographers and industry professionals from around the world. Several award-winning movies were shot with Arri Alexa cameras. Later in the week the festival awarded Michael Haneke the top prize of the Palme d’Or for Amour a film of love and death. Shot by Darius Khondji Amour was one of the first projects worldwide to capture with Arri Alexa in ArriRaw. Also captured with Alexa was Jagten by Thomas Vinterberg who’s leading actor Mads Mikkelsen garnered the award for best actor along with cinematographer Charlotte Brus Christensen winning the Vulcain award for artist technician. Djeca directed by Aida Bejic received the Special Distinction of Un Certain Regard shot by Erol Zubcevic captured with Alexa and Arri/Zeiss Master Prime lenses. In the Director’s Fortnight selection the SACD award went to Camille Redouble directed by Noéme Lvovsky and shot by Jean Marc Fabre also captured with Alexa. Stephan Schenk general manager business unit camera & DI systems at Arri said “We congratulate all the winners and nominees of this year’s awards. We are truly delighted so many of these amazing productions chose to shoot with the Arri Alexa and almost all the winners of the main competition where shot with Arri film cameras. This year we celebrate our 95th anniversary and will endeavor to continue to provide leading-edge technology to enable filmmakers to tell their stories and create and capture their vision. ,3348
NASA Space Station to See The Avengers,2012-06-15, Marvel Studios has arranged with NASA to transfer their record-breaking film The Avengers to NASA’s Mission Control in Houston which will uplink the film to the International Space Station currently orbiting 220 miles above Earth. The film will then be screened for the space station crew’s exclusive enjoyment. This screening continues Marvel’s collaboration with NASA which began during principal photography of The Avengers when the film shot at the Space Power Facility at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky Ohio.
Louis D’Esposito Marvel Studios’ co-president and executive producer of Marvel’s The Avengers says “The studio is privileged to share Marvel’s The Avengers with those up in space exploring the universe. A special thanks goes to NASA for utilizing their incredible technology to make this special screening miles above us in space happen. It is a screening that would make Tony Stark envious.”
Films books and music offer important aspects of psychological support for astronauts on long-duration missions such as those on the International Space Station. “These are the types of things that help to keep the crew connected to home which is a huge morale boost while being away for long periods of time “ said Dan Cook psychological support coordinator with Wyle a contractor at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Aside from watching movies and television shows ISS crewmembers have a number of options for their leisure and personal time such as reading books or magazines listening to music and playing musical instruments.
The current space station mission is Expedition 31 and has a six-member crew consisting of two NASA Astronauts one European Space Agency Astronaut and three Russia Cosmonauts as follows: Don Pettit (NASA) Joe Acaba (NASA) Andre Kuipers (ESA) Oleg Kononenko (RU) Gennady Padalka (RU) Sergei Revin (RU). ,3349
Landmark Cinemas Installs Barco’s Auro 11.1 3D Sound System,2012-06-15,Landmark Cinemas Canada’s third-largest theatere circuit has installed Barco’s Auro 11.1 3D multi-channel audio system to augment the immersive cinema experience in its first-class movie auditorium which features a giant 60-foot by 30-foot screen. Landmark selected Auro 11.1 to differentiate their auditoriums for major studio releases as well as independent films and alternative content in 11.1. The growing theatre chain expects to operate 135 screens in 34 locations by the end of summer. “When we began planning our expansion in Western Canada we were looking for something to strongly differentiate our chain – and this is it ” said Neil Campbell chief operating officer for Landmark. “Auro 11.1 will make our new West Kelowna Xtreme auditorium the jewel in our crown where we’ll show the biggest best theatrical releases. With Auro 11.1 and our new 30-foot by 60-foot we’re set to impress and give our patrons a truly premium immersive cinema experience.” Auro 11.1 is designed along three spatial axes (width depth and height) rather than the two axes of traditional surround sound. As the Auro 11.1 sound technology is fully compatible with existing formats only a minimal hardware and installation investment is required to upgrade from traditional 5.1 to Auro 11.1. “We are honored that Landmark has selected our Auro 11.1 audio solution to enhance immersive cinema in their premium theatres ” said Scott Freidberg vice president of sales for Barco in the US and Canada. “As one of the preeminent exhibitors in Canada this leap forward to Auro 11.1 speaks volumes about Landmark’s commitment to differentiating the theatrical experience.” “We have made an increasingly strong commitment to the Canadian market evidenced by our ongoing expansion of Barco’s dedicated Canadian Barco team as well as a coast-to-coast nationwide network of local parts depots and 24/7/365 technical support ” said Danny Sergeant vice president and managing director for Barco Canada. ,3350
CFG-Barco Hosts Cinema of the Future Summit,2012-06-15, CFG-Barco Electronics a joint venture founded by Barco and China Film Group held its Cinema of the Future – 2012 CFG-Barco Digital Film Summit this week in Suzhou China. Over 130 experts in China’s film industry participated in the summit discussing the concept of the cinema of the future and the technological trends in the global cinema market. The participants also experienced first-hand the revolutionary changes in the next generation technologies for the cinema. The summit is the first industry-wide event held by CFG-Barco since the company’s establishment last August. Cheng Yang general manager of CFG Digital Film Development said “This summit was a remarkable event for China’s digital film industry. We participated in the sections on production & distribution cinema operations cinema construction and hardware & software technologies gaining an inside perspective on the current issues and looking ahead to the industry’s prospects. I believe that these valuable communications and discussions will indeed have a positive impact on the digital film industry.” As one of the highlights of the event CFG-Barco showcased digital film projection technologies including Barco’s 4K laser projector the Auro 11.1 3D sound system and its DP2K-Cx series projectors which were specially designed for the Chinese exhibition market. Speaking of the laser projection demo Yang Xuepei director of the China Film Science and Technology Research Institute said “Barco’s laser projection technology has reached an unprecedented level of projection brightness color richness and visual impact. We’re grateful to Barco for introducing these state-of-the-art laser technologies leading the way to digital cinema’s future. These technologies will take the future film experience to a new level.” Wanda Cinema the biggest cinema circuit in China as measured by box office volume is also intensely interested in laser. Ye Ning general manager of Wanda Cinema said “We are very pleased to experience the effects of laser projection. As an industry leader Wanda would like to work with front-running market players like Barco to continuously provide more immersive film experiences for movie viewers.” Chen Xuxiang general manager of CFG-Barco Electronics said “We aim to provide a complete product porfolio to serve the entire range of theatres – from small auditoriums to medium and large cinema theaters – providing the cinema exhibitor in China with a total solution for digital cinema projection.” “We are so excited that cinema market in China will grow very fast to surpass Japan in 2012 as the world’s second largest movie market after the U.S.” said Dave Duncan business manager for Texas Instruments DLP Cinema Products “TI DLP will dedicate to bring the most advanced cinema technology for our partners to serve Chinese Cinema industry from small screens to giant screens. Together with CFG-Barco we will continue focusing on helping local distributors in China to create more business opportunities through the advanced DLP Cinema technology.” Wim Buyens senior vice president Barco and head of the entertainment division said “We have successfully transitioned Barco’s digital cinema business in China to CFG-Barco. I am very pleased that customers and industry colleagues continue to give us great support. We have showcased the latest technologies of the 'cinema of the future' at our summit. Our total solution will give customers the right confidence and improve their total cost of ownership. I believe that our summit will provide a valuable reference for the development of China’s film industry over the long-term.”
Texas Instruments www.ti.com ,3351
Canon EOS Cameras Used on The Avengers,2012-06-15,Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 7D Digital SLR cameras were used on Marvel’s The Avengers to capture point-of-view action shots that were intercut with footage from the film’s principal 35mm and digital cinematography cameras to heighten the film’s visual impact. Directed by Joss Whedon the film is the latest Marvel Studios Super Hero movie to date. The Avengers required close-quarter action work with unrepeatable stunts. “The 5D Mark II and the 7D digital SLR cameras produce excellent cinema-worthy images ” said the film’s cinematographer Seamus McGarvey. “They are great for shooting additional angles that give film editors more options for creating powerfully immersive and kaleidoscopic views of action scenes.” On the set McGarvey and his crew used five Canon 5D Mark II cameras and two 7D models. Using multiple cameras limited the need to re-shoot complex action scenes and the affordability and compact size of the cameras enabled the crew to obtain ample coverage by strategically angling them from various vantage points throughout the set. “The cameras’ small size was a major advantage to us. We were able to place them in tight locations that were really close to the big stunts which would be too risky to do with bigger cameras that would require an operator and two assistants ” McGarvey said. He was able to slide one of the Canon cameras into a sewer grating while placing another under a pile of debris for a key shot of a car hurtling toward the lens flipping through the air on fire. “We are thrilled that the EOS 5D Mark II and 7D Digital SLR cameras were called to action on the set of Marvel’s The Avengers. We designed these cameras with versatility and flexibility in mind and their ability to record beautiful 1920 x 1080 HD video coupled with their compact size make them an ideal fit for filmmakers looking to capture tight action shots ” said Yuichi Ishizuka executive vice president and general manager Imaging Technologies and Communications Group Canon U.S.A. Canon U.S.A. www.usa.canon.com/rss ,3353
Carmike to open Theatre in Winchester Virginia in Spring 2013,2012-06-15,Carmike Cinemas has announced the projected spring 2013 opening of a new entertainment complex in the Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester Virginia. The new theatre named the Apple Blossom 12 will feature twelve screens with total seating for more than 2 400 guests and will be highlighted by a Big D auditorium Carmike's premium theatre environment. Carmike president and CEO David Passman said We're providing the ultimate entertainment experience that centerpieces large format digital with bigger screens bigger sound and luxurious theatre seating for cutting-edge presentation and the definitive enjoyment of our audiences. With the opening of the new location the Winchester area joins a select and growing list of communities across the nation offering Carmike theatre goers the exciting new Big D format. The Apple Blossom Mall a retail center located at the top of Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley is known for its family-friendly shopping environment. The Mall offers more than 95 national regional and local retailers and eateries and Carmike's new theatre will have an ideal location near the center court of the shopping center. The Apple Blossom 12 will greatly enhance the total mall-going experience for all of our patrons and will be a major amenity for Winchester and the surrounding area said Larry Nelson area director of mall marketing We are thrilled to bring Carmike a high-quality movie exhibitor to Apple Blossom Mall. Carmike Cinemas www.carmike.com ,3354
Cinedeck Release Version 3.5 Software for RX and EX Systems,2012-06-15, Cinedeck has released version 3.5 software for its RX and portable EX record monitoring and playback systems. Cinedeck said the v3.5 release includes more native codec support including DNxHD 444 DVCPro HD DPX XDCam EX-1440 AVC-Intra MPEG-IMX JFIF Meridien H.264 capture and playback and Nanoflash MXF playback. (Features vary by model.) Also included in version 3.5 are Cinedeck's new 3D stereo visualization tools which meet production demand for on-set/near-set playback and checking of 3D stereo material as soon as it has been shot. These include several Anaglyph playback options including color half color gray and optimized plus overlay luma difference and flip-flop when shooting with mirror/beamsplitter rigs. This comprehensive toolset gives stereographers the opportunity to analyze their 3D set-ups and make adjustments early in the production process. In addition Cinedeck RX is now available in two configurations one for broadcast and one for digital cinema. Both are now shipping.
With the new software release these versions extend native support to include Panasonic DVCPRO-HD AVC-Intra Sony XDCam EX-1440 plus DPX with audio recorded to WAV MPEG-IMX and playback for Nanoflash MXF. Both configurations are shipping with Cinedeck Controller a free TCP/IP Windows-based application enabling multiple systems to be managed from any PC or via a browser with no additional hardware requirements. Cinedeck Controller drives up to 24 channels (across 12 RX systems) from a single interface and allows multiple Cinedecks to be configured and controlled simultaneously.
Cine/444 v3.5 includes additional support for Avid DNxHD 444 1080p at 23.98 24 25 and 29.97fps plus Cinedeck's new 3D stereo visualization monitoring tools.
The new v3.5 software upgrades are available for immediate download free-of-charge to customers with a current maintenance subscription. Cinedeck EX is available for purchase via resellers worldwide starting at $8 495. Cinedeck Broadcast and Cine/444 are priced at $14 995.
Cinedeck www.cinedeck.com ,3355
Cinedigm Signs 10 650 Screens with 226 Exhibitors,2012-06-15,Cinedigm has signed more than 10 650 digital cinema screens with 226 exhibitor partners in its combined Phase One and Phase Two digital cinema deployment. In total Cinedigm has deployed nearly 70 percent of all North American exhibitors and approximately one third of all digital cinema screens in North America. “These growing numbers illustrate very clearly that Cinedigm is actively helping all exhibitors -- from large chains to the independent exhibition community -- make the critical transition to digital cinema marking a huge milestone for both Cinedigm and the entire exhibition industry ” said Gary Loffredo Cinedigm’s president of digital cinema services. “Like any media transitioning from analog to digital the digital cinema transformation will have long-lasting ramifications on all aspects of the theatrical industry from the types of content shown in theatres to overall management efficiencies and collecting/evaluating data analytics.” “With 226 exhibitor partners on board it’s clear that Cinedigm is the number-one choice for exhibitors to entrust with their digital cinema program ” continued Loffredo. “We expect continued enthusiasm and momentum in digital conversion as we approach the end of the rollout.” Cinedigm is the digital cinema integrator partner for the Cinema Buying Group a buying program formed by the independent theatre operators of the National Association of Theatre Owners to find cost-effective solutions for converting theatres from film to digital projection. Cinedigm Digital Cinema www.cinedigm.com ,3356
Cinemark Opens NextGen Theatre in Fort Worth,2012-06-15,Cinemark has opened a new 14-screen all-digital movie theatre featuring its NextGen cinema design concept in Fort Worth Texas. The Cinemark Alliance Town Center features large wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens enhanced sound systems and digital presentation in every auditorium. Seven of the auditoriums will be RealD 3D capable. The theatre opened earlier this month. We are pleased to open a new Cinemark theatre for the Fort Worth community to enjoy. Cinemark has 19 complexes in the Dallas-Forth-Worth area and the Alliance Town Center theatre will be the perfect addition said Tim Warner Cinemark's chief executive officer. Our new high-tech theatre featuring NextGen auditoriums offers the perfect environment for enjoying some of Hollywood's most anticipated summer blockbusters like Prometheus Madagascar 3 The Amazing Spider-Man The Dark Knight Rises Ice Age: Continental Drift and Disney's new Pixar movie Brave. Cinemark www.cinemark.com ,3357
Investment Firm Endless LLP Buys Cinesite from Kodak,2012-06-15,The UK private investment firm Endless LLP has acquired Cinesite from Kodak for an undisclosed amount. The deal involves Cinesite’s existing management team supported by its new investment backer. The company says the new deal will give Cinesite the resources and stability to fulfill a long-standing desire to expand the company into new territories diversify its services and expand its global position in the media and entertainment industry. Cinesite is the visual effects force behind some of the world’s most successful films and television series including the Harry Potter films John Carter X-Men: First Class Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Band of Brothers Rome and Generation Kill. It is currently working on the 23rd installment in the James Bond franchise Skyfall and Paramount Pictures’ zombie epic starring Brad Pitt World War Z. Antony Hunt managing director of Cinesite said “I feel that we are moving Cinesite into a new era. The partnership with Endless LLP is a great strategic move for both parties and we’re delighted to have their support and investment behind us. We have an extremely innovative and creative team who deliver cutting-edge visual effects for the media and entertainment industry and we’re now keen to take the Cinesite brand into new territories and expand our digital visual effects services. This sale will give us the opportunity we need to grow our talented team to ensure we remain at the forefront of the visual effects industry for many years.” Garry Wilson managing partner at Endless LLP said “Cinesite is one of the world’s most respected visual effects companies. We were truly impressed by the potential of their creative talent breadth of blockbuster films and television shows they have been involved in and their BAFTA Emmy and Oscar-winning work. We’re excited to be helping Cinesite with its next stage of growth and are convinced our partnership will help them continue to expand their long-standing and successful global brand.” Cinesite www.cinesite.com ,3358
Production Underway on Man of Tai Chi,2012-06-15,Production is underway in China on Man of Tai Chi. The film which marks the directorial debut of Keanu Reeves (who also stars) is an homage to kung fu films of the past and will feature more than 40 minutes of martial arts style fight sequences. The film is slated for a 2013 release by Universal Pictures Village Roadshow Pictures Asia and China Film Group. Reeves recently produced a documentary Side by Side in which he examined the transition from traditional filmmaking techniques to digital ones and interviewed pioneers such as James Cameron David Fincher and George Lucas. Armed with that information he chose a digital workflow with the Arri Alexa camera and Codex Onboard recorders. Cinematographer Elliot Davis is using Arri Alexa Studio cameras and Hawk lenses to shoot ArriRaw in anamorphic format captured by Codex Onboard Recorders. Our action film needed the freedom that onboard recording brings to shooting digital and the Codex Onboard Recorders give us maximum recording resolution in a small reliable package ” said Michael Taylor the film’s supervising technical engineer. “We push our gear hard during the average shooting day but we have had no issues with material so we have great confidence in our system.” The digital pipeline for Man of Tai Chi also includes a Codex Digital Lab and a Codex Transfer Station for Mac OS X used to produce dailies and archive digital negative to LTO-5 tape. “We can turn our material around very efficiently ” Taylor said. “Our system of backup and transcoding is simple and fast. What we shoot in the morning is being edited in the afternoon and I know our director loves that.” “The Codex Digital Lab and the Transfer Station give us everything we need to duplicate archive transcode and distribute our footage with minimal fuss with color correction and in a variety of forms ” said Taylor “I have used Codex systems on many films over many years and I have to say there is always great reliability and great support.” Codex equipment on Man of Tai Chi is being supplied by China Film Group.