Laser Illuminated Projector Association Launched

The Laser Illuminated Projector Association has launched with the goals of explaining the benefits of laser-lluminated projectors advocating for a positive regulatory environment and developing appropriate training guidelines. The announcement was made t by the LIPA Advisory Committee composed of industry leaders Barco Christie Digital Eastman Kodak IMAX Corporation Laser Light Engines NEC Display Solutions Necsel/Ushio and Sony. LIPA will provide an important and appropriate vehicle for the industry to work cooperatively in fostering a welcoming business and regulatory environment says Pete Lude of Sony a member of the advisory committee. We are excited about actively participating in accomplishing LIPA's objectives. In a laser-illuminated projector the light source is a system of red green and blue lasers. Experts have stated that the use of lasers as the illumination source in digital cinema projectors has several important financial and quality benefits over current illumination technology. These benefits include dramatic reduction of operating costs through increased lifetime and reduction of maintenance uniform image color and intensity as well as increased 3D brightness. The use of lasers however currently requires obtaining a variance from various regulatory agencies – in the U.S. this is known specifically as a laser light show variance.” This process does not reflect the industry's maturation or its move into theater settings. Even though the emitted projection doesn't have safety issues associated with conventional laser light outdated regulations still require this emitted light to be legally treated as a high-powered laser light show because the light was originally generated with a laser device. LIPA will develop unified messages in rationalizing laser regulations and in communicating laser benefits to key constituencies. Also companies will need a venue like LIPA to create and provide evaluation methods. LIPA's founding companies believe that key groups such as theatre owners/operators and regulatory officials will be willing to work with the new association. ,2348
Prime Focus Converting Star Wars: Episode I ,2011-04-14,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. Utilizing Prime Focus' proprietary View-D process the conversion is scheduled to hit 3D theatre screens on February 10 2012. It was incredibly important to me that we have the technology the resources and the time to do this right says Star Wars creator George Lucas. I'm very happy with the results I've been seeing on Episode I. Prime Focus founder and CEO Namit Malhotra says Wherever you are in the world the Star Wars films have become part of the very fabric of film-making - the epitome of the big cinema experience. To be chosen by Lucasfilm as a trusted partner and to be given the time and opportunity to re-present this series as a new experience to both old and new audiences alike is an incredible honor. For a project of this importance and magnitude Lucasfilm and ILM would only have chosen a company with the best talent in the industry leading proprietary technology and infrastructure a production-proven pipeline and unmatched scale. I am hugely proud that Prime Focus is that company. The extensive conversion process is being completed under the supervision of John Knoll Visual Effects Supervisor for ILM. Getting really good results from stereo conversion requires a lot of attention to detail and it is imperative that you take the time to get it right - and that's just what we're doing says Knoll. We're taking a different approach than you might expect. George's vision has been to add dimension to the film in subtle ways. This isn't a novelty conversion with things jumping out at the audience; our goal has been to enhance the classic Star Wars theatrical experience utilizing the latest cinematic tools and techniques. ,2349
Manhattan Film Festival Launches Revenue Sharing Program,2011-04-14,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. While not an easy task they believe their new program is the game-changer they have been searching for. The platform they have built has the potential to yield filmmakers tens of thousands of dollars.       The Filmmaker Revenue Sharing Program will allow filmmakers to promote and sell festival tickets while earning 50 percent of the revenue. The program will be available to anyone who submits a film as well as select filmmakers looking to raise money for the production of a film. Filmmakers of officially selected feature films will hold the exclusive rights to promote their ticket sales with all other participants allowed to sell general admission tickets which will allow access to any festival screening based on availability. Feature filmmakers will earn 50 percent of his or her ticket sales regardless of program participation. With over a hundred planned screenings in theory filmmakers would have the possibility to earn over $100 000. Philip J. Nelson president and founder of the Manhattan Film Festival says Given the success of digital revenue sharing models we feel this program will revolutionize what a film festival means to a filmmaker. Participants will have the capability to sell tickets on mediums such as websites blogs and social networks with the ability to log in and track real-time sales and commissions. Filmmakers can currently request participation at http://www.manhattanfilmfestival.org and will receive complete instructions before ticket sales are open for the 2011 season. The 5th annual Manhattan Film Festival will take place July 22-31. ,2350
Twelfth Maui Film Festival Set for June,2011-04-14, Celebrating over a decade of cinema under-the-stars the 12th Annual Maui Film Festival is carrying on its tradition of presenting great films and artists on one of the world's most beautiful islands from June 15-19 at the Wailea Resort. Screenings will also again take place at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.  With a schedule packed with uplifting cinema tributes to film industry luminaries spectacular celebrations that feature the culinary artistry of the Wailea Resorts' chefs and cultural performances—this year's festival will once again deliver a relaxing and enjoyable opportunity for festival goers to enjoy life in one of the most perfect places imaginable. This year the festival anticipates over 35 film screenings to take place over the course of its five-day run at multiple venues including the festival’s crown jewel venue the Celestial Cinema.  The Celestial Cinema is an open air Dolby Digital-equipped outdoor theatre with a 50-foot wide screen located at the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course.   And in a continued effort to allow Festival attendees to take home magical memories yet leave only footprints the Maui Film Festival will again energize its crown jewel Wailea by converting the sun’s rays from Wailea’s abundant sunshine into sufficient photovoltaic power to energize the event. Heading into our second decade this year's Maui Film Festival staff is more committed than ever to presenting movies that matter luminaries worthy of Festival tributes and culinary arts celebrations to be remembered for a lifetime ” says festival director Barry Rivers “We hope that everyone who can make it to Maui will enjoy the ride.”