Earlier this month Dolby hosted a preview screening of Pat Metheny: The Orchestrion Project a 3D concert film by the brothers Francois and Pierre Lamoureux. The documentary was presented in Dolby 3D and mixed and presented in Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound. The movie features the jazz guitarist performing alone in a church in Greenpoint Brooklyn that he uses as a rehearsal space. In the movie Metheny is surrounded by instruments that he controls with a guitar pen or keyboard to create an automated orchestra of jazz. Nonesuch Records released Orchestrion as a studio album in 2010 Metheny's instruments were custom-built by Eric Singer and the League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots) Ken Caulkins at Ragtime West Mark Herbert Cyril Lance and Peterson Electro-Musical Products.The set includes pianos marimba vibraphone Orchestra bells basses guitarbots percussion cymbals and drums blown bottles and other custom-fabricated acoustic mechanical instruments keyboard. According to Metheny’s website he has been developing the Orchestrion concept for more than a decade. “This project represents a conceptual direction that merges an idea from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the technologies of today to create a new open-ended platform for musical composition improvisation and performance ” he said. Orchestrionics is the term that I am using to describe a method of developing ensemble-oriented music using acoustic and acoustoelectric musical instruments that are mechanically controlled in a variety of ways using solenoids and pneumatics. With a guitar pen or keyboard I am able to create a detailed compositional environment or a spontaneously developed improvisation with the pieces on this particular recording leaning toward the compositional side of the spectrum. On top of these layers of acoustic sound I add my conventional electric guitar playing as an improvised component.” “At least or me ” Metheny said “this takes the term solo record into some new and interesting areas somewhat recontextualizing the idea of what constitutes a solo performance by a single musician. This project is the result of a lifelong dream in this area that dates back to my early youth.” The movie is scheduled to be released in October. ,3373
Prototype Omnicam used to Capture Ballet Performance in Berlin,2012-06-15,An organization with the rather cumbersome name the FascinatE Consortium (for Format-Agnostic SCript-based INterAcTive Experience) has unveiled the Omnicam a new panoramic camera system that uses six Arri Alexa M cameras to capture footage in ultra-high resolution for immersive viewing. The Omnicam was used last month at Arena Hall Berlin to record a dance performance of the Carmen Suite by the Berlin Philharmonic. This prototype system allows users to interactively view and navigate the video panorama of the live event no matter what display device they are using. Meanwhile synced audio automatically adjusts to match the selected view. For Johannes Steurer principal engineer at Arri this was an opportunity to explore a novel approach to visual language and technology. “The project is about immersive viewing conditions. As a visitor to a live performance of more than 200 dancers you can see the full panorama and at the same time focus on any individual dancer at will. We bring this experience forward to electronic imaging in public and home viewing environments. The full 7K by 2K video panorama and novel approaches of user interaction makes it possible.” Earlier configurations of the Omnicam used smaller HD cameras due to sizing concerns. However image quality including attributes like noise level and color reproduction was problematic. A high dynamic range camera with impressive image quality was required. At that time the Alexa was just coming to the market but it was considered too large and too heavy. Says Steurer “The Alexa M was born out of this project. We decided to separate the sensor head from the body and connect both components by optical fiber cables. That way we reduce the size and weight of the camera head and we can still offer the same well-known image quality.” The array of six Alexa M cameras is rigged with mirrors for the panoramic camera and 24mm Ultra Prime lenses for each head to create a total 180-degree viewing angle. Weighing well under 7 pounds (3 kg) the M’s compact front end with multiple mounting points and versatile maneuverability made it the ideal conception for the Omnicam. The option of having distance between the head and body allows full control without interference of the performance. In this case the distance between the Omnicam and the video control room is 100 meters easily spanned by the optical fiber connection. Says FascinatE project coordinator Georg Thallinger of Joanneum Research “The Alexa M is the perfect camera in terms of quality and size to fit in the Omnicam. We want to engage audiences with a new viewing experience. We knew being Arri cameras they would shoot beautiful images and have the best quality.” Steurer says “In our R&D department we are always looking for future technologies. We are proud of working closely together with such a high-ranking consortium of European research institutions and subjecting our latest specialist technologies to challenging applications like this world class dance performance.” ,3374
Solid Camera Unveils Unity,2012-06-15,Solid Camera has unveiled Unity which the company says is a completely integrated system designed to provide operators with a more efficient power supply critical signal distribution and intuitive ergonomic capabilities. Unity features a compact flexible architecture that is customizable based upon the intended operating environment. Leveraging sophisticated new technologies Unity's battery replacement module radiates approximately one-third the heat of a standard battery adapter to more efficiently meet the demands of today's high-power digital cameras such as Phantom and the Sony F65. Over the last decade power management has become a critical issue in our industry due to the growing use of high-speed HD cameras which consume much more energy than conventional cameras said Eugene Baker creative technical director at Solid Camera. Unity provides camera operators with a more robust longer-lasting power supply while dissipating far less heat allowing filmmakers to eliminate the use of power supply fans on-set. Unity optionally utilizes a low-cost off-the-shelf audio cable that can dramatically extend an operator's working distance up to 500 feet from the battery pack. From a single cable users can effectively manage signal distribution including 3G HD/SDI video time code and audio. In addition the solution provides significant operational ease-of-use through ergonomic capabilities such as viewfinder support easily removable handles and adaptable accessory mounting. For longer distances SMPTE hybrid cable adapters are available. Unity resolves the challenges camera operators incur in the field by addressing those functionalities from an integrated and more aesthetically-pleasing standpoint said Carlos Acosta founder Solid Camera. By enabling users to manage a camera's battery power and signal distribution remotely Unity allows operators to participate more freely in the creative process. Solid Camera www.solidcamera.com ,3376
AlphaRx to Acquire UMeLook Holdings,2012-06-29,AlphaRx has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of UMeLook Holdings Limited. The transaction is expected to close on or before August 15. UMeLook is a digital media startup and its first product is a global online advertising distribution platform with full motion video. The company is releasing a beta site www.umelook.com for public testing in China and the USA simultaneously. While YouTube and many other popular video sites are blocked by the Chinese government UMeLook claims that it is uniquely positioned to offer advertisers the ability to use their existing promotional video assets to access mainland China consumers. Marketers spent $7.4 billion on online marketing in China in 2011 representing 13.5 percent of total media spending. That was up from $5.1 billion or 10.6 percent of the total spent in 2010. More than 60 percent of China's approximately half billion Internet users watch online videos equivalent to about 325 million users in the second half of 2011. As the number of China's Internet users grows so will the online video market. Chinese are spending much of their time online an average three hours a day compared with two hours watching television according to a study conducted last year by Starcom Mediavest Group. The statistic is the same for consumers even in the less developed lower-tier markets that brands are keen to crack. The acquisition of UMeLook is to be completed as a share exchange through the issuance of 70 000 000 common shares of AlphaRx to the shareholders of UMeLook at a deemed price of thirty cents per share in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of UMeLook. The common shares to be issued pursuant to the acquisition will not be registered for sale under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and will be subject to restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold except as permitted under SEC guidelines. ,3384
Cinedigm Altive Media Announce Joint Distribution Deal,2012-06-29,Cinedigm Digital Cinema and Altive Media have announced that they are working together to jointly distribute alternative content in their respective territories of the United States and United Kingdom. Recent releases by Cinedigm include: Life In A Day a Ridley Scott production with National Geographic Google and YouTube; a one night special event for the documentary No Room for Rockstars; a weekend screening event for the newest Pokemon movie; and ground-breaking Live 3D events with both the Foo Fighters and the UFC. Set up just a few months ago Altive Media recently released cult director Thierry Donard’s extreme sports film At The Very Last Moment and Kasabian Live! Live At The 02 an exclusive film of award-winning UK rock band Kasabian. “We are thrilled to work with Altive Media MD Craig Shurn and his team to bring alternative content to the UK and Ireland including theatres such as London’s iconic Empire Leicester Square and conversely to bring fantastic European fare to our avid audiences ” said Steve Savage president of Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Craig Shurn of Altive Media said “We’re very excited to join forces with Cinedigm to create a dynamic partnership on both sides of the Atlantic. This strategic alliance can only add to the momentum and potential of alternative content and event cinema which will benefit both theatre owners and their customers. ,3385
Blue Hemisphere 3D Enters Distribution Market as Blue Lighting 3D,2012-06-30,Blue Hemisphere 3D has entered the 2D to 3D distribution market under the brand Blue Lightning 3D. Blue Lightning 3D will acquire 2D films to be converted in-house then will release 3D titles focused in the Action Science Fiction and Horror genres. According to the company Blue Lightning 3D will distribute 3D titles directly via the website its providing a membership for a monthly 3D Blu Ray club as well as though retail stores and other online partnerships. Blue Lightning 3D will partner with small mid-sized and large motion picture studios the company said as well as independent filmmakers for content to be converted from 2D to 3D. Blue Hemisphere which started in 2011 and is in located in the Los Angeles Center Studios in Los Angeles converts existing 2D films into 3D using a proprietary conversion process. Blue Hemisphere www.bh3d.net ,3387
Canon Launches Filmmaker Award Program,2012-06-30, Canon has launched the new Canon Filmmaker Award Program in partnership with Film Independent the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival. Open to eligible Film Independent Fellows Los Angeles Film Festival alumni and Spirit Awards Nominees and Winners the program is designed to help emerging filmmakers ‘leave no story untold.’
Winners of the Canon Filmmaker Award Program will be lent a Canon Cinema EOS C300 camera package to create their next feature length narrative or documentary film or in special cases short films. Announced quarterly over the next year the application process for the Fall Period opens today and will accept submissions until August 1 2012. All applications are to be submitted via the Film Independent website http://www.filmindependent.org/labs-and-programs/grants-and-awards/canon... “We are thrilled to be partnering with Canon a company that shares our vision of supporting cinema as art on this new Canon Filmmaker Award Program ” said Josh Welsh co-president Film Independent. “So many of our Fellows are already working with Canon's existing equipment so to be able to shoot their films with these new cameras will truly elevate their production experience and bring their films to life.”
Canon U.S.A. announced the new program at the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival where screenings included nearly 200 feature films shorts and music videos including Virgin airlines’ Departure Date shot with the Cinema EOS C300 at 35 000 feet. Other projects on the Festival’s diverse roster that were filmed with Canon imaging equipment include A Band Called Death About Face Beauty is Embarrassing An Oversimplification of Her Beauty Red Flag Remote Area Medical and Reportero.
,3388
Brave Premiere Featured Christie Projection Dolby Atmos and 3D
,2012-06-30, The green-carpet screening of Disney•Pixar's Brave which marked the grand opening for the Dolby Theatre was a special presentation for Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival. Premiering in Dolby Atmos and Dolby 3D with Christie projection. “To truly bring audiences into the onscreen adventure at the Dolby Theatre we are pleased to be working with Christy to deliver a premium Dolby 3D experience ” said Doug Darrow senior vice president cinema Dolby Laboratories. “ The Dolby Theatre continues our long commitment to Hollywood and the entertainment industry and the World Premiere of Disney•Pixar's Brave in Dolby Atmos and Dolby 3D with the help of Christie will transport the audience into the onscreen adventure with the most life-like experience ever offered.”
The Dolby Theatre used the configuration of two projectors stacked vertically. “Christie is dedicated to giving exhibitors of all types the best projection available for their unique needs particularly as consumers come to expect 3D and other technical innovations ” said Craig Sholder vice president entertainment solutions Christie. “With our technical expertise and worldwide network of installation partners we can deliver quickly and cost-effectively allowing our customers to create and deliver their own branded premium theatre experience.” The main stage at the Dolby Theatre is one of the largest in the United States measuring 113 feet wide by 60 feet deep and supporting a large 60 feet by 32 feet white screen. ,3389
Hollywood Theatres Signs VPF Deal with Cinedigm,2012-06-30, Cinedigm Digital Cinema has announced a long-term VPF deployment agreement with Hollywood Theatres. The agreement will enable the conversion of certain Hollywood Theatres locations to digital cinema under the terms of Cinedigm's long-term agreements with all the major studios as well as ongoing interim agreements with over one hundred independent distributors. This Cinedigm-financed conversion will deploy 212 Cinedigm-Certified screens with installation expected to be completed in the Fall. The theatres have chosen to use digital projector systems from NEC Display Solutions. Moving Image Technologies is the project's reseller and will provide installation warranty and technical services as well as support from its network operations center. Converting to digital has been a tremendously challenging proposition said Clyde Cornell senior vice president and COO of Hollywood Theatres. We are pleased that together with NEC Display and MIT Cinedigm has created a program for Hollywood Theatres that allows us to convert to digital projection in a remarkably cost-effective way. Hollywood has been very diligent in evaluating their digital cinema options and we're thrilled we were able to create a custom solution that works for them said Gary Loffredo Cinedigm's president of digital cinema services. We look forward to sharing the benefits of digital cinema with Clyde and his team at Hollywood Theatres. Hollywood is taking a huge leap with its conversion to digital cinema and we're grateful to be part of the initiative said Jim Reisteter general manager of digital cinema at NEC Display. ,3390
Cinetech Opens Mumbai Office to Deploy Digital Cinema Systems,2012-06-30, Cinetech Entertainment India a new digital cinema deployment company has set up its head office in Mumbai India to provide 4K 3D digital cinema systems and specialist integration services to theatres throughout southern Asia. The new company will supply install and maintain systems in compliance with international standard JPEG 2000 Digital Cinema Package formats. Cinetech is a subsidiary of Filmlab one of India’s largest and most advanced film processing and digital post facilities. The two companies will work together to provide digital content to theatres. Cinetech has already established partnerships with Sony and Datasat. Filmlab will continue to work with motion picture distribution companies and production studios including the Hollywood and Bollywood companies to provide a complete range of post-production facilities and to ensure content is optimized for the various digital formats.
,3391
Clearview Opens 11th Classic Series with Mommie Dearest,2012-06-30, Clearview Cinemas had a special kickoff to the 11th year of its popular Chelsea Classics Series with special guest star Lisa Lampanelli and an interactive screening with audience participation of the classic Mommie Dearest. The exclusive event was held last month at New York’s historic Ziegfeld Theatre. Prior to the screening Clearview Cinemas and Metro Source Magazine presented the Second Annual Pride Award to comedian Lisa Lampanelli for her outstanding work in raising funds for the Gay Men's Health Crisis. Each year this award is presented to a celebrity who is making a positive difference within the Lesbian Gay Bi-Sexual & Transgender community. The special anniversary screening of Mommie Dearest will be featured in state-of-the-art digital cinema. Guests can enjoy an entertaining pre-show with plenty of prize giveaways and audience interaction hosted by comedian Hedda Lettuce. Hedda will conduct a live interview with Rutanya Alda who stars as Carol Ann in Mommie Dearest. Clearview first introduced the weekly classic series in May 2002 with Mommie Dearest and since then Clearview has continued to showcase a traditional or cult classic film screening every Thursday night at the Chelsea Cinemas on 23rd Street. Each screening features a special hosted pre-show and giveaways. Some of the most popular films that have been featured include Valley of the Dolls Mame and All About Eve. We are thrilled to [have hosted] this special 11th year kickoff event of the popular Chelsea Classics in such a big way. Having the fabulously funny and talented Lisa Lampanelli on hand to receive this special award for such important work [was] a wonderful addition to our celebration ” said Craig O'Connor director of marketing Clearview Cinemas.
Pat Metheny’s Orchestrion Screened in Dolby 3D and 7.1 Surround Sound
