By Michael Karagosian Since the release of the DCI specification in 2005 there has been no shortage of talk about compliance to the spec. While deployment agreements demand it and manufacturers strive to achieve it not a single manufacturer at the end of 2009 has yet to announce one compliant product. The reasons for this are many not the least of which are the 256 errata released for the DCI spec since first published with more on the way.
London’s Empire Leicester Square held the world premiere of the James Cameron movie Avatar on Thursday December 10 using Dolby’s 3D system and Barco projector. An invited audience of more than 1 300 guests filled the Empire Leicester Square which will act as the lead theatre for this much-anticipated premiere. “Empire Leicester Square boasts one of the largest screens in the UK which is why it regularly plays host to world premieres ” says Julian Pinn business development manager production services group Dolby Laboratories.
Pacific ArcLight in Los Angeles has installed 17 NEC 3D digital cinema projectors in preparation for the premiere of Avatar December 18th. “We found the NEC NC2500S-A projectors to be a great fit for us especially with the new higher light output for amazing picture quality ” says Joe Miraglia Pacific’s director of design construction and facilities.
Reliance MediaWorks has partnered with In-Three to establish what the companies say will be the world’s largest facility dedicated to the conversion of 2D films and videos into 3D based in India. The strategic alliance is being established to address the rapidly growing demand by Hollywood studios and other global content creators for converting both new films shot in 2D as well as older legacy titles to be released in cinemas and on home platforms in stereoscopic 3D.
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. Otto Nemenz International recently jumped into digital acquisition rental with the purchase of 10 Sony F35 cameras. This is in conjunction with its large active inventory of film cameras. Nemenz is looking to meet the imaging demands of today and into the future with the new Fujinon lenses.
The Entertainment Services and Technology Association has announced the election results for the 2010 PERA Council. The PERA Council within ESTA serves the needs of the equipment rental market for motion picture television and commercial production. The Council continues the work of PERA for camera accessories grip and lighting rental companies and manufacturers. Members of the Council are elected by the PERA Council Affiliates and are responsible for the development and implementation of programs and services for members in these market segments.
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. Rugged nylon handgrips on either side of the tray allow for easy removal and carrying. Underneath the Red One fits comfortably in the bag’s lower padded compartment.
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.
Arts Alliance Media has signed an agreement with Reel Cinemas to digitize Reel’s entire circuit in the UK. The Virtual Print Fee based deal covers all 60 of Reel’s screens throughout the country across 15 sites as well as 60 affiliated screens programmed by Reel's programmer Steve Reynolds. The installation of digital equipment is scheduled to begin immediately. In addition the deal also covers the installation of 3D in 20 screens meaning there will be at least one 3D screen in each site to take advantage of next year’s slate of around 15 3D releases.
Screenvision has renewed its long-term agreement with Hogan Communications a media and marketing company targeting the college market. Under the agreement Screenvision will continue to represent national and regional cinema advertising sales for Hogan’s 397 college campus-based screens while Hogan will continue to produce and distribute its cinema preshow “Preview Theater ” in which the Screenvision-sold ads will appear.
