Post Group Implements Panasonic HD Equipment In HD Cinema Dailies/Screenings For Feature Film Production

12-Jul-00

Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company and The Post Group (Hollywood, California) are collaborating on an innovative, time-saving, cost-efficient HD Cinema process that offers filmmakers video dailies and screenings in high definition. The process was used on MGM/UAís dramatic comedy ""Return To Me,"" released this spring. The HD Cinema process starts with the delivery of negative film to The Post Group, where it is transferred to the Panasonic D-5 HD full bandwidth, 10-bit high definition format. The HD video rushes are viewed on the movie or television set at a 16:9 aspect ratio using the Panasonic DLPô-based digital projector. Upon completion of the edit decision list, the production is assembled (with the AV-HS3100 1080i production switcher with digital effects generator) at The Post Groupís HD Edit Bay One suite with all optical transitions inserted for preview screenings. The PT-D9500U, with 9,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, is used to display the production for preview audiences. The Post Groupís HD Edit Bay One suite is outfitted with Panasonicís leading HDTV equipment, including AJ-HD3700 D-5 HD multi-format mastering VTRs, AJ-HD2700 1080i/720p switchable D-5 HD VTRs, AJ-UFC1800 Universal Format Converters, the AV-HS3100 and the PT-D9500U. According to Bruce Markhoe, Vice President, Feature Post Production, MGM/UA, ""HD Cinema reduces costs, saves time and delivers a product that gives us everything we get from film dailies including the ability to spot flaws and camera problems. The end result of the process is a HD version of the film complete with opticals, titles and effects, resulting in superior preview screenings.""Using the HD Cinema process, Markhoe estimated savings of more than $200,000 on the film ""Return to Me."" In addition, the completed HD master (on the Panasonic D-5 HD format) can be used for home entertainment, cable TV, pay-per-view and airline/ships/hotel uses, each time saving the cost of striking a brand-new IP and transferring it to video, which can cost $55,000 to $90,000 each time.Fred Rheinstein, Chairman, The Post Group, said, ""The success of ëReturn to Meí establishes HD Cinema as a legitimate alternative to the traditional dailies and preview screenings process. The Post Group and Panasonic are not out to put an end to film. HD Cinema is a digital intermediary to the final print. It saves money, time and gives the preview audience a complete picture free of scratches and temp effects.""Warren Allgyer, President, Panasonic Broadcast, said, ""Emerging applications like electronic dailies and screenings showcase the improvements and cost-savings that high definition video can bring to filmmaking. With the creative talents and technical expertise of The Post Group, Panasonic looks to improve the digital post production process and create new business opportunities in HD Cinema.""Panasonic Broadcast is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional video and audio products and systems. The company is dedicated to providing customers with comprehensive equipment choices, from Emmy Award-winning D-5 high definition and DVCPRO digital VTRs to ultra-bright presentation systems and advanced digital audio mixing consoles. For more information on Panasonic professional video and audio products, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast or phone 800 528 8601.The Post Group and The Post Group Westside are full-service post production facilities serving the film, television and commercial communities, and recognized globally for their creative talent, technical expertise and pioneering new post technologies for both television and film work.

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