Regional Film and Video July 2015
Transcription
Regional Film and Video July 2015
Film&Video BROADCAST Channelling News For The Industry Volume 19: Issue 07 Edition 226 : July 2015 2765/BFV226/J NEW Double Award winning test, measurement and monitoring instruments: Enterprise - HEVC, H.264, MPEG-2 stream analyser over IP - £4795.00 MicroFlex Mach2 - 3G/HD/SD TSG, EYE, video and audio measurement - £2995.00 T +44 (0) 1494 729 728 Test, Measurement, Monitoring and Quality Control IN THIS ISSUE Big Interview Raycom's Andy Clements talks microphone solutions with BFV Page 5 AUDIO FEATURE Page Editor Jacqueline 10 Purse takes a look at Loudness monitoring ARPAS-UK Page 26 Organisation outlines the rules for using drones in UK airspace BEYONDHD Page 30 Keith Harding, MD, discusses aerial filming GEORGE JARRETT Page 38 George wraps up his review of NAB 2015 www.hamlet.co.uk Aerial Filming Soaring To New Heights... 2015: The Year Of The Drone As a UAV film service operator we have noticed a sharp rise this year in interest coming from drama and features, much of which is down to ARRI developing a version of their iconic ALEXA camera in miniature that's a perfect fit for a gimbal, admits The Helicopter Girls. We started flying aerials rigs for television in 2012. At the time, the heaviest payload we could carry was a Canon 5D and it took many hours of balancing and tuning to get decent, stable footage from the gimbals. Three years on, multirotor technology has exploded, the invention of brushless gimbals like Freefly's MōVI means smooth stable footage is easy to achieve without the old headaches, and we're able to efficiently carry heavy cameras like the Sony FS7 and the RED with lens control. ARRI's announcement in February of this year was the final piece in the quality puzzle. The ALEXA Mini has been specifically engineered to work perfectly on a multi-rotor and for any drone operator into their cameras it is big news. We took delivery of our camera at the beginning of June and it is everything it promised to be. It has the same ARRI ALEV III CMOS sensor as the ALEXA; the image is beautiful and the camera is intuitive to use. For aerial and gimbal work, the weight and shape make it easy to balance and tune. For such a powerhouse it is pretty lightweight, due in part to the carbon housing but more importantly to ARRI's clever design. Unlike any other © The Helicopter Girls camera, the ALEXA Mini sensor carrier sits at the centre and acts like a hub, which everything else, camera body, lens, and accessory mounting points hangs off. That means very little clutter in and around the camera and a form factor that's compact with weight distribution perfect for gimbal balancing. A bare set up mounted on a MōVI 15 gimbal with a Zeiss CP2 and Teradek Bolt 2000 Pro transmitter means the all up weight of the gimbal is just 6.5kg. Keeping it lightweight we power the camera with Lipo batteries in the air but Bebob have made a really nice VMount Battery Adapter for the Mini, which is a great solution for handheld MoVI work. Camera control works in a variety of ways. You can hook up the ALEXA Mini Electronic View Finder which gives you full control over camera menus and settings but for a more streamlined ground gimbal set up we use the two SDI connectors to link to an external monitor and HD downlink and then control the camera remotely with an iPhone. In the air, the ARRI WCU-4 hand unit will give full camera and lens motor control via wifi. What we don't know until we test is the range we'll be able to get on this. In just a few weeks we have shot with it in a variety of scenarios, putting it through its paces in some challenging locations and from start to finish the ALEXA Mini is a perfect fit for what we do. 3884/BFV226/J 2 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 2481/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 3 NEWS PUBLISHER Derek Carstairs SENIOR EDITOR Colleen Dornan ACCOUNT MANAGERS Richard Inman Noel O’Sullivan Aaron Paul HEAD OF DESIGN Jonathan Ashby EDITOR Jacqueline Purse NEWS JOURNALISTS Film&Video Trollied, Series Five, BROADCAST A Note From The Editor: This month marks the beginning of the summer holidays for many; from graduating students ready to make their mark in the industry, to companies taking the opportunity to recharge the batteries (pardon the bad pun) before IBC preparations start to get underway in earnest. Some of you will hopefully be jetting off to exotic destinations, and here at BFV we've also taken to the skies for this issue... by exploring the world of aerial filming. We've been chatting to a number of key leaders in the sector to hear their experiences as well as their views on its future. Not only is the feature jam-packed, it is a highly fascinating read as well! Andy Clements from Raycom is the subject of our Big Interview, where he discusses wire free microphone solutions and demonstrates why the company is the leading distributor for the broadcast and film industry. In addition, George Jarrett concludes his round-up from NAB 2015, where he spoke to a number of exhibitors at the show about topics such as IP, 4K and the adoption of cloud-based services. At the time of writing, the sun was shining into the offices of BFV – let's hope it lasts. From all the team, we hope you the summer, and our latest issue! Jacqueline Mark Hornby PRODUCTION Louise Murphy CONTENTS Page 18 Page 28 Phil Gillatt reveals exactly what Silentair does... Aerialworx discuss extreme droning with BFV... Page 32 Page 33 Paul Murray DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES Mark Lyons Letters and contributions welcome. Rates available on request. Broadcast Film & Video is published by: Flagship House, C3 Westbank Drive, Belfast. BT3 9LA Tel: 028 9031 9008 Fax: 028 9072 7800 PDG Helicopters continue to invest in key camera systems... SMPTE's Peter Weitzel, on joining forces with Mesclado... Page 36 Page 40 Engine House on taking animation into the fourth dimension... Ben Osmo selects DPA Microphones for Mad Max: Fury Road... Page 41 Page 49 Roy Ackerman joins Pulse TV in expansion move... We take a look back at another successful BroadcastAsia... Editorial: bfvnewscopy@ Copy: bfvadcopy@ Mailing: bfvmail@ Sales: bfvsales@ flagshipmedia.co.uk Your News is our Business Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all articles, advertisements and other insertions in the magazine, the publishers can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or incorrect insertions. The views of the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the advertisers. No part of this publication may be Begins Filming Sky 1 HD's 'Trollied', has started filming for its fifth series. For the fifth consecutive year, the show has returned to Bristol's The Bottle Yard Studios. over the past five years and are always a joy to have on site. Last year marked a real period of growth which saw more productions than ever coming through The Bottle Yard's doors, yet as we grow, we remain proud to work with those companies who recognised the potential of our space in the early years, as Roughcut TV did when they built their impressive supermarket set here. After half a decade of working together, it's second nature having them here. “It's also fantastic to see Sky and Roughcut TV's proactive approach to cutting carbon across Trollied's production, by using sustainable transport, props and lighting and implementing albert+, the industry's best practice carbon reduction scheme. This really chimes with the green ethos we are continually developing here at Bottle Yard, particularly during Bristol's year as European Green Capital.” Trollied is written by Paul Doolan, Abi Wilson, Ben Edwards, Rachael New, Jon Hunter and Hannah George. It is produced by Alex Smith and Nick Goding, directed by Jonathan Gershfiled, Sarah O'Gorman and Paul Harrision. The Executive Producer is Ash Atalla. Produced by Roughcut TV, the comedy series has been made at The Bottle Yard Studios since it began in 2011. A purpose-built, full-scale supermarket set built on site forms the setting of Valco in Warrington, where the comedy centres on the everyday lives of staff, customers and managers. Series five comprises eight episodes and a Christmas Special and will shoot for nine weeks. The new series is due to air on TV screens later this year. The new series sees the return of long-term cast member Jason Watkins, who recently won the Best Leading Actor Bafta for his performance in The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, also made at the Studios. Other cast members include Stephen Tompkinson (Wild at Heart), Sarah Parish (W1A), Jack Carroll (Britain's Got Talent), Channel Cresswell (This is England 86) and Aisling Bea (Edinburgh Fringe So You Think You're Funny Award), as well as cast regulars Rita May, Carl Rice, Beverly Rudd, Lorraine Cheshire, Faye Mckeever, Victor McGuire and Dominic Coleman. Tim Sealey, Head of Production at Roughcut TV, commented: “We are delighted to be returning to the Bottle Yard for the fifth time. The team here do a great job of making us feel welcome. We were the first to use the Bottle Yard in 2011 and since then we have seen the studio grow each year so that now it has established itself as a great place to shoot. With Sky's support, we hope to be coming back here for years to come.” Fiona Francombe, Managing Director at Trollied, Season 4. The Bottle Yard Studios, said: “The Trollied Courtesy of Roughcut TV. team have established a real home with us LIPSYNC Supplies Equity Investment For London Road LIPSYNC has supplied equity investment as well as post-production services for London Road. The project is the film adaptation of the stage musical which explores the Ipswich serial murders – and subsequent trial of the killer – from the perspective of the residents of London Road where the murders took place. LIPSYNC completed the online edit and DI, audio, VFX, titles and all deliverables. The film was produced by BBC Films and Cuba Pictures, and directed by Rufus Norris, who also directed the stage production. The cast includes Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road, Locke) and Olivia Colman (The Lobster, Broadchurch). Peter Hampden, Managing Director, The LIPSYNC Group, said: “London Road is certainly a challenging subject, but Alecky Blythe's writing and Rufus' direction, as well as the music, made it a hugely rewarding project to work on.” The theatrical version of London Road opened at the National Theatre in London, in April 2011. Despite its controversial subject matter, it received almost universal acclaim and went on to win Best Musical at the 2011 Critics' Circle Theatre Awards. The film adaptation of London Road went on general release in the UK on 12 June 2015. reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Flagship Media Group Limited is an ISO 9001:2000 Registered Company. Olivia Coleman stars in London Road 3827/BFV226/J CLIPS... Zappware Unveils New Partnership... Zappware and EKT (Eagle Kingdom Technologies) have announced the availability of the Zappware Platform on EKT's latest range of STB solutions. Built on top of EKT's solidTV and its integrated browser, Zappware's HTML5 client operates a flexible and integrated solution for OTT, IPTV and Hybrid requirements. The platform also provides a personalised multi-screen TV experience across all devices, combined with a unified Service Delivery System to fully monetise all TV services on broadcast, broadband and hybrid networks. “By making our solution work seamlessly on top of the browser of the EKT's solidTV, we now have yet another range of devices available with our award winning solution. Our latest web client is fully integrated with all that Zappware has to offer, allowing operators to experience the best of Zappware on the innovate devices of EKT,” said Patrick Vos, CEO at Zappware. 4 Broadcast Film&Video CLIPS... PRG Completes XL Video Acquisition... PRG has completed its acquisition of XL Video Group. “Bringing XL Video into the PRG family profoundly enhances our ability to provide our clients with a comprehensive suite of products and services,” said Jeremiah 'Jere' Harris, Chairman and CEO of Production Resource Group. “The true opportunity however, lies in bringing together the industry's most passionate and committed people. Our shared values and technical expertise will allow the company to continue to innovate and grow in new and exciting ways.” XL Video's worldwide locations will now become part of PRG's network of over 40 locations in key cities around the world. Shure EMEA Opens Two New Offices... Shure EMEA has announced the opening of two market development offices in Switzerland and Austria. Opening this summer, the offices will be responsible for strategic market development in these countries. In addition, Shure has established a regional office in Moscow, Shure REE LLC, and is responsible for strategic market development in Russia as well as distribution management for the Russia Eastern Europe region. Herbert Muff will head Shure's market development office in Switzerland, while Gerd Kostial will run the office in Austria. Angelika Oernfelt will lead the regional office in Moscow. The new offices will report to Ron Marchant, General Manager EMEA Sales, who is based at Shure EMEA's headquarters in Eppingen, Germany. Timeline 4 - 9 August Rhode Island International Film Festival, RI 23 - 27 August SET Expo, Sao Paolo, Brazil 26 - 28 August Edinburgh TV Festival, Scotland 26 - 29 August BIRTV, CIEC, Beijing, China Contact the RFV Newsdesk NOW! Tel: +44 (0)28 9031 9008 Fax: +44 (0)28 9072 7804 [email protected] VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 NEWS Panasonic Introduces Industry's First 4K PTZ Camera Panasonic has launched the industry's first integrated 4K PTZ camera. The AW-UE70 delivers 3840 x 2160 resolution at 25p via HDMI, and is capable of 4K IP streaming and incamera 4K recording. In addition to 4K 2160/25p, the camera delivers a number of international HD signal formats including 1080/50p, 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 1080/25PsF and 720/50p. The UE70 offers key features aimed at production such as genlock, Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S), and remote switchable ND filters. It comes with 3GSDI as well as HDMI video outputs and incorporates a 1/2.3-type MOS sensor and advanced processing, as well as boasting direct from camera audio/video streaming up to 2160/30p and in-camera video and audio recording to a microSD card at 2160/25p or 1080/50p. IP, RS-422 and RS-232C in/out interfaces are included, as well as a built in web server to enable both browser control and IP-live preview, for up to 16 cameras, from PCs, Macs and mobile devices. RS-422 Serial or IP control is available using Panasonic's AW-RP50, AW-RP120G controllers, AK-HRP200G paintbox and the AW-HEA10 control assist camera, as well as appropriately programmed systems from Crestron, AMX, Winnov, and other manufacturers. The UE70 includes many features to expand the capabilities of professional video system users. In addition to Panasonic's Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), advanced Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode means good images can be achieved, even in extreme contrast and lighting conditions. Furthermore, the UE70's Night Mode makes it possible to shoot in virtually total darkness, by automatically switching to high-quality, HD monochrome video with the use of an optional IR illuminator. The camera incorporates a highly-accurate pan-tilt head with a pan of ±175° and a tilt of –30° to 90°. Jaume Miro, Product Manager for Panasonic Remote Camera, said: “The camera's flexible 4K/HD capabilities make it a good choice for broadcast as well as demanding installations in stadiums, conference rooms, auditoriums and events, where ultrahigh resolution video and precise control are required. “Standard IP-control, built-in audio input and Power over Ethernet enables innovative 'single-cable' installation. A USB Webcam for videoconferencing and collaboration, a 20x zoom lens, preset functions and wide field of view (65.1°) mean the camera offers operational flexibility.” The AW-UE70 comes in black or white and will be available from October 2015. Panasonic's UE70 Pixel Power Delivers Branding For MTG Pixel Power has supplied 20 LogoVision automated graphics and channel branding systems to Modern Times Group (MTG). The branding is part of MTG's programme to move to a new automated playout centre in London. MTG broadcasts to the Nordic region. Its head office is located in Sweden, with playout centres in London and Riga, which now have identical automated broadcasting facilities. The London centre is responsible for delivering 10 free-to-air and 10 pay channels, each localised by country and by advertising regions. Branding was a key requirement for the new centre and although MTG had experience of using Pixel Power hardware in its other playout centres, it was subject to the same reevaluation as all suppliers selected to provide equipment for the new stateof-the-art facility. LogoVision 3D was chosen for the channel branding with dual channel LogoVisions being added to provide both SD and HD simulcast logos from a single device. The devices work under frame accurate control from the Pebble Beach Marina automation system which allows MTG to plan complex branding for maximum audience retention. “When we decided to move to a new base in London, we knew this was our opportunity to take a fresh look at exactly how we wanted to present our channels,” said Rachel Bernard, vicepresident of broadcast operations for MTG. “We knew we had to choose best of breed products to give us flexibility, but above all quality. There are other graphics systems on the market, but Pixel Power was the only one to meet our requirements. We have worked with the company for many years now and we are perfectly comfortable with Pixel Power branding today.” James Gilbert, CEO, Pixel Power, added: “With so many channels competing for the audience's attention, broadcasters need to be able to deliver rich branding consistently. They also need to be able to do it costeffectively inside an automated, filebased environment. The LogoVision family is designed for just this application, and we are delighted that we can continue our partnership with MTG at their new London home.” Playout centre 0000/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video The BIG Interview VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 5 Raycom Ensures Its Voice Is Being Heard Raycom has over 30 years' experience as the leading distributor of professional wireless audio for the broadcast and film industry. Andy Clements, Business Development Manager, talks to BFV about choosing the right wire free microphone solution... Q: What are the important factors for clients to consider when choosing a wire free microphone solution? Without microphones, in-ear monitors (IEMs), intercom and distribution systems based on wireless technology, many of today's large-scale television studios, outside broadcast and film productions would be very difficult, if not impossible, to stage. Wireless solutions provide convenience and, in the main, great performance. However, as with many technologies, careful investment will provide the best results. To avoid potential pitfalls it's essential to fully understand the capability of the product under consideration, as doing so will inevitably flush out the huge differences between what's on offer to provide a robust solution for professional high demand use. Q: We constantly hear about the available spectrum of RF frequencies, should tuning range be taken into account when choosing what equipment will work best? Andy Clements Wireless connectivity has been, and will always be, a heavily controlled environment. Growing demand on the available spectrum of RF frequencies from a huge range of consumer and commercial devices is leaving PMSE user’s with fewer clean operational frequencies; this in turn creates congestion on the studio floor or film set. It's therefore essential the equipment allows a wide available tuning range to ensure a frequency choice well away from other users or even between the users own devices. The tuning range on high end products can be over 250Mhz; low end products may actually have fixed frequencies. A wide choice of tunable frequencies is also essential when working away from the UK, even a short trip around Europe can demand specific frequency use at very different parts of the spectrum. A wide tuning range will also provide future proofing, as it's not unknown for sections of the spectrum to be withdrawn from use over time. Q: How do you overcome the problem or interference of other signals from other users on site? Working in an ever-tightening spectrum space will mean quality of signals need to be maintained. A professionally designed RF product will feature high rejection of spurious signals including harmonics from other users on-site. There should also be tight front end filtering, especially on receivers with wide tuning where tracking filters should be used which Wisycom 40S kit follow the tuned frequency. This will allow the receiver to concentrate only on a narrow area of the spectrum associated to the chosen frequency therefore ignoring signals from the entire tuning range. Within the transmitter, a technique such as the use of a circulator or other technology prevents unwanted intermods by causing any unwanted signals to be effectively parked in the transmitter before causing issues at the front end of the receiver. Q: How can you ensure that the audio quality is maintained? Operational range and quality of signal can be greatly improved through true diversity technology within the receiver. Essentially, two separate aerials tuned to a single chosen frequency feed two independent receivers that are mixed together as appropriate to avoid dropouts. Quality of construction and materials used should play a big part in the selection process. There's no doubt the chosen products will be asked to contend with varying conditions of heat, moisture and wind. It's also well established that talent may take out inevitable frustrations on whatever the sound engineer has just carefully placed about their person. A properly machined metal casing with engineered seals will cope where a pop apart plastic design will likely not stand the test of time itself. Q: What power source would you recommend for optimum results? Battery life has shown to be a major concern in the past. Selecting a brand where the manufacturer has fully optimised the power requirements of the product can now mean up to 10 hours operation using standard alkaline batteries. This can be increased by using lithium cells or, for a permanent power solution, some manufacturers offer optional clip in battery eliminators for use where a DC power source is available. Availability of other useful accessories is also worth looking into. This may include cables, brackets, phantom power supplies and slot in packs for a variety of cameras allowing for cable free connection to a wireless audio receiver. These useful adapters will be joined later this year by a slot in solution for one of the most popular audio mixers. Professional radio equipment manufacturers including Wisycom, Lectrosonics and Audio Ltd have worked alongside Sound Devices to create varying levels of integration with their latest mixer via a bolt on 6 channel slot pack. Q: Is it difficult to make all the different elements that make up the wire free microphone solution compatible? Compatibility with other manufacturers' products can very often assist production. For instance, it's important to confirm the correct connectors or adapters are available for the most popular microphones. There may also be times where a sound engineer is asked to accept audio feed from an alternative manufacturer’s transmitter to his own receiver. To allow this to happen the receiver must have the ability to emulate the manufacturer’s transmission parameters. Emulation will be an embedded function of the higher end manufacturers’ receivers alongside multi-function local and remote software providing many useful features such as spectrum scanning, battery monitoring and level adjustment for RF and Audio. Wireless systems have proved themselves to be a valuable part of any broadcast production but it's clear the growing number of product choices means careful selection is vital. Acquiring the right product for the job will potentially require some serious investment, but it's likely to be a sensible move providing the professional engineer with a future proofed, durable solution. The checklist is clear: a tuning range suited to the sound recordist’s needs, all metal tough housings, battery life over eight hours, built in reverse intermod protection, true diversity receivers and a wide range of useful accessories. Radio technology is well established in the broadcast industry today and will continue to be so into the future as long as well-designed products that continue to embrace the latest advances in this exciting technology are employed. www.raycom.co.uk Wisycom MTP41 7917/BFV226/J 6 Broadcast Film&Video CLIPS... axle Video Releases axle Cam... axle Video has released the axle Cam; a low-cost camera ingest application that streamlines the process of acquiring, organising and sharing media from a number of video cameras and DSLRs. The product's software automatically detects, imports and organises camera media, allowing users to then instantly access, edit and share files through a user interface that leverages axle's media management technology. The product supports DSLRs and HD cameras made by Sony, Panasonic, Canon, JVC, Nikon and GoPro. axle Video has said it is developing specialised modules to support higher-end cinema cameras, though release dates have not been announced. axle Cam is priced at $995 for a two-user license and will ship from 1 July. Avid Welcome Orders For VENUE | S6L... Avid has welcomed significant orders for its recently announced VENUE | S6L live sound system, ahead of its formal shipping date. VENUE | S6L is a fully modular, scalable live sound mixing system delivering functionality for a range of live sound mixing applications, including frontof-house, monitor, broadcast and theatre. It features touchscreen workflows and an advanced live sound engine. Tight integration with industry-standard Pro Tools, Avid VENUE | S6L functions as a front-end to the Avid MediaCentral Platform. The Avid VENUE | S6L will be available in the second half of 2015. BBC World News Selects Quicklink Skype TX... BBC World News has chosen the Quicklink Skype TX solution to be used in Asia, allowing quality video and audio broadcasts to be sent through a single, integrated production grade system. Quicklink Video have been chosen by Microsoft Skype to manufacture and distribute a Skype hardware/software solution designed specifically for broadcasters. The Quicklink Skype TX is a 19inch 1U rack mounted hardware solution that converts Skype calls into a professional quality SD/HD video/audio signal. Quicklink have also released a free software named Bondio™, delivering improved bandwidth by bonding a combination of internet connections together to create one super connection. The software is available to download free for use with a Windows 8.0 PC/Laptop, when combined with purchase of the Quicklink TX. VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 NEWS Piksel Partners With Transavia Piksel has announced it is technology partner to the European airline Transavia for its new in-flight entertainment service. Transavia is using Piksel Voyage™ to offer travellers better quality viewing experiences and more convenient content selection in the air through use of their own devices. By leveraging the capabilities of the Piksel Palette™ and Piksel's MTVOD (Mass Transit Video-on-Demand) solution, Piksel Voyage, Transavia is enabling consumers to select and download video content on to their personal devices, prior to boarding a flight. The Transavia Entertainment App offers passengers the ability to choose from a wide range of premium TV shows and films to download onto tablets and smartphones. The content is locked until the passenger boards the flight, when it then becomes available to view. Once the flight has ended, the content is automatically deleted from the device, reducing any potential licensing issues. “We see this as a major disruptor for the industry, and believe this model will quickly become the future of in-flight entertainment services,” said Mark Christie, Chief Technology Officer at Piksel. “Through working with Transavia, it's exciting to show how Piksel's services-oriented architecture, which we call the Piksel Palette, can flexibly adapt to address the business challenges of a whole new industry. Our unrivaled experience in delivering video to consumers wherever they are, across all devices, is enabling us to deliver true innovation for airline passengers.” Transavia is enhancing the in-flight user experience by leveraging the high quality screens found on user devices and offering greater choice and flexibility. Content is available in line with the passenger's 'In-Flight' window, providing users with a wide variety of films and programs to choose from. Secure content delivery is achieved via the DRM functionality of Piksel Voyage. Roy Scheerder, Chief Commercial Officer at Transavia, commented: “The way people consume media has changed rapidly in recent years, and the airline industry needs to reflect this in its in-flight entertainment systems. Our aim was to both boost the flying experience for our customers and cut out the high costs of installing on-board infrastructure for video delivery. Working with Piksel demonstrates Transavia's leadership in Europe as the premiere affordable airline in hospitality, services and digital; choosing to go the extra mile for our passengers. “The Transavia Entertainment app helps us to offer a great passenger experience on board, providing our passengers with an innovative and engaging in-flight entertainment product that they can enjoy, while empowering them to select and view their preferred content on their own devices during their flight with Transavia – meeting the needs of today's passenger.” Piksel has partnered with Global Eagle Entertainment to provide Transavia with the entertainment solution. New Home For Thomson Video Networks’ Head Office Thomson Video Networks has relocated its head office to a new 7,000 sq m building in France. The move reflects the company's continued growth. It currently employs over 400 people and has more than 15 facilities worldwide, offering highquality video compression and delivery solutions to telecommunications operators, video service providers, and broadcasters, delivering optimum bandwidth management regardless of network type for satellite, terrestrial, cable, IPTV, or WebTV. The business is involved in contribution and distribution with compression offering low-latency and premiumquality links; broadcast TV with complete and scalable HD, SD, and Ultra HD video compression solutions for 24/7 terrestrial, cable, satellite, and IPTV operations; flexible OTT and multi-screen compression solutions for all screen types; cloud TV, including real-time transcoding and audio or video processing in the cloud using both Thomson Video Networks' new head office virtualised and in-house platforms; and playout with advanced ad insertion, graphics, and content regionalisation solutions. Thomson Video Networks is one of the founding members of the French technology research institute B. Approved by the French Government in 2012, this technology research institute is responsible for accelerating research and innovation in digital technology for development and marketing of tools, products, and services to improve everyday life. It is also a member of the Images & Réseaux cluster. "Backed by over 20 years of video quality and compression experience, Thomson Video Networks has become a global benchmark. In fact, more than one in five TV channels around the world now use our compression and broadcast technology, and we've set an ambitious long-term objective to double in size by 2020," said Christophe Delahousse, President, Thomson Video Networks. "The move to a dazzling new head office and new base in the French industrial ecosystem, together with the arrival of EdRIP as a shareholder and the management reinvestment, all point to a bright future for Thomson Video Networks. We are proud of our staff's commitment to excellence and firm focus on international markets for the development of innovative solutions such as our Behind Every Screen strategic approach. This strategy will enable us to accelerate our organic growth and grasp real external opportunities to further reinforce our position as a key player." The company's new head office is located in ViaSilva, in the 'EcoCité' metropolitan development near the Rennes Atalante high-tech industrial centre in France, and the building is the first in France to receive the Effinergie+ certification. "Our new head office is a genuine showcase for our digital television expertise," Delahousse added. "This new building demonstrates our ability to support our clients and partners in rolling out their projects in France and worldwide." NEW APPOINTMENTS Singh And Shout Appoint Mungo Penfold 'Singh and Shout' Broadcast Hire have announced the appointment of a new Hire Manager. Mungo Penfold will join the team from 30 June, 2015 and will be based at Singh and Shout's Fitzrovia office in London W1. Commenting on his appointment, Mungo said: “I'm really pleased to be joining the company at such an important stage in its development and bringing 20 years experience to a team with an already impressive pedigree.” Sound Devices Appoints Jennifer Conlin Sound Devices has named Jennifer Conlin as its Director of M a r k e t i n g Communications. Conlin will oversee all strategic marketing and communications efforts for the company, further enhancing the visibility of its products throughout its extensive network of customers, resellers and distributors. “It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Jennifer Conlin to Director of Marketing Communications,” says Matt Anderson, President of Sound Devices. “She is a proactive and forward-thinking marketing expert who understands the importance of cultivating and maintaining Sound Devices' reputation as a premier developer of professional audio and video solutions.” Conlin started her career at Starcom, a division of Leo Burnett. More recently, she has served as the Director of Marketing for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), among other prominent positions. Scrub Adds To Sales Team Scrub, a division of HHB specialising in post production, has confirmed the appointment of Stephen Jones to the newly created position of Sales Administrator. He will support Ben Scully and Devin Workman from Scrub's office and demo facilities on Berwick Street. Jones began working with HHB in 2012 after graduating from Coventry University with a degree in Music Composition and has been promoted to help provide first-line support for Avid Pro Tools as well as other MAC and PC-based DAWs. He said: “It is really exciting to join Scrub at a time when there is so much growth and activity with Pro Tools and the S6. Many of the world's leading audio post houses are right on our doorstep and it's great to be a part of Soho's vibrant audio post community.” 3240/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 7 3927/BFV226/J 8 Broadcast Film&Video CLIPS... ChyronHego Launches SHOUT™ Metrics... ChyronHego has launched SHOUT Metrics, an extension of the company's SHOUT social media application. SHOUT Metrics provides broadcasters with detailed data analysis on Twitter data feeds; for example, the number of Tweets per second during a specific news segment, an audience poll on a local or national political race, or a live sports event. SHOUT works with any of ChyronHego's graphics systems including the Lyric™ graphics creation and playout solution to build online communities from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and RSS feeds. In addition, Mass Relevance subscribers can insert data streams directly into SHOUT. Designed especially for Twitter, SHOUT Metrics normalises Twitter data for visualisation using ChyronHego's Advanced Data Object. By pointing and clicking, users can link the Twitter data to Lyric scenes to create graphs and charts without the need for scripting. Users can also create customised manual campaigns, using their own polling data, to quickly visualise charts and graphs in real time. Aurora Multimedia Introduces New Scaler... Aurora Multimedia has introduced its new DXP-62 HDBaseT Scaler. The scaler features four HDMI inputs and two VGA/YPbPr/composite inputs, as well as scaling up to 1920x1200 HD resolutions at 60Hz via simultaneous HDMI and HDBaseT outputs. Using the features of the firm's One Room – One Cable system, the DXP-62 provides the ability for HDBaseT output to pass through Power over HDBaseT (PoH) onto an awaiting HDBaseT receiver as well as RS-232 and IR for display control. The solution also provides four external audio inputs, an additional mic input with independent volume control, de-embedding line level stereo output capabilities, and autosensing/switching video inputs. The unit is available in packages with any of Aurora Multimedia's DXECAT receivers, enabling customers to configure installations with onboard amplification, relay control, and background/paging integration to create a complete single cable solution. VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 NEWS A.C. Video Adds To Portfolio With Philips Signage Solutions A.C. Video, a division of A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) Ltd., has been selected as an authorised dealer for the Philips Signage Solutions product range, strengthening the company's lineup of complementary video system technologies. Incorporating the latest advances in display technology, MMD – brand license partner for Philips Signage Solutions – delivers first-class picture performance along with practical design and features for both integrators and end users, such as SmartPower, SmartControl, FailOver and Clinical D-Image proprietary innovations available across models in the range. From advanced airport installations to interactive classroom displays, Philips Signage Solutions offer a customisable solution to fit almost any application and market sector, including retail and leisure, corporate, public services, events & exhibitions, and education. The signage line-up includes the entrylevel Q-line, featuring eco-friendly SmartPower functionality for power consumption savings of up to 50%; the E-line with FailOver backup and SmartControl technologies for futureproof connection and 24/7 remote content management; and the V-line, utilising high brightness technology for clearer images. In addition, the X- Philips Signage Solutions offers customisable solutions line provides a video wall with ultranarrow bezel and high picture quality; and the T-line of multi-touch displays provide advanced user interaction with multiple simultaneous touch points. The new U-line 98” 4K Ultra HD model is four times the resolution of full HD displays. Stuart Burdett, Technical Sales Executive for A.C. Video, said: “We're delighted to add Philips Signage Solutions to our video portfolio. The products are ideal for commercial applications due to their robust build quality and toughened glass, their proven reliability and fail-safe for displaying content 24/7, and their overall image performance.” “Complementing the Green Hippo AViary video playback and Hippotizer real-time video control products in our portfolio, they enable us to offer our customers a complete range of video system solutions, with content support and future-proofing right up to the very latest Ultra HD 4K video standard. From small signage screens, through to large format video walls, and right up to large modular LEDbased screens and display surfaces for pixel-mapping onto, A.C. Video can offer a tailored solution to meet customers' requirements.” VOGO Opens North American Office VOGO has secured €4m in equity and other financing to help support research and development, recruitment and promote international growth with the opening of its new North American office. Located near Montreal, it will be headed by Carolyn Archambault. In addition, the company has also said it is to develop its activities in Switzerland, Japan, and other countries later this year through the opening of new offices and partnerships with local companies. Used throughout Europe, the firm's VOGO SPORT is an application for mobiles and tablets that provides an immersive in-venue viewing experience for fans. Spectators with smartphones can now watch the action from several different camera views, live and in real time – all from the comfort of their seats. They can also real-time zoom or stop the live action and relive their favourite plays in normal speed or slow motion replay. The application has been called a game changer for sports sponsorship, offering a new on-site advertising platform, while the technology behind VOGO SPORT means minimal IT infrastructure is required to outfit any stadium or sports venue, regardless of size. "Since we first launched VOGO SPORT at the European Judo Championships in April 2014, we've covered more than ten successful high-profile and international sports events and have enjoyed significant business growth," said VOGO CEO Christophe Carniel. "Now with the opening of our North American office, and Carolyn on board, we look forward to helping stadiums, teams, associations, and federations worldwide to expand their revenue opportunities and engage their fans with a new immersive and compelling experience." Globecast Selected For Premier Sports HD Globecast has been named as the content delivery service provider for Premier Sports HD, a new HD channel from Setanta Sports' UK operation Premier Sports. The channel will launch on the Sky platform on 20 July. The two companies have a longstanding relationship, with Globecast already providing uplink and satellite capacity for existing SD channels Premier Sports and Setanta Sports Ireland. These are also available via the Sky platform. The new channel will be added to Globecast's extensive HD portfolio, with the company providing the uplink and satellite capacity on Astra 2G for the new Premier Sports HD offering. The contract win follows from the renewal of the capacity contracts for the broadcaster's Sky SD channels Mickey O'Rourke, CEO, Premier Sports, said: “We've had a longstanding relationship stretching over 20 years with Globecast, and they already handle our two SD channels. Globecast was already familiar with our business and asking them to help us launch our HD channel was just a logical step in our relationship. HD is something that there's a real demand for from sports fans; the expectation is that watching a game on TV is as close to being there as possible. That's what we're trying to deliver with the addition of Premier Sports HD.” Juliet Bayliss, Sales Director, Content Distribution at Globecast, added: “We've been working with Premier Sports/Setanta for many years now, so we're delighted that they have chosen us to help launch the new HD channel. There's a real demand for HD channels and we're seeing a growing uptake amongst our client base and we've provided uplinking and capacity for several HD channels in the recent months.” VOGO SPORT at Play Juliet Bayliss 3157/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 9 4071/BFV226/J 10 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Turning Up The Volume Picking up from Issue 225, we're once again looking at Broadcast Audio, particularly at loudness metering and mixing consoles – and how the industry is working to ensure the highest quality audio levels are being achieved for listeners... We've all been there; sitting down after a long day to watch television. We might catch a few advertisements beforehand, of which we can hear fine, but then once the programme begins, we struggle to hear the actors' dialogue. So, we'll turn up the volume – only to have to quickly reach for the remote during an ad break and turn the volume back down as the audio is much louder. In May 2014, the BBC found itself at the centre of a 'mumbling row' after viewers struggled to hear the audio in its highly-anticipated drama Quirke. This occurred just a couple of weeks after a similar row regarding the channel's airing of Jamaica Inn. Again, viewers struggled to hear due to poor sound, with the broadcaster issuing a statement to say a subsequent investigation found a mix of mumbling actors and problems with the audio track were to blame. Similarly, in January 2015, viewers complained about the audio levels of ITV drama Broadchurch. Such complaints have resulted in organisations developing meters to ensure loudness normalisation, i.e. so adverts do not sound louder than programmes. Traditionally, measuring signal levels included Peak Programme Meters (PPM) and VU meters, but it has been claimed that these do not provide the measure of loudness needed to optimise the listening experience. In August 2010, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) published its Loudness Recommendation EBU R128, informing how broadcasters can measure and normalise audio using Loudness meters. These meters take into account the audio spectrum, compression, duration, intensity and sound pressure to measure perceived loudness and volume consistency for listeners. One example of a Loudness Meter is TC Electronic's LM1n Loudness Meter DynApt™ Dynamic Adaptation Technology the LM1n by TC Electronic. The plugin can run on any digital audio workstation and delivers content that complies with broadcasting standards such as ITU BS.1770-3, ATSC A/85, EBU R128, TR-B32 and OP-59. Features of the LM1n include a TruePeak Indication, which will flash if true peaks are present in the audio; Loudness Value, allowing users to choose a value to be shown from Loudness Range (LRA), Sliding Loudness 10 Sec, Max Momentary (M) or Max Short Term (S); while guiding arrows help users to remain compliant with the loudness standard selected, by indicating if the volume should be increased or lowered. Last month, SBS Broadcasting, through its work with NUGEN Audio, was shortlisted for the IBC2015 Innovation Awards. With a nomination in the Content Management category, SBS is being recognised for its use of NUGEN Audio's DynApt algorithm to create a loudness-normalised workflow for film soundtrack adaptation. SBS has worked to improve audio quality for broadcasting films and drama series within the guidelines of the EBU R128. When it comes to motion pictures, several challenges arise, such as how to preserve the quality of experience in terms of dynamic audio contrasts, as well as how to loudness-align content with advertisements or interstitials. With this in mind, SBS selected the NUGEN Audio DynApt algorithm to address the issue. The solution analyses loudness levels throughout a piece of audio before controlling a configurable maximum difference between program loudness and Calrec Artemis average voice level. Working alongside Delta Sigma Consultancy and Minnetonka Audio, SBS created an anchor-based loudness normalisation workflow based on DynApt. This, in turn, enables the broadcaster to process a movie's audio for broadcast in line with a producer's original objective. Furthermore, the solution does not interfere with the audio if there is no need to do so. While challenges do remain when it comes to Loudness, steps are being taken to standardise the issue. In the UK, for example, the Digital Production Partnership (DPP) sets out the standards that broadcasters and companies voluntarily agree to. In March 2015, it awarded Vidcheck with AMWA AS-11 DPP Certification. This confirms that a product has met the criteria outlined in the DPP Compliance Programme, and the AMWA Certification grants rights to manufacturers to make certain claims regarding the compliance of their products. Vidcheck's auto QC technology is integrated with many third-party systems used for transcoding, file delivery and workflow management, and the software takes advantage of selfcorrecting heuristic algorithms to modify original content by the minimum amount needed to ensure compliance. With a view of industry-wide standardisation when it comes to audio, it is vital that products meet respective compliance requirements – such as mixing consoles. These not only combine, but can route, change levels, timbre and dynamics of audio signals and are used in many applications from broadcasting and film post-production, to recording studios and television. Take the Calrec Artemis Light digital audio console, which was recently installed as part of an upgrade in Channel One Russia Worldwide's Moscow-based production studio. It not only ensures the television channel adheres to strict government standards for HD broadcasts, but also ensures broadcasts of the highest quality are delivered to viewers. The Artemis has 32 multilayer faders and comes equipped with Calrec's Bluefin2 and Hydra2 networking architecture. It allows users to produce multitrack HD programmes, change show memories quickly and connect two shooting areas to one control room over fiber. There is also the new 688 Mixer/Receiver from Sound Devices. Making its debut at Cine Gear Expo 2015, the 688 is a 12-input production mixer with integrated 16-track recorder. It comes with 12 channels of MixAssist, eight outputs, digital mixing and routing, 92-kHz sampling, audio delay on both inputs and outputs, PowerSafe and QuickBoot. Using an algorithm, MixAssist automatically attenuates the level of inactive inputs and maintains consistent background levels, regardless of the number of open microphones. Comb filtering and phasing artifacts are also reduced by attenuating microphones receiving the same audio signal. www.calrec.com www.digitalproductionpartnership.co.uk www.nugenaudio.com www.tcelectronic.com www.sounddevices.com 2734/BFV223/J When audio matters. Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 11 3866/BFV226/J 12 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Audio Monitoring In A MADI Muddy Field UK broadcast and MADI specialist Aspen Media, is once again servicing the needs of the OB industry during the festival season with a string of products that will help to identify frequently changing channel allocations or test connections and analyse data in the not unlikely event that there are problems with the MADI stream while the truck is buried up to its axles in a muddy field. The Bel BM-A2-64MADI allows an engineer to monitor, status check and listen to all 64 audio channels of a MADI bit stream via the integral speakers, external speakers or headphones, while the onboard SRCs decouple the truck from the external stage systems and take care of any mismatch in sample rate. 32 'Audio Present' LEDs and bargraph meters show the L+R signal level for every channel pair with each pair selectable by the rotary encoder for hi-res metering and monitoring. BM-A2-64MADI converts MADI data to 32 AES balanced and unbalanced pairs as well as providing MADI format conversion of coax<>fibre. Adding a Bel MADI-SWITCH allows the BM-A264MADI to easily monitor up to 8 MADI streams. The DirectOut KYRA is a 1U audio monitoring device that can create a personal monitor mix of up to 8 mono or 4 stereo channels of an optical or coaxial MADI signal. Vital for OBs, broadcast, PA installations or anywhere MADI is the audio transport standard of choice. Bargraphs on the front panel show one stereo or two mono input channels and the overall mix may be monitored via headphones or internal speakers. Adopting MADI as a monitor ring considerably reduces install costs, increases the number of sources available at each operator position and allows every operator to easily select their sources and adjust levels themselves. ANNA-LISA from DirectOut is a small, handheld and low cost, battery powered MADI signal analyser and generator that connects via BNC or fibre SFP. It rapidly confirms the integrity of any kind of MADI signal and identifies the true nature of any problems occurring in the MADI transmission or transport. Tyrell Announce Avid ISIS 1000 Promotion Tyrell CCT (Content Creation Tools) Ireland Limited, with offices in Dublin and London, have announced a new special offer for the Avid ISIS 1000. Tyrell is one of the leading technology solutions provider for the broadcast, post production, production and education sectors in the UK and Ireland. The promotion means that for £12,995/€17,195, customers can purchase an ISIS 1000 and avail of one of the following three options: • 10% deposit, balance in Jan 2016; •Free install; or Tests include: sample rate, signal amplitude, jitter and eye pattern. The results are displayed on the unit as easy to read "traffic light" style LEDs. A more in-depth analysis than the simple yes/no indication, will be available soon by connecting ANNA-LISA to a PC or Mac, tablet or phone using USB or Bluetooth®. •Five hours of Tyrell Support – free of charge. The multi-standard MADI test signal generator caters for all channel count/frame rate standards and 48/44.1 kHz sample rates and three generator presets are provided for storage of different MADI test signal formats and rapid generator reconfiguration. www.aspen-madi.com www.aspen-media.com The Avid ISIS 1000 brings the famous robustness and usability of the ISIS family at a cost and scale which provides accessibility to smaller studios. All options are subject to standard Tyrell T&C's of sale and credit check. About the Avid ISIS 1000 Aside from the fact that the fascia looks menacing in the best possible way, the ISIS 1000 packs a serious punch for the little sister of a tried and tested family of bruisers. It is also equipped with onthe-fly volume resizing, LDAP sync, functional volume management for clients and integration with other ISIS systems, so growth beyond ISIS 1000 is on the cards for studios with ambition. The necessity for a high-end managed switch on the rest of the ISIS family can introduce a steep capital investment, but Avid have qualified three high quality, but low cost switches from Netgear and Dell. 10Gb connections are supported too, which is advantageous for grading clients. Support for Adobe Creative Cloud and Final Cut is built into ISIS 1000, so houses which may be split between Avid and other NLE's are covered. ISIS 1000 comes with ten 2TB disks which equates to 16TB of usable storage in the standard RAID 5 configuration. Drives are hot swappable. Tyrell offers a comprehensive range of professional services, from consultancy, system design and integration to technical support and maintenance. ISIS 7500, 5500 and 2500 are generally found in studios with a complex asset management infrastructure or with a myriad of clients to serve, but ISIS 1000 is more at home with a simplified setup where a small group of clients need to operate with high-res material. Its clients include large broadcasting organisations, leading post-production facilities and production companies, education establishments and a wide variety of large and small organisations. Proving its flexibility, it can also support up to twenty-four clients simultaneously. www.tyrellcct.com 3826/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 13 3344/BFV226/J 14 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 4109/BFV226/J 1186/RFV188/J Canford Appointed As Sole Distribution Partner For Green-GO Intercom Products In U.K. And Ireland Canford has been appointed sole Distribution Partner in the UK and Ireland for the multi-award winning Green-GO range of digital intercom over Ethernet products. Unlike other digital intercom designs, Green-GO does not employ a costly central matrix. Instead, all interconnection routing data, system set-up and user preferences are stored locally within each user station including beltpacks, thereby eliminating the possibility of a catastrophic central failure. Green-GO does not require a dedicated Ethernet network. It will operate on any 100Mbit network without interfering with other data protocols coexisting on the system, including Dante. User stations are powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE). Digital control brings benefits to system designers who have freedom to create up to 250 intercom channels with a maximum of 3,000 users. Audio quality is high with only 12ms latency. Useful features include channel ident, display of simple text messages and cue light facilities. The comprehensive feature set makes the system suitable for both broadcast and live events. The range includes beltpacks, wall stations, multi-channel desks (8, 16, 24 and 32 channels) and interfaces for integrating with analogue two and four-wire intercom systems. The recently introduced bridge interface enables venues in different locations to link their Green-GO comms together via the internet, while retaining full system functionality. With no heavy investment required for a central matrix, Green-GO offers a uniquely cost effective way to build a digital intercom system, making the latest technology available to many who, up to this point, found it hard to justify the expense. www.canford.co.uk Mojo Media Solutions Announces Launch of Achtel’s TrueBlue™ Filter Mojo Media Solutions Pty Ltd and Achtel Pty Ltd have together launched TrueBlue, a sophisticated optical filter that significantly improves separation of blue colours from unintended red contamination. Pawel Achtel MSc, an Australian Scientist and multiple ACS Award Winning Cinematographer, has combined his skills in mathematics and optical science to create a custom designed optical filter that significantly reduces the magenta looking blue colours seen in imagery shot using the popular RED digital cinema cameras. In an un-modified camera, the problem is easy to see on bluescreen material, skies, under water and anywhere where cool colours need to be preserved. The reason is that the red photo-sites on the camera sensor are also sensitive to blue light, as can been seen in the quantum efficiency graphs measured under controlled conditions at Achtel’s laboratory. This contamination gives rise to magenta looking blues and cool colours that cannot be removed, even in post-processing. By adding Achtel’s TrueBlue filter in the RED camera itself, the problem is virtually gone, leaving the Cinematographer, Director and Colourist free to create beautiful looking images without constantly fighting to remove unwanted magenta. The TrueBlue filter is supplied as a complete kit including an OLPF caddy, and is available for RED Epic and RED Dragon digital cinema cameras. It is simple to install or remove as required. “Our partnership with Achtel and the global launch of TrueBlue marks a very exciting time for us at Mojo Media Solutions. As a Sydney based company we regularly do business into Asia, but the partnership with Achtel and launch of TrueBlue has now turned us into a Global supplier,” stated Stuart Monksfield, Managing Director and Founder of Mojo Media Solutions. He added: “TrueBlue is a genuine home grown Australian product created with passion, using scientific analysis and delivering measurable results. It does exactly what it says on the box. The day we announced TrueBlue’s availability via social media we had near immediate responses from the US and Europe, and took our first orders that same day.” www.achtel.com www.mojomediasolutions.com Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 15 4106/BFV226/J 16 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 3956/BFV226/J Consultancy Approach Pays Off In Addressing Complexity As broadcast technology becomes ever more sophisticated, the decisions around system design become more complex too, writes Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director, dB Broadcast. The pace of technology change means that clients often look for external support and advice in evaluating and selecting the optimum technology architecture to meet their current and future business needs. dB Broadcast is increasingly undertaking consultancy work to help its clients understand this changing environment and how best to leverage the benefits. Broadcasters require advice that is independent of particular hardware and software providers, and which has insight into vendor roadmaps for the latest solutions. Many now engage in ‘Proof of Concept’ testing before determining their technology strategies. An understanding of media workflows and the design of efficient migration strategies adds further value for clients. To gather, define and rationalise overlapping and often conflicting requirements and drivers from all parts of the operation using business process analysis is an intricate task, one that the dB Broadcast team feels it is uniquely placed to carry out, based on its considerable industry experience across a broad range of disciplines. Recent examples of dB Broadcast’s consultancy services include a multi-site HD technology refresh, DPP-compliant file delivery workflows and 4K/UHD production/playout. dB have recently been engaged as consultants for the re-location of a major international broadcaster, and for a green-field media facility based upon emerging IP standards. According to Mike Bryan, dB’s Head of Solutions, and the man responsible for many of these projects: “We typically adopt a workstream-focussed approach to managing the complexities of this type of project. This ensures that the correct resources with appropriate skill sets are assigned at the correct time in the programme.” www.dbbroadcast.co.uk LEADER Announces LV 7390 FourChannel 3G/HD/SD-SDI Rasteriser LEADER announces a new addition to its range of broadcast-quality test equipment and signal analyzers. The LV 7390 is a multi-standard rasterizer capable of measuring up to four SDI signals at the same time. Compatible with 3GSDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI, it incorporates a full-resolution HD-SDI rasterizing output which allows operators to check detailed video and audio parameters on the display screen of their choice. Operated from the front panel or via a plug-in pointing device, the LV 7390 can be customized to show a variety of waveform combinations. Measurement capabilities include waveform and vector display plus a reference marker which can be placed at any position on the user's external screen. Integrated into the LV 7390 is LEADER's unique CINELITE® feature which enables an operator to confirm at a glance the brightness distribution of an entire moving or still video image. Levels of specific points in the image can be checked and managed on an intuitive graphical basis. Using CINELITE®, the gain of multiple sources such as cameras can be adjusted quickly and precisely using a specific reference point. Since the attenuation of a transmission line or processing system is equivalent to its line length, SDI signal measurements can be displayed numerically in terms of the length of a coaxial cable. This is ideal for checking the safety margin of a digital signal chain. Available from July, the LEADER LV 7390 was introduced mid-June at the Cine Video Expo Television exhibition in Mexico City. www.leaderamerica.com www.thameside.tv Accessorise Your Konova Slider! Sliders have become an essential tool for all video professionals. Konova’s range of sliders are popular with self-shooters and rental houses alike, and can be used in virtually any shooting scenario. Their popularity can be attributed to the compelling balance of price and quality, where the Konova sliders excel. To aid the operator, Konova offer a range of accessories including Master Pan ‘auto-pan’ and motorised timelapse system. Konova recently added to this range by introducing the new ‘K-ARM’ support arm and Nitsan Fly Wheel. The ‘K-ARM’ is a universal solution for supporting the slider when mounted on a single tripod. Even with small-bodied DSLRs, it’s common for operators to use two tripods in order to support the slider effectively. This however makes manoeuvrability and repositioning of the system cumbersome and awkward. By attaching the ‘K-ARM’ between the tripod and the slider, any unwanted movement is reduced significantly, whilst still allowing easy relocation for the next shot. Designed for use with all new and existing K3, K5 & K7 sliders, the Nitsan Fly Wheel is a counterweight system that reduces the inconsistency from hand-driven movements. The system helps ensure a constant carriage speed, whilst delivering an elegant ramp up and ramp down during the beginning and end of movements. For more information please contact your usual dealer or Octica direct. t: +44 (0) 1784 450 506 | e: [email protected] | w: www.octica.tv Custom Consoles Announces MediaPost Free-Standing Portable Large-Screen Mount Custom Consoles announces a major addition to its range of broadcast furniture. MediaPost is a free-standing portable mount capable of accommodating flat monitor displays of up to 65 inch diagonal screen size. Two MediaPosts can be coupled by a 3 metre wide horizontal beam supporting up to three 65 inch monitors in a single row. "MediaPost is designed primarily for situations where our standard MediaWall would be too large," comments Managing Director Neil Reed. "Applications include discrete monitors supplementing an existing monitorscape, studio floor monitors, off-camera talent prompts or part of an in-view studio background. “MediaPost is built to the same high standards of ruggedness as MediaWall. Both come with a twoyear guarantee against component failure during normal use." Each MediaPost is constructed from anodised extruded aluminium profiles forming a 1,806 millimetre high rigid column. These are supported by a 700 mm wide x 590 mm front-to-back base fitted with rear wheels to allow easy positioning. The base and a middle-height equipment shelf are finished in a matte black powder coating. Loudspeaker mounts are available if required. The optional horizontal beam matches the finish of the anodised aluminium vertical columns. MediaPost is fully height-adjustable to ensure sight lines are optimised when using tilting screen mounts. Cables can be fully concealed behind removable covers. Built at Custom Consoles' UK manufacturing facility, MediaPost is available within a typical delivery period of seven to 14 working days. www.customconsoles.co.uk Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 17 4009/BFV226/J 18 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 What Do You Do? I am often asked, 'Just what do Silentair do?' Writes Phil Gillatt, Technical Director. I always thought it was a daft question given our trading name is Silentair, but I was asked the other day to made a list of the things we have done for clients and for ourselves over the last few years. The list was surprising, to say the least. We started with the Serenity, a perfect AC solution for sound sensitive areas. It was then, and still is today, the quietest fan coil in the world. From that came the Serenity Air distribution system, which was specially designed to help maintain the temperature selected for the room and at the same time eliminate draughts, even in post-production and Foley studios. We combined the two to create the Serenity System, which is so quiet the fan coil and the distribution system are meant to be installed inside the Phil Gillatt studio. Another world first! The simple design of these two products allows us to increase or decrease the capacity of each system to match different size and shapes of rooms, providing the perfect system every time. Naturally, we were soon asked if we did silent fresh air as well as silent AC as our clients were becoming aware of the need for fresh air particularly in a heavily insulated studio. Without a constant fresh air supply 'work time' in the studio is reduced and regular breaks outside the studio become more necessary. Many other air condition companies incorporate the fresh air into the AC system. We were never very keen on this method, as it tends to cause the AC system to malfunction. So we built our own fresh air supply system. We called it the Hush Box which delivers fresh air at the same noise level as the Serenity with adjustable air volumes to suit the number of people in the studio. We then turned our attention towards TV and film studios after being asked can we do a “Silent mobile AC system” which could be used during filming, then moved to another location to cool another set. Five months later, a range of mobile systems was completed all using flexible hoses to connect the outdoor and indoor AC units together. 40 metres of flexible hose allows the noisy wheeled outdoor unit to be placed outside the studio and the indoor unit wheeled in to position to deliver conditioned air silently on to the set. Interestingly, we developed this system further for 'McGraw Hill', which they use today to great effect to provide a silent cooling to their news desks. Our solution for them was to wheel the fan coil boxes into the correct position around the desk for the duration of the shoot. The fan coils are returned to their park positions out of the way against the studio walls. According to the client they work very well. The Olympics arrived in the UK shortly after our mobile era and we were asked for a very different type of AC which could be used in a temporary broadcast studio, but it had to be very quiet, quick and easy to install/remove. The result was what we call 'The Trombone system'. We developed this system so it simply pushed together – no skill or screws Serenity system with rectangle ducting required – it is very fast to install (under one hour), start to finish, and very, very quiet. We hired them out for the duration of the games and ended up eventually supplying well over 50 systems to various broadcasters. One of the users was Al Jazeera who, as a result of our work and operating noise levels, made us their preferred supplier for all the AC in their new broadcast and postproduction studios in the Shard. They were over the moon with what we did and the low noise level we achieved. After our success at Al Jazeera, we were asked to develop a new type of heat and cool AC for large scripted TV studios. This exclusive design completely changes the way to heat or cool a scripted studio. This system is so flexible each set can be conditioned individually and the capacity for that set can be temporary increased/decreased if required. Energy costing with this system are slashed by over 78% from standard traditional ducted systems. I guess the question, 'What do we do?' isn't such a silly question after all! Please contact us if any of the above is of interest. www.silentair.co.uk 3825/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 19 3928/BFV226/J 20 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 SMPTE UK Section Joins With Mesclado To Offer One-Day Course on Interoperable Master Format (IMF) The United Kingdom (UK) Section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), has announced that it is partnering with Mesclado, a European leader in media workflows and education, to deliver a one-day course on Interoperable Master Format (IMF). Scheduled for Wednesday, 8 July, at the British Film Institute (BFI), located at 21 Stephen Street in London, 'IMF: The New Universal Master' will give technical and nontechnical staff within the motion-imaging industry an opportunity to take the lead in understanding IMF and how this SMPTE standard works across all areas of the industry. "IMF is one example of an industrywide standard created within SMPTE, and this course from the SMPTE UK Section brings experts together to educate SMPTE Members and others in the UK's thriving post community about how IMF can assist organisations to be more efficient, creative, and productive," said Peter Weitzel, SMPTE membership director and secretary/treasurer of the SMPTE UK Section. "IMF is a standard that fosters new ways of thinking about media workflows, and it will have a profound effect across the post industry." Intended for professional applications worldwide, IMF is a file-based framework designed to represent high-quality versions of a given, finished multimedia work destined for distribution across multiple channels, including broadcast and internet. Consultant Ken Burrows will join François Abbe of Mesclado to examine and explain this framework and standard during 'IMF: The New Universal Master.' Burrows is a technology consultant in the digital media, production, broadcast, and distribution sectors who previously served as chief technology officer (CTO) for broadcast and distribution at Channel 4. In addition to being a founding member of the UK Digital Production Partnership (DPP), Burrows served as the organisation's technical lead responsible for the conception and implementation of the common file- based AS-11: Material eXchange Format (MXF) DPP standard for programme delivery to UK broadcasters. Abbe is Mesclado's founder and president, and he has built his reputation as a respected media expert through 20 years in the broadcast industry, with experience in research and development, product management, and solution architecture. He was instrumental in the conception of MPEG-2 coding for digital terrestrial television (DTT), high-definition (HD) MXF, IMF, objective image quality control, and HD within a data processing and filebased environment. Together, Burrows and Abbe will provide course participants with the comprehensive background knowledge to appreciate the real benefits of IMF and provide an overview of the business advantages gained when using IMF for business- Participants of the UK Section Seminar on UHD in London (February 2015) Peter Weitzel speaks at the UK Section Seminar on UHD in London (February 2015) to-business ready-to-air media exchange. The two experts also will present a panorama of existing IMF solutions, including real-world examples and use cases, and future developments planned for the standard and its implementation. To ensure that each participant's issues or questions can be dealt with during the course, Burrows and Abbe also will devote time to small-group discussions. There will also be demonstrations of IMF workflows from Rohde and Schwarz, who are supporting this course. 'IMF: The New Universal Master' is ideal for technical directors, engineers, project managers, decision-makers, and chiefs of project marketing; familiarity with broadcast workflow and information technology (IT) is recommended. Information on registration is available at www.smpte.org/uk-imf. The SMPTE UK Section course is £450 plus VAT for nonmembers, £360 plus VAT for SMPTE members, and £380 plus VAT for those employed by a UK Screen Association member. Further information about the SMPTE UK Section is available at www.smpte.org/uk. Further information about Mesclado is available at www.mesclado.com. 4069/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 21 LIVESHOT Next-Generation Live HD Video IP Multi-codec With Built-In Multi-Stream Bonding and Diversity Comrex LiveShot is a compact camera-mountable device for streaming HD video and audio from the field to the studio using the public internet. Complete with separate return video, IFB and full-duplex intercom/cue channel, LiveShot is specifically designed to perform on challenging networks. An integrated one-box solution, LiveShot really is the nextgeneration of video uplink solution for Live Remote ENG. With LiveShot, it is almost possible to leave the OB truck at home. Weighing less than a kg and consuming less than 7W, it can be mounted between the camera and its battery or fits easily into its shoulder holster for on-the-go shooting. It comprises an HD/SD/Composite video codec with stereo audio to send programme back to the studio and provides a return video and audio feed back from the studio end. In addition, there is a separate audio codec providing live 2way audio for comms. It has Ethernet plus multi-USB connectivity, bonding and diversifying between multiple connections to ensure sufficient and reliable data bandwidth with clever throttling to ensure that delay is not introduced just because of one path with latency or poor connectivity. The integral LiveShot Hub allows simultaneous connection of 4 dongles but more can be bonded using an expansion cable. A smartphone can be used for local control and monitoring plus the LiveShot Central Server lets users see previews and control all codecs in their fleet using a normal web browser. Full status information is provided including details of the data connections, packet loss and latency. Users have their own account on the LiveShot Central Server, provided at no additional cost and without annual subscription, which lets them see the status of all the codecs in their “family” and call up a live preview. The Comrex LiveShot uses many of the techniques learned with the industry-standard ACCESS-IP Audio codec with unequalled forward error correction and error masking techniques, congestion avoidance and UDP enhancement to minimise the effect of missed packets. The result is stable ultra-low delay video and audio even when working over poor and mediocre IP connections that can occur when 4G, 3G and wifi connectivity deteriorate or become congested. Whilst the comprehensive forward error correction, error masking and congestion avoidance take care of the transmitted data, using H264 High profile encoding ensures better-quality video and audio whilst using less data bandwidth which of course is more likely to get through the public internet unscathed. Often an external unit is needed to combine LiveShot in use 'in the field' mobile signals (3G, 4G etc) to have sufficient data bandwidth but this capability is built-in as standard with the LiveShot which has the possibility to plug in multiple USB dongles to provide multi-datapath bonding and diversity. A secure end-to-end VPN is set up using CrossLock – a Comrex technique specially developed for LiveShot. The ultra-low latency (typically around 100mS), enhanced stability and additional connectivity providing reverse video and audio as well as comms, helps things run smoothly, all without the infrastructure of having an OB Vehicle at the location. Contact Vortex Communications in London for a full run-down and hands-on demonstration. www.vtx.co.uk 4008/BFV226/J 22 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Anton/Bauer Delivers Vimond And iflix Establish Joint Development Centre Reliable Support To The New Vimond Media Solutions and iflix, Southeast Asia’s Internet TV service, are to establish a jointly-operated development centre in Kuala Lumpur to create innovations in OTT TV and break new ground in the way consumers watch television in a mobile-first environment. iflix has installed the Vimond Platform to power its range of OTT services across the Southeast Asian region, reaching audiences in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, with a potential market of half a billion people. After successful launches in Malaysia and the Philippines, iflix will roll out the service to Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam during 2015, offering consumers more than 10,000 hours of U.S., Asian regional, and local TV shows and movies. The subscription model allows each user to access the service on five Internet capable devices such as mobile, tablet, computer, or television set, for viewing anywhere, anytime. The joint development centre will focus on creating innovative TV products for iflix’s customer base, leveraging the scalability and adaptable modular nature of Vimond’s Platform solution. “Vimond is the ideal innovation partner for iflix. We have established a fantastic working synergy through launching our service and we look forward to developing that partnership further. The compatibility of our business cultures and ambitions to make a real impact in this industry was conducive towards a deeper collaboration to bring true innovation to this space,” said Ash Crick, iflix Group CTO. One of iflix’s key requirements for the project was strong multi-language capabilities, and the ability to support multiple character sets including Chinese and Thai. The Vimond Platform allows iflix to run individual catalogues for each country and manage individual subtitling and audio requirements as part of the overall service management workflow. The Platform also provides comprehensive data on viewing patterns to allow iflix to tailor and adapt services for evolving audience needs. World Of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 When cinematographer Jo Willems, SBC and his crew brought to life the new world order of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, they turned to Anton/Bauer to power the shoot in Atlanta, Paris and Berlin. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 was shot with ARRI ALEXAs as its A, B and C cameras, as well as 2nd unit photography. Dave Thompson, SOC, teamed with Willems on the film as A camera operator and Steadicam Operator. Thompson notes that he’s “well-versed” in Anton/Bauer batteries. “We used Anton/Bauer exclusively on Mockingjay. Our focus puller, Trevor Loomis, makes battery belts that are Anton/Bauer-friendly. We just snapped in Anton/Bauer DIONIC HC 90s and off we’d go.” He points out that the ALEXA requires a lot of power. “It’s a power-hungry camera, so the DIONIC HC 90s are well paired with it. The batteries are lightweight and super durable. Helge Høibraaten, CEO of Vimond Media Solutions, commented: “I see the Vimond and iflix visions of the future as strongly aligned. By offering a premium TV experience at an affordable price to a young and diverse population, we can make a substantial difference, for the audiences and the industry. For us it is important to collect, embrace and nurture ideas from different markets and mindsets across the world in an industry that has both strong globalisation and localisation trends happening in parallel.” www.vimond.com “We traveled the world for Mockingjay, experienced every weather scenario, and finished the show with the same batteries we started with. They just go and go.” Thompson adds that when he began working with camera stabilization systems, he originally deployed batteries by another manufacturer to power his camera and sled. “But I switched to Anton/Bauer because they were available around the world,” he explains. “I discovered that I didn’t have to think about my batteries if they were Anton/Bauer. I’d just power up and go. I’ve never had an issue.” Both Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2 were shot simultaneously. Part 2 hits theaters this November. Photo Credit: Murray Close www.antonbauer.com 4042/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 23 4015/BFV226/J 24 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Case Design Breaks With The Henry Ford Tradition Henry Ford was famous for the quote, ‘You can have any colour car you like, so long as it’s Black!’ At Case Design we always used to paraphrase this as, ‘you can have any colour foam you like, provided it’s Black’. Well we’ve recently broken from this tradition and Henry wouldn’t be happy! But I hear you ask why would a customer want orange foam – well the clue is in their name – Bright Tangerine. We’ve often been asked for coloured foam in the past but did not have the technology to cut it well, but with our new investment in a state-of-the-art CNC router we can now offer this service. The other benefit of orange foam is that it looks much better in Video than black, so if you are interested to see the router in action we now have the YouTube video: Recently one of our customers decided that they wanted Orange Foam with a Black skin. After sourcing this foam for them we ran some tests on our CNC Router to see how we got on. It ran fine and we’ve now run a number of production jobs. 4112/BFV226/J www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTg_IfrZMH4 – or you can go to our website and view it there. For regular news and updates follow us on twitter @CaseDesignLtd. www.case-design.co.uk The Shining Reunite For 35th Anniversary The world famous Elstree Studios took a trip down memory lane recently with a very special event to honour Stanley Kubrick’s acclaimed psychological horror film. It marked the 35th anniversary since it was released in May 1980. The Shining, which starred Jack Nicholson, was made at the studios between 1978 and 1979. "Here’s Johnny" became one of cinema’s most iconic lines! The crew and some of the cast from The Shining assembled back to where it all begun at Elstree where they united for a celebration organised by the Elstree Project. There was an opportunity for the cast and crew to sign a poster which will be auctioned off to the Silver Clef Awards in aid of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy. Many memories were made during the making of The Shining. For example, when the backlot was used for the snow scenes at Elstree. They used a combination of Styrofoam (long shot) and industrial Dairy Salt (close-ups). The snow was dropped from bags mounted on large cranes, and caused many problems with the Borehamwood drainage system after the Styrofoam chips blocked up the drains. Some of the snow also blew into neighbouring residential areas, but even with all of the carnage caused, The Shining became a film that everyone still wishes to celebrate to this day. The backlot is now being used for a new and exciting high end drama which we hope will be celebrated in 35 years to come. www.elstreestudios.co.uk The Wait Is Finally Over: 4TB Rugged RAID Is Now Shipping The 4TB LaCie® Rugged RAID, one of the toughest allterrain mobile storage devices on the market, is now available from ImageStore Limited. Packing twice the speed and capacity of a standard mobile hard drive in its compact design, the LaCie Rugged features: • 4TB of storage (the equivalent of thirty 128 GB memory cards) • Thunderbolt™ and USB 3.0 for speeds of up to 240MB/s • Bus powered via Thunderbolt for mobile workflows • Hardware RAID 0/1 flexibility for speed or security • Shock, dust, and water resistance for all–terrain use. Tough in the Field The LaCie Rugged has been tested to withstand drops of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), so whether your LaCie Rugged falls out of your backpack or is being crushed by stacks of suitcases in the airplane cargo hold, your data will stay safe and secure. Bigger on the Inside On the outside, the LaCie Rugged RAID is only 40% bigger than a standard Rugged drive – but has double the capacity on the inside with 4 TB of storage space. With this capacity, the LaCie Rugged can store the equivalent of thirty 128 GB memory cards, and lets you carry fewer drives while capturing more photos, footage, and other types of content in the field. Fast and Secure As the ultimate solution for on-the-go professionals, the LaCie Rugged adapts to your needs for performance or completely data security. The LaCie Rugged has a fast Thunderbolt interface and two internal hard drives that are preconfigured in hardware RAID 0 for sustained performance of up to 240 MB/s. With this speed, you can transfer 64 GB of content in less than five minutes. Leave the LaCie Rugged in RAID 0 (striped mode) to maximize speed and capacity, or choose RAID 1 (mirrored mode) to have your data duplicated across the two drives. So even if one drive fails in the field, your files remain safe and accessible on the other drive. Originally announced in May 2015, the LaCie Rugged is available for £329 (inc vat). The LaCie Rugged is the ideal storage solution for professionals who need to carry or transfer massive amounts of data in the field. For more information or to place an order please call ImageStore on 02380 736500. Or you can buy online at www.imagestore.co.uk. Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 25 Riedel Communications Rolls Out IP Network For Rock am Ring's Mendig Debut Germany's annual and concurrent Rock am Ring (Rock at the Ring) and Rock im Park (Rock in the Park) are together considered to be among the world's largest music festivals. By Lutz Rathman, Deputy Head Global Events, Riedel Communications. During this year's rock music event, held June 5-7, well-known and up-and-coming artists performed both at Rock am Ring at Mendig Air Base and at Rock im Park at the Zeppelinfield in Nuremberg. Event headliners including the Foo Fighters, Slipknot, and German punk legend Die Toten Hosen played to huge crowds. An estimated 90,000 fans attended the Rock am Ring festival, and another 75,000 attended Rock im Park. The 2015 event marked the 30th anniversary of Rock am Ring and the 20th anniversary of Rock im Park, as well as the first time Rock am Ring was held at the Mendig Air Base. Rock am Ring takes its name from its former venue, the Nürburgring motorsports complex near Nürburg, which was home to the event from its inception in 1985 through to 2014 — with the exception of a couple of hiatus years. In 2015 the event shifted to a new venue, the Mendig Air Base, and with this shift came new challenges and demands. Given the lack of even basic physical infrastructure, the organizers' requirements included an extensive, flexible, and rugged yet costeffective IP network that could support smooth communications — from production to security — and to enable closed circuit television (CCTV) coverage from main stages, even in the most extreme weather conditions. The network supporting Rock am Ring 2015 was designed, delivered, and installed by Wuppertalbased Riedel Communications and Frankfurt-based Riedel Networks, known for providing network technology for highly discerning customers responsible for producing some of the world's most prestigious events. For Rock am Ring in Mendig, Riedel Communications set up IP network technology for the entire event area, so that all trades, authorities, organizers, and event staff could maintain continual access to communications and the Internet as needed. Deployed across the infield and stage, the camping area, approach roads, air control tower used for security, building housing police, media lounges, VIP area, and organizing committee offices, the fiber network — including Riedel Communications' MediorNet realtime media network frames — was complemented by radio links that ensured coverage across the entire campground. A VSAT connection was incorporated into the network design to provide redundant Internet access and VOIP services for security, crowd control, emergency services, firefighters, sanitation, and other authorities. Internet access supplied by Riedel Networks, Frankfurt, was a 1-GB line, full-feed duplex system, configured to provide a dozen VLANs on the same structure. Specific capacity was dedicated to authorities and organizers, and the rest of the system bandwidth was distributed across other users. The Riedel IP network was also used for an outdoor wifi installation for 500 VIP guests of the “Camping Experience” with its own management and voucher system. The IP network also supported the transport of 25 camera feeds to the control tower and police building for monitoring, and to the SWR broadcast production unit, which in turn fed video to the organizers' offices and to projectors and displays within VIP and sponsor lounges. A MediorNet core formed a ring around the infield and provided the connections linking audio and video signals from the two stages to the SWR TV and Radio production unit as well as the program broadcast feeds back to the media lounges and VIP areas. The same feeds where also encoded to an IP stream, enabling easy playouts in the production offices. Overall, the installation included more than 16 kilometers of glass fiber, 60 switches, 600 CAT6 patch cables, and 150 VoIP telephones with a merged emergency call function. From the switch, Riedel Communications created subnetworks for different user groups, with patches covering short distances. Eight Riedel Communications engineers were on site to install and maintain the network, and German VoIP specialist toplink GmbH also supported the network. Throughout Rock am Ring, the IP network supplied by Riedel Networks performed just as planned. The system facilitated seamless communications for event organizers and authorities, enabled the display video of the bands on display screens across the Mendig site, and simplified the display and communication of critical information to guests, as was the case when severe weather rolled through during the event. With the help of the IP network supplied by Riedel Communications, Rock am Ring made its first Mendig event a weekend to remember. www.riedel.net 3955/BFV226/J 26 Broadcast Film&Video AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Commercial UAV Operation In UK Airspace Sub-20kg Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are the fastest growing aviation sector in the UK. The sector is expanding at an incredible rate but just what are the rules and regulations for the operation of 'drones' in UK airspace, and do General Aviation and Military Aviation have anything to fear from this proliferation? By ARPAS-UK. Perception It seems that rarely a week passes now without an article in the mainstream media regarding spectacular footage captured using small RPAS systems, illegal flight operation, or the potential for nefarious usage. ARPAS-UK, the UK trade association, believes that users can be divided into three distinct groups: • Consumers – who purchase small read to fly quad-rotors and operate them with little or no knowledge of rules and regulations. These can be with or without cameras. • Hobbyists – who are aware of the rules and have many years radio controlled modelling experience. They are also insured for third party risk and generally confine their activities to dedicated sites. • Commercial – users, many from a non-aviation background, who have either started a business predominantly to capitalise on the opportunities these systems bring to the table, or have integrated RPAS into an existing business. In the UK, there are now over 550 commercial operators operating in industries such as TV and Film Production, Agriculture, Surveying and Inspection, using both multi-rotor and fixed wing systems. At a recent RPAS conference in London, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed another 90 permits were backlogged on the system, illustrating the phenomenal growth of the sector. Rules and Regulations Anybody operating an unmanned aircraft in the UK must abide by certain rules, including: • Before each flight, check drone for damage • Drone must be in sight at all times • Stay well clear of airports and airfields • Don't fly an unmanned aircraft within 50m of a person, vehicle or building • Think about what you do with any images you obtain as you may breach privacy laws. For commercial users, in order to fly a SUA (small unmanned aircraft) for commercial gain, the key requirement is to hold a Permission for Aerial Work (PfAW) from the CAA. In order to gain this, the CAA requires to see a completed operations manual and evidence of pilot competency which is broken into three elements; adequate theoretical knowledge/general airmanship, successful completion of a practical flight assessment on the class of SUA that is being applied for, and a minimum amount of recent flying experience on the class of SUA that is being applied for. For those coming from a non-aviation background, in order to achieve this you would attend a course run by one of the National Qualified Entities (NQE). The PfAW will allow an operator to fly within the confines of the Air Navigation Order. In most cases, to operate successfully commercially there is a need to be able to operate in congested areas. However, the CAA wishes to see a far greater emphasis on safety. Enter the safety case. UAS – OSC. This looks at not just improved operational procedures and safety management systems but also looks in depth at pilot competency and the safety of the aircraft. Unless an operator has evidence to prove they have prior experience or have a proven track record as a PfAW holder then getting a safety case approved could prove difficult. Finally, if the Sky Futures High Royds Asylum, Darren Miller operator is coming from an aviation background then the process could be simplified, as they may not be required to attend ground school, however a flight test and operations manual will still be required. Two key questions arise from this namely, how long does the process take and how much is it likely to cost? In terms of time it very much depends on how long it takes to write the operations manual and to what quality you write it. Whilst completion of the process may be quicker it would be sensible to allow a good six months to complete the process. These accredited courses currently cost between £1,200 and £1,600 with a CAA processing fee of £133 or £226, depending on whether the UAV is sub 7kg or 7-20kg, respectively. Finally, there is annual training renewal fee of around £90-125, although this is now voluntary. While this may seem expensive for some, the alternative of being caught an unlicensed RPAS for paid work could mean a hefty fine and a maximum up to two years in prison. Enter ARPAS-UK The Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems UK (ARPAS-UK) is a non-profit association, formed in 2013, to represent the RPAS industry in the UK and to help promote best practice amongst its members. Since its inception, ARPAS-UK has grown to represent the majority of those operating in the commercial UAS industry, across all sectors. Through the hard work of our committee we have developed safety partnerships with the CAA and NATS. We also have working relationships with key stakeholders including BMFA, BALPA, KTN, ACPO, RAeS, and many others, where we actively champion greater co-operation with the membership. As a direct result of ARPAS-UK liaison with the CAA, the UAS-OSC was created. Summary Commercial operators generally accept that they are stakeholders and ambassadors for the industry and that they have a responsibility to conduct their operation safely and professionally. ARPAS-UK do not see themselves as a Police force but instead look to educate and engage with key stakeholders to promote safe operation. ARPAS-UK are currently engaging with the Association of Chief Police Officers drone lead to this end. ARPAS-UK are also engaging with manufacturers as ultimately the problem of consumer level equipment straying into manned aviation airspace can be solved with software geo fencing and height restrictions. www.arpas.uk 3755/BFV226/J AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 27 3753/BFV226/J 28 Broadcast Film&Video AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 AERIALWORX - Extreme Droning Sounds like the sort of thing we suffered as teenagers from an irate mother, constantly nagging to tidy my bedroom or do the chores…. Or was that just me! By Aerialworx (Peter Stanton). How did we get into it? We got a chance phone call from a TV company who’d been let down by another aerial filming company. With everything set roll the unfortunate aerial filming company’s drone just wouldn’t fly. With the TV company left in limbo by the impending crisis, the film crew quite literally searched through Google for an alternative local company and AERIALWORX came top of the list. For us it was a last minute scramble, a quick check with air traffic and next thing we knew we were on the top of a mountain getting amazing shots with a very content client. It was a fantastic break, a steep learning curve but a brilliant opportunity to show off our skills. Realising the vast potential available for stunning filming opportunities on our very own doorstep we enlisted the services of a local outward bound centre to increase our portfolio and hone our skills. This took us way off the beaten track to film rock climbing, hill walking, mountain biking and kayaking. Nothing was easy; weather, location or terrain, each introduced their own individual challenges. There were long hikes, steep climbs and long flights over deep water accompanied by long exhausting days and even longer tiring nights spent in the company of a soldering iron and hair drier. But the knowledge gained from our efforts was invaluable. From our earlier encounter with the TV film crew we were again commissioned to film a high profile, prime time TV series due to be aired this summer. It would be arrogant to say it went without a hitch. Even though we were well prepared and practiced in the art of filming, in the mountains mother nature had a few more ace cards up her sleeve. We disciplined ourselves to use only meticulous engineering practices in the construction and maintenance of our equipment. On top of Snowdon we encountered hot, dry conditions, with an unseasonal heatwave in the middle of September. With each of us carrying 20kg of filming equipment high up on the mountain all day dehydration was the hidden trap. The decision not to reduce weight by reducing the amount of water carried was a temptation we thankfully avoided. Without sufficient water the best equipment in the world would have been useless without a functioning pilot! The sudden torrential rain in the Peak District which saw a months’ worth of rain fall in 24 hrs. The result saw us once again, despite all attempts to keep our equipment dry, reacquainted with our old friend the soldering iron and hair drier until late in the evening to prepare for the next day's shoot. Determined not to repeat that exercise we wisely invested heavily in robust, water proof transport cases for all parts of our equipment and this proved invaluable, especially when sat on an exposed mountain waiting for an elusive weather window to appear. 3804/BFV226/J Extreme Facilities supply innovative Camera & Sound solution • Multicopter/Drone HD, 2K, 4K (CAA Licensed Pilots) • HD, 2K, 4K & Highspeed Minicam System • On-board, Vehcile, Aircraft & Peron Cameras • Underwater Camera Housings • Stabilised Gimbals Movi M5, Movi M10 & DJI Ronin • 360° Camera Systems & Custom Rigging • Gyrostabilised Wirecam/Flywire Cameras • Stabilised Tracking Cranes & Vehicles Drone Clients: BBC Top Gear Main Series & Specials (Middle East, Africa, India, Burma), BBC F1 & Sky F1 Onboard, James May’s Car of the People, James May’s Toy Stories, SAS: The Selection, The Classic Car Show, The One Show, A league of There Own, Redbull F1 Minicam Credits: BBC Top Gear Main Series & Specials (Middle East, Africa, India, Burma), C4 The Jump, BBC F1 & Sky F1 Onboard, James May’s Car of the People, James May’s Toy Stories, Richard Hammond Bond Cars, SAS: The Selection, The Classic Car Show, The One Show, One Car Too Far, World’s Toughest Truckers, Midsomer Murders, A league of There Own, Redbull F1, Mercedes F1, BMW, Volkswagen, Aston Martin, BAE System For more information about our systems and services please call 0207 801 9111 or email [email protected] On Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK at over 4,400ft, the deep freeze of winter was memorable in many ways. Sat on an island in the clouds in all its astounding beauty was breath taking, but when the mist rolled over and the wind chill dropped the mercury to -30c we saw the beauty and the beast. In these temperatures batteries can be consumed in a blink of an eye but we had planned ahead and developed a method of maintaining the batteries at an ambient temperature to overcome this problem. As a result the temperature had only minimal effect to our flying capability. We have come a long way since out first tentative flight on a film set and we are still learning something new every time the camera rolls. There have been many areas that have led to the success of AERIALWORX so far. Accomplished engineering has kept us in the air, excellent flying skills has got us in the right place and well-practiced videography skills have captured the footage we wanted. www.aerialworx.co.uk AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 29 A Guide To Aerial Filming Preparation is everything when it comes to aerial filming, so here's a few pointers to help you plan a successful shoot, courtesy of PDG Helicopters. Safety Your safety must always come first, so when you're choosing a helicopter operator you should first ensure they hold a valid Air Operators Certificate issued by the CAA and conform to the exacting standards for commercial helicopter operation. Credibility Ensure that the helicopter company you choose is professional and has the required skills and experience to deliver the highest standards of aerial filming. Ask for a TV and movies credit list and try to view some of their past work. Aircraft Helicopters are the ideal platform to deliver the camera and capture amazing aerial shots but your choice of helicopter is important as this can limit the height and location of your filming. A twin engine helicopter will generally get you closer to the action and allow you to fly lower over a city or fly further over water, whereas a single engine machine will have greater limitations in such areas. Aircraft type and size should also be a consideration, as you may need room for your crew members and their equipment. Small four-seat helicopters may cost less but your comfort, safety and quality of filming could be at risk if it's overloaded. Cameras Gyro-stabilised camera systems offer a massive advantage over handheld cameras. The initial hire cost of a gyro stabilised system may seem expensive when compared to these options but the restricted views and inability to use a long lens combined with the vibration means it could take you much longer to capture a decent shot. Compare this to a nose mounted 5-axis gyro-stabilised system with long lens, the gyro system will get you the shot in a fraction of the time and so deliver far more material in the time that you have. Always use the highest resolution possible as this can extend the life of the footage and allow you to use it for future projects. Locations Discuss your choice of filming locations with your helicopter operator. The locations may seem perfect to you, but flight restrictions might be in place. The helicopter operator will generally know where they can fly and in some cases they can apply for special exemptions from the CAA. Communication If you are planning to film somebody on the ground or in a vehicle, it's a massive benefit to have air band radios. These operate on a different band to normal 2-way radios and will allow communication between the aircraft and the ground crew through the aircraft radios and ultimately make the hole process of filming much easier and save valuable flight time. Ground Support When filming for long periods in remote locations it may be wise having a portable fuel bowser on site for the aircraft. This can save both time and money if the closest airfield with fuel is more than 30 minutes flight time away. out of time, the least important shots can be sacrificed. Crew On board the helicopter you'll obviously need a pilot and camera operator and normally a director. Try and limit the crew to this, adding extra people to the flight will only reduce the fuel load that the aircraft can carry which reduces its endurance and could mean you need to break off filming to go and refuel resulting in extra costs through landing charges. Avoid having people onboard who suffer from travel sickness. The results are obvious and can literally stop the flying and ruin the filming. Onboard the helicopter Once you're in the air get the camera rolling and take every opportunity to capture footage. An experienced camera operator will keep offering up shots for GV's between locations and while on route you can discuss the next shot. During filming its important to keep the crew communication going, so direct the shot or provide feedback (good or bad) and if the shot isn't working you need to say so that no time is wasted. Before moving on to the next location make sure you have everything you need and tick it off your list. The pilot should keep you informed of how much time you've used so that you can control how much time you spend capturing each shot. Briefing Prior to the aircraft going anywhere, always sit down with the pilot and camera operator to discuss all aspects of the filming and flight. A story board is great but not essential, but at the very least make sure you have a list of all the shots you need and prioritise them to ensure you get the most important shots. Should you run Have a great shoot! www.pdghelicopters.com 4116/BFV226/J 30 Broadcast Film&Video AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Aerial Filming By BeyondHD: 'Cameras In Motion' BeyondHD own and operate a fleet of the Aerigon Cinema Drones and are the exclusive UK partner of the Swedish Drone manufacturer, Intuitive Aerial. Keith Harding, Managing Director and founder of BeyondHD has more than 25 years in film & TV, filming high end live OB's (including two Olympic games) dramas, documentaries, wildlife & commercials as well as blockbuster feature films, such as the recent Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron & Into The Woods. Based at the world famous Pinewood Studios, BeyondHD are a company that often chooses to buck the trends in terms of both conventional business model and the selection of equipment they operate; in not always opting for the market leader, just because it is the best marketed. Keith Harding says: “We often find issues and design flaws, particularly with drones and gyro stabilisers, as most of these have originated from the hobbyist and model aircraft 'markets'. We therefore look for new or alternative designs and solutions, but that come from designers and manufacturers who are from the world of film & broadcast as they tend to really understand the specific requirements and environments of working on actual productions, with tight timescales, demanding directors and actors and extremely high levels of expectation of any crew or equipment that comes onto their set/location or into their studios. “Partnering with these top designers and manufacturers rewards us and our clients with wonderfully innovative, high quality products, designed specifically by and for camera operators and DoP's, resulting in solutions that provide fantastic production values in a way that fits into a traditional production workflow… which is clearly great for time and budget.” Operationally, BeyondHD provide production/filming services to many top film and TV productions ranging from Hollywood feature films, dramas, documentaries and commercials to live outside broadcasts. Keith goes on: “What makes us a little more unusual, is that when we find those 'special products' that we consider provide a superior to any other product in terms of flexibility and high end camera/lens compatibility, we then often work with these manufacturers to support, operate, sell and frequently to develop and produce our own ancillary products here in the UK. For our many film and TV customers, this means they know that we always provide products and services with equipment that we not only sell, but use in anger on real world and the highest of quality productions in the most demanding world of film and broadcast.” In the case of finding the right Drone partner; before partnering back in 2013 with Intuitive Aerial, the manufacturer of the class leading heavy lift cinema aerial filming platform, Aerigon (known to many as the Black Armored Drone), we had endured the same issues as most DoP's and productions working with other drones still tend to suffer with now; the inability to fly with the same high end cameras and lenses that are being used for the rest of the production on the ground (such as RED, ARRI, Sony, Grass Valley etc., with cine or broadcast zoom lenses). The inconvenience and hidden costs of having to use alternative lightweight, stripped down cameras, such as DSLR's with photo lenses, may have once been The Aerigon flying considered an acceptable compromise to get drone shots, as there was no practical/safe option to carry such heavy camera/lens/accessory payloads into the air whilst still having a high level of failsafe and redundancy in the event of a motor failure. Aerigon can take 9kg and still fly with two motors down. When we teamed up with Intuitive Aerial and the Black Armored Drone, we knew in a heartbeat, that camera/lens compromise was going to be a thing of the past. Since then, we've never looked back and neither have our clients, as with this incredible aerial filming platform we can fly Red Dragon, Arri Alexa/Mini, Sony F55s, Grass Valley LDX OB cameras and, most recently, the incredible Phantom Flex 4K and all with uncompromised quality of lenses, Zoom, Iris and Focus control and high quality zero latency HD monitoring or live transmissions solutions. No longer does the Production or DoP have to change the way he works to suit the drone or incur additional costs in Post to try and match completely different cameras and lenses with the rest of the program or film. Moreover, seeking permissions for using this commercially produced series of aircraft is much easier, as regulating bodies such as the CAA are familiar with this aircraft and the high quality of manufacturing and the pedigree of BeyondHD as experienced film/TV operators. For our clients, we carry a full range of Video Village, monitoring, lens motors, professional battery charging and logging solutions, turning up on set with a full solution, not just a drone with a camera. I've never worked on a production yet where the DoP, producer, director are actually happy to wait until the aircraft is on the ground to see whether the shot works. Our video village is fully wireless (even power is from V-Locks) and it provides zero latency HD monitoring to the main 17” monitor and separate waveform and vectorscope on separate units, all this with the ability to record and instantly review in HD. The controller we use for the gimbal is like a controller you'd expect to find on a cineflex, not the typical model aircraft controller. “We are firstly a film and TV company and then a drone operator. Not the other way around,” Keith states. Intuitive Aerial is probably the only Drone manufacturer to make just one single product, designed from the ground up for high end filming. Despite this narrow market and product portfolio, their commitment to it and our mutual success, saw them Control & monitoring solutions used on location listed on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this year. There really is no substitute for quality and customers love the fact that when they use this amazing drone, coupled with our highly skilled and experienced pilots and aerial DoPs, the shots can be breathtaking. As with all new technologies, it takes a while to find the sweet spots and it's taken us a while to educate the market to think of the Aerigon, not as a cheap helicopter, but as the most amazing and flexible bit of grip equipment you can buy. Think of the drone in terms of a giant crane, imagining the flexibility of a telescoping crane, but with a 3 feet to 400 feet high reach, 500m turning radius, with unlimited tracking, and almost instantly deployable and relocatable and then you start to see the value of the Aerigon with a full film/broadcast camera system on board. For this reason, we work a lot with Helicopter filming companies, as the shots you get are entirely different. Directors and DoPs now are starting to understand that it's often the most subtle of shots that take our breath away, not the “how high, how fast” shots, where a full size helicopter is still the way to go. For further products, BeyondHD supply and operate the Letus Helix range of handheld camera stabilisation solutions for professional film and TV digital cinema cameras & compact cine lenses, and for larger camera lens packages, BeyondHD have the new 20kg capable Double Helix, designed for full size cameras such as Sony F55 (with 4K), ARRI Alexa, Red Dragon, GV LDX etc., with full size film/TV lenses, wireless tx systems and lens control and the incredible body worn ExoSkeleton support arms which will be an absolute necessity for carrying such special payloads. Microsites for www.letushelix.co.uk & www.blackarmoreddrone.co.uk Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/beyondhd Contact Keith Harding on +44 20 7193 6143 www.beyondhd.tv Taking To The Air With Rogue State Media As an aerial photographer my drone is so much more than a flying camera, writes Ben Kenobi of Rogue State Media. The wide range of shots available with only one piece of equipment is pretty mind boggling. There are your classic aerial shots, the high and wide shots, (similar to the ones you get with a manned helicopter), the low and fast shots, the typical boom shots, and track and dolly. I recently worked on a series for More 4 using all of the above techniques, but in my opinion the high and wides have the greatest impact. That's when you get that amazing perspective which is almost impossible to replicate, unless you use a full-size manned helicopter; which coincidently rules out all the other shots achievable by drones. One time a producer requested a shot of seagulls flying on the beach, from the perspective of the seagull. He basically wanted swooping shots as if a seagull was dive-bombing the presenter. Another assignment was a horse’s eye view of Cheltenham Race Course, with the drone simulating a race horse running along the track and charging over jumps. This is why I love aerial filming so much: the variety. One day you’re flying out at sea chasing boats, the next day you’re up a mountain flying in the face of an Oscar-winning Hollywood star, and on your next assignment you’re in the middle of London flying up a skyscraper. This job takes me places I never would have dreamed of, and this is only the beginning. www.roguestatemedia.co AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE 4K Aerial Camera With Ultra Telephoto Canon 20x50 Lens GB Helicopters has become the first UK Helicopter operator to own a 4K aerial camera system integrated with the freshly released 4K Cine Canon lens. The 20x50 ultra telephoto zoom lens offers stunning UHD performance; ideal for sporting events and wildlife applications and compliments their already superb C516 camera system. The system fitted with a Red Epic Dragon sensor, has been bespokely calibrated to adapt to both the 30-300mm lens and now the 20x50; both by Canon and encase them within the 16” carbon-fibre gimbal structure. Having initially chosen the GSS system due to its ability to effortlessly interchange payloads. It is ideally suited to task changes whilst on location, catering for dramatic wide shots as well as long range close ups of specific subjects with only minutes of downtime to effect the change. The two Canon lenses offer the unprecedented quality, flexibility and usability required for shoots in demanding and unpredictable environments. Combining the finest quality optics with a weatherand-shock-proof construction the 20x50 lens is perfect for aerial action shooting. Its unrivalled focal length and zooming capabilities capture extremely high-resolution from a distance as well as miniscule details with immaculate definition for close-to-the-action sports work. The lens also maintains the highest quality throughout its impressive zooming range with fast, reactive positional changes. Fitted to the Red Epic Dragon this sensor-lens combination leaves endless possibility for filming requirements. The C516 as a whole is the lightest most compact system of its type, helping to maintain aircraft operating limitations and endurance whilst maximizing payload. 31 Our Eclipse™ camera system, with its open architecture, can take any camera, including Arri 65, IMAX, 3D, Multi-Array. We can also provide Shotover, Cineflex V14 and Elite. We have expertise in providing microwave links and frequency support. It also allows the ability for the director to watch from the aircraft cabin on an Atomos Shogun Recorder to ensure that vital sequence has been captured. Simultaneously recording up to 6K R3D files to the Red Epic Dragon or alternatively offering the ability to downlink live images, ensuring any additional viewing requirement can be met on the ground with radio links to the aircraft for direction. For stabilised footage requirements further afield, the entire system can be packed into five cases, all qualifying under excess baggage, in order to avoid lengthy delays associated with freighting equipment. The C516 can be mounted to multiple types of aircraft, vehicles and marine vessels making it a unit for all occasions. For further information on the system, bookings and availability contact the operations team at [email protected] or call 0800 030 4105. www.gbhelicopters.com Flying Pictures has been in the film business for over 35 years and during this time we have become acknowledged world leaders in our craft, with over 400 film credits to our name and some memorable TV work. arrayed 3 across x 2 rows high) • Shotover: Lightweight, compact, takes a range of cameras including RED Epic, Arri Alexa • Cineflex Elite: Integral Alexa-M – complete, cost effective package. • Cineflex V14: Integral Sony 1500 – high-performance aerial broadcast system. Aerial coordination services, aircraft of all types – fixed wing and rotary, fuel bowsers, microwave expertise – we can offer all of these to make the shoot happen, to get the shots. From London to Glasgow, Barcelona to Berlin, Jordan to Jamaica – even Everest – whatever you want, wherever you want it, for everything aerial. www.flyingpictures.com SUAS Unveils The Hawker Q800XE The Hawker Q800XE meets the harshest requirements for industrial applications and when weather conditions need to be overcome for safety missions, this platform remains one of the ultimate solution of the market. Inspired from the aerospace industry, the platform has been designed to make the most out of performance and robustness, and the perfect match of carbon materials with magnesium alloys brings strength and durability with a touch of lightness. The Hawker Q800XE integrates several ingenious solutions, and amongst them, the unique solution using ratchet connectors to fix the motor arms. This gives another sense to modularity, and in a fraction of seconds the platform is set up and ready to fly. The essence and definition of plug and play is perfectly expressed by this new platform. Heavy rain, snow conditions – these are the challenging environments where the Hawker Q800XE will operate at its best performance. VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 GB Helicopters also own and operate an all-weather Air Operators Certificate, which allows the legal carriage of passengers on task; valid throughout the UK and Northern Europe this charter certificate enables a wide operating area of interest. Leading Edge Technology & Long Established Professionalism We were the ones responsible for the iconic 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony stunt with Her Majesty the Queen and James Bond. To enhance our portfolio of services to all clients, we have recently announced a merger with AMIS Productions. Emmy-winning AMIS has specialised in live broadcast, e.g. America's Cup, RAI cycling events, BBC Great Run and Formula E Racing. The merger unifies an extensive range of specialist personnel and expertise over both the broadcast television and motion picture industries. We now hold one of largest inventories of gyrostabilised cameras in the world: • Eclipse™: State-of-the-art open architecture takes any camera. Arri 65, IMAX, 3D, Multi-Array (six 5K Red Epics Broadcast Film&Video Built to resist rude and severe climatic conditions, the Q800XE will bring the end user new capabilities and new visions for unlimited applications. SUAS represents the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) industry sector, providing valuable industry specific and general business benefits to nurture the growth of its members, partners and sponsors. SUAS can also be contacted about the Aeraccess UK platform. www.aeraccessuk.com www.suas-global.com Flying Pictures Ltd, Stonefield Park, Martins Lane, Chilbolton, Hants. SO20 6BL +44(0)1264 862-222 3783/BFV226/J 32 Broadcast Film&Video AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 PDG Helicopters Invest In Key Camera Systems PDG Helicopters are one of the best known aerial filming companies in the UK with a history stretching back over 40 years. Our specialist filming department includes coordinators, camera operators, pilots, operational staff and a great range of gyro-stabilised camera systems that include systems by GSS and Cineflex. Soaring Above A City In Transition Bakehouse Aerial are seeing Hull from a whole new angle. Kingston Upon Hull is undergoing a rapid and comprehensive transformation. PDG became the first company in the world to own and operate the GSS C516 camera systems when we invested two full systems early last year. PDG own and operate two GSS 516 camera systems with six custom payloads that we developed with GSS for our exact requirements. With UK City of Culture status for 2017, an expanding construction industry, more festivals than there are months in the calendar, and the Green Port Hull vision, which aims to establish the region as a world-class centre for renewable energy, the city is a hub of activity and a focal point for international business. The C516 system is an open platform system, developed to integrate the latest digital cinema cameras and lenses, which can harness the power of 4K and beyond. The camera gimbal is fully gyro-stabilised in 5-axis using the latest fiber-optic gyro technology and features automatic horizon hold with steerable roll axis and the ability to film vertically. Either system can be configured for movie, photographic or survey work. A place of ambition and opportunity requires filmmaking, marketing and documentation tools of a global standard, which is why Bakehouse Aerial recognised the need to gain permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to film from the skies. At the heart of PDG’s cinema system is a Red Epic 6K Dragon camera with a choice of Canon CN-E30-300mm telephoto or CN-E14.4-60mm wide-angle lenses. The Dragon camera offers resolutions from 2K to 6K in a wide range of frame rates. All recordings are made in Redcode Raw to Minimags with selectable compression rates from 18:1 to 3:1. The camera gimbal is nose mounted to any of our fleet of AS350 or AS355 helicopters via an AirFilm AFSP-1 camera mount and V1725 vibration isolator. The complete system is compact and lightweight so allows room on-board for pilot, camera operator and director, who we equip with HD LCD monitors. The system is supplied as a complete package that includes one of our own experienced aerial cameramen. The GSS C516 camera systems compliment our Cineflex V14HD broadcast system and allow us to deliver the highest levels of quality for film and TV production. PDG are licensed and approved by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) as an air operator and hold permanent CAA flight exemptions for aerial filming and aerial photography. We are an approved supplier of helicopters and aerial filming to the BBC, ITV, STV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and RTÉ. Just a few months in, the company has already worked on the latest City of Culture promotional film, as well working nationally to capture unique footage for a range of clients from up to 400 feet above the ground. As drone usage becomes widespread, Bakehouse are the first supplier in East Yorkshire to offer the service 100% legally under the stringent CAA guidelines. In addition, we offer a range of ground support facilities available on location anywhere in the UK and Ireland. These include helicopter ground support crews, fuel bowsers, support vehicles and engineering. Whatever your aerial filming requirements PDG helicopters are here to help. Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team. With qualified pilots and commercial photographers working with industrial-grade drones and high resolution DSLR and film equipment, the team is also dedicated to giving talks and workshops on the legality and applications of aerial filming to local authorities and businesses. As technology and the law change, they believe it is their duty to act as educators as much as providers so that everyone understands the potential the trade has to offer. An often-overlooked city, Hull has a population of over 250,000 and is a hive of science, energy production and food manufacturing. Whilst Aunt Bessie’s produces over 20 million Yorkshire puddings a week, Siemens are creating the planet’s most advanced wind turbine manufacturing facilities, Hull University are researching water flows on Mars, and a million ferry passengers access the city’s ports each year. Ben O’Leary, photographer at Bakehouse, said: "It is essential that an area with such significant national importance has access to professional aerial filmmakers. “We combine our production skills with an unparalleled knowledge of the East Yorkshire landscape.” The next few years in Hull are set to be very exciting for everyone in the UK and beyond. Bakehouse Aerial is ready to help capture each and every moment from the skies. Contact Ben on 01482 420788, or see www.bakehouseaerial.co.uk. Tel: +44(0)1667 462740 www.pdghelicopters.com Are Drones Really The Future Of Filming? Most widely known as devices used by the military, drones are vastly becoming the broadcasting and film industry's weapon of choice when it comes to the battle for the best blockbuster. Drones, professionally referred to as UAVs or RPAS, are the next step in aerial filming technology. With possibilities for film, television, live broadcasting, aerial photography and advertising it is no surprise that UAVs are becoming the latest addition to the broadcasting toolkit. UAVs are increasingly being used in a number of high profile films and documentaries, with the technology used in everything from the latest James Bond instalment to Game of Thrones and the Avengers: Age of Ultron. Getting the scene and camera angle right first time can require military precision and that's exactly what drone technology can offer. UAVs are also becoming increasingly prominent for live broadcasting applications, with the tech used to broadcast footage of the US Open held in June of this year. UAVs remove the constraints presented by large pieces of filming equipment offering an alternative to booms, tracks cams, jib, cranes and helicopters. With a quick set-up time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional aerial filming techniques, UAVs are a cost and time-effective alternative for the film and broadcast industry. With the technology rapidly evolving UAVs are also achieving phenomenal, previously unattainable footage, offering an unparalleled viewpoint for filmmakers. Stabilised gimbals and camera systems have optimised UAVs for filming purposes, whilst increasing payloads are enabling UAVs to be compatible with a broad range of cameras and lenses. 4K resolution HD filming is now easily achievable with UAVs and with many companies now designing custom-built aerial camera drones specifically for the cinematography and broadcasting community the possibilities for this technology are continually growing. Drone in action Battery life for UAVs at present varies depending on the kit you are using, with flight times ranging from approximately 10-20 minutes. Some critics have dismissed the use of UAVs for the filming industry based upon their minimal battery life, however with more innovative power sources, such as hydrogen, and new battery designs emerging UAVs are set to move from minutes to hours of flying time. Make no mistake though, not just anyone can fly a UAV, training is a must! In the face of a number of recent incidents involving the misuse of UAVs, safety, training and insurance are of paramount importance. The industry has a number of basic regulations which must be followed by anyone operating a UAV: UAVs can be flown up to 400ft altitude, 500m horizontally (in order to maintain visual line of sight with the UAV), and must be kept 50m away from buildings and people. If you plan to use a UAV for commercial purposes you must gain a Permission For Aerial Work (PFAW) from the Civil Aviation Authority. In order to gain a PFAW you must complete pilot competency training. This training is currently available from seven CAA approved training providers known as National Qualified Entities (NQE). There are now also a number of specialised UAV insurance providers within the industry who should be a first point-of-call before any UAV operations. Are drones really the future of filming? Only time will tell. What is clear is that UAVs are undoubtedly becoming a key piece of broadcasting kit, perfectly suited to a range of filming applications, and free from the limitations of more traditional filming methods. This rapidly expanding industry is certainly one to watch. To discover more about the use of UAVs for the filming & broadcasting industries, and to check out the latest in drone technology, visit the SkyTech 2016 event taking place in London on the 27th & 28th January. For more information about CAA approved training providers and how to gain a PFAW visit the CAA website. www.caa.co.uk Broadcast Film&Video AERIAL FILMING - FEATURE VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 33 Versatile Drones Over recent years, Drones have become increasingly present and increasingly versatile, able to deal with a wider range of climatic conditions and carry heavier cameras. Drones are increasingly trusted to work on more projects and relied upon to deliver guaranteed results. Extreme Facilities regularly customise and enhance the capabilities of all their equipment from Minicams through to Drones to deal with prevailing conditions or mitigate risk and reliably undertake some of the more challenging projects. This is a short summary of working with drones, fireworks, water, and a very congested RF spectrum. Live HD coverage of the 2015 New Year's Eve Fireworks for the BBC required the Drone to fly safely, but as close as possible, to the launching and exploding fireworks without the Drone taking a direct hit from a firework, or being effected by a blast or a cascade of burning debris. Several board meetings and presentations took place with all stakeholders to prove the safety case, with the BBC taking very positive and productive steps to help the flight take A drone from the New Year's Eve project firework launch barges and other key landmarks. Security for control: This was a big issue and normally uses the 2.4Ghz band, a very heavily used part of the RF spectrum. We were warned that on the night the whole RF spectrum would be absolutely swamped with users, including the emergency services, security services, spectators, static wifi and security systems, additional security cameras, and the BBC OB Unit. We used a spectrum analyzer to check for fixed transmissions in advance of the event and again immediately before flying the event. Our Live transmission was on a licensed frequency so there should be no problem there; the drone's camera feed was split and duplicated so an HD feed could be sent clean to the OB and a second was down converted and sent via an on-screen telemetry display to Andrew Schaale, the Pilot for Extreme Facilities. All picture transmission and control for the drone was tested in advance of the event at full range and worked perfectly throughout the event. The control system we chose to use was a Jeti Dual Link intelligent spread spectrum system modified to work as Dual Path, sending two control signals on separate frequencies and twin return telemetry all in the 2.4Ghz band. Using this system we managed to avoid any negative effect of the very heavy RF useage on the night. (Coincidentally, we did test another manufacturer's control system during the event and found transmission only worked for 30m in the prevailing conditions). place against some very concerned opposition. We are especially grateful to Lawrence Hay of the CAA who very helpfully attended the final meeting and helped to confirm our safety case to the uncertain stakeholders. The problems formed quite a list and the team at Extreme Facilities worked through the list methodically. Fire: Caused by falling fireworks posed a risk as they could nestle perfectly into the drones electronics and cause damage to wiring and the control systems with inevitable consequences. The solution was to fit a lightweight tailored Kevlar/PBI fabric fireproof jacket to protect all electronics and cabling. Visibility and Orientation: The drone, flying in front of one of the world's largest and most intense firework displays, was expected to present a problem as it would become virtually invisible against a wall of fireworks and a huge lighting display. The solution became an enhanced and programmable system of onboard lighting. In addition to being very powerful, the lights were also programmed to slowly pulse and fade to distinguish the drone from the background of fireworks. This gave the drone a very distinct signature which could be identified clearly in front of the intense and dynamic display. Location: To further ensure confirmation of the drone's location, a GPS tracker with real time tracking was fitted and fed to a laptop at the launch site. The laptop display also had a customised map which indicated the Fireworks light up London Water: Recovery from water, should the worst happen even after all the precautions, weighed heavily on the minds of the Westminster Council and they had serious concerns they did not want adverse publicity through photography of a downed drone being recovered by divers as such pictures could overshadow an otherwise successful event. Extreme Facilities designed a proprietary solution which included waterproof illumination and an automatic buoyancy system programmed to inflate immediately upon contact with water. This would enable the dedicated water recovery team standing by in a RHIB to identify and immediately recover the drone from the water surface without delay should this be required. All went well and the drone made a safe return without incident and transmission throughout the event worked perfectly back to the BBC OB unit. To test our drones for other projects, we have undertaken testing in commercial freezers at –20ºC, developed water landing drones for work at sea, and protective frames to avoid collisions with dense foliage in Jungles. We have now flown on every continent and many oceans worldwide, including everywhere the Top Gear specials and series have taken us in the past five years. Modifications we have created for this project and previously have helped us to safely undertake each task which may not have received CAA or stakeholder permission had the additional precautions not been incorporated. www.extremefacilities.com 3976/BFV226/J F I L M S T U D I O S • 3 Sound Stages • Backlot for Building Exteriors • 60 x 60 and 60 x 40 (both with Cyc) and: Our new sound stage “The Theatre Stage” 25' x 15' x 9'6" high with L Shaped Cyc. • Construction Location & In House • Lighting • Catering • Off Street Parking • Production Offices • Dressing Rooms • Make-up and Hairdressing • Offices to Let Contact: Callum Andrews or Rigby Andrews on Phone: 01932 226341 Fax: 01932 246336 or visit our website @ www.hallifordfilmstudios.co.uk • Email: [email protected] HALLIFORD STUDIOS LTD, MANYGATE LANE, SHEPPERTON, MIDDX TW17 9EG 34 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 PAGlink Keeps The Images Flowing For Rob Whitworth Doughty Gets Top Marks From Queen’s University, Belfast I am a travel photographer and urban film maker, well known for the use of time-lapse and hyperlapse photography. My work has received international awards, widespread critical acclaim and millions of online views, writes Rob Whitworth. The School of Creative Arts at Queen's University in Belfast recently built a new centre for students on the film studies pathway, complete with a purpose-built 'black box' to give students the opportunity to film in a multi-purpose, professionally equipped studio. I have just finished making a film called Dubai Flow Motion, using multiple DSLR cameras powered by PAGlink V-Mount Li-Ion batteries, for the first time. It was fantastic to have a reliable power source when I needed to leave the cameras shooting for extended periods of time. Knowing that the batteries definitely wouldn’t be a problem allowed me to pay attention to other areas. There were several shoots where the cameras had to be installed in advance: an A380 landing, shot from the cockpit, and New Year fireworks, shot simultaneously from multiple rooftops. Returning to a camera showing a flat battery icon and no images wouldn’t have been the best surprise. I was also recently in Sydney, shooting the classic harbour view, on quite a choppy day. The best solution for smoothing out water is to increase the exposure length, with the help of some ND filters. However, when shooting 15 second exposures in time-lapse, the small DSLR batteries die quickly. Having the PAGlink batteries meant that I could leave four cameras running all day without any concerns. When shooting over a number of days, I did not have to touch the cameras and risk disturbing their position; I kept them firing just by adding another fully-charged PAGlink battery to the stack. www.paguk.com www.robwhitworth.co.uk "The facilities used by the School of Creative Arts are regarded as among the best in the British Isles while certain facilities within the School (such as the Sonic Laboratory) are unique in the world," explained Ross McDade, production manager of the Brian Friel Theatre within the School. With this in mind, Ross called on the expertise of Doughty Engineering to supply a system of 15 lighting hoists for a state-of-the-art TV studio, that lived up to the high expectations of those applying for a place on one of the degree programmes. "We brought Doughty Engineering on board in the early stages of the project as we felt their products fulfilled the brief from an operational point of view 6635/BFV226/J as well as being cost effective," he said. "Based on an existing product design, we asked Doughty to provide us with 15 raising and lowering hoists with multiple 16amp power outputs, DMX control on each hoist and a system of operation that would be safe for students to use on a daily basis." Ross added: "We are extremely pleased with the products that Doughty has supplied and how they work within the student environment. "We would recommend Doughty for the excellent standard of service, professionalism and quality of products they produce." www.doughty-engineering.co.uk TV Visjon Norge Expands Into High Definition With PlayBox Technology TV Vision Norge has chosen a PlayBox Technology broadcast playout and channel branding system for installation at its headquarters in Drammen, southern Norway. The project was completed in partnership with Scandinavian systems integration specialist Engstroms AB. “We have been using PlayBox Technology equipment for many years,” says TV Visjon Norge Operations Manager John Sanjee. “Our creative team find it easy to operate and very versatile. Incoming content is stored as files on a shared central archive. “Title graphics and scheduling are all performed within the PlayBox Technology system and then transmitted direct from one of our four AirBox playout servers. Our technical staff appreciate the inherent reliability of PlayBox Technology products and the fast support available if needed. “The newly expanded system enables us to introduce high-definition and add more channels. We are keeping our existing software which helps make the whole exercise very cost-efficient. It also reduces the training time needed to get up to speed with the new infrastructure.” “Working with TV Visjon Norge and PlayBox Technology on this project was a great pleasure,” adds Andreas Eliasson, Managing Director of Engstroms A.B. “The system was specified from a standard set of hardware and software modules. “All elements of the PlayBox Technology system are field-proven and guaranteed to work effectively with each other. The solution provided for TV Visjon Norge includes an ingest server, a network-attached storage server, a preparation station and RAID-protected AirBox playout servers with integral graphics software.” “Our solutions are successfully in use by many of the world's major broadcasters as well as regional and special-interest television channels,” adds PlayBox Technology Business Development Director Maurice de Jonghe. “TV Visjon Norge was the first Scandinavian Christian television network to air 24 hours a day. The network's programmes are very well produced and highly innovative, making full use of the facilities available within the PlayBox Technology digital workflow. We are pleased to see the network moving forward into high definition.” TV Visjon Norge is an independently owned faith-based television channel. Established in March 2003, it transmits via Canal Digital and Viasat satellite. The network's output is also available via cable and online. The channel is funded primarily through gift revenue of faithful support partners who share the network's vision to reach out across the Nordics. www.playbox.tv Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 35 3346/BFV226/J 36 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 Engine House Delve Into The Fourth Dimension Engine House, a VFX and animation studio based in Cornwall, have taken animation into the fourth dimension with the 4D short film, Boys Vs Girls. Boys are from Mars, Girls are from Venus… and Earth is their battleground. Mortal enemies and captains of their respective genders, The General and Pinkcess must initiate a search and rescue call to Earth when they are both missing a member of their crew. Little do they know of the adventures they will have and the dangers they will face! The idea for the film was the result of a story collaboration between Engine House's own Mike Richter and film director Henry Davies from Stick and Rudder Films. Engine House were tasked with taking the idea and outline storyboards and turn it into a ten minute attraction film that would have worldwide appeal. This took many stages of production from script adjustments, additional storyboarding, previsualisation, look development, character design, animation, lighting, rendering and post. Technology To ensure a high standard of Boys Vs Girls main characters execution, Engine House adopted an innovative and highly efficient rendering technology that enabled a small company based in Cornwall to create something on such a large scale in such a short space of time. Octane Render was only recently out of its Beta testing phase, which Engine House had been a part of, but they trusted the technology to achieve the most effective production pipeline possible. This hugely increased what the company is capable of achieving in terms of scale and quality of animation. Keeping a pipeline with low overheads and efficient turnaround has helped make the most of their creative flair and their client’s projects. Company Director, Mike Richter knew that new GPU rendering was the right choice from the start, commenting: “I was really able to optimise lighting and render times while having maximum creative freedom. Octane enabled us to see 90% of the final image almost immediately in the viewport. Making changes quickly was amazing; it's much more of an artist driven process and is really fun just to play with a scene.” As well as the artistic benefit, GPU rendering also enabled Engine House to render the thousands of frames (twice as many when it's a stereoscopic film of course!), without the need for a costly and cumbersome render farm that are traditionally used by VFX companies and animation studios. Some scenes were able to be rendered in seconds, as opposed to hours and minutes, which allows more time for that final polish, enhancing characters, and telling the story in the best possible way. Character Design The characters only existed on the written page, so the team referenced online resources such as 3DTotal, Evermotion and ItsArt to create a shortlist of freelance character modelers who closely matched the style and vision for the project. Mike was really pleased when Andrew Hickinbottom signed up to model the female characters: “We've all been aware of the great work Andrew does, creating beautiful characters who are full of character and have a very distinctive style.” The project also benefitted from artists like Anders Ehrenborg and Alexey Klimov. Utilising freelance artists in this way meant that the right people modeled the characters and not by an artist trying to impersonate someone else's style and it also injected some new ideas to the project. Stereoscopic Stereoscopic storytelling is a prominent feature of film, especially within animation. A major hurdle Ship Progression for this project was to find an efficient way to overcome the tough challenges associated with stereo 3D films, so that the film was immersive without the undesirable side-effects. Most of these problems were solved with a custom camera rig Engine House developed themselves which could be used with Octane (stereo is much better integrated with Octane out of the box) and an efficient pipeline between the 3D software and After Effects which was used for the majority of post-production. Jason Robbins, Engine House's company director, was aware of the problems with stereoscopic postproduction from experience working with stereo film. “There are no short-cuts when it comes to stereo 3D, no quick fixes in post; whatever you have to do to one eye, you have to recreate on the other and that effect will sit somewhere in 3D space.” For this reason the team created most effects within the 3D software and if there were any errors, the 3D scene was tweaked and re-rendered as opposed to being patched up; this was another great advantage of having such fast render times. The future Building on this success, Engine House are looking towards the future, and what these new capabilities can offer them. Virtual Reality is quickly growing and improving, and is something the team are looking at setting their sights on next. It is an exciting time within the industry and Engine House believe that their blend of creativity, skill and new technology puts them in good stead for the next step of innovative experiences. www.engine-house.co.uk 4044/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 37 3627/BFV226/J 38 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 The Future Of 4K From NAB Are technologists racing too far ahead of users? George Jarrett continues his look back at NAB with a set of companies that all have something interesting to say... Looking at the craft skill trends coming out of NAB it was clear that being able to edit professional video in the cloud is now a big deal. Why buy more storage and servers and pay to manage them when you can outsource all of that? Coupled to this was the increasing capability for people to share in projects, or share and exploit assets. One of the most interesting jolts, provided by a subsequent Quantel and Snell global survey into industry expectations of IP and 4K, is that the majority of broadcasters will not move fully to IP broadcast infrastructures until 2015. The wide adoption of 4K will also take longer than expected. The poll sample (1,000 from 80 nations) produced astonishingly sober stats. Regarding IP, only 19% of respondents thought that SDI routers would be completely replaced by IP within two years, 42% within five years, and 27% only saw this happening within 10 years. Asked whether high frame rate or high dynamic range would bring them most economic benefit, 47% of respondents saw HDR as a potential revenue generator, only 22% HFR, with 31% seeing no potential benefit from either. Regarding where IP and 4K fit in the priorities of broadcasters, respondents were asked what is the top feature they look for in vision mixers: 44% chose multi-format, multi-program production, with 20% and 16% concerned with IP and 4K readiness, respectively. In fact HDR has jumped on considerably since NAB, as evidenced by a 4K-workflow demonstration involving the FilmLight Baselight and the new Sony BVM-X300 4K master reference monitor – an impressive full 4K in OLED and measurable at 1000 Nits. A little bit of imaging history with no drift and eye-delighting blacks suggested that the technology companies are storming ahead whilst the end user market is struggling to reconcile the fact that IP and 4K go together like boiled egg and soldiers. Omnitek, traditionally big in T&M, drew a lot of attention with its 4K Tool Box, in which 12G is one big user requested feature along with pumping 4K across SGI. For a product that was launched last year, Omnitek also had better GUI, jitter spectrum and jitter histogram features to show off. “There has been a big shift in the desired 4K tool box, but not a lot of test equipment around,” said technical support manager Simon Crocker. “So we were getting engineers wanting a mixture of sophistication. Some are happy our box does everything, but some say they just want a generator and analyser.” Aspera had interesting new customers in Broadway Video (using its software to move content between NY and LA for post, and then for delivery and out to OTT providers) and 72&Sunny (migrating all its MAM systems to the cloud and using Aspera to do the transfer and mange the automation). It has existed on two main models – standard perpetual software licenses and a pay-as-you-go consumable platform, and new for the show was its core software as a service. “In the software the service is one platform and the user gets one bill from us. This will be attractive to certain types of companies; either they do not want the IT team to put together a full data centre, or maybe they just want to focus on the creative aspect,” said VP of marketing Richard Heitmann. “They need Aspera technology to be able to move their content. They can just licence the software for provisioning up in the cloud and not have to worry.” A lot of this business will be project based. “The user will just want to fire it up in the cloud and use it for 3-6 months typically, and when done he will spin it all back down and stop paying for it,” said Heitmann. Aspera is big on third party tie-ups, with companies like VIZRT, Grass Valley and Telestream. In fact 11 big vendor names have integrated Aspera in a 'joint solution' for which the company had to modernise its software by adding APIs at the app level. Heitmann predicts more activity in the live sports market following experiences with UEFA (delivering pre and post match clips that broadcasters incorporated into interviews) and FIFA (where it worked with EVS, Elemental, and Akamai to deliver live streaming to second screen devices). Aframe has grown massively since its launch four years ago. It had a new release to talk about and a technology integration project with Adobe that attracted a lot of interest. “In our release there are five new elements, starting with improved global search. Users can search across all their content in all our data centres (NY, London and LA),” said Mark Overington, president of Aframe North America Inc. “We have also added an advanced review and approval module, expanded our format handling, and a new multi tier TriCaster Mini HD4 account hierarchy and permissions schemer. We have also expanded our ability to manage not just video assets, which we do primarily, but other assets such as JPEG files, Protools files, and graphics of all sorts.” Aframe has worked with Adobe Anywhere to develop it in the cloud and deliver it by Aframe. “We have added Adobe Anywhere to our cloud-based servers so that people can take assets directly from Aframe via Adobe Anywhere and work with them on the desktop with Adobe Premiere Pro editing applications,” said Overington. “The video you are working with normally would come off your local SAN or your hard drive, but now you have the ability to access and work with and edit video content directly from Aframe and Adobe in the cloud.” Aframe is a high performance dedicated professional video cloud/collaboration platform but Overington points to new opportunities. “In the future there is going to be opportunities to take what we have built and provide it to people and let them manage and run the system. Those are what a lot of people would call enterprise clouds, which can help people overcome some of the security issues they have with cloud technology,” he added. Fujinon had two very impressive new lenses, one the box lens UA 80X9 and the other a hand-held, the UA 22X8. The first has obvious attractions to the live sport market with impressive focal lengths (9mm in wide angle out to 720mm telephoto). The second adds true 4K optical qualities to Fujinon's flagship UA series – giving the DOP 4K performance from centre to corner throughout zooms. Image distortion is suppressed via a multi-group zoom system. Explaining that this one is aimed at 2/3-inch UHD cameras, marketing and product development director Thom Calabro said: “We have done quite a few tests and had just a few minor details to sort out before full blown production.” These were control (electrical) issues 3042/BFV226/J and nothing related to the optics. On the lens aimed at sports and OB production companies Calabro said: “They have used lenses with a PL mount, and these are short with a max of 12X, in a market where 99X is standard. We are giving users the 4K image and the functionality.” Key is the good contrast range and the high dynamic range. Talking about the look from the UA 22x8 and Fujinon's key technologies, Calabro added: “The high transmittance coding cuts down on reflections within the lens, so there are no flare characteristics, and we cover more of the wider spectral range. We cover more of the blue range so you can cut down on the amplifier. This gives a better signal to noise.” This is done by a new high transmittance electron beam coating, and coupled with Fujinon's Aspheric technology, it gives the reduced ghost and flare performance. The UA 22x8 servo drive unit has 16-bit encoders. NewTek had two main stories – 60+ new features for TriCaster headed by augmented reality, and the value for Broadcast Film&Video money backpack replay unit TriCaster Mini HD4. This comes as the HD4 with one 750GB drive and the 4i with integrated display and two 750 GB drives. This gets replay to hard to reach places, and should do as well in the education market as it does on the increasingly cost conscious broadcast arena. TSL Products’ managing director Chris Exelby explained that 98% of business is done with competitors of TSL Systems on the systems integration market via direct accounts. He does not use re-sellers. TSL has new products in the areas of touch screen audio monitoring, filebased loudness control, and integrated digital signage. The PAM PiCo Touch Media monitoring unit is developed on from the loudness and audio features in the PAM PiCo Touch – with a waveform monitor. The Phinix toolset supports MXF, LXF, QT, WAV and AIFF. It allows users to assess and correct audio files on the fly, thus saving time lost in going back to post. You get loudness measurement, correction and compliance, plus Dolby-E encoding and decoding. Track shuffling and up/down mixing are options. The integrated display system rolls together the display functions of clocks, tally lamps, scrolling text, display of RSS and video feeds. The requisite production timers, timecode interfaces, automation interfaces, and DMX lighting control are embedded. Cambridge Imaging Systems, known for its content protection MAM systems and managing media for the long term, is transitioning to the cloud and had a clever new API. “With the new API anyone can create apps to engage with content. And it extends past web interfaces,” said marketing director Ian Mottashed. “We expect it to be useful in education, where you could record a classroom and upload.” He talked about Avid support for CDN networks (easier for global reach) and a big BFI archive Mavio 4K Player management project involving the digitization of content that Cambridge IS has won. And this brings in the Imagen enterprise video platform, which is the heart and control for all storage apps, and has a number of new wizzywig interfaces. Imagen is also integrated with the Spectra Logic BlackPearl deep storage gateway. DVEO added to the impetus behind 4K in TV and cinema with the very versatile Mavio 60 fps player – which plays both 3840 x 2160 and 4096 x 2160. It ingests H.264/AVC and other compression format content to its local hard drive via 10 GigE or USB. The system outputs 4K 60 fps (8 or 10 bit video colour depth) on Quad Link 3G SDI output and DVEO offers the option for delivery to an HDMI output but this introduces an SDI to HDMI converter. This is a very good de-compression initiative, and points to cost-effective compression in the short term. It can come with an optional tri-level/bi-level genlock, and it outputs up to 16 channels of embedded audio, either PCM or compressed. Yamaha was showing a new dual fader layout that gives you a lot more control on the same footprint, but its big attraction was a technology showcase designed to ease the migration from baseband SDI into the IP world. On the way we will have hybrid set ups. We saw seamless frame accurate switching of HD video, realised with open flow and SDN technology. The BSM control system allowed you to toggle between sources. Two SDI sources were connected to an Arista switch: the source is source time switching so you do not set up a stream twice (double bandwidth, and it would build inertia in the IP domain). The technology had four engines working in parallel, and plenty of glue elements such as the embedding and de-embedding of audio.Yamaha see this as a process for the upcoming five years, its SDI to IP and IP back to SDI interfaces suggesting that broadcast companies might set up an IP infrastructure in parallel with existing SDI systems and create an integrated environment. The demonstrator said: “People will start to install some IP, but to build a new facility from scratch is not very likely to happen right now. Will it save money? I definitely think so. “Look at industries like Telecoms. There it happened many years ago. Basically it was the same setting like it is in broadcast now – a lot of proprietary technology which cost a hell of a lot of money, and they jumped to standardised IP technology with significantly reduced costs,” he added. “We just need to learn how to profit from all the developments in the IT industry. The broadcast industry is some years behind other sectors because it is rather small.” Provys is adding to its main focus on media enterprise management and workflow tools with initiatives under the headings of reflecting feedback and preparing for upcoming trends. The first concerns expanding the function of report generator/editor in the administration toolkit users know with a new on-line reporting service, which effectively takes the process of customer desktops and puts it under the unique knowledge Provys has on client data – everything from cost per show and website traffic to ad revenues and content placement income. The client then downloads reports from a secure website. The newest product is the StreamCircle platform, essentially a cloud service for broadcasting content online to a schedule. Anyone could launch a channel, test one, or put one up for a set time. The system consists of full HD capable video play out and CG automation engine plus video CG and social-cast planning, Internet media streaming, Internet social media casting, and web browser based control app. Stream-Circle will be used as a add-on to standard streaming and VOD services, and takes the discipline of scheduling across into online services. Vitec Group Anton/Bauer had VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 39 Chris Exelby advances to its digital battery and charger lines, and its cloud-based asset tracking. The updated LithiumIon Digital Battery Series first seen last year come with safety thinking Fuse Link technology, a new connection technology that vendors developed as a result of Tesla Motors' research efforts. This gives an added protection circuit within each cell pack, prohibiting damage to adjoining cells if a single cell is affected or damaged for any reason. Anton/Bauer also had a new Asset Management System (AMS), introduced as “a game changer in the area of fleet management.” People will be able to track the status of their batteries with their computers, seeing remaining run-time, temperature, voltage, and present capacity via a password. If and when an Anton/Bauer battery is placed on a Wi-Fi enabled performance charger, the AMS will automatically upload its information to a secure, cloudbased server. The digital batteries come in three sizes (90 Wh, 150 Wh, and 190 Wh). Vitec Group brand Autoscript majored on new functionality for its WinPlus prompting software, starting with Twitter integration, cloud storage and automated closed captioning. Aimed at newsroom environments, producers and prompting operators can now automatically send tweets at specified points of the script, allowing channels to distribute their news online and in sync with their TV bulletins. Tweets can be sent directly from the corporate Twitter account, the news anchor or reporter, depending on prevailing requirements. The cloud storage feature enables talent in the field to upload or download data and scripts wirelessly without using email or Internet browsers. WinPlus is integrated with Adobe Premier Pro for automatic closed captioning support, which offers several savings to broadcasters. Marquis had two new products that resolve small but key issues in the facility market. The EDIT BRIDGE lets you browse Avid Interplay assets within Adobe Premiere, and Workspace Parking is disaster recovery for archiving Avid work spaces. The Bridging is essentially a seamless connection for Premiere and After Effects users into the Avid Interplay environment. Marquis gives you a pair of Premiere Pro panels to control the workflow from the UI. These are import and export functions for Interplay, and the most important thing after browsing any content is that Edit Bridge will feed it into the editor. This can be by reference or transfer to a network for re-wrapping to match Premiere pro requirements. Workspace Parking is an extension of existing Marquis parking technology, and it is intelligent with regard to what projects deploy it. Workspaces do go down, and there might be a flood in your facility, so how do you get your media back. Cost wise this initiative is based on the depth of the storage. The bridge has a 10-user licence cost. 0000/BFV226/J 40 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 DPA Microphones Help Capture The Sound On Mad Max: Fury Road This action–packed movie presented a number of audio challenges, but thanks to DPA's d:screet™ Miniature Microphones these were easily overcome. After a wait of 30 years, Mad Max fans are revelling in the release of Mad Max: Fury Road, the fourth in this exceptionally successful action adventure film series starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult, and directed, produced and co-written by George Miller. Award-winning Production Sound Mixer Ben Osmo chose DPA's d:screet™ 4063 Miniature Microphones with low sensitivity and low voltage to record dialogue during the shooting of action scenes that involved fast, furious and bumpy chases across the Namibian desert. He also used DPA d:screet 4062 Miniature Microphones with extra low sensitivity for cabled recordings of various vehicles, and these were held firm inside each vehicle by DPA magnet mounts. Osmo, who has won numerous awards for his work, says the choice of DPA microphones was an easy one to make as he had used them many times in the past and always been happy with their durability and their sound quality. "I love DPA mics because they have a transparent sound and are the best for wind noise," he says. "For this film, Leon Hart at DPA's Australian distributor Amber Technology, suggested I use d:screet 4063 Miniature Microphones because they matched the voltage outputs of my Lectrosonics SMV and SMVQ transmitters. I have been using DPA lapel mics for many years because they have the most transparent sound of any lapel mic currently on the market." On Fury Road, vehicle noises often drowned out the dialogue, particularly if actors were in the vehicles or standing near them, so Osmo close miked everyone to get usable guide tracks. "We used low sensitivity d:screet Miniature Microphones for the eight principle cast members who were inside the War Rig cabin and these provided all dialogue and all transmitted sound FX," he explains. "At the same time we placed a lot of hidden DPA d:screet mics in the cabin for FX and for catching the action. We also positioned them around the engine bay, near the exhausts and transmission and up on the top of the War Rig, and they were used in other vehicles and on the vast supporting cast." Costume 'genius' Andrea Hood was responsible for placing the DPA Miniature Microphones inside the actors' costumes so they remained invisible. "She was an immense help because she sewed the mics into costumes and made small pouches on the key costumes, especially those worn by the wives and Furiosa," Osmo says. "We came up with a couple of interesting positions to place them in Max's jacket and inside his t-shirt. We couldn't tape them to his outfit because it was covered in oil and dirt, so Andrea sewed them into the back of his shirt. Location Assistant Brendan Allen and Andrea came up with suggestions of where we could place the DPAs in his jacket and we trialled them all, with me listening for rustle and wind noise. Finally we decided to place two Miniature Mics on each side of his jacket so that when he turned around he would still be on mic. The high wind fluffies were also used and these were instrumental in keeping the wind at bay." Filming an action movie in a place as inhospitable as the Namibian desert did present some issues for the sound equipment, but Osmo got round this by placing most of the hardware in temperature controlled road cases or inside his van. But the radio mic transmitters and DPA and Boom mics were always out in the elements, all being hidden inside costumes or blimps. "We never lost a mic due to the environmental conditions – they performed very well," he says. "Overall, the DPA d:screet 4063 Miniature Microphones were definitely the best choice for dialogue. I've been using them for a few years and they are fantastic. In fact, since finishing Fury Road I have used DPA mics to record two television mini-series in Australia – Return to the Devil's Playground and The Kettering Incident. Both these projects have required minimal ADR. The feature film, The Sapphires, also had live vocals blended with playback and the mics worked very well at capturing this." After his recent hectic film schedule, Ben Osmo is currently happy to be working on TV commercials before he gets started on his next project later this year. www.dpamicrophones.com 3852/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 41 Pulse TV Expansion Gathers Pace Roy Ackerman and Emma Cooper join Pulse TV as Managing Director, and Creative Director of Non-Scripted Television, Pulse CEO Thomas Benski and President Patrick Vien has announced. With the recent launch of East Entertainment, Pulse Films continues its move toward becoming the first fully integrated independent studio. Led by Ackerman, Pulse will expand its television business, focusing initially on creating contemporary documentaries, documentary series and innovative, modern factual formats. Ackerman and Cooper will form an integral part of Pulse's emerging international studio, offering culturally relevant content across all platforms, including film, branded entertainment and digitalfirst premium video. Non-scripted TV is the final building block of the company's multiplatform business model and will sit at the forefront of the next stage of Pulse's growth. Ackerman was most recently MD at Fresh One Productions and Chief Creative Officer at the Jamie Oliver Media Group, where he played an integral role in transforming the Roy Ackerman celebrity chef's offering from a celebrity vehicle into an international multi-platform independent producer of scale. Ackerman executive produced hit series Dream School (UK/USA, South Africa), the Emmy-winning Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, How Hip Hop Changed the World with Idris Elba, The Sound of Musicals, Spies of Warsaw with David Tennant, Don't Stop the Music, The Men Who Made Us Fat and Mad Dog: Gaddafi, as well as feature documentaries including Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic and The House I Live In. Under Ackerman's leadership, the company also successfully launched advertising, scripted and digital production divisions, including the hit online channel Food Tube. Prior to his role at Jamie Oliver Media Group, Ackerman was Creative Director at Diverse Production where he oversaw production on BAFTAwinning hits Election with Jonathan Dimbleby, 100% White, Tsunami: 7 Hours on Boxing Day, BAFTAnominated Mrs. Mandela, and successful formats including Operatunity, Musicality, Codex, Shalom in the Home and the international hit series 'Man Vs. Wild.' As Commissioning Editor in Documentaries at Channel 4 since 2011, Emma Cooper has a track record for developing award-winning and innovative television shows that encourage discussion. Not only was she responsible for the Cutting Edge strand, recent film work included Angry, White and Proud, Plus Size Wars, The Murder Workers, The Fried Chicken Shop, and My Emma Cooper Granny The Escort, alongside series Rookies At Sea, The Night Bus, Teens, Liberty of London and How To Get A Council House. Prior to Channel 4, Emma was at the BBC where she directed and series produced films including Louis Theroux: A Place for Paedophiles and Miami Mega-Jail. Global CEO Thomas Benski and Pulse President Patrick Vien said: “We are honoured to welcome Roy and Emma to Pulse. We now have the team that will draw on the skills, talent and attitude of the rest of Pulse and bring to the market the next wave of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing TV ideas. This is such a great moment in television and these appointments will allow us to create a bigger footprint in stood out from everything that came the medium and enable us to be a my way. I was genuinely excited and major supplier for broadcasters both inspired by Pulse's culture, its brand in the UK and overseas. and its clear differentiation from all “Roy is a legend and both he and the other media companies around. Emma have the experience, Its plans for growth in television and innovation and taste that we believe its vision worked with what I want to will attract further talent to create, do. I am really pleased to be joining produce and deliver the innovative such a young, vibrant company factual event television that we are brimming with talent in many excited about. With their skills and different fields – advertising, drama, Pulse's modern approach to music and branded content, and I entertainment we are confident that look forward to bringing my industry we have what it takes to create nonexperience to the table. Emma has a scripted content that will really cut superb reputation as a commissioner through the clutter and compete with and I am delighted to be working all forms of programming.” alongside her to kick-start Pulse's TV Roy Ackerman added: “Pulse's offer offering and being a core part of the studio’s next steps towards being a truly global company.” Emma Cooper commented: “I have always had huge respect for Pulse and felt their multi-disciplinary model was not only innovative but a chance to grow. Their commitment to creating content that challenges was also a draw for me and I can't wait to work with Roy, who I have long admired within the industry, to help Pulse reach its ambitious goal to become a leader in the field of television.” www.pulsefilms.co.uk 2788/BFV226/J VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 4010/BFV226/J Axon Selected To Deliver Major Events Coverage The Singapore-based company has chosen Dolby encoders and decoders from Axon's synapse range to help its customers deliver High Definition broadcast content. The reliability of Axon Digital Design's products proved a major selling point for Singapore-based Broadcast Solutions Group (BSG) when it decided to upgrade its flyaway systems to incorporate Dolby Digital. After extensive testing, BSG invested in Axon Synapse Dolby E Encoders (DBE08) and Multiformat Dolby Stream Decoders (DBD28). These are now being deployed in flyaway kits around the globe where they are helping to capture live events destined for High Definition broadcast. As a leading international OB provider and the largest supplier of HD facilities and crew in Asia, BSG demands the highest quality from all of the equipment manufacturers it works with. "Within our business, we had a very stringent spec to follow to deliver the best quality production to our clients," says Mr Saaed Izadi, the CEO of Broadcast Solutions Group. "We tested many systems on the market and decided to go with AXON's Synapse Dolby solution as it perfectly fits our mission-critical needs." By their very nature, live events leave no room for error. Therefore the flyaway systems used to capture them have to be furnished with exceptionally durable and dependable equipment. "Our flyaway kit needs to be moved from one place to another within a very short time frame," Mr Izadi adds. "Equipment for these must be compact, reliable, robust and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. We are pleased with Axon's product quality, and with the technical support provided by its Singapore Branch office.” With headquarters in Singapore and offices in Malaysia, India, Abu Dhabi and UK, BSG provides a range of enterprise broadcasting equipment and services to empower every aspect of production. Its outside broadcast solutions are based on flyaway systems that allow the speedy creation of an individually tailored and high quality production environment, anywhere in the world. These systems have been used to cover a variety of news and entertainment programming, including the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and other major sporting events. Felix Ng, Axon's Sales Director for South East Asia, said: "AXON's Synapse signal processing product line is ideally suited to BSG's needs. Our DBD28 Dolby multi format decoder, for example, has a quad speed ADD-ON audio bus and is capable of decoding Dolby E, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus. The enhanced feature set includes the ability to decode 7.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus or 5.1-ch Dolby Digital 5.1 with audio description, carried in a single bitstream (Single PID), or as two bitstreams (Dual PID)." Ng adds that Axon is delighted to be chosen as a main technology partner by BSG. "Axon products are straightforward to use and easily configured with the help of Cortex," he says. "These are important considerations because they are being deployed in flyaway systems all around the world." www.axon.tv GatesAir Appoints Australian Distribution Channel GatesAir has appointed Sydney-based Omnicast as an Australian distribution channel effective immediately. Omnicast will partner with GatesAir with an emphasis on delivering complete systems and guiding broadcasters through challenging transitions, notably migration to DAB+ digital radio systems. Omnicast is a systems integrator and distributor specialising in radio, television, cinema and satellite systems. Led by industry veterans Mario Fairlie (Managing Director) and Ian McKenzie (Engineering Director), the company provides a full array of services across systems design, equipment supply, project management, installation and commissioning, as well as ongoing maintenance services. According to Mr Fairlie, GatesAir's vast portfolio of radio solutions from studio to transmitter wellposition the company for future success across Australia. This includes the opportunities for DAB+ digital radio migration, as well as the ongoing shift from legacy to IP transport systems. He also points to GatesAir's high-efficiency, ultra-compact transmitter designs as a significant benefit for broadcasters across Australia, where transmitter rental space is highly expensive. 0455/BFV226/J 42 Broadcast Film&Video “GatesAir's recent introduction of liquid-cooled TV and radio transmitters will deliver a two-year payback for broadcasters in Australia – particularly within the major cities where annual site rentals can exceed $100,000 in U.S. dollars,” said Fairlie. “And having worked in the broadcast industry for more than 40 years, I can unequivocally state that GatesAir makes the highest-performance transmitters in the business. Their ability to deliver that long-term reliability and operational cost-savings will be especially valuable as the DAB Radio transition extends outward from the main cities.” The DAB Radio transition has taken shape in the cities of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with approximately three million listeners to date. Omnicast expects the DAB+ digital radio migration to spread into “regional areas” over the next few years, eventually covering most of the country's 22 million residents. GatesAir's IPnetworked DAB+ architecture is ideal for national rollouts, bringing together its Maxiva™ VAX transmitters with ETI/EDI transport for multipoint signal distribution. Omnicast's position against competitive DAB/DAB+ suppliers is especially strong given its ability to provide complete DAB Radio headend solutions along with high-efficiency GatesAir transmission systems. Moving forward, Mr Fairlie expects to transition radio networks to GatesAir networked studio systems, and sees numerous opportunities to migrate AM/FM broadcasters from legacy to IP transport networks with GatesAir Intraplex IP Link codecs. “I am particularly pleased to appoint Omnicast as a key channel partner in Australia, especially given Mario's long professional association with the Australian broadcasting industry and successful 30year history with supplying and integrating Harris Broadcast over-the-air TV and radio systems prior to our transition to GatesAir,” said Darren Frearson, vice president, southeast Asia and Oceania for GatesAir. “Mario's notable achievements in the commercial radio sector include instigating the release of the Channel 9 analog spectrum in Australia to enable the DAB+ digital radio rollout. GatesAir welcomes Omnicast and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.” www.gatesair.com Broadcast Film&Video Technical Desking: Avid S6 Studio Furniture VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 43 360/BFV226/J Technical Desking have just installed the third of their Avid S6 custom desk frames at Wave London. In total, eight of our Avid S6 steel frames will be installed at Wave, along with custom integrated panels for the Apple Keypad, Track pad and pivoting monitors, etc. The frames also have a custom Task Bar at the rear, which holds three to four widescreen displays and Genelec 8020s. Managing Director Antony Haston has over 15 years' experience designing technical furniture for some of the largest and most creative post production, music and graphics studios in the world, including Technicolor, MTV, Uncle, Jungle, Wave, Molinare, Evolutions, Envy, AMV, QVC and the BBC. They have recently added to their range of studio furniture with the Flecto edit desk & Slim Slab, as well as desks for the FilmLight Baselight 2, which was recently installed at Technicolor in Soho. Mybigdesk also offer a carefully selected range of high quality accessories, allowing customers to customise their furniture to suit individual requirements. Custom designed solutions can also be provided. Keep an eye out for Technical Desking range of Avid S6 desks on their web site at mybigdesk.com. Or contact them directly at [email protected] or on 020 8826 5767. www.mybigdesk.com The Chapman Leonard Cobra Dolly: The World's Smallest Camera Dolly Redefined The Cobra is the brand new design from Chapman Leonard and is available to rent from Chapman UK today. productions, such as documentaries or corporate film making, because the Cobra is small enough to be easily transported in the boot of an ordinary car - just watch the video, we’re not kidding. The Cobra is already proving a hit for single camera shoots and small crews. It is perfect for filming in existing locations where space and access is often limited to standard doorways, office interiors or those tiny service lifts. The Cobra is small, stable, built like a tank and works with our camera sliders and even our Stinger jib arms! To learn more about what the Cobra can do for your next shoot, visit the Chapman Leonard UK website, follow us on our Facebook page or arrange a visit to see the Cobra for yourself. www.chapmanleonard.com www.facebook.com/Chapmanleonarduk TV2 Fyn Purchases Kahuna Switcher For HD Switch Denmark public broadcaster, TV2 Fyn, has purchased a Snell Kahuna switcher with two of the new Maverik configurable control panels to help drive its move into HD news production. Snell's unique Kahuna Make M/E technology enables a single mainframe to support two independent studio operations, with both studios benefiting from full 2M/E production power, including super-keyers, eKeys and 3D DVEs, via Maverik control. The system also integrates a Sirius 800 router with built-in Advanced Hybrid Processing on every input and output, eliminating the need for external signal processing devices. The systems were supplied through AVIT-Systems, Snell's partner in Denmark. The Kahuna is fully integrated with TV2 Fyn's Viz Mosart news automation system. Kahuna Watch provides automated loading of graphics to the onboard Clipstore to ease production workflows. Snell FormatFusion3 technology ensures that the system can handle SD, HD, 1080p and 4K simultaneously. The Kahuna also controls TV2's on-air servers, providing instant access to multiple content streams via the Maverik panels. “Switching and routing are the backbone of our news operations and we needed a system that would enable us to transition smoothly to HD,” said Michael Jensen, Head of Production at TV2 Fyn. “The Sirius router gives us the flexibility we need in a compact package, and the power of the Kahuna meant that we could provide full live HD and SD production capability to both news studios from a single mainframe, saving valuable rack space and cost; Snell was the only company that offered us this key benefit. The Maverik panels add flexibility, giving us exactly the control layout we need and enabling us to almost instantly reconfigure studio control if required to meet the needs of different productions.” “Our Kahuna range delivers massive production power and a range of extra capabilities that make it a really comprehensive and effective switching platform,” said Robert Rowe, Snell Managing Director, Live TV. “Add to this the versatility that the configurable Maverik panel offers, and the flexibility of the Sirius router, and it all adds up to a compelling proposition for broadcasters such as TV2 who require uncompromised production values in a highly cost-effective package.” www.quantel.com www.snellgroup.com 3913/RFV226/J A radically different approach to the design of hydraulic dollies, the Cobra is characterised by its single central lifting column that rises up from the dollies tiny chassis (just 20 inches square) just as its name suggests. The column is essentially a pedestal, charged with nitrogen to be statically balanced by the weight of camera or equipment it is carrying. Vertical movement is effortless and precise, allowing you to set the camera height anywhere along the travel of the column or perform dynamic moving shots with a change in Lens height. Chapman Leonard in the UK have produced a brand new video that you can watch on their website that highlights all the main features. The video also shows many of the benefits (some less obvious than others) that the design affords camera operators and smaller VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 3760/BFV226/J Eyeheight Colour Correctors, Keyer For Wimbledon OB Coverage Eyeheight CC-2M colour correctors and a DK-2 multi-rate linear downstream keyer will be operating live at the 2015 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. This year's event starts on June 29 and goes through to the finals on July 11 and 12. Chosen by one of Britain's largest outside broadcast service providers, the CC-2M colour correctors and DK2 keyer will be a central part of the infrastructure used to relay the content to television viewers around the globe. "The DK-2 performed successfully at the 2013 and 2014 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships," says Eyeheight Sales Director Martin Moore. "It will be used this year to add contestant identifier overlays which are faded in and out over the live action with a Eyeheight VP-10 video T-bar module. The keyer will be accompanied this year by six CC-2M colour correction channels housed in an ultra-compact 1U chassis. These will be deployed to ensure consistent quality from multiple feeds arriving in the OB control vehicle." Compatible with all commonly used 625/525-line standard-definition, 720p intermediate-definition and 1080i high definition formats, the DK-2 incorporates background, fill and key inputs, wipe, matte and garbage-matte generation, independent main and preview keyers plus EDH reinsertion for the main output. It is fully transparent to SDI-embedded audio and other ancillary data. Mechanical relay bypass is available as an option. Features include 10-bit linear keying, manual or automatic transitions, a user-selectable choice of additive, multiplicative and self-key modes, and AES digital audio voiceover. 3186/BFV226/J 44 Broadcast Film&Video Eyeheight's DK-2 is equipped with inputs for slave fill sync, slave key sync and master input line sync plus independent programme and preview outputs. An RJ45 port allows connection of three GPI channels and tally as well as RS232-based onboard protocol control. It can be fully operated via Ethernet from anywhere in the world. Designed for use in live television content creation, the Eyeheight CC-2M colour corrector allows a production team to ensure consistent colour matching when switching between multiple camera sources or making significant changes to camera angle. Operation is via a logical menu system which can be accessed quickly and easily from the front panel or remotely. The CC-2M colour corrector allows independent real-time adjustment of red, green and blue component levels, master gain, lift, gamma and hue. A preview output provides a configurable split screen showing processed and unprocessed picture. Up to six plug-in modular colour correction cards can be accommodated in a 1 U intelligent chassis with easy channel switching. Up to eight panels can be networked. The CC-2M system also includes a maintenance mode to assist installation. www.eyeheight.com Spanish Broadcasters Turn To LiveU Technology For Election Coverage LiveU has announced that Live Audiovisual (LIVE!) has provided unprecedented coverage of the recent local and regional elections in Spain with a large-scale deployment of LiveU technology across the country. The deal has been overseen by regional LiveU partner Park 7. Major national and regional media turned to Live Audiovisual and LiveU, including Mediaset; Atresmedia; Forta; Xarxa; 13 TV; RTVCyLeon; TV Extremadura; and El País. Live Audiovisual facilitated the coverage of both last-minute campaigning as well as the evolving overall picture on election day and night with tens of LiveU units working simultaneously as the day progressed. Units from across the company’s range were deployed, including the small but powerful LU200. They were used both independently as well integrated with Ka-band flyaway technology. LiveU’s technology has been widely deployed globally for election coverage as media outlets recognise its power and flexibility. This includes a major partnership with Sky News for the recent UK general elections as well as for elections in India, Greece, and Sri Lanka. Following on from its recent success, and in order to provide enhanced service, Live Audiovisual is now rolling out its network of offices at over 10 locations in Spain, all with IPDSNG flyaway Ka-band equipment integrated with LiveU units. Zion Eilam, Head of Business Operations Europe, LiveU, said: “It’s very gratifying to see deployments on this scale as our technology continues to grow in popularity. “It’s now a question of how the technology can be used, not whether it should be used, and nowhere is this clearer than in the case of election coverage, where it’s simply ideal.” LiveU owns the patent for cellular bonding for remote news gathering in the US and other countries. All LiveU products are based on this fourthgeneration patented technology. LiveU provides IP-based live video services and broadcast solutions for acquisition, management and distribution. www.liveu.tv Perfect For A Modern Family VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 45 3993/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video The amazing 'Invisity' virtually invisible in-ear monitor-prompter manufactured by Phonak Communications Switzerland, and distributed via Raycom in the UK, has become a firm favourite of presenters wishing to avoid unsightly tubes and cables. Whilst its aesthetic properties are admirable, there are also opportunities in film and broadcast for producers and sound engineers to utilize this tiny innovative product in the creation of illusion. Award-winning sitcom Modern Family made waves earlier this year with 'Connection Lost', presented entirely from the perspective of a laptop screen, and shot using Apple iPads, iPhones and laptops. But behind the scenes, the episode's live shoots across four different sets meant actors would need to hear each other in real-time in order to interact over simulated FaceTime conversations. To make this happen, Emmy and C.A.S. awardwinning sound engineer Stephen Tibbo turned to Phonak's invisity. Tibbo had previously used invisity on 'Jake In Progress', as well as for musical or dance numbers on Modern Family, which is produced by Twentieth Century Fox, and airs on ABC. He said: “The biggest challenge, at least for sound was, when the producers presented the episode, they said we're going to try and shoot the whole thing in one day, and we want to do it live. “As I read the script I said, 'Ok, wow, this will be challenging.' “I don't think we would have been able to do it without Phonak invisity,” Tibbo added, saying alternatives would have included setting up cumbersome, time-consuming induction loops round the sets, or using speakers, which would have caused problems when mixing. “When you watch it, you may not notice it was so technically challenging, but by the way we shot it, it was,” Tibbo explained. “But I suppose if you've done your job well, the viewer doesn't notice. “And the technology worked for us – it was one of those episodes where, if invisity had failed us, we would have been looking pretty bad, or looking for another job. You have to rely on it.” Phonak Communications said: “We're proud and gratified that invisity helped bring to life one of the most ground-breaking episodes of television to air in recent years. “Phonak invisity has been invaluable to countless productions around the world, from comedy, drama, news broadcasts, and even live dance productions. “Thanks to its tiny size it offers a comfortable experience for the user while being completely invisible to an audience or camera – and as such, its uses are endless.” The invisity is available in one channel or four channel variants (Flex and Four) along with the TX300V transmitter and a range of useful accessories. www.raycom.co.uk zLense Reports Successful NAB 2015 Debut zLense, provider of a standalone real-time depth sensing and modelling platform to the film, broadcast and gaming industries, has reported a successful debut at the 2015 NAB Show which took place in April in Las Vegas. to-one demos to show the capabilities zLense Studio offers. Appearing for the first time at the Show, which this year attracted over 103,000 visitors, zLense unveiled its breakthrough zLense Studio solution. Featuring an infrared imager that creates a live depth map of the scene in front of the camera and feeds that depth map to a real-time 3D application, the system uses a live chroma key which is combined with the live depth map to integrate 3D elements into the scene in real-time. The real-time on-air 3D graphics system requires no special studio set-up and puts CGI tools and techniques directly into the hands of producers and programme directors. With a price tag of around $100,000, the scalable system can support multiple cameras with just one zLense device. Eliminating the need for costly in-house virtual studios, the system makes it possible for broadcasters to utilise affordable, yet high-quality, on-air graphics that elevate production values and enable a new era of creativity. “NAB 2015 proved the ideal showcase to extend our reach to a US audience,” continues Gyorgy. Identified by pundits as one of the highlight technology demos hosted by a small technology innovator at this year’s NAB 2015 event, the zLense Studio demonstration generated significant interest with a variety of parties. “As a result of connections made at the show we’re now in engaged in talks with a number of US broadcasters about potential cooperative deals and have initiated discussions with a number of distribution partners too.” “We’re delighted that zLense proved the ideal solution for small production companies and regional TV stations, who are under increasing pressure to maximise operational efficiencies and cater to the growing sophistication of audiences that have come to expect augmented reality and interactive simulations in just about any time of programme – including news, weather and public service announcements,” says Bruno P. Gyorgy, President of zLense. In the coming weeks zLense is poised to deliver the first zLense Studio components to buyers in the US and Europe, and there are plans to enhance the fidelity of the depth map yet further to support an effective chroma key effect without a green screen. The zLense team met with potential customers and partners during the Show, undertaking one- The zLense is produced by Zinemath. It is the first depth mapping camera accessory optimised for broadcasters and cinema previsualisation. www.zlense.com 0562/BFV226/J 46 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 3692/BFV226/J Footage from virtually every major sporting event covered by ITV Sport since the mid-1960s from athletics, boxing and darts, to domestic, FA Cup, European and international football, through to speedway, snooker and wrestling. From George Best to Giant Haystacks, Frank Bruno through to Frank Rijkaard, the ITV Sport Archive is a who's who of international greats from the world of sport. Classic footage also from ITV Sport stars through the years including Brian Moore, Jimmy Hill, Dickie Davies, Saint and Greavsie and Desmond Lynam. The London Television Centre Upper Ground London SE1 9LT 200,000 hours of classic footage from Athletics, Boxing and Darts to FA Cup, UEFA Euro Football and FIFA World Cup 2010 and 2014. T +44 (0)20 7157 4470 E [email protected] ITV Sport Archive is home to the most iconic sportsmen and women of our time. 0323/BFV226/J 14 Beadman Street, London. SE27 0DN Telephone: 020 8761 5333 Fax: 020 8761 8796 E-mail: [email protected] Supplier of Model Making Structural Components and Accessories to the Film and Television Industry. www.ema-models.co.uk ITV's Keep It In The Family Returns To BBC Elstree BBC Studios and Post Production (BBC S&PP) welcomes ITV Studios' and Over The Top Productions primetime family game show, Keep It In The Family, back to Elstree. For the second series, BBC S&PP is providing fully integrated studios and post production services. The scale and complexity of the extensive Keep It In The Family set, which sees a large revolving area used during the family and celebrity faceoffs, pushes the creative and technical capabilities of the production team and flexibility of the studio space. All the action in BBC S&PP’s 11,800 sq ft Studio D, is captured on a standard 10 camera set-up in front of an audience of 400, making full use of Studio D’s fixed seating area and enabling the production to maximise the studio floor space. The full breadth of Studio D’s ancillary facilities, including HD production galleries that are specifically designed to support large scale TV productions, were also utilised. Up to 20 radio mics were used for the extensive numbers of contestants, celebrities, and the musical numbers featured in the show. To accommodate the fast turnaround post production demands of handling around 40 hours per episode, BBC S&PP deployed a tapeless workflow. Material from the studio floor was ingested with an EVS IP Director video production management system and stored on an Avid ISIS | 7000 shared storage system. The series was edited and finished on Avid Symphony and mixed in Avid Pro Tools, before being sent via an Aspera transfer to ITV as DPP AS-11 files. “Returning large-scale productions like Keep It In The Family are a credit to the years of experience our team has behind them. “Combined with the latest investments in technology, we’re able to continue to push the boundaries of creativity with every production on our roster,” said Meryl McLaren, Commercial Manager at BBC S&PP. Keep It In The Family is the unconventional game show that lets the kids call the shots, meaning anything can happen as two rival families’ battle it out for the chance to win amazing prizes. Presented by Bradley Walsh, the families also play to win in head-to-heads with celebrities from various hit shows, including The X Factor and Emmerdale. BBC S&PP provides studio facilities for some of Britain's best loved entertainment and factual studio formats. At Elstree alone, there are five revamped medium and large studios, ideal for live events, game shows, panel shows, comedy and factual production. www.bbcstudiosandpostproduction.com 4045/BFV226/J Broadcast Film&Video Bristol Film Office Shares New Movie Maps Using Google Maps software, the Bristol Movie Maps let browsers view collections of locations that have starred in some of the most popular films and television shows made in the city over the past 60 years. Residents and visitors can follow in the footsteps of their favourite film and TV characters, by searching by theme or production title, and take a virtual tour online or visit the locations on foot with their handheld device. YouTube clips at selected destination points also enable fans to watch clips of scenes filmed at each location while they visit it. The four maps being launched are entitled 'Bristol TV Favourites', 'Bristol Feature Films', 'Sherlock Bristol Movie Map' and 'Skins Bristol Movie Map'. More are due to be added later this year, including 'Historic Bristol' and 'Bristol Adaptations' maps. A series of printable walking trails will also be developed. • Bristol TV Favourites: This will feature locations used by some of the most popular television shows to come out of Bristol in the past 40 years, including Being Human, Casualty, Doctor Who, Only Fools and Horses and The Casual Vacancy. • Bristol Feature Films: This will involve plotting some of the city's most famous big screen moments over the last 60 years, including Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990), The Duchess (2008), and The Inbetweeners 2 (2014). • Sherlock Bristol Movie Map: Bristol has been home to BBC TV crime drama Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, on various occasions since the series began in 2010. More recently, the production also used The Bottle Yard Studio and various Bristol locations for the upcoming Sherlock 'Special' (transmission date TBC). This map allows fans to take a tour of the various locations that have featured on screen so far, including Portland Square, The Victoria Rooms, Goldney Hall and Bristol South Swimming Pool. • Skins Bristol Movie Map: E4's teen drama about a group of Bristol sixth formers began in 2007, and for the following six years explored controversial storylines including dysfunctional families, mental illness, sexuality, substance abuse, death and bullying. Fans can reminisce about the show, which ended in 2013, by touring key locations that became the visual backdrop to the drama including Brandon Hill, College Green, Pero's Bridge, St Nicholas Market and Thekla. For the purposes of the production, all of the locations used were fictional and therefore were not named as part of the television series. Natalie Moore, Bristol Film Office, said: "We're delighted to be celebrating our city's filming heritage with the launch of the new Bristol Movie Maps. The Film Office works all year round to support producers using Bristol locations, and by pinpointing key locations from iconic productions, we hope to increase Bristol's sense of pride in its longstanding excellent reputation as a filming destination. We also hope to boost levels of screen tourism in Bristol, an increasingly popular phenomenon which is shown to generate significant revenue to local economies. We hope that this interactive and fun tool will make it easier for screen enthusiasts to explore Bristol's famous film and TV locations up close." Image: Courtesy of Hartswood Films and BBC One. www.filmbristol.co.uk/bristol-movie-maps 47 3704/BFV226/J • Local TV, Education, Faith & Gov’t • Systems integration • Equipment sales • Equipment service • Equipment disposal • All budgets! 30 Years over 30 years’ experience in broadcast equipment sales and service. www.libraprobroadcast.co.uk +44(0)1527 853305 OR +44(0)1789 766710 - [email protected] 0000/BFV226/J Bristol Film Office has launched a new series of online Movie Maps designed to celebrate the city's reputation for film and TV production, and to allow people to go out and explore the filming hotspots of Bristol this summer. VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 3941/BFV226/J 48 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 The Royal Variety Charity Announces Name Change The Royal Variety Charity has officially changed its name from the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund (EABF). The Royal Variety Charity assists those who've worked professionally in the entertainment industry and are in need of help. It works to support both young and old, who've worked on the stage, in the wings, in front of a camera, or behind it, as well as all those who have spent their lives working in the numerous support industries dedicated to entertainment. The charity owns and manages its own residential and nursing care home for entertainers – Brinsworth House in Twickenham – and also offers a nationwide grant scheme to assist those living in their own homes wherever they reside in the UK. The Royal Variety Charity not only offers support to those who have found themselves struggling as a result of ill health, financial hardship or old age, but also to talented youngsters from impoverished backgrounds who need assistance to pursue their dreams of entering performing arts education. Commenting on the name change, which was implemented with immediate effect, Chairman of the Royal Variety Charity and Executive Producer of the Royal Variety Performance, Giles Cooper, said: "This is an historic day in the 107 year history of our charity; the oldest and most well known of all charities in show business. "In recent years, the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund (EABF) has become better known, through television shows such as Britain's Got Talent, as the Royal Variety Charity and today's official name change marks a landmark occasion for us and the beginning of a new era. "The entertainment industry is constantly evolving and similarly the needs of those who need support in our business has changed and altered dramatically since our foundation. “It is therefore so important that a thriving charity such as ours also evolves and develops at a pace in tandem with the modern era. "I am delighted to announce that the Royal Variety Charity will be widening its criteria of help to all those who have served the entertainment industries, both young and old; to all those who have worked in front of a camera, or behind it, on the stage, or in the wings, as well as all those who have spent their lives working in the numerous support industries dedicated to entertainment." The Royal Variety Charity are the organisers and beneficiaries of the annual Royal Variety Performance. It is now viewed by more than 152 million television viewers worldwide, making it the most successful and longest running entertainment show in the world. www.royalvarietycharity.org AJA CION Takes The 4K Spotlight An appreciation for filmmaking quickly turned into a full-time gig for Shawn Serdar. Channeling a passion for the craft, he took over the reigns at Pacific Producers Group (PPG) in 2007, and the Vancouver-based production company has been thriving ever since. Operating out of Gak Studio, a video and photography studio where Serdar is Partner, PPG provides multimedia services to industrial, government, legal and commercial clients. Favouring 4K capture for greater creative flexibility, Serdar and the Gak partners keep the studio stocked with an arsenal of 4K gear, including a new AJA CION camera. Before using the camera in-studio, Serdar took it out for a test-run to see if he could film as a oneman band. To his surprise, it was easier than anticipated. “I was shocked by how simple CION was to set up and operate; I could put it on a tripod with an ENG plate, release the lever and be shooting 4K ProRes 444 or ProRes 422 HQ on my shoulder in seconds. It's a really practical and versatile camera,” he said. “CION also has built-in audio inputs, so you don't need a separate audio recorder, and the ergonomics make it easy to handle. The camera worked perfectly in a variety of environments – indoor and outdoor – giving me ready-to-edit footage right out of the camera.” CION made its first PPG project debut when vitamin manufacturer Natural Factors enlisted the production company to shoot a series of promotional videos earlier this year. The project called for a green screen live-action shoot, with motion graphics to be added in post. Opting to use CION for its in-camera ProRes 444 recording capabilities, Serdar explained, “With green screen production, you want to record in the codec that gives you the most color information. By recording ProRes 444 with CION, I knew we'd be able to get the highest quality color information and bit depth in-camera; it was an ideal setup.” PPG, in collaboration with Oregon-based boutique creative agency Mountain Hut Media, set up shop at Gak to deliver a 20-minute video for Natural Factors retailers; a two minute promo for its consumers; and a handful of audio takes for radio promos. They pre-rigged and prelit the set; equipped the CION with an EVF and ENG Plate, Zeiss CP 2 Prime Lens and a matte box; stationed a teleprompter in front of it; began filming; and wrapped production within four hours. “I was blown away by how great CION worked and how it sped things along; the quality of the footage also looked amazing in-camera,” Serdar shared. “We had an on-set editor who was going to be our DI tech, but he didn't need to, because we were able to transfer the footage from CION quickly with Thunderbolt 2, and use the ProRes files immediately in After Effects.” Since adopting CION into PPG's workflow, Serdar has seen a significant drop in the time required between production and delivery. The improvement was most apparent while working on a shoot for another client, for which PPG captured event footage and cut it into a 5-minute video montage on-site, in under an hour using a laptop. “I couldn't believe how quickly we could do it, and how little color grading it involved. We've worked with other cameras, but often find that they’re bulky, the menus are labyrinthine and they require a ton of transcoding,” Serdar expressed. “With CION, we're saving about 40-50 percent time on projects, because the ergonomics are great, the menu is straightforward and we can shoot and edit in ProRes without any transcoding. It's a smart and efficient camera that delivers outstanding quality at a great price point.” www.aja.com 2012/BFV223/J Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 49 Success Aplenty For BroadcastAsia 2015 Returning to the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 2 – 5 June, BroadcastAsia 2015 opened its doors to more than 600 exhibitors from 46 countries, where cutting-edge technologies and the latest trends were discussed for the audio, film and television industries. Clear-Com presented the FreeSpeak II 1.9GHz roaming wireless solution. Supporting up to five separate channels per wireless beltpack, it provides more expansive roaming coverage using multiple antennas. When combined with the Eclipse-HX Digital Matrix Frame, the system connects to over 16 partylines and the flexibility to seamlessly cover difficult buildings and remote zones. The company also demonstrated its LQ Series, which can be used for intercom conversation, networked music performances and for audio signals that need to be transported between different facilities. The LQ throw-down devices enable connections of 2-wire partyline with call signalling and 4-wire audio over LAN, WAN or Internet IP infrastructures. The LQ Series has a 2wire (LQ-2W2) or 4-wire (LQ-4W2) option. DK-Technologies expanded its DKT7 Series with the DKT7 Waveform Monitor. The unit is based on an existing motherboard and incorporates 'sleeping' features that were built into the system during the initial design stage. Called the DKT7++, the new motherboard utilises an ultrafast memory chip for video processing and storage. The waveform software can be added to a DKT7++ Motherboard for a charge, but is included in the model DKT7 WFM. The input/output interfaces are similar to the DKT7, including a 720p HDMI output with up to 8 embedded audio channels. A 5.1 downmix and a headphone output with volume control are provided for audio monitoring. It operates in all audio modes available in the previous DKT7 software packages including, multichannel metering, and multiset of loudness metering and signal test generator. The unit switches seamlessly between three operational modes; DKT7 audio only mode (Starfish, Automation, MultiLoudness), Combined Waveform and Audio mode, and Waveform only mode. DKT7 WFM in the combined audio and video mode Panasonic announced seven new business technology products and solutions for the Asia Pacific markets. These include the Toughpad FX-X1, a fully-rugged 5-inch tablet; the new AG-DVX200, the world's first 4K integrated zoom lens camcorder, and the world's lightest 4K+ 3-Chip DLPTM Laser Projector alongside the latest in mobile surveillance technology, blu-ray data storage, and professional broadcast video equipment. RTW unveiled firmware version 3.5 for its TM3 TouchMonitor series. The software update enables RTW fullylicensed TM3 series and Smart Series products to experience the company's latest loudness solutions, including the expanded feature set and display of the Loudness Chart instrument. The Loudness Chart instrument is used to display the progress of a measurement (TP, M, S, or I value over time) as a line or colored area under the curve on a coordinate system with selectable time range, while the tolerance range can be displayed as a corridor. A dynamic line will show the position of the Relative Gate in relation to the “I” value and an additional bar graph for the display of the current “I” loudness value can be selected. Corresponding software bundles can also be installed. Looking at the BroadcastAsia Conference, the theme for 2015 was 'Delivering Experiential Content Anywhere' and addressed topics such as the future of OTT and its impact on traditional broadcasting; immersive TV and encoding technologies; and the road to IP, to name but a few. Over-The-Top (OTT) content has grown significantly in recent times and has been labelled a “game changer” for the TV industry. Service providers are now starting to take advantage of the potential the market has (the global video-on-demand market is expected to be worth US$45.3bn by 2018) by offering a range of video entertainment content to consumers – and at an affordable cost. This, is where HOOQ comes in. HOOQ is Asia's first premium video-ondemand service and was launched in the Philippines earlier this year, but had just entered the Thailand market around the time of BroadcastAsia. The joint venture between SingTel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment allows customers to avail of unlimited online streaming access to more than 10,000 movies and television programs, via multiple devices such as PCs, smartphones and tablets. Clear-Com’s LQ Series Richard Chernock The company's CEO, Peter Bithos, spoke at BroadcastAsia 2015 and shared an insight into the changing industry and the future of broadcasting. “HOOQ's raison d'etre is to change the way people across Asia view entertainment,” he explained. “We are focused on enhancing consumers' digital lives as their partner for in-home and on-the-go entertainment. Consumers are our start and end point. By placing them at the heart of everything we do, we are able to innovate around their needs, their environments and their lifestyles.” The task isn't an easy one, however. In Asia, digital piracy is a challenge to the OTT setup, with consumers opting to download and stream content without charge, rather than pay for video services. Infrastructure development is another factor. For example, broadband speeds in the Philippines is currently less than half the global average. HOOQ is working within these limits to deliver quality content to consumers anytime, anywhere. Dr Richard Chernock, CSO of Triveni Digital, also appeared at the show to present on 'ATSC 3.0: Powering NextGeneration Broadcasting'. The discussion examined the current development timeline of the news standard, while highlighting various capabilities and benefits offered to broadcasters. It also addressed major improvements in video encoding efficiency; increased configurability, scalability, and interoperability; as well as the possibility to deliver 4K broadcasts to mobile devices. As chairman of ATSC TG3, Chernock has been vital in the development of ATSC 3.0, ensuring flexibility, interoperability and adaptability are the keystones of the new DTV broadcast system. He is also chairman of the adhoc group specifying the inner architecture of the system, including the basic mechanisms for delivery and synchronisation. Additional highlights of this year's show can be found on the BroadcastAsia 2015 website. www.dk-technologies.com www.clearcom.com www.rtw.com www.business.panasonic.eu www.broadcast-asia.com HI DEFINITION Award Winning Camera Crews - Full Specification Camera, Sound & Lighting Kits - CONTACT COLIN OR SUE TEL: +44 (0)20 8578 1922 Sony F55/F5 • Canon C300 • Sony FS7 • XDCAM • RED • Alexa • GoPro & Mini-Cams Documentary, Reconstruction, Factual, Promos, Arts & Entertainment, Current Affairs, Commercials & Corporate UK and Worldwide Office: +44 (0)207 622 0870 2354/BFV226/J Specialist Filming Underwater, Aerial, SkiCam, Vehicle, Marine, Mini-Cams WEB: www.neon.uk.com www.bluefintv.com Mobile: +44 (0)7973 502349 8060/BFV226/J 50 Broadcast Film&Video VOLUME 19: ISSUE 07 4070/BFV226/J Daniel S. McCoy Deploys Sound Devices' 668 Not long after Sound Devices introduced its new 688 mixer/recorder, veteran sound engineer Daniel S. McCoy, CAS, became one of the first in the industry to deploy it in the field, employing it for the new one-hour NBC comedy variety series I Can Do That! Hosted by comedian/actor Marlon Wayans, I Can Do That! brings together acclaimed dancer and choreographer Cheryl Burke, recording artists Ciara, Joe Jonas and Nicole Scherzinger, stand-up comedian Jeff Dye and actor Alan Ritchson to compete with unique, breathtaking acts. The show, unfolding over the course of six weeks, will designate one cast member as the season's ultimate entertainer during the finale. Sound Devices released the 688 during week two of the show's production. McCoy and his crew – including Peter Ølsted, Matt Brodnick, Eric Pierce, Gary Tomaro, Troy Wilcox, and Ernie Munoz – immediately integrated the 688 into production. “The 688 adapted nicely to reality-style situations and performed flawlessly for the remaining five weeks,” says McCoy. “We really depended on the MixAssist™ feature to give the mono-mix the ultimate signal noise ratio to the cameras we were feeding.” Representing an evolution in Sound Devices' mixer and recorder products, the 688 harnesses the best of Sound Devices' 633, 664 and 788T products. It comes equipped with features such as MixAssist automixing functionality, 12-inputs, eight-outputs, digital mixing and routing, 192-kHz sampling, audio delay on inputs and outputs, PowerSafe and QuickBoot™. The 688 is the first 6-series mixer/recorder to incorporate Sound Devices' MixAssist technology. First introduced with the 788T, MixAssist has been expanded in the 688 to offer 12-channel automatic mixing capability. Using a sophisticated algorithm, 3990/BFV226/J MixAssist automatically attenuates the level of inactive inputs and maintains consistent background levels regardless of the number of open microphones. Comb filtering and phasing artifacts are also reduced by intelligently attenuating microphones receiving the same audio signal. “As the production schedule got tighter, we had to move faster, so having the 688 at our disposal was a huge advantage for us,” says McCoy. “The 688 is extremely power efficient, faster to boot up, and the MixAssist makes it much easier to mix rotary faders, compared to what we had been using in the past. We were booming and mixing most of the time. With MixAssist active, you can really focus on the booming and the location of your overhead mic. It gave us tremendous peace of mind to know that the lavs were being covered appropriately by MixAssist.” McCoy utilised channels 1, 2, 5 and 6 on the 688 for digital signals, and channels 3 and 4 for analog. In addition to the 688, McCoy used Wisycom MCR42SUS dual true-diversity UHF miniature receivers, DPA d:screet™ 4061 miniature microphones with a Lectrosonics UCR411 wireless microphone kit, and SMV UHF belt-pack transmitters. “The show sounds great, and I have been really impressed with the quality and features of the 688,” adds McCoy. “I plan on using it whenever possible on my future projects.” www.sounddevices.com www.videodevices.com ‘Wherever You Are Going?’ Secures Gold Award An hour-long radio documentary entitled Where Are You Going? has earned reporter and presenter Catherine Carr a Gold Award at the 2015 New York Festivals World's Best Radio Programs Gala Awards ceremony, which took place recently in New York. Produced by Loftus Media for the BBC World Service, Where Are You Going? was devised by Loftus Media director Joanne Coombes. Like many people, she had often wondered where fellow travellers were going and what was driving their journeys? From that simple premise the concept of Where Are You Going? was born. Catherine Carr's interviews take the form of a Vox Pop that chart the course of one day in the lives of many people, making many different journeys across the globe. Starting in Peterborough, Carr travels as far as West Africa to capture the stories in which travellers explain the reasons for their journey and reveal life stories and secrets that make compelling listening. The stories are as varied as the passengers Carr encounters, ranging for a recently widowed man on his way to meet his first grandchild, through to a group of people travelling from Copenhagen to Senegal for a cousin's wedding. To capture material for the programme, Carr travelled with a light-weight Roland R-26 portable recorder and separate microphone. She then transferred the audio onto her laptop and used Prism Sound's SADiE 6 software to cut and edit the various stories. "The beauty of SADiE 6 is that I can use it anywhere," she says. "Having the software on a dongle that can be transferred from one computer to another is perfect for the kind of work I do. After I complete my initial edits, I simply take my SADiE 6 dongle into Loftus Media where the audio team load it onto their computers and create the final mix. It really is as easy as that." SADiE 6 software can be used as a software-only application on a desktop or laptop, or it can also be installed on existing SADiE 5 hardware as an upgrade. The editing and location recording capabilities of the SADiE product range, combined with its speed and ease of use, make it ideal for radio drama production and topical documentaries where the emphasis is on a quick turnaround. "I learned how to edit on SADiE when I was at Radio 4 and I found it incredibly easy to use," Carr explains. "I'm not a sound engineer and I'm certainly not technical, but that didn't matter because the software is so intuitive. When I left the BBC two years ago, I was reluctant to stop using SADiE so I invested in my own license. It is a very classy and efficient system and is the one work tool I just wouldn't be without." The success of Where Are You Going? has delighted BBC World Service, which had already commission three more programmes from Loftus Media before the Award was announced. These will each be 30 minutes long and once again Carr will be travelling the world to generate material for them. www.prismsound.com 51 Film&Video BROADCAST ADDRESS BOOK INDEX ARCHIVE.............................................51 AUDIO.......................................... .......51 BROADCAST EQUIPMENT SALE & HIRE................................ .....51 BROADCAST INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR...............53 CAMERAMAN & CREW HIRE..........54 DVD DUPLICATION SERVICES...... ..54 LIGHTING............................................54 OUTSIDE BROADCAST................... ..54 SERVICES &SUPPLIERS..................55 STUDIOS.............................................55 RECRUITMENT ..................................55 ARCHIVE DATA STORAGE , ImageStore We can supply all your Data Storage needs. Complete solutions or individual items. With over 20 years supplying Hard Disk and Tape Backup products we stock all the leading brands at the best prices. NAS Storage, LTO Tape Drives and Libraries, RDX Drives, Hard Drives, Backup Tapes and more. ImageStore Limited, Kingfisher Business Park, Rownhams Lane, North Baddesley. SO52 9LP T: 02380 736500 W: www.imagestore.co.uk E: [email protected] AUDIO Beaulieu Film & Video A wealth of social history and motoring footage available in HD. Other services include bespoke in-house HD Spirit Datacine, digital re-mastering of archive video source material. Friendly service awaits your call. Contact: [email protected] 01590 614664 07818 454522 ITV Sport Archive Footage from virtually every major sporting event covered by ITV Sport since the mid1960s from athletics, boxing and darts, to domestic, FA Cup, European and international football, through to speedway, snooker and wrestling. From George Best to Giant Haystacks, Frank Bruno through to Frank Rijkaard, the ITV Sport Archive is a who's who of international greats from the world of sport. Classic footage also from ITV Sport stars through the years including Brian Moore, Jimmy Hill, Dickie Davies, Saint and Greavsie and Desmond Lynam. 200,000 hours of classic footage from Athletics, Boxing and Darts to FA Cup, UEFA Euro Football and FIFA World Cup 2010 and 2014. ITV Sport Archive is home to the most iconic sportsmen and women of our time. The London Television Centre, Upper Ground, London. SE1 9LT T: (0)207 157 4470 E: [email protected] The A-Z of Services & Suppliers Audio Developments Limited With a comprehensive range of UK manufactured products, Audio Developments portable mixers provide a solution for single operators through to OB vans and edit studios. With a reputation for quality and reliability, our equipment is used throughout the world. The range starts from the AD 071 3 into 2 camera mixer and finishes with the AD 144 studio desk with a total of 12 products in between. We also manufacture a range of battery powered distribution amplifiers, pre amps and headphone splitters in a growing portfolio of products designed to assist sound engineers T: (0)1922 457007 F: (0)1922 457008 [email protected] www.audio.co.uk Canford Group plc Over 35 years’ experience in Pro Audio, Video and equipment sales. Including the manufacture of over 4,500 own brand products, Free Technical Support and thousands of items ready for same day despatch. Canford offer everything from cable to connectors, microphones to mixers, media to multitrack, tannoy to talkback. If you're in broadcast, theatre, education or AV industry Canford is "the source."™. T: 0191 418 1122 W: Canford.co.uk E: [email protected] Preco (Broadcast Systems) Ltd Excellence in Broadcast • Sales • Consultancy • Design • Installation • Support Contact: Preco (Broadcast Systems) Ltd Unit 29, Lawson Hunt Industrial Park Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 3JR T: 0845 55 77 822 Intl: +44 208 644 4447 e: [email protected] www.preco.co.uk AUDIO EQUIPMENT - RADIO MIC Audio Engineering Limited Audio Engineering are the UK based Manufacturer of the precision sound radio microphone system – MICRON. With over 40 years’ experience in wireless technology, Micron has an extensive range to suit all kinds of applications and budgets. This includes both diversity and non diversity designed for worldwide usage and ideal for ENG, EFP, PSC. Contact: T: 020 8341 3500 F: 020 8341 5100 [email protected] www.micronwireless.co.uk AUDIO HIRE FX Rentals FX Rentals is Europe's leading audio equipment rental company, supplying the best selection of pro-audio and postproduction equipment as well as PA systems and instruments. Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, FX provides continuous delivery and technical support. Contact: T: 020 8746 2121 E: [email protected] W: www.fxgroup.net LOUDNESS SPECIALISTS Aspen Media Aspen Media is the UK distributor for loudness specialists RTW and Jünger Audio. RTW’s audio meters offer loudness measurement to the EBU R128 standard. Companies using RTW for loudness measurement include BBC, Sky TV and Suite Post Production. Jünger Audio’s Level Magic™ loudness management system intelligently solves the problem of loudness changes, completely free of any undesirable artefacts. Level Magic™ is included in a range of products including the D*AP8 TAP EDITION audio processor. Tel: +44 (0)1296 681313 [email protected] www.aspen-media.com TALKBACK & INTERCOM SYSTEMS Face Systems Broadcast Audio Products: Studio Talkback Systems – with state-of-the-art DSP machines, a wide range of standard control panels and Windows software for remote control and configuration. Standard matrices up to 48x48 in a 1U frame available, plus low-cost analogue talkback systems suitable for small OBs and radio shows. We have a number of customised systems available (up to 256x256). We also have extensive experience of design for BABT approval and interfacing with communication networks of all kinds. The Old Boathouse, Cadgwith, Cornwall, England. TR12 7JX T: 01326 291031 E: [email protected] W: www.facesystems.com BROADCAST EQUIPMENT SALE & HIRE ARCHIVE SYSTEMS Disk Archive Corporation (DAC) Disk Archive Corporation is a specialist supplier of Media Archives and Content Libraries. ALTO is a fully scalable alternative to a data tape library, optimised for storing very large volumes of Media Assets for News and Post Production Workgroups; Content Libraries and Transmission Ready Archives with superior performance, low total cost of ownership and excellent environmental credentials. Tel: +44 118 329 0121 Web: www.diskarchive.com info: [email protected] Soundkit We can supply all your location sound equipment needs. Mixers, microphones, boompoles and all the bags, batteries, cases and cables to make it all work. We supply equipment from most of the leading manufacturers including: Ambient, Audio Developments, Audio Ltd, Audio Technica, DPA, Hawk-Woods, Lectrosonics, Micron, Panamic, Petrol, Portabrace, PSC, Rode, Rycote, Sanken, Schoeps, Sennheiser, Sound Devices, SQN, Tram, Zaxcom and more. Contact: Soundkit Ltd, 12 Earle Place, Canton, Cardiff, UK. CF5 1NZ Tel. 029 20342907 www.soundkit.co.uk e. [email protected] DTL Broadcast Ltd. For over 35 years, DTL products have been at the heart of the broadcasting, from productions to live broadcasting from the streets of the world. DTL has a new and unique approach to HDMI conversion. The Mini Gear range are intelligent, high-quality HDMI converters that go further by incorporating a LCD display that shows signal format, frame rate, audio presence, audio levels, audio meters, audio frequency and more. The ever expanding MiniBlox range is highly price competitive and includes very low cost 3G distribution amplifiers as well as recent introductions such as compact fibre optics products. MiniBlox solutions have inherent versatility with 1RU and 2RU rack mount options as well as a piggy back battery system. Tel: +44 (0) 8707 462 062 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dtl-broadcast.com John Henry’s Ltd Specialist suppliers to the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Pro Audio Services, Corporate Events, Event Production, Live Sound, Monitoring, Touring, Recording, Radio, Television, Showcases, Record Launches. 16-24 Brewery Road, London. UK N7 9NH Tel: +44(0)20 7609 9181 www.johnhenrys.com 3D Broadcast Sales Suppliers of New & Used Equipment PRO BROADCAST EQUIPMENT SALES, PINEWOOD STUDIOS AND LONDON. 3D Broadcast offer over 38 years of experience selling into Government Bodies, the Broadcast and Corporate Market Place. We offer professional, impartial advice for post-production and media distribution solutions. With an ever growing international client base, we can source and supply equipment from many major manufacturers. 3D Broadcast - Striving For Excellence. Room 573, Eastside Complex, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Bucks, SL0 0NH Tel: 01753 653555 Email: [email protected] Web: www.3dbroadcastsales.com 3D Storm 3D Storm, distributor of NewTek products in EMEA since 1999, and LiveXpert worldwide. LiveXpert™ is a product line dedicated to live and sports production complementary to NewTek TriCaster™ & 3Play™. LiveXpert extends any production by giving tools to manage, create and add graphics, social media content, or timing and scoring into any live production. Contact: 3D Storm, 70 avenue de Capeyron 33160 ST MEDARD EN JALLES, FRANCE Tel +33 (0)557 262 262 Fax +33 (0)557 262 261 Email: [email protected] Website: www.3dstorm.com Camera Corps Camera Corps specialises in providing highvolume support services for reality television programmes as well as very large-scale sports and stage events worldwide. Providing bespoke camera systems and technical services to broadcasters to enhance coverage of major broadcast events across the world, i.e. Olympic Games. Camera Corps has achieved a pre-eminent reputation for capturing exciting and unusual television content from exceptionally challenging environments. Camera Corps Ltd Unit 2, 111 Chertsey Road Byfleet, Surrey. KT14 7AX United Kingdom Tel +44 (0)1932 336052 Fax: +44 (0)1932 350698 E: [email protected] W: www.cameracorps.co.uk Central Rental Limited Central Rental is a Broadcast Hire Company based in the West End of London. With over 25 years as a rental company in Soho, we really know our way around kit rental & crewing. Whatever your project, we will do our very best to tailor our Kit & Crew to your specific production. Contact: 1 Bedford Avenue, London. WC1B 3AU T: 0207 631 4455 E: [email protected] W: www.centralrental.co.uk Fletcher London (Europe) Fletcher is a Camera systems provider specialising in Live TV. With over 25 years of experience behind us we have solutions available suitable for both OB or Studio environments. Numerous clients worldwide call on Fletcher for short term or long term rental. Current rental solutions include; * NAC Hi-Motion II - HD Camera (UltraMotion) * I-Movix HD and 4K Cameras (UltraMotion) * NCAM Augmented Reality realtime camera tracking * Evertz Dreamcatcher HD or 4K with HD Zoom extraction * Pico Miniature Camera (Ultra-Motion) * Sony HDC-4300 4K Camera (coming soon) T: +44 1753 576861 E: [email protected] W: www.fletcherlondon.co.uk 52 Film&Video BROADCAST The A-Z of Services & Suppliers BROADCAST CAMERAS BROADCAST EQUIPMENT SALE & HIRE The Hiring Post The Hiring Post offer you a personal and flexible service, providing both short and long term, dry hire contracts for the very latest Post Production packages to help you edit faster and do more on a flexible basis. You can be certain to get the latest kit prewired, pre-tested, delivered and installed by our specialist team. We include fastresponse technical support direct from our offices in London, The Midlands or Manchester. Unit 4, Shepperton Business Park, Govett Avenue, Shepperton. TW17 8BA T: 01932 255 525 e: [email protected] Monster Peacock Bringing the new breed of Indie Facilities hire to the North. We pride ourselves in our helpful accommodating service, well serviced, constantly updated stock and above all reasonable rates. Whether it’s a TV production, commercial, web broadcast, viral, sports coverage, extreme sports, events coverage, corporate video work, wedding, low budget short or feature or simply to take pictures on the beach, Monster Peacock should be on top of your contact list for equipment. We're here to help and we deliver… Literally! Monster Peacock LTD College Works, Albion Row Newcastle Upon Tyne. NE6 1PQ W: www.monsterpeacock.com E: [email protected] H.Q. - 0191 90 88 003 Mobile - 07515 278085 Kit & Crew We hire a wide range of the latest digital camera technology at competitive prices. We pride ourselves on our level of technical expertise and customer service our clients expect. That’s why our clients come back to us time and time again. Contact: T: 0208 755 1141 E: [email protected] W: www.kitandcrew.co.uk Mi Broadcast Ltd. Specialising in fibre optic equipment for television and radio production. Leading supplier for sale and hire of optical links to transport 4K/3G/HD-SDI video, data and audio over fibre optic cable. Including Telecast CopperHeads fibre optic camera backs, Python and SHED/HDX. Large hire inventory of equipment and cable including Neutrik DUO and QUAD. Contact: Mi Broadcast Ltd 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, CB1 3LBUnited Kingdom T: 01223 411625 E: [email protected] W: www.tac4.com Minicams Specialists in minicam and robotic camera systems. Minicams provides ground-breaking systems and cameras that will offer the flexibility and scalability to consistently deliver stunning and reliable footage. We provide the resources and support to complement and add value to any size of production, be it from a small minicam setup to a 100 camera fixed rig system. For further information, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us at the following address: T: +44 (0)207 183 8600 E: [email protected] W: minicams.tv Octica Professional Ltd Professional distribution of broadcast, professional video and film equipment throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. • ABC Products: Full range of cranes and dollies • Cartoni: Professional camera fluid heads, tripods and jibs • Chrosziel: Professional mattebox and follow focus solutions • Konova: Sliders for DSLRs and digital cinema cameras • Protech: Shoulder mount adaptors and 4K fibre-optic systems • Bebob, Cineroid, HPRC, Shape and TheLight Unit 3, Tims Boatyard, Timsway, Staines, England. TW18 3JY T: 01784 450 506 F: 01784 449 646 E: [email protected] W: www.octica.tv Picture Canning North We supply, you produce... 24/7 back up, fast, adaptable, reliable service, competitive rates, expert knowledge. Experienced in drama, documentaries, commercials, entertainment, features. A production supply centre; hire: shooting crews, cameras, lighting, grip, wet hire, dry hire, commercial and drama kits, multicamera, audio. Cutting edge broadcast formats: Arri Alexa, Red, Canon, Blackmagic Design, XDCam, SD & Go Pro. Contact:Newcastle office: (0)191 265 0061 Email: [email protected] Web: www.picturecanningnorth.co.uk Provision Wholly owned by ITV Studios, Provision are proud to stake their claim as a leading supplier of technical location equipment, supplying the Arri Alexa, RED, HD Video, Sound, Grip and Lighting equipment with bases in Manchester, Leeds and London. Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Mrs Biggs, Vera, This Is England, UTOPIA, DCI Banks. Contact: [email protected] - Leeds & London [email protected] - Manchester Preco (Broadcast Systems) Ltd Excellence in Broadcast • Sales • Consultancy • Design • Installation • Support Preco (Broadcast Systems) Ltd Unit 29, Lawson Hunt Industrial Park Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 3JR T: 0845 55 77 822 Intl: +44 208 644 4447 e: [email protected] www.preco.co.uk BATTERIES & POWER ARRI C.T. Ltd. From innovative tools designed to advance traditional film technologies, including HDIVS high definition video assist units and 2perforation movements for 35 mm cameras, to revolutionary digital breakthroughs such as the new ALEXA camera and economical lens solutions such as the Alura Zooms, ARRI camera products continue to lead the field. 2 High Bridge, Oxford Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, England. UB8 1LX T: 01895 457000 [email protected] W: www.arri.com Fibre4TV Ltd. We specialise in fibre optic cables used in the TV, Radio and Events industry. Services we provide include cable supply, installations and repair. We manufacture in house: Multimode and singlemode tactical fibre cable assemblies with Neutrik opticalCON DUO and QUAD Delphi and many other connectors including ST, LC and SC. Hybrid camera cables, SMPTE 311 with Lemo 3K.93C for outdoor and indoor use. Custom fibre cables and adaptors. Fibre4TV Ltd, 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, CB1 3LB T: 01223 521235 E: [email protected] W: www.fibre4.tv BROADCAST GRIP EQUIPMENT Anton/Bauer Europe B.V. Anton/Bauer is recognised as the world's innovator and premier provider of batteries, chargers and mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video & film industries. With offices in the United States, Europe and Asia, Anton/Bauer's signature product lines are compatible with virtually every camera brand in the world. Contact: Martyn Sly-Jex, Manager (EMEA & Russia) T +31 45 5639225 F +31 45 5639222 M +31 6 51104631 [email protected] www.antonbauer.com Grip Equipment Hire & Technical Specialists Chapman UK, suppliers of state of the art equipment for UK/Europe and the sole suppliers of the Hydrascope Telescopic Crane (unique as it is completely waterproof). We also supply Chapman Camera Dollies, Camera Tracking Vehicles (all types), Remote Heads, customised Camera rigs; all grip equipment under one roof. Call us. T: +44 (0)1727 838424 [email protected] www.chapmanleonard.com CABLES, COPPER & FIBRE Maser Communications (UK) Ltd Celebrating over 25 years of global success with Belden. UK Distributor for Trompeter. *3G video: all sizes, colours and configurations. *Audio: Analogue/Digital, single/multi in all jacket configurations. *Data: CAT5/6/7, tactical – range of colours and options. *Fibre: Multimode/singlemode, tactical – huge range available. *Connectivity: 3G BNC, 3G weco, ranges of tooling and accessories. *Southern based distribution centre. For further information, please contact us: Maser Communications (UK) Limited, Unit 4, Axis Park, Fort Fareham Industrial Estate, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hampshire. England UK PO14 1FD e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01329 236000 Fax: 01329 238185 www.masercomms.co.uk www.masergroup.com CAMERA EQUIPMENT IDX Technology Europe Ltd IDX Technology Europe Ltd IDX Technology is the premier manufacturer of batteries, chargers, wireless HD video transmission systems, LED on board lights and mounting accessories to the broadcast and professional video industry. Ten V-Mount battery options are available covering a range of different applications, needs and budgets. IDX are proud to be the U.K. distributor for Century lenses and Schneider Optic filters used by the most discerning DOP’s. Unit 9, Langley Park, Waterside Drive, Langley, Berkshire. SL3 6AD T: 01753 547692 F: 01753 546660 E: [email protected] W: www.idx-europe.co.uk PAG Limited PAG is the innovator of the most technologically advanced camera power and lighting systems for the broadcast industry. PAGlink is a truly intelligent linking battery system that offers more power for cameras and accessories, a current draw of 12A, high capacities, more outputs, linked battery charging, ultra-compact chargers, easier battery management and the best value for money. PAG Ltd., 565 Kingston Road, London. SW20 8SA E: [email protected] T: 020 8543 3131 F: 020 8540 4116 www.paguk.com Black Cat Business Services (Cables) Ltd Custom bespoke Camera and Lens AV and Broadcast cables. 3G HD HD-SDI Coax cables singles and Multicores. OB Cables Fibre SMPTE cables Triax, DC Powering Cables. AV and Power Cables and supplier of cable drums. Unit 14, Chiltern Trading Estate, Earl, Howe Road, Holmer Green, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP15 6QT Tel: 01494 711820 Email: [email protected] Web: www.blackcatcables.com Direct Cable Systems Ltd Broadcast, Audio, Lighting, Data and Power cables, extensive range of HD Coax and HD Multicores, Tactical Cat5E Cat 6 and Tactical Multicore all from stock. We also supply a wide range of: connectors, components and hardware, metalwork and patching products, bespoke manufacturing and custom power distribution, all available from our London based warehouse. Contact: Tel: 0208 238 7800 Email: [email protected] Web: www.directcablesystems.com Lens Locker Lenslocker is an online camera and lens hire company currently specialising in Canon and Nikon cameras and lenses, our range will soon expand into Sony. We also have a range of accessories that includes studio lighting, filters, tripods and flashes. W: www.lenslocker.co.uk T: 0208 8911613 CAMERA SUPPORTS & TRIPODS Vinten Free your creativity - Vinten precisely matches your style, so you are free to focus on the shot: • Perfectly balanced heads for effortless filming • Moves in tune with you • Adjusts to match your style • Stop the shot exactly where you want • Suit payloads from DSLRs upwards • Global award winner Contact: T: +44 (0) 845 671 5502 E: [email protected] W: www.vinten.com Vinten, William Vinten Building, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England. IP33 3TB Film&Video 53 BROADCAST BROADCAST EQUIPMENT SALE & HIRE MINI HD CAMERAS, RF AND FIBRE LINKS The A-Z of Services & Suppliers POST PRODUCTION COMPANY SUB BROADCAST MANUFACTURER CASES 1ST OAKLEIGH CASES LTD We specialise in the bespoke design and manufacture of flight cases and foam inserts. We supply many industries with a wide range of products including cases for projectors, speakers, cabling, LED screens etc. We produce mobile wardrobe cases and 19” racks: shock mounted, double bay and 3 lidded. All of our products are designed and manufactured on site, at our purpose built factory, conveniently situated near junction 24 of the M25 and junction 1 of A1M. 1st Oakleigh Cases Ltd, Unit 10 Summit Rd, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QW T: 01707 655 011 F: 01707 646 447 Email: [email protected] Web: www.1st-oakleighcases.com Miniature Broadcast Cameras Ltd Miniature Broadcast Cameras Ltd was founded in 2006 to supply Miniature HighDefinition cameras and support engineering systems. Our main products cover RubiCam Mini HD Cameras, Rubi-Radio Mini HD RF Links & Camera Control, RubiFibre Telelinks, RubiVision Monitors and Electronic Manufacturing Facility. Please visit our website at www.mbc-ltd.com for more information on our products. Unit I The Acorn Centre, Roebuck Road, Hainault, Essex, England. IG6 3TU Contact: Neil Davies T: 0208 500 4385 E: [email protected] GatesAir GatesAir provides complete solutions for overthe-air radio and television broadcasting, leveraging wireless spectrum to maximise performance for multichannel, mission-critical services. Powering over-the-air networks worldwide with unparalleled reliability for nearly 100 years, GatesAir’s turnkey solutions enable broadcasters to create, transport and transmit radio and TV content. Visit www.gatesair.com for more information. BROADCAST INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Van Diemen Films Ltd Precision Optics for Film, Television and Broadcast. We Design and manufacture motion picture lenses using our patented Wireform™ lens drive technology, offering variable-pitch close focus movements. Our Well-equipped Service Centre and highly skilled engineers offer optical support for maintenance and repair as well as bespoke engineering. W: www.vandiemenbroadcast.co.uk E: [email protected] T: 01276 61222 COMPLIANCE IGLOO Post Igloo Post, a boutique post production house for 4K & HD Online, Grading & FX using industry leading technology for both file and tape based workflows. We have handled the post production requirements for over 50 hours of award winning documentaries broadcast globally on National Geographic, Discovery & Smithsonian. 5th Floor, Fairgate House, 78 New Oxford Street, London. WC1A 1HB T: 0207 287 7993 F: 0207 494 9611 W: www.igloopost.co.uk E: [email protected] POWER SUPPLY REMOTE HEADS Case Design Ltd Case Design is one of Europe's leading Flight Case Manufacturers. We design to maximise protection whilst keeping weight and space to a minimum. We build in Aluminium Wood and Astroboard and are Peli re-sellers. Operating from purpose designed premises in High Wycombe just outside London we serve clients around the world. Our people are what makes the difference, they are highly skilled craftsmen many of whom have spent 20 years with Case Design. Do get in touch, we're a knowledgeable and friendly bunch. Case Design Ltd, 1 Tannery Rd, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks, England. HP13 7EQ Tel: 01494 474400 Email: [email protected] Web: www.case-design.co.uk Cammotion Ltd Sale and hire of the ROC compact remote head and Vortex vertical tracking system. Cammotion’s ROC is a new 2-axis remote head which delivers precision control within an elegant lightweight form. The ROC head is ideal for box/POV style cameras and small digital film cameras. T: 01628 477270 E: [email protected] W: www.cammotion.co.uk RIGGING, SUSPENSION AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT Bryant Unlimited We stock the most comprehensive range of cables and connectors for audio, video and optical applications. Audio and Video jackfields, cable management products, cable assemblies, 19” racks trays and custom metalwork. Rack lighting, “Eyepower” Power Distribution Units, PPM units, UMD displays. IT Networking products, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7 cables and patch panels. Manufacture and repair of LEMO SMPTE and Neutrik OpticalCON fibre optic camera cables. Contact: Bryant Unlimited, 70b Stafford Road, Croydon, England. CR0 4NE Or Call: T: 020 8404 4050 F: 020 8404 4080 E: [email protected] www.bryant-unlimited.co.uk TimeDelay.TV TimeDelay.tv is the UK's ONLY company dedicated to the Broadcast Compliance of Live TX Shows. Our 5-10 second system instantly cuts out profanity in Video and/or Audio, helping to adhere to the OFCOM Broadcast Code. Credits include: Big Brother, I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, Soccer AM & The Mobo Awards. 12 Woodfield Rise, Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire. WD23 4QS Mob: 07970 624 424 Tel: 020 8950 5666 www.TimeDelay.tv POST PRODUCTION & EDITING SYSTEMS Eyepower MDU Mains Distribution Unit For intelligent control and monitoring of mains powered rack equipment, the all new Bryant 'eyePower' 14 x IEC outlet MDU offers unrivalled local or remote access to mains power information over wide or local area networks. Increase the manageability and efficiency of your Broadcast system or IT environment no matter how remote. Bryant Unlimited, 70b Stafford Road, Croydon, England. CR0 4NE T: 020 8404 4050 F: 020 8404 4080 E: [email protected] www.bryant-unlimited.co.uk PRODUCTION COMPANY HIGH SPEED CAMERAS Editec Broadcast Editing Services Editec are proud to be distributors of the I-Movix range of high speed cameras and cutting edge DeFlicker technology. The now industry standard Sprintcam and X10 products use the latest Phantom 642 camera with I-Movix broadcast integration solutions. Shoot up to 2500fps in native 1080i for stunning ultra slow motion. Clients include BT Sport, ITV Sport, Sky Sports, Televideo, BBC Wales, AMP audio visual (France), Unlimited Film Production (Norway), Alimaya (Saudi Arabia). Call: STEVE COTTERILL Office 0116 2727800 Mob: 07831 430519 E-Mail [email protected] Doughty Engineering LTD Established in 1970, Doughty Engineering is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of grip, rigging and suspension equipment, supplying products internationally to film, TV and the entertainment industries. Doughty products are manufactured at the company’s factory in Ringwood, Hampshire, enabling the design and manufacture of both standard and bespoke products. www.doughty-engineering.co.uk T: +44 1425 478961 E: [email protected] SPECIALIST CAMERA SYSTEMS LENS ADAPTORS MTF Services Widely acknowledged as the finest and most comprehensive range of lens adaptors. We specialise in producing adaptors for the very latest cameras to accept a wide range of lenses. Director Mike Tapa has been designing equipment for the last 23 years and is responsible for many world firsts including: Nikon to 1/3", Nikon G to 1/3", Nikon to EX3, Nikon G to EX3, Canon to EX3. Contact: MTF Services, Unit B401, The Chocolate Factory, London, N22 6XJ E. [email protected] W. www.mtfservices.com T. 020 8881 7850 Aerial Camera Systems (ACS) ACS is a leading provider of specialist camera facilities including a range of advanced remote head and camera systems, stabilised camera mounts, rail and wire systems, aerial filming services and the sponsor-funded EyeFlyer. Whether it be a single remote head or multiple systems and crew for large international broadcast events, ACS delivers the very best in specialist cameras and award winning crew. Contact: Antonia Wood 3 The Merlin Centre, Lancaster Road High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP12 3QL T: 01483 426767 W: acsmedia.com E: [email protected] Libra Professional Broadcast Ltd Libra supply both new and used broadcast equipment at highly competitive prices. Libra are authorised Sony resellers and due to our long established expertise we can supply and advise on a diverse range of broadcast equipment. Now entering our 29th year of trading in the broadcast engineering field, Libra can service your equipment to full manufacturer’s specifications. Libra have a wide client base with work carried out for Local Authorities, the Ministry of Defence, as well as schools and colleges. Contact: South: +44(0) 1189 427773 Midlands: +44(0) 1527 853305 North: +44(0) 131 4453259 E: [email protected] W: www.libraprobroadcast.co.uk PIKS Video Engineering Ltd Broadcast & Professional Service Centre based in London, we repair and service most makes of solid state and tape format camcorders and VTRs, including: XDCAM, HDCAM, HDV, DVCAM and Digi Beta along with associated equipment. Contact: Tel: 020 8877 9669 E: [email protected] www.piks.co.uk Forbidden Technologies plc Forbidden is an award-winning technology company that develops and delivers cloudbased solutions for collaborative video postproduction. Its flagship product, Forscene, was launched in 2004 and has been used to log, edit, review, and publish more than 3 million hours of professional video content. Contact: t: +4420 8879 7245 e: [email protected] w: www.forbidden.co.uk or www.forscene.co.uk Tyrell Content Creation Tools Ltd Tyrell is the leading creative technology solutions provider for the broadcast, post production, education and corporate sectors in Ireland and the UK. The company provides complete system and workflow design, installation and support services for end to end digital media capture, creation, management, and delivery across multiple platforms. Contact: Head Office: Unit 13, Bluebell Business Park, Old Naas Road, Dublin 12, Ireland. T: +353 1888 1118 F: +353 1888 1119 UK Office: 80 Berwick Street, London, W1F 8TU T: +44 207 148 6200 F: +44 207 148 6201 E: [email protected] W: www.tyrellcct.com mediapool Established in 2003, Mediapool is a video and digital media production company which has a division specialising in the healthcare sector. We work closely with organisations and agencies to deliver a variety of communication services. • Film Production • Live Events • Animation • Aerial Filming • Photography Apple Tree Studios, 155 Locket Road, London. HA3 7NY T: 020 7785 7020 W: www.mediapool.co.uk E: [email protected] TECHNICAL FURNITURE AKA Design Limited Contact us at: 2 Kingfisher Place, Clarendon Road, LONDON, ENGLAND. N22 6XF Or call us on: T: 020 8829 9100 F: 020 8829 9148 E: [email protected] W: www.akadesign.com 54 Film&Video BROADCAST The A-Z of Services & Suppliers BROADCAST INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Custom Consoles Ltd Custom Consoles Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of project-specific and modular broadcast-studio furniture including motorised, manually-adjustable and fixedheight units plus fan-cooled sound-insulated equipment housings. Our 1,200 square metre production facility is equipped with 3D computer-aided-design and computercontrolled cutting machinery. This provides the dual benefits of precise quality-control and prompt delivery. Leedon House, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard, England. LU7 4TN Tel: 01525 379 909 Fax: 01525 370 237 Web: www.customconsoles.co.uk Wire Broadcast We’re a specialist team who can specify, design and install your bespoke technical facility. Whether it’s a machine room, edit or grading suite, camera or sound studio, a single or complete part of the production chain, our solutions are designed to maximise your capabilities and streamline your workflow. Contact: Wire Broadcast Ltd, 1 Cleve House, 7 to 9 Cleve Road, London. NW6 3RN T: +44 (0) 845 468 0200 M: +44 (0) 7976 155 998 E: [email protected] Tw: twitter.com/wirebroadcast Fuel Film & Television Ltd Fuel is the company that takes your production personally. We will look after you from pre-production discussions and advice through to filming, making certain you have a smooth transition to the edit, delivering your message with conviction and impact. We work with all video formats and film. We dry hire. Please use the following number to get in touch - we’d love to hear from you and be involved in your next project. Tel: 01923 233956 Mob: 07774 183366 E: [email protected] Web: www.fuelfilm.co.uk GB Helicopters GB Helicopters are specialists in aerial filming throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. Equipment options include the newly released C516; 4k gyro-stabilised platform with Red Epic Dragon and interchangeable 30300/20x50 4k lens. Teamed with highly experienced Pilots and AOC certified we can provide aerial filming for Broadcasts, TV, documentaries and cinematic divisions. T: 0800 030 4105 E: [email protected] W: www.gbhelicopters.com Twitter & Instagram: GBHelicopters AERIAL FILMING SERVICES Lightning Media We offer a wide range of services including broadcast equipment rental, consumables, production and duplication, pushing the boundaries with innovative in-house customisation tailored to our client's specifications at highly competitive rates. Operating a four day week policy, with the client paying for four days but retaining the equipment for seven. Contact: Mike Patel Unit 32 Sheraton Business Centre, 20 Wadsworth Road, PERIVALE, West London England, UB6 7JB, T: 0208 9989911 W:www.lightningmedia.co.uk E: [email protected] OUTSIDE BROADCAST Technical Desking Technical Desking Ltd has an impressive client list, including some of London’s top Post Production facilities and TV studios. Founder and MD Antony Haston, has designed numerous AV & Post Production studios in the UK and abroad. Holding a stock of standard range studio furniture allows for prompt delivery, with large format desks suitable for everything from editing, mixing & colour grading to home studios; all come with built in cable management. Antony Haston 8 Bouverie Road, London, N16 0AJ Tel: 020 8826 5767 E: [email protected] W: www.mybigdesk.com Bluefin Television Ltd Established in 1994 and proud to have been BBC ‘Approved Suppliers’ since 2006. We supply creative, broadcast camera crews and a full range of cameras, sound & lighting equipment, including, Sony F55/F5, FS7 & XDCam range, plus Canon C300, RED, Alexa, GoPro & Mini-Cams. We work with broadcasters, Indies, digital agencies, PR companies and Corporate clients. We work with an established pool of professional camera crews experienced in all genres including, Docs, Factual, Lifestyle, Arts & Current Affairs. Specialist Filming Services include, Vehicle, Aerial, Marine, Underwater & Mini-Cams. Contact: Ant Leake (DoP) 020-7622-0870 (m) 07973-502349 www.bluefintv.com Oran O’Reilly Ltd An established production company based in London, created by Oran O’Reilly, a lighting cameraman, editor and filming producer. Offering a dedicated and personal approach to all his clients. Oran O’Reilly Ltd film, edit and produce everything from EPKs, VNRs, BTSs, interviews, B-Roll, PR, news packages and press junkets. Offering a bespoke, professional and friendly service to our clients in television, PR, corporate, fashion, music and the entertainment industries. As an owner operator he can provide any combination of kit from a Sony F5 to a Canon 5D and crew. M: +44 (0)7944 864888 E: [email protected] W: www.oranoreilly.com MPL - AERIAL FILMING SERVICES A specialist aerial film company with a professional and creative approach to aerial filming. Working in all environments and across all formats, throughout the UK & abroad providing helicopters, specialist mounts and camera systems suitable for aerial work. We are always happy to offer help and advice at any stage of production. Tel: + 44 (0)1362 684135 Mob: + 44 (0)7768 667361 Web: www.mpl-aerialfilming.co.uk Email: [email protected] DVD DUPLICATION SERVICES DUPLICATION, REPLICATION & COPY PROTECTION AERIAL DRONE SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT Boris TV Boris TV has the most compact and economical OB system available. Up to 8 HD/SD SDI cameras over fibre or copper, from trailer based units suitable for indoor and outdoor work. Our trailers are small enough to airfreight but still roomy enough to comfortably seat 5. Conveniently placed in Camberley for easy access to London and the UK’s Motorways. Contact us to find out how we can help with your production. T: 01276 61222 E: [email protected] W: www.boris.tv CAMERAMAN & CREW HIRE LEN Limited LEN is one of the most established manufacturers and suppliers of signal enhancement technology in the world, supporting customers for over 30 years at the forefront of the constantly evolving signal and broadcast arena. By choosing LEN you will benefit from our innovative design approach, exceptional products which exceed technical specifications, and a comprehensive understanding of the industry. LEN Limited, Radway Green Venture Park, Radway Green, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 5PR T: +44 (0) 1270 886157 F: +44 (0) 1270 886100 W: www.len.co.uk E: [email protected] SYSTEMS INTEGRATION dB Broadcast Limited dB Broadcast is the UK's largest independent systems integrator. The company is a centre of excellence for the delivery of traditional and new technology broadcast systems and has an outstanding track record of delivering large and small scale projects, worldwide. dB also designs and manufactures its own ranges of products. dB Broadcast Limited, Sedgeway Business Park, Witchford, Ely, Cambs. CB6 2HY, UK T: +44(0)1353 661117 E: [email protected] W: www.dbbroadcast.co.uk The Company Award winning production company (est. 1993). Live broadcast news, events, medical training, educational and corporate videos.2/4K filming and post-production for DVD, Blu-ray, web and RAW delivery. Crewed location vans, for multi-camera events, editing, HDSDI and H264 feed. Check out our website for details and reputation. Call: 01392 495778 Or: 07976870132 Email: [email protected] Website: www.theco.co.uk John Fay John Fay, Lighting Cameraman, with over 17 years’ experience in lighting and shooting Documentaries, Drama and Commercial films. Based in Ireland, owner of Canon C300 and Prime Lenses and Sony HDCAM 790p and a wide selection of lights. Show Reel available on website. W: www.johnfaycameraman.com E : [email protected] T: 00353 87 2427234 Bakerhouse Studios Ltd. We’re the first supplier in East Yorkshire to offer drone service 100% legally under the stringent CAA guidelines. With qualified pilots and commercial photographers working with industrial-grade drones and high resolution DSLR equipment, our team is also dedicated to giving talks and workshops on the legality and applications of aerial filming to local authorities and businesses Contact: Ben O’Leary 18 Westbourne Avenue, Hull, HU5 3HR T: 01482 420788 E: [email protected] W: www.bakehouseaerial.co.uk/ Replication We are known for on-demand duplication of CD-R, DVD+/-R and Blu-ray, encoding and authoring services for DVD and CDROM/Audio and DVD replication. Having Copy Protected video on custom discs, memory cards and USBs, we now have content preparation, secure digital copy download to PC/Mac/iOS and Android devices and ecommerce, supported by experienced packaging and worldwide fulfilment services. Sales and support of Microtech disc and Nexcopy memory publishing equipment. Unit 4 Balksbury Estate, Balksbury Hill, Upper Clatford, Andover, Hants. SP11 7LW T: (0)1264 336 330 F: (0)1264 336 694 E: [email protected] www.replication.com CTV Outside Broadcasts Limited CTV maintains a refreshing and dynamic approach to OBs which is supported by our portfolio of blue chip broadcasters and the leading programme producers. With our wide-ranging all HD OB fleet and the people who constantly deliver, we are The OB company of Choice. For further information, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected] Or call: 020 8453 8989 AERIAL FILMING LIGHTING BeyondHD Aerial & Stabilisation Equipment Specialist Supplier of Aerial filming, Gyro Stabilisation & Camera Support Equipment for Film and TV. • Black Armored Drone - Aerial Cinematography Drone • Letus Helix – Advanced Camera Gyro Stabilisation Systems for Arri/Red/Sony/Grass Valley cameras • L’Aigle – Exoskeleton Camera Support Solutions & Steadicams • Long Range HD Wireless Transmission Links • Professional Drone Accessories & Control Contact: T: +44 20 3651 6994 E: [email protected] W: www.BeyondHD.tv 3 Mills Studios, London ARRI C.T. Limited Since 1924, ARRI has been continuously designing and supplying innovative lighting solutions. ARRI's extensive range of lighting products offers an abundance of creative lighting solutions. ARRI lights are put to use across the world on feature film, TV productions, in TV studios, at major sporting events and for industrial applications. 2 High Bridge, Oxford Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex. UB8 1LX Tel: 01895 457000 E: [email protected] W: www.arri.com Telegenic Telegenic provides a complete 3D or High Definition package globally. We pride ourselves on bringing together exactly the right elements to make a seamless production. With our fleet of supertrucks we offer the ability to broadcast simulcast 2D and 3D or just HD, which ever the production requires. Contact: 8 The Merlin Centre, Lancaster Road, High Wycombe, England. HP12 3QL T: 01494 557400 F: 01494 557410 Email: [email protected] Web: www.telegenic.co.uk Film&Video 55 BROADCAST OUTSIDE BROADCAST Visions Visions, Europe's leading Outside Broadcast Facilities company. With 16 Production units available to producers, 2 - 30 cameras capable of High Definition and Standard Definition, NTSC, PAL all available globally. Project management of major fly-away projects in the UK and abroad. Sports, Music, Reality; all have been covered by Visions. Premier League Football, Hell's Kitchen, Glastonbury, Summer Olympics. For an obligation-free quote or for more information please call sales on: T: 0845 094 0808 E: [email protected] W: www.visions-ob.com FREIGHT & LOGISTICS Delivered On Time Ltd Location logistics specialist for TV/film, media and international events. In-house ATA Carnet service; global forwarding – air, sea and road; express courier; London warehousing; meet and greet service available at London airports; 24/7 operations, 365 days a year; express service within Europe; sea & air charter service. Delivered on Time Ltd, Unit 4, The Mercury Centre, Central Way, Feltham, Middlesex. TW14 0RN T: 0208 890 5511 E: [email protected] W: www.deliveredontime.com The A-Z of Services & Suppliers LOCATION CATERER (WALES) Just Perfect Catering Just Perfect Catering is the number one TV and Film location caterer in Wales. We own and operate state-of-the-art location catering facilities and can be relied upon to provide exquisite foodcreated using Welsh produce through a fast, efficient service. We are STS accredited and ISO 14001 & 9001 registered. Unit 17, Tondu Enterprise Centre, Tondu, Bridgend, CF32 9BS T: 01656 724 363 E:[email protected] W: www.justperfectcatering.co.uk SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Astec IT Solutions Astec is a leading supplier of integrated software solutions, delivering monitoring and control systems to the satellite, terrestrial, IPTV, broadband and other broadcast sectors. Our iBroadcast product is the most flexible, comprehensive, scalable, end-to-end, multivendor Network Management System (NMS) and is capable of monitoring and controlling your entire broadcast platform. For further information please contact:T: +44 1543 888134 W: www.astecsolutions.com E: [email protected] Halliford Studios Purpose built and independently owned, we are committed to providing the best on-site facilities and value for money. Everything onsite: construction, scene dock & prop room, lighting store and canteen. 2 drive–in Sound Stages with full height cyclorama backings with coves & lighting walkways. Safe & secure on-site parking, minutes from the M25 and 20 minutes from Heathrow. Contact: Callum or Rigby Andrews, Manygate Lane, Shepperton. TW17 9EG Tel: 01932 226 341 Fax: 01932 226 341 Web: www.hallifordfilmstudios.co.uk Email: [email protected] MUSIC LIBRARY STAGING STUDIOS OUTSIDE BROADCAST SALES Onvision Europe’s Specialist Broker for the sale of Used Outside Broadcast Vehicles, Outside Broadcast Equipment and systems. Call us for help with buying or selling your OB or equipment. [email protected] www.onvision.co.uk Tel 020 8763 4198 SERVICES & SUPPLIERS Logfret (UK) Ltd Logfret is an International freight forwarding company. Established in 1970, we have over 65 offices worldwide; many by major studios. Services Include: Customs clearance, part/full loads, daily Europe runs, dedicated TV/production transport, Tail lift, specialist equipment, door-to-door domestic/ international express, ATA Carnets, next-day nationwide, London timed deliveries, packing, secure storage. Land, Sea, Air enquiries: 01753 785 539 [email protected] Pinewood Studios Props Building, Office 655 Pinewood Road, Iver Heath Bucks SL3 0NH www.logfret.com AKM Music Royalty Free Music, buyout licence for corporate, television, websites and DVD productions. Non MCPS library. Huge range of downloads and CDs. Fresh original music: Trailers, Rock, Acoustic, Dance, Cinematic, Orchestral, Horror, Comedy, Children. Pay once use forever. Used by BBC, ITV, satellite and cable channels worldwide. Ideal for corporate DVDs. For further information about our extensive library, please get in touch with us at: AKM Music, 2 Albion St, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdon. CV8 2FW Web: www.akmmusic.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01926 864068 Concept Staging Ltd Concept Staging Ltd has over 15 years’ experience in the staging industry. Suppliers of Sets, Indoor & outdoor staging systems, Truss, Screen supports, Camera platforms, Jimmy jib platforms, Steeldecks & Accessories, Access Ramps, and Revolves. In house – on site fabrication. Tel: 01282 862777 Fax: 01282 867444 E: [email protected] W: www.conceptstaging.co.uk Meadows Farm Studios A 4,500sqft visual media studio ready for dry and wet hire. A large soundproofed drive-in green screen studio, a drive-in white infinity cove and daylight lifestyle space with full kitchen. Very versatile and flexible space. Henley-onThames is 30 miles west of London with plenty of parking and easy access from M4 & M40. Contact: T: 01491 577789 E: [email protected] BLUE SCREEN/CHROMAKEY ACCOMMODATION Access Bookings Ltd Expert accommodation, events and travel booking specialists for the media industry. The best service, the best value. 24/7 365 days a year. • Hotels • Apartments • Chalets • Cottages • Flights • Trains • Taxis • Car hire • Excess baggage • Visas • Carnets • Private aircraft charter • Meetings • Wrap parties www.accessbookings.com [email protected] 01543 272575 CONVEYORS, TREADMILLS & TRAVELATORS Canning Conveyor Working within the film & TV industry for the past 30 years. • Films • TV commercials/Dramas • Gameshows • Music videos CONVEYORS FOR HIRE/RENTAL OR CONTRACT HIRE. • Delivery, Site assembly, installation • Provision of on-set operator for rehearsals, standby and shooting • De-rigging after strike. Andrew Canning: Tel: 01909 486166 or email: [email protected] www.canningconveyor.co.uk Canning Conveyor Co Ltd, Sandy Lane, Worksop, Nottingham. S80 1TN Precision Cargo Services Ltd Many years' experience with major production companies in film and television, operating from both studios and locations worldwide. Services include: transport of dailies, props, models, visual and special effects equipment, together with weaponry and firearms; forwarding of personal and professional effects. Coordinators are provided for each individual production. 24 hour/7 day a week service. Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Bucks, SL0 0NH T: 01753 650 551 E: [email protected] W: www.precisioncargo.co.uk De Wolfe Music The largest independent production music library. De Wolfe Music work with some of the world’s best composers for TV & Film. Over 80,000 high quality tracks on our website for you to choose from. Contact us for: • Free Music Searches • Free Music Downloads • Sync and Licensing • Special Composition • Recording Studios Music search hotline: 020 7631 3600 Email: [email protected] Search our comprehensive catalogue at: www.dewolfemusic.com SCOTTISH DIRECTORY Camberwell Studios Camberwell Film Studios, South London. Two studios available for hire. Very Competitive Pricing! Studio 1: 1300 sq. ft. Cyc, Drive in access; Studio 2: 400 sq. ft., Full infinity cyc, soundproof, Pre-lit Green rooms; Free Wifi, Free Parking, Canteen, Friendly Service. T: 020 7737 0007 Block A, Chartwell Business Park, 61-65 Paulet Road, SE5 9HW www.camberwellstudios.co.uk E: [email protected] Chromakey Chromakey-hire.com are a UK-based company who can fulfill all your blue and green screen requirements, for hire, from stock, or made up to your required sizes and colours. They are also available to purchase. We also supply chromakey body suits, chromakey joining tape, and chromakey paint. Contact: Call: 07831 871565, [email protected] www.chromakey-hire.com RECRUITMENT LABORATORIES Cinelab London Cinelab London provide a comprehensive range of 35mm & 16mm film processing, Sound and Digital services. As an independent facility, Cinelab provide a complete service for all production needs. Cinelab were the first laboratory to receive ISO 9001 accreditation and are also the only facility in the UK to be accredited with Kodak Imagecare. Contact: David Webb 714-716 Banbury Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, England SL1 4LR T: 01753 501500 F: 01753 691762 E: [email protected] W: www.cinelab.co.uk Film Bang Film Bang is the essential guide for film and TV production in Scotland. From its inception 39 years ago, Film Bang has developed into the definitive source of information, listing Production Companies, Facilities and Technicians. • Film Bang Online gives quick easy access to all entries. • Find the skills, facilities and companies you need for film and TV production in Scotland and beyond. • Film Bang is available in an easy to use paperback format at a cost of £25.00. Contact: Film Bang, 30 Leicester Avenue, Glasgow, Scotland. G12 0LU Tel: 0141 334 2456 E: [email protected] W: www.filmbang.com Elstree Studios Elstree Studios is recognised as one of the leading Studios in Europe, offering competitive prices, highly specified facilities and boasting over 60,000sq ft of stage space. Located 20 minutes from London, Elstree Studios is without doubt London's number one studio for any film or television production, tour rehearsal or promo. Shenley Rd, Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 1JG Tel: 020 8953 1600 Fax: 020 8905 1135 Web: www.elstreestudios.co.uk Email: [email protected] Christy Media Solutions Christy Media Solutions delivers highly specialised, flexible recruitment services to the Broadcast, Media and Satellite sectors across EMEA and the US. The company has recruitment partnerships and preferred supplier status with many leading industry organisations, providing high quality contract and permanent staff, executive search, selection and project contract resource solutions. Contact: 4 Danbury Court, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6PL T: +44 1908 308770 E: [email protected] W: christy-media.com 3265/BFV226/J Free Interactive Online Edition NOW HERE!!! www.4rfv.co.uk/rfvonline