News

04.28.09
CREATEASPHERE: LEARN ANNOUNCES EXPANSION
HD EXPO Workshops Introduces REDucation, ColorCamp 101, New Staff and Workshop DatesCreateasphere/LEARN, the Workshop Division of HD EXPO, is expanding offerings and bolstering its staff roster as a part of a year of transformation that began early in 2009 as HD EXPO becomes Createasphere.  The expansion underway throughout HD EXPO in the transition includes Createasphere/CONNECT, the membership organization; Createasphere/LEARN and the well known expos, Createasphere/EXPLORE. Read More

03.31.09
DION BEEBE, ASC, ACS - The Oscar Winning Cinematographer Talks About the Language of Film, 3D, Musicals and Dinosaurs
Born in Australia, raised in South Africa, Dion Beebe, ASC, ACS, headed to the US in 1996. Early in his trajectory, Dion was enamored with still photography, but his focus soon shifted to the moving image.  After training for a year in South Africa, he moved back to Australia to study at the Australian Film Television and Radio School in Sydney. He began working on music videos shortly after graduation, but quickly transitioned to features with “Crush,” the first step in what has proven to be an illustrious career.  A multiple award winner and nominee, Dion was nominated for an Academy Award in 2003 for “Chicago,” and won the Oscar in 2006 for his stunning cinematography for “Memoirs of A Geisha.” His credits include “Chicago,” “Miami Vice,” “Collateral,” “Charlotte Gray,” and “Rendition,” to name but a few.  He’s at work on the DI for “Land of the Lost” and  has recently wrapped another Rob Marshall musical, “Nine.” Read the Interview Here

01.27.09
Patrick Lussier, “My Bloody Valentine 3D”
"My Bloody Valentine: 3D" hit the boxoffice bigtime, bringing 3D storytelling to a powerful horror-loving audience. The genre loving crowd is ravenously hungry for product and open to expanded experiences in movie-going. Director Patrick Lussier, set to participate at HD EXPO on March 5th on the "Cash Creativity & Tools" panel that focuses on independent filmmakers, answers a few questions that illuminatethe behind the scenes of "My Bloody Valentine 3D." Read More

01.14.09
OUTLANDER: A Real Adventure In Indepdendent FIlmmaking
The Little Epic That Could
Dirk Blackman joins a panel of seasoned and successful independent filmmakers at HD EXPO on March 5th for  “Creativity, Cash & Tools:  The Making Of An Independent Film.”   His movie OUTLANDER, starring Jim Caveziel, Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Jack Huston & Sophia Myles, and directed by his writing partner Howard McCain, opens in select cities January 23. Read More

01.14.09
HD EXPO to speak at 2009 MGFest in Chicago June 22
Content, Creativity, Community, and the Tools that Power Them.
For more than a decade, Kristin Petrovich, President of HD EXPO, has been building a vibrant community of events and networks where professionals stay ahead of the rapidly morphing information curve and plug into critical connections. Backed with a fast-growing and a resource-rich website and an international community, HD EXPO is becoming Createasphere -- a dynamic organization where video content, networking, and events power lively exchange with content creators and an eye on creative technologies as they emerge: 3D, mobile, and anytime-anyplace content. Createasphere consistently aligns with powerful collaborators and experts, including creative companies like Adobe. Adobe's Dennis Radeke brings an artistic background along with a deep understanding and passion for motion graphics and the tools and technologies that content creators and artists rely upon. Join Kristin and Dennis as they explore the creative toolset; literally and figuratively.

12.01.08
CHICAGO FILM AND TECH CONVERGE
(Chicago, IL, December 1, 2008) – The “city of Big Shoulders” is about to assert business leadership again, as a center for technology. Coming up this January, the 2009 Chicago Motion Graphics Festival and the Chicago Convergence produces seven days of events about the mergers of technology, entertainment, advertising, media, and more. Read

11.19.08
“MADE IN NEW YORK” PRODUCTION ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM
An Amazing Program Builds Success Stories for Productions and Students
by Christine Purse
When HD EXPO NY launched on September 25th, 2008, it was a new city, a new venue, and the team arrived armed with an endless list of things to do. It was obvious there was a need for reliable, short-term local staff that understood the industry. A call to the New York Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting led HD EXPO to an innovative program supporting production in New York, the “Made in NY”Production Assistant Training Program. Read

10.06.08
HD EXPO Asks: Vince Pace
by Christine Purse
Vince Pace has been fundamentally involved with 3D technology since the beginning of the resurgence of the art form. His credits include most of the major projects which have unfolded so far, including the blockbuster 3D movie “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” and the highly anticipated “Avatar”, with more to come. Vince has participated in some of the most dynamic 3D sports presentations seen to date.  We met during a tour of PACE’s Burbank headquarters and mobile 3D production and post production trucks. Read

09.02.08
CHICAGO NEW MEDIA SUMMIT
Becoming The New Media Capital of the World and Winning Olympic gold for Chicago
by Christine Purse

John Patterson is a man on a mission, and he’s mobilized a vibrant community to help make that mission into a viable opportunity for Chicago.  In June, Patterson announced the founding of The Chicago New Media Summit, a high profile thought-leader incubator for new media projects and content that identifies Chicago as the New Media Capital of the World. Embraced by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and other key leaders, the annual Summit plays an integral role in successfully implementing the new media infrastructure needed to win the 2016 Olympic bid. The CNMS team has ramped up information and events as the Summit builds community (both online and physical networking have supported its growth) and encourages the unbridled creative thought and technical innovation that create key areas of opportunity. More...

08.01.08
Suny Behar: Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Instructor
by Christine Purse
Suny Behar has been teaching the intricacies of cameras to professional cinematographers at P2 Workshops and VariCamps around the country for more than a year.  We decided it was time to catch up with this much-in-demand filmmaker and teacher to see what was on his mind and what teaching professional students around the country has taught him. More...

06.19.08
HD EXPO Asks: Producer Profile: C. Rich Wilson - Founder-Producer: Apostrophe Films
by Christine Purse
Wilson: To be honest, it was kind of dumb luck. I was a director of a company that financed a number of different projects. These encompassed some entertainment properties, telecom and products that included 3D films for amusement parks. I had helped to grow that company and take it public. While that was a white-knuckle adventure, I definitely wanted a more creative career. One of the projects that the company had already begun to finance was “Step Into Liquid,” directed by Dana Brown. Everyone knows that getting through any movie is hard work, and “Step Into Liquid” was definitely not exempt from the usual lot of misadventures. Towards the end of a fairly long production and edit, many had started to loose sight of the potential. So basically, Dana and I went into battle together, finished the thing and got it into distribution. It eventually became something special that people seem to care about. It served as a launching pad for the now two films that would follow. more...

05.14.08
HD EXPO Asks: FROM THE CUTTING ROOM:  Christopher Rouse, ACE
by Christine Purse
It’s been a heady couple of years for editor Chris Rouse, ACE. In 2006, he garnered both ACE and Oscar nominations for “United 93” and topped that in 2007 by winning both an ACE Eddie and an Oscar for his high-octane work on “The Bourne Ultimatum”. These kudos for Rouse added to his multiple BAFTA Awards, an Emmy nomination and a slew of film society and critics awards. His impressive credits include “The Italian Job,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” “Eight Below,” and  “Paycheck,” among many others. Chris spoke with us from the cutting room of his next project, “Green Zone.” more...

04.03.08
HD EXPO Asks: Colorist Q & A with DAVE COLE, LaserPacific Media Corporation, a Kodak Company
Dave Cole’s DI credits read like a veritable who’s who of directors, blockbusters and top cinematographers, beginning in his native Australia at Digital Pictures and continuing on to Hollywood. When Cole decided to head to Los Angeles from Australia, he wanted to work in an environment that featured a strong behind-the-picture infrastructure and not simply a pretty façade.  He chose LaserPacific. In the late 1990’s, Cole had set up Melbourne’s Digital Pictures digital film division and played a pivotal role in creating the digital intermediate industry in Australia.  His enviable pre-US credits include “Lord of the Rings:  Fellowship of the Ring” and leadership of the team of colorists on his sophomore collaboration with Peter Jackson, “King Kong.”  more...

02.01.08
The Post Group and iO Film: Tapeless from Dailies to DI, Door to Door
When The Post Group and iO Film came together under the Cooper Brothers’ Post Start 2 Finish family of companies last year, the opportunities to streamline processes were significant. By standardizing on a Digital Vision workflow across both facilities they took the efficiency of tapeless finishing-from SD television to studio features-to a whole new level. more...

02.01.08
FILM SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL:
Q & A: Peter Weishar
Savannah College of Art and DesignPeter Weishar is the dean of the School of Film and Digital Media at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD ), which offers multifaceted film and digital media undergraduate and graduate degree programs.   SCAD graduates are winning awards and nominations at film festivals around the world (300 to date).  Weishar took time to speak to Film School Confidential from the Savannah campus of SCAD...more

01.08.08
HD EXPO WORKSHOPS Lend Educational Support to ICG Members During WGA Strike - Discounts and Payment Plans In Effect For All Workshops
HD EXPO has developed an educational alliance with the International Cinematographer’s Guild that offers members discounts and payment plans during the protracted WGA strike. The plan, which will enable ICG Local 600 members to attend cutting-edge technology workshops, is intended to help members utilize the time during work stoppages to expand their skills and knowledge with top tier training...more

12.28.07
FILM SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL:
FILMSCHOOL Q & A:
David Franko, Full Sail Real World Education, Program Director for the Film Degree
David Franko heads up the Film Degree program at Full Sail, Winter Park Florida’s vibrant film school that has educated more than 15,000 filmmakers and creative team members.  Founded in 1979, Full Sail is home to more than 5000 students from around the US and the world and offers 13 degrees including Bachelor of Science, Associate Bachelor of Science and Master degrees covering a wide spectrum of entertainment and media disciplines.  In addition to the film degree, Full Sail programs include Digital Arts, Computer Animation, Education Media Design and Technology, Entertainment Business, Game Art, Game Development, Music Business, Graphic Design, Recording Arts, Web Design, Show Production and Touring disciplines...more

11.16.07
P2 Workflow Workshop set for Tokyo
HD EXPO and  Panasonic Present Professional Education for Tapeless Workflow At InterBEE. November 16, 2007 (Burbank, CA)   HD EXPO Workshops will present their popular P2 Workflow Workshop to an international audience of executives on November 21st, 2007 during InterBEE in Tokyo.  The P2 Workflow Workshop was unveiled in early 2007 and has been on a multi-city tour in the U.S. that extends throughout the remainder of 2007 and 2008...more

10.22.07
HD EXPO UNVEILS 3D DAY
Experts and Artists from Sony Pictures Imageworks, RealD,Main Street and 3ality Discuss and Screen Eagerly Awaited 3D Projects
October  22, 2007 (Burbank, CA) HD EXPO will present a full day of highly anticipated 3D panels and screenings on November 8th, the second day of its expanded two-day conference and exhibition in Burbank, California.  The presentations include “A Multidimensional Conversation About 3D” featuring the industry’s leading 3D experts in a far-ranging discussion of the state of 3D followed by a screening of the most compelling new content headed to screens in the next few months...more

10.15.07
Jim Matlosz: Life In The Fast Lane - High Speed Expert
From Muybridge's horses to exquisite water droplets, high speed photography has fascinated scientists, advertising agencies and artists for over 100 years.  And, as the tools improve,  increasingly powerful options are being handed to cinematographers who are using them to create phenomenal imagery in previously unexplored ways...more

10.15.07
Damages: DP David Tuttman Streamlines The HD Process
By Pauline Rogers
Welcome to the world of high-stakes litigation. Patty Hewes (Glenn Close), the most revered and reviled litigator, has taken on two new challenges; a young associate, Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne), and a new target, an allegedly corrupt CEO by the name of Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson). This new legal thriller on FX mixes the intensity of litigation with a twist - murder...more

10.15.07
FILM SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL:
FILMSCHOOL Q & A:
In 2004, Chris Palmer joined American University to establish the Center for Environmental Filmmaking in AU’s School of Communication. CEF was founded on the belief that environmental and wildlife films are vitally important educational and political tools. The center trains filmmakers to produce films and new media that are highly entertaining, ethically sound, educationally powerful and effective at producing social change.  Along with Montana State University, CEF is one of a small handful of programs geared specifically to training conservation and wildlife filmmakers in the US...more

10.15.07
ACE EDDIES!
If you weren't able to attend the phenomenal ACE EDDIES this year, here is your chance for an enviable seat! Watch Quentin Tarantino receive his Golden Eddie, Julia Sweeney host, and listen to the industry's award winners and talented editors talk about their craft and careers. It’s glamorous, funny, moving, and completely entertaining. By checking in at hdexpo.net/virtual/channel.html, you have the best seat in the house to watch this incredible evening. Virtual HD EXPO brings you crystal clear imagery from award shows, HD EXPOs, and behind the scenes interviews with experts and icons. Don’t miss this opportunity to see industry trend setters, visit hdexpo.net/virtual

RED ONE CAMERA PRESENTATION; AN IN-DEPTH OVERVIEW OF THE REVOLUTIONARY 4K CAMERA
WITH TED SCHILOWITZ
From rumor to reality, RED has inspired more interest and investigation than any camera in recent memory. Join Ted Schilowitz of RED at an LA exclusive event to explore the RED CAMERA. RED’S own Ted Schilowitz will lead an HD EXPO presentation, The RED ONE Camera, offering an overview of its 4K workflow. Schilowitz has been part of the incredible two-year development of the RED Camera and will be on hand to discuss the development of the camera, answer questions and screen 4K material using Sony’s SRX-R105 4K projector provided by Key Code Media. Assimilate’s Lucas Wilson joins the discussion to illustrate software options to effectively manage RED footage from offline and online editorial stages all the way through 4K finishing. Seating is limited and attendees already pre-registered will receive priority so register now.

3D Panel just annouced for HD EXPO November
HD EXPO Presents A Multidimensional Conversation with the Vanguard of 3D
Join us to hear Steve Schklair, Josh Greer, and Buzz Hays and Experience a Screening of the Hottest 3D Projects. 3D has arrived; see it, embrace and understand it.   Today’s 3D is better than the audience could have imagined and the industry is watching with fanatical interest.  Join us at HD EXPO for a screening of the newest content and a conversation with the people who are  making it all happen...more.

Latest P2 Workflow Workshop review
By Rob Goald - August 6, 2007
“Evolving a free form non-linear image workflow” was the goal of the P2 Workflow Workshop held last month in Los Angeles and workshop fulfilled that aspiration beautifully. Starting with a cursory historical overview of W.K.L Dickson and Thomas Alva Edison’s kinetophonograph establishing film in 1891, Ray Dolby and the Ampex crowd inventing video in 1956, and the Coen Brothers’ “O Brother Where Art Thou” (2000) as being the first film to undergo the DI process, the workshop examined what is meant by P2... more