Company 3 New York–an Ascent Media Group Company–has implemented Santa Monica-headquartered Ascent Media’s UP Satellite remote collaboration system for telecine sessions. Meanwhile, UP host sites have been added at The Whitehouse in Chicago; Universal Images in Southfield, Mich.; Post Blur in Cleveland; and Greybox in Richmond,Va.
The UP Satellite network also links Ascent companies Company 3, Santa Monica; R!OT Santa Monica; and Encore Hollywood. It includes host sites charlieuniformtango in Dallas and Brickyard VFX in Boston.
UP Satellite uses a satellite connection, provided by Ascent Media Network Services, to transmit digital video to designated host sites in other cities. Viewing takes place on monitors in each site that are properly calibrated, according to Ascent.
The goal is to allow agency creatives, directors, editors and others to collaborate with colorists at the previously mentioned Ascent Media sites, as if they were in the same room. “UP Satellite aids the creative process by removing geographic barriers,” said Stefan Sonnenfeld, president of Company 3, who was heavily involved in the development of the service. “It makes it easier for advertising agencies to work with the artists they really want to work with.”
As for the host sites, none of these companies previously offered telecine, so UP Satellite enables them to broaden the scope of their services. “This is an innovative, practical and exciting use of technology that unquestionably expands the depth of creative talent available to our Chicago editors and clients,” said Charles Day, CEO of The Whitehouse, which also maintains shops in New York, Santa Monica and London.
Colorists now available via UP Satellite from Company 3 New York include John Bonta, Eli Friedman, Billy Gabor, Tim Masick, and Victor Mulholland.
“Our colorists are very excited about UP Satellite,” said Kenny Attard, operations manager at Company 3 New York. “They all have clients in other markets–Boston, Cleveland, Richmond, Chicago and other cities. Now, those clients no longer need to devote the time or incur the cost of a trip to New York to take part in a telecine session. They can do it from home.”
Ascent reported that additional host sites will to be opening soon in Miami, Minneapolis, and Portland, Ore.
