Autodesk debuts brighter Flame
At NAB 2014, Autodesk Inc. debuted Flame 2015–the latest iteration of its comprehensive toolset for high-end visual effects and creative finishing–with new creative tools, faster performance, and an end-to-end 4K workflow to meet the needs of high-end postproduction facilities. Flame 2015 allows artists to work creatively and interactively to deliver high quality final results at 4K resolution. The new workflow helps deliver on the needs of today’s Flame artists with: industry standard 4K formats; 4K/UHD color management supporting ACES and REC-2020 color spaces; real-time monitoring and playback via SDI of 4K/UHD material at 50P and 60P; timeline effects and batch nodes performance optimization & 4K capable substance textures; and 16 Gb fiber channel controllers in high-performance storage for real-time throughput of high resolution images.
Flame 2015 boasts new tools, including: 3D shape which enables workflows such as quick modeling, projection mapping, logo design, motion graphics and relighting; Replica, which allows artists to easily and interactively create, manipulate and animate cascading effects using a single cloned object; and Matchbox enhancements that can be added directly to shots and transitions in the timeline and the ability to protect shader code with packaging and encryption.
Cisco, Sony team on first public demonstration of 4K live streaming
At NAB 2014, Cisco and Sony became the first companies to publicly demonstrate the live delivery of full-frame rate 4K 60P content. The live demo, which streamed live 4K video from NYC to Las Vegas, was on display for attendees at the Cisco and Sony booths. Live events in NYC were captured with the Sony F55 4K camera, and HEVC encoded using Cisco’s Videoscape AnyRes–with enhanced support for 4K and HEVC. The live stream was transported from New York to Las Vegas through a fiber optic network. The stream was then delivered to the Las Vegas Convention Center, where it was decoded with a Cisco set-top box with 4K support, and displayed on Sony XBR 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Mike Fasulo, president, COO for Sony Electronics, said, “This is another 4K first, and Sony is committed to investing in 4K as an industry to bring exciting and immersive live TV experiences to consumers, from lens to living room. Collaborating with Cisco in this industry first demo of live 4K distribution over a cable backbone proves that 4K is ready for primary TV consumption. Sony will continue to invest in the technologies that raise the consumer experience and give viewers of Sony 4K UHD TVs the best experience possible for years to come.”
Canon HDTV lenses make mark at NAB
Ross Video chose HDTV lenses from Canon U.S.A., Inc. to integrate with Ross Video products displayed at the NAB Show. Canon XJ76x9B and XJ60x9B long-field HD zoom lenses and HJ22x7.6B HD ENG lenses were shown with Ross Mobile Productions’ new “Future is Now 3” (FIN3) compact production vehicle, part of Ross Video’s “openTruck” initiative to meet the needs of budget-conscious producers. A variety of Canon ENG lenses were shown with Ross Robotics’ Furio and CamBot remote-control camera support systems, which utilize precision positional data from Canon lenses for integration with advanced virtual set and augmented reality applications.
“Canon HDTV lenses are among the most widely used in HD sports and entertainment productions today,” noted Larry Thorpe, senior fellow, Professional Engineering & Solutions Division, Canon USA.
“We are pleased that Ross Mobile Productions has chosen Canon HDTV lenses for its new compact mobile production vehicle FIN3, and Canon ENG lenses for its Furio and CamBot remote-control camera support systems. We continually strive to provide professionals in production and videography with the best equipment possible for their various shooting needs.”
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More