Not a week goes by without the emergence of some sort of new technology, be it hardware or software. At one point, a revolutionary new visual effects tool was a once-in-a-while occurrence. Now, with the advent of HD and DTV, advances in technology are sure to happen with greater frequency.
As SHOOT recently reported (9/24/99, p. 7), the East Coast chapter of the Association of Commercial Editors (AICE) will be holding educational sessions several
times a year to help young editors fine-tune their skills and to offer established editors the opportunity to stay abreast of constantly changing technologies. The AICE is on the right track with trying to develop an industry-wide forum that allows people to learn about and understand the changing toolbox. Other sectors of the post field—as well as production—could also benefit from a series of sessions that help one navigate an ever-evolving landscape.
To that end, this week’s Special Report seeks to update and explain some recent developments in post. "Flex Effects" presents an update of SynaFlex, the visual effects system introduced by Lowell, Mass.-based SynaPix at NAB ’98. The technology has since been refined and now runs on an NT operating system. SynaFlex is now being beta tested at eight locations, including 525 Studios, Santa Monica. SHOOT talked with 525 Studios’ president/CEO Eric Bonniot about the software’s capabilities.
In "Unusual Techniques," designer/director Stefan Smith of Miss Jones, Santa Monica, discusses how he manipulates software—at times turning its so-called "flaws" into advantages—to enhance his design work. The former Flame artist explains how he was able to exploit a Flame plug-in to create the First Union spot "Voices" for Cook Marketing Communications, Jacksonville, Fla.
Finally, "Going Steadi" takes us to The Digital Lab, a division of Sight Effects, Santa Monica, for a look at the SteadiScan Electronic Stabilization System. This new component to the Spirit Datacine helps to eliminate the weave that can occur in the film-to-tape transfer process. Digital Lab’s chief engineer/partner Rudy Hassen explains how the adjunct to the Spirit will help spot projects realize cost savings, now that stabilization can be achieved prior to the post process.
As the digital arena progresses, it’s imperative for artisans to stay cognizant of the latest industry tools—not only in terms of their applications but also their implications for commercialmaking. It’s in that spirit that we present this Special Report.
—Kristin Wilcha
associate editor
