Normally testimonials aren’t the most inspiring form of communication. But in the case of the ambitious LIME-AID initiative–an online auction of postproduction services designed to raise funds to help build a 75-bed orphanage, a 150-desk school and a clinic as well as provide a clean water supply for a needy community in Port-au-Prince, Haiti–the testimonial is indeed an inspired, eloquent means.
In a page 4 feature story in this issue, SHOOT Associate Editor Nicole Rivard reports in detail on LIME-AID, which is being co-hosted by Bruce Horwitz, owner of audio mix house Lime Studios, Santa Monica, in collaboration with Global Water Trust, a nonprofit group working to provide clean, safe water to children worldwide.
The LIME-AID website is headlined with the promise, “Your next commercial will feed, clothe and house 75 children in one of the most destitute regions of the world.”
Also prominent on the site are the alluded to testimonials from artisans at industry companies that are donating their services to the cause.
“We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to contribute to a project like this,” stated MiShawn Williams, executive producer at music house Human. “We’re all looking for opportunities to make a concrete difference in the world and this is one of them. We’re grateful to be able to be a part of a project to save lives through housing, clean water, education and a simple show of care through a donation of what we do best and daily anyway. This is a way for all of us–Lime, donors and bidders–to really take a stand for life.”
Jerry Spivack, owner of digital effects studio Ring of Fire, related, “We’re happy to be able to give a little of what we do to help improve the quality of life for those who really need it. Thanks for the opportunity to have our services actually make a real difference.”
Producer Scott Ganary of 740 Sound Design said he is honored that his shop was asked to be involved in helping the children of Port-au-Prince.
Horwitz and his wife are in the process of adopting two children from Haiti. In Rivard’s story, he observed, “For my wife and I, just taking the kids out of the country and leaving the country the way it is doesn’t feel complete. What is really needed there is to try and put in motion the projects that will make adoption less and less necessary for those families….It’s the basic stuff, education and health care.”
Horwitz further explained, “It’s not about making a better orphanage for kids who are ultimately going to come to the United States and live vastly more privileged lives than the kids in Haiti. It’s about trying to give something back to the country that’s giving us these kids so that more kids shouldn’t have to leave their families. It’s not about my kids, it’s about the kids who I can’t bring home.”
The auction takes place on Aug. 27, with bidding slated to conclude on Aug. 30.
For more information on how you can participate, log onto www.lime-aid.tv.
“Se7en” Turns 30, Gets A Special Restoration From David Fincher For Its Re-Release
For David Fincher, seeing “Se7en” in 4K was an experience he can only describe as harrowing. That or a high school reunion.
“There are definitely moments that you go, ‘What was I thinking?’ Or ‘Why did I let this person have that hairdo’?” Fincher said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.
He’s OK with the film being a product of its time in most respects. But some things just could not stand in high-definition resolution.
“It was a little decrepit, to be honest,” said Fincher. “We needed to resuscitate it. There are things you can see in 4K HDR that you cannot see on a film print.”
Ever the perfectionist, he and a team got to work on a new restoration of the film for its 30th anniversary re-release. This weekend the restored “Se7en” will play on IMAX screens for the first time in the U.S. and Canada, and on Jan. 7, the 4K UHD home video version will be available as well.
The dark crime thriller written by Andrew Kevin Walker and starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as a pair of detectives looking for a serial killer was somewhat of a career-reviver for Fincher, whose directorial debut “Alien 3” had not gone well. “Se7en” was not a sure thing: It was made for only $34 million (and only got that when Fincher managed to persuade studio execs to give up $3 million more). But it went on to earn more than $327 million, not accounting for inflation, and continues to influence the genre.
Fincher has over the years overseen several restorations of the film (including one for laser disc) but decided this needed to be the last. It’s why he insisted on an 8K scan that they could derive the 4K from. He wanted to ensure that it wouldn’t have to be repeated when screens get more... Read More