from GAT

David Hancock, head of film and cinema recently stated that following James Cameron’s release of Avatar, digital film technology grew by 17 per cent in one year. “Canada has been a little slower to adopt, but it’s catching up fast,” said Hancock, and added that the first quarter of 2012, the majority of screens in Canada are expected to be digital, which will for the first time be crossing the 50 per cent threshold.

(Regina) Java Post, Saskatchewan’s premier post-production studio, has moved into the spotlight again as it continues to expand its national service offering with the acquisition of a German-made DVS Fuze system. The Fuze – a powerful processor for mastering Digital Cinema outputs, including those required for 3D projection — builds on Java Post’s reputation for providing Canadian producers with exceptional digital outputs. Currently a favourite with director James Cameron (he has his own Fuze), this system will be of particular interest to the independent film production community.

“The Fuze works seamlessly with Java Post’s existing digital processing capabilities and is a natural extension of our service offering,” says Jack Tunnicliffe, Java Post owner and chief colourist. “We were the first in Saskatchewan to offer HD mastering to our national clients, the first to offer a film finishing theatre, and now we’re the first to offer DCPs (Digital Cinema Packages). We’re passionate about moving pictures, and the Fuze system lets us provide filmmakers, producers, distributors and others an affordable way of putting their films on the big screen.”

Producer/Distributor Avi Federgreen is familiar with Java Post and first worked with them on Hungry Hills, a feature that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Avi is an enthusiastic supporter of Java Post’s initiative. “This represents a great opportunity for filmmakers to get their films onto the big screen, “ Avi says. “I love working with Jack and his team. They’re doing leading-edge stuff, and their quality is always outstanding.” The first film to be converted to DCP at Java Post is the Canadian Indie feature Moon Point, distributed by IndieCan Entertainment, the first theatrical feature for director Sean Cisterna.

Ad Agencies should also take note. “Advertising in movie theatres has become an invaluable part of the media mix,” says Stephen Hall, VP Creative at Brown Communications in Regina. “The Fuze now offers an affordable way to convert a TV spot into a Cinema spot that conforms to DCI standards.” DCI – the Digital Cinema Initiative – was created in March 2002, and is a joint venture of Disney, Fox, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal and Warner Bros. Studios. DCI’s primary purpose is to establish and document specifications for digital cinema that ensures a uniform and high level of technical performance, reliability and quality control.

Located on the fourth floor of the Strathdee building in Regina, Saskatchewan, Java Post is a full-service digital video post-production facility. It has been serving the Canadian market for 17 years providing colour correction, visual effects and mastering services.