LeVar Burton shoots first 4K feature using DALSA camera; TV Pro Gear Provides On Set & Post Support

PRLog (Press Release) – Nov 14, 2007 – TV Pro Gear (http://www.tvprogear.com), a leading systems integration and mobile solutions provider for the broadcast, production, and post industries assists Director LeVar Burton and producers in shooting and posting the first feature film on a Dalsa 4K camera.

In addition to directing, LeVar Burton also acts in the film, lensed by DP Kris Krosskove.  “Tempting Hyenas” is a heartwarming story set in a hospice during the final days in the lives of Alvin (Oscar nominated Seymour Cassel) and Kevin (Johnny Whitworth), where they discover that it’s not the minutes one has left that are important, but how those moments are spent. Oscar nominated Alfre Woodard co-stars, and the cast also includes Adrienne Barbeau and Lacey Chabert.  Charlene Blaine-Schulenburg, developed the project from the beginning and brought on Susan R. Rodgers and Mark Wolfe to help produce the film through AMediaVision Productions.

This is the first full-length feature film that is being shot completely in 4K digital format. In addition this is the first time the Dalsa 4K camera is being utilized as the capture device for a lengthy project such as a full-length feature.

The producers Charlene Blaine-Schulenburg and co-producers Mark Wolfe and Susan R. Rodgers needed a way to manage the massive files generated by the Dalsa 4K camera so they turned to TV Pro Gear for a solution. “The amount of data that is generated easily goes into terabytes and managing the files becomes a challenging task,” said Charlene Blaine-Schulenburg.  “We needed a method to quickly down-res these huge DPX files generated by Origin camera and move them to our post facilities.  The guys at TV Pro Gear came up with a clean and affordable method to get our project to on-line quality files”.

The experts at TV Pro Gear provided an on set support system for the Dalsa 4K camera which allowed video assist, on-set dallies, and editable master files using AJA Kona (http://www.tvprogear.com/product/AJA-Kona-2-The-Ultimate ...)  and Apple’s new HD ProRes 422 compression.  These files seamlessly integrate into Final Cut Pro (http://www.tvprogear.com/product/Final-Cut-Pro-Premier-S ...) and this allowed Lavar Burton to preview and rough edit while on set and then go straight to a presentation quality master without having to manage the larger DPX files.  Producer will later conform the 4K DPX files to film and tape for distribution using standard DI (digital intermediate) methods.

“We are pleased to have been able to help with this groundbreaking project. We are also excited about the many possibilities with the new extremely high resolutions HD cameras like the Origin,” said Chan Mahon, President of TV Pro Gear. “We were asked to come up with an lower resolution interim mastering file to keep things simple on and off the set, and the Apple platform was the key.  The producers can now finish their project at broadcast quality resolution including color correction and later move to an uncompressed resolution DI after distribution is finalized”.

About DALSA Digital Cinema
DALSA Digital Cinema (http://www.dalsa.com) is a leader in the development and commercialization of 4K digital motion picture capture tools. The company’s flagship product, the DALSA Origin®, is widely acknowledged as the best cinematography camera available. The camera captures at 4K resolution, the industry’s preferred image capture and archiving resolution format. Designed for cinematographers with 35mm cine lenses and a through-the-lens reflex viewfinder, the award winning camera combines industry leading 4K output with the widest possible exposure latitude for the highest quality motion picture production. The camera is distributed through the company’s state of the art, full service camera rental facility in Woodland Hills, California.

About AMediaVision
AMediaVision Productions, Inc. (www.amediavision.com) is dedicated to producing entertaining, educational enlightening material in order to raise consciousness in form of profitable feature films and television programs focusing on, but not limited to, extraordinary true-life stories. The company utilizes highly experienced and proven creative and managerial professionals, dedicated to delivering stories that speak to the needs and aspirations of today’s audiences while delivering reasonable profits to its investors.
Contact AMediaVision Productions by phone at (818) 981-4997 or email at char@amediavision.com

About TV Pro Gear
TV Pro Gear, Inc. (www.tvprogear.com) is a leading international systems integrator and mobile solutions provider to the film and television industries.  Founded in 1997, TV Pro Gear established itself as a premier provider working with major studios, networks, independent producers, and other broadcast facilities to design and implement HD and SD solutions.  TV Pro Gear specializes in workflow design, project engineering, and the final integration of primary systems.  TV Pro Gear projects range from mobile trucks, portable systems, editorial facilities, to full-scale studio installations.

To reach TV Pro Gear, you can call, toll free, at 1-877-TVPROGEAR, e-mail at info@TVProGear.com or stop by their LA Offices at 1630 Flower Street, Glendale, CA 91201.