Videocraft, the leading broadcast equipment sales and rental company today gave details of the 4:4:4 1080, 60P HDCAM SR production system that was used to shoot the recent Australian feature film Dying Breed. Produced by Ambience Entertainment and directed by Jody Dwyer, Dying Breed is an action thriller about four people who set out to prove the Tasmanian Tiger still lives in the forests of Tasmania, only to become prey when they stumble on descendants of a cannibal tribe.
Videocraft State Manager Andy Liell said, “Rod Morris, who was writer and Producer on Dying Breed, approached us with an equipment wish list for the film. Rod’s main requirement was to be able to shoot 1080 60p making the HDC1500 HD camera and SRW1 HDCAM SR portable recorder system perfect for the job.”
Rod Morris added, “Having spent 28 years in TV production I have used a lot of equipment and suppliers. As Dying Breed was my first feature I wanted to go with a rental company I felt comfortable with, could trust and who had an excellent, highly skilled team. I am pleased to say Videocraft are that company. I decided that for Dying Breed we were going for a digital shoot rather than a film shoot. Speaking with Andy and the Videocraft team about the HDCAMSR 1080 60P system it became clear that this was the only way to go.”
The portable acquisition system supplied to Morris and his crew by Videocraft comprises Sony’s HDC1500 HD camera and SRW1 HDCAM SR portable recorder, offering up to 1080 60P 4:4:4 RGB recording in a compact portable package. Significantly it was the first system to offer 1080 60p and the only one available in Australia through Videocraft.
Morris continued, “Videocraft also supplied us with the SONY HDWF900R HDCAM CineAlta camcorder kit for our on-speed cinematography which, as most people know, George Lucas used on Star Wars Episode Two. The combination of the HDWF900R and the HDC1500 produced truly outstanding results.
“The HDWF900R was flawless giving an amazing filmic look even in the most extreme conditions of a cold, wet Tasmanian winter. The HDC1500 was so incredibly sharp it left us wondering just how Sony had produced such a camera. We particularly wanted the HDCAMSR system so that we could make best use of being able to shoot 4:4:4 1080 60p for all of our 100+ VFX shots. Having looked around extensively at all other options, I can’t honestly think of a better way we could have done this.”
DOP on Dying Breed was Geoffrey Hall ACS, who added, “There were many opinions and options on how to shoot Dying Breed including the more traditional 35mm approach. Two things sealed the deal for us. Firstly it was just how good the HDCAMSR system is and secondly the significantly high level of expertise, service and support from Videocraft. They are an excellent partner to have on board. With a great understanding of what the equipment was to be used for, nothing was ever too much trouble and any issues were resolved within 24 hours. It was a magnificent service.”
In addition to the HDCAMSR system and HDWF900R camera Videocraft also supplied a unique set of Fujinon E-Series Prime lenses, owned by HD specialists C4Camera in Auckland, NZ. One of only two sets in the world, the cine style lenses were developed specifically for Star Wars Episode Three and according to Hall gave very impressive results. He commented, “The E-series lenses are spectacular glass. I can’t stress enough what a coup it was getting these lenses. Videocraft and C4Camera really went out of their way and we are truly grateful. The end results are truly stunning images.”
Andy Liell concluded, “We are delighted to have been able to help Rod, Geoffrey and the crew of Dying Breed every step of the way in their production. Supplying equipment for this kind of major feature is very much a part of our future direction at Videocraft.”
Dying Breed had its premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York and is released nationally in Australia on 14 August 2008.
[Release by Well Above]