Press release from Well Above
Despite challenging market conditions Broadcast video rental house Video Australasia is expanding at a rapid rate with major purchases this month alone including multiple ARRI ALEXA cameras, a full set of Zeiss Master Prime lenses and two new ARRI/FUJINON Alura Zoom lenses all of which are being used on Australia’s first full length feature to be shot with the ALEXA, Say Nothing.
Video Australasia’s MD Warren Day explained, “We have been dealing with ARRI Australia for around five years and they have always supplied us with excellent kit for rentals.
"Recently, as a result of listening to our clients, we made a decision to expand particularly in the areas of drama, features and TVCs. At this point the demand for ARRI kit went through the roof so we had to make some major purchases.”
Started by Day in 2003 Video Australasia has made a point of being customer focused whenever possible.
Day continued, “We mainly supply freelancers who are at the cutting edge of the industry and its requirements. So, if we want to get our value proposition right, we ask them and more importantly listen to them and what they require from a rentals house.
"Our last round of research was very clear and it was all based around ARRI so we ordered a full set of Master prime lenses, four ARRI ALEXA cameras, and two new ARRI/FUJINON Alura Zoom lenses – one of the biggest single ARRI orders in Australian history.”
Video Australasia is also expanding into mainland Asia.
Day added, “We work on a basic principle of supply and demand. Right now there is a major demand across Australia for the type of ARRI kit we have purchased, especially in our growth areas. It doesn’t stop there though as we are also experiencing growth and broadening our client base in Asia too.
"Put simply, the DOPs we service want ARRI cameras and Master Prime lenses which we think are the best in the world. We used to supply kit mainly for ENG which was a quick turnaround with little room for error.
"Now, as we grow in drama, features and TVCs there is a lot more testing and research before a shoot goes into production. This is where ARRI and the ALEXA really come into their own. The ALEXA is the best digital camera around today and definitely the most cost effective with unprecedented demand from DOPs.
"This coupled with ARRI’s unrivalled service and support makes the whole proposition a very attractive one for them to work with.”
In an Australian first for Video Australasia, ARRI and the ALEXA, Video Australasia have supplied top DOP Jules O’Loughlin ACS with ALEXA cameras, Master Prime lenses and Alura Zoom lenses for Say Nothing, the first full length feature shot with the ALEXA in Australia.
O’Loughlin said, “We did extensive testing with Video Australasia and ARRI to see just how good the ALEXA is and quite honestly I was astonished. I’ve always essentially been a film DOP and always a believer in the longevity of film, the quality of film and that it is technically superior to HD in dynamic range.
"Now, having fully tested the ALEXA I can honestly say the images it produces are comparable to 35mm – something I never thought I would ever say. The ALEXA is without doubt the finest digital camera on the market. ARRI have been successfully making cameras for over 100 years and with the ALEXA they have absolutely nailed it from a cinematographer and operator’s point of view.
"I must also say that Warren Day is a real champion who has bent over backwards to help get this film made.”
Warren Day concluded, “We are delighted to be the ARRI equipment suppliers for Say Nothing. This would not have been possible without the amazing help from Stefan Sedlmeier, General Manager of ARRI Australia and the incredible effort he and his team put in to testing all the kit both internally at ARRI and on location.
"Stefan also provided a significant amount of technical consultancy and advice to both Video Australasia and Jules O’Loughlin ACS which, again, played a major part in securing this project for Video Australasia and ARRI.
"ARRI really is the best kit for drama, features and TVCs and I believe all drama will follow this digital workflow in the near future. ARRI has a great name, reliable kit and bulletproof German design. At the moment, it’s simply the best around.”
Say Nothing commences shooting mid-December 2011.