Press Release from Well Above
Voodoo, one of Australia’s best known post production facilities, has created and implemented a complete file-based HD workflow solution for its major US-based studio clients including Sony Pictures Releasing and 20th Century Fox and Australian distributors including Hoyts Distribution.
Voodoo founder and managing partner – production Simon Cranch explained, “Until fairly recently when a US studio wanted to release a trailer or TVC in Australia they would courier us a tape, or boxes of tapes, which we would ingest and then take care of all the production requirements. Aside from the very obvious potential piracy issues, this was costly and clearly not the most effective way of carrying out the process so we developed and implemented a totally tape free and completely file-based solution instead.”
With Voodoo’s file-based solution the major US studios can now distribute their trailers and TVCs to the region using various online portals.
Cranch continued, “We log on to the Australian portal and download the trailers and TVCs in HD. We then move the files into our in-house edit suites and take care of all localisation and CAD regulatory issues. We also add in release dates, recut and create a final edit, based on the clients’ direction, so the spot is properly skewed to suit an Australian audience.”
Voodoo works with in-house Producer, Stephen Robinson of creative agency SRP, to ensure all the trailers and TVCs exactly meet the studios’ requirements. Until recently the process was all in SD but Voodoo’s latest technology upgrade means the entire workflow is now in full HD.
Cranch added, “We can now receive, edit and dispatch all in 1920×1080 full HD with the client approving the final cut via a simple MPEG4 proof which we e-mail to them for ultimate convenience. For distribution we use the amazingly efficient MediaPro from Dubsat which sends all our assets seamlessly to stations across Australia and New Zealand with a simple click of the mouse. There is no degradation of quality in this process and from the clients’ point of view it is safe, secure and cost effective.”
With trailers and TVCs in HD each of the files handles by Voodoo range from 2Gb to 8Gb each so a fast connection and efficient workflow is critical in order to meet ever-tightening turnaround times.
Cranch said, “For most clients we use an internet-based solution to retrieve assets and we are often asked to complete and dispatch a trailer or TVC the same day which means our processes have to be seamless. For Sony Pictures Releasing assets we utilise a dedicated, local, Aspera-powered server hosted in our Sydney equipment room. In this case the trailer is pushed to the server overnight and is ready and waiting for us when we arrive in the morning. Either way, in this age of tight deadlines a seamless file-based workflow is by far the best way to prepare and deliver an overseas asset to the local industry.”
Kathy Giam, National Advertising Manager for Sony Pictures Releasing said, “Installing a dedicated server for our business needs, with Voodoo’s file-based workflow, is both seamless and time-saving. The system allows us to turn around work quickly with faster delivery and spend more quality time on the creative aspect of our AV materials. As a result we are able to deliver multiple AV assets to various partners quickly and cost efficiently. ”
To see Voodoo’s full scope of work go to: www.voodoo.com.au
About Voodoo Digital
Voodoo adds a little magic across all digital platforms; cinema, television, web, mobile, tablets and DVD. We apply our experience to understanding the nuances of a project and an audience. We do concepts, treatments, storyboards and scriptwriting, through to acquisition, crews, shooting, directing, post-production, motion graphics, animation and technical design integration. We pride ourselves on delivering content efficiently and reliably in a wonderful creative space.
Our reputation in Australia has been built on production excellence on film trailers, TVCs, corporates, DVDs, music videos, documentaries, web-stories, show-reels, events, roadshows, mobile content, graphic and titles animation and advanced 3-D modeling. In recent years, Voodoo has created projects for organisations such as News Limited, Commonwealth Bank, Toyota, HSBC, Aegis Media, The Cancer Council, Sony Pictures Releasing, Subaru, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, 9MM, Ministry of Sound, Carnival Australia and NRMA. www.voodoo.com.au