Productions has been in the television industry for over 10 years, working closely with staging companies, transmission service providers and creative directors to successfully produce sporting events, concerts, series and documentaries.
Owned by Brendan Marsay, EFX uses a somewhat unusual but highly efficient trailer as their OB van, custom built, with the emphasis on comfort and space. The system is capable of full HD, 1920×1080 uncompressed, up to eight cameras, a four-channel instant replay server, 32 input 5.1ch audio desk – all operated by a competent crew.
Cameras of choice are the tried and tested Sony PMW-EX3 XDCAM HD cameras and multi-definition outputs are available for any possible application, digital or analogue displays, 16:9 or 4:3, satellite uplink or Internet streaming.
EFX recently purchased Sony remote control units (RM-B150) to interface with the EX3 cameras to improve the company’s business prospects in 2012. They are currently uniquely placed as the only privately operated OB company to run its HD system on fibre, and therefore can successfully work in the largest venues and stadiums without any of the traditional hassles of “copper cable’.
While there are companies that can do multi-camera shoots, EFX has built up systems, hardware and crew to make it easy, professional and cost effective.
“There are lots of guys out there with a couple of cameras and cables, but not too many have the infrastructure of an OB van and slo-mo servers. Even less have the advantage of fibre,’ says Marsay.
Last year saw EFX busy with a lot of live music DVDs – some of which were nominated and subsequently awarded SAMAs – and EFX has become the “go-to guys’ for this genre.
2011 was a tough year but what does this year hold?
“Well, it’s hard to tell at this stage,’ comments Marsay. “January has been very slow but I have secured some new clients so time will tell.’
While they may be the “smallest of the big guys’ at the moment expansion plans, which include a 24-channel HD vision mixing desk, are on the cards and hopefully 2012 will be a bumper year for the company.
By Andy Stead
Screen Africa Magazine – February 2012
