Home Authors Posts by Cera-Jane Catton

Cera-Jane Catton

316 POSTS 0 JOBS
Cera-Jane Catton is a writer and journalist with years of experience in community newspapers, blogging and freelance journalism. She has worked in a cache of capacities, often finding herself behind or in front of the cameras, intentionally and less so. She has been a stunt double in two Bollywood movies, has worked in various capacities on a number of natural history documentaries, and other international productions shot in South Africa. Cera is a former Screen Africa journalist.

TSL Products and Cinela introduce new VR recording package

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

TSL Products announced a further collaboration with windshield specialist Cinela to create the PIANI-SPS200,a complete Virtual Reality recording package.

The two companies previously worked together to house a custom short body version of TSL Products’ SoundField SPS200 ambisonics microphone within Cinela’s ZEPHYX windshield to create a portable, robust and reliable recording system. The success of that collaboration led to this latest project that enables surround sound and VR content creators to capture high quality, immersive sound with the absolute minimum of handling and wind noise to complement their images.

The PIANI-SPS200 is comprised of TSL Products’ SoundField Standard SPS200 mic slotted into the Cinela Pianissimo windshield, which contains flexible inner extensions using SoundField’s original connectors, maximising the isolation of vibration and noise handling. Users can purchase each element separately and need only connect them via the regular extension provided with the microphone, near the swivel.

The SPS200 Software Controlled Microphone uses the same established SoundField multi-capsule technology as the high-end models in the SoundField range, and can capture SoundField B-Format, surround and stereo simultaneously. This lightweight microphone (approximately 220 grams) is powered by standard 48v phantom power and incorporates four low noise, studio grade condenser capsules.

The lightweight yet robust Cinela Pianissimo windshield is designed for the new generation of short shotgun microphones and coincident stereo, surround sound combinations and mics shorter than 21cm. It integrates the “floating basket’ design pioneered by Cinela, with full-cage isolation to reduce vibration and handling noise, achieved with four flexible “U’ isolators installed around the cage, and a rubber bellows at the bottom of the cage to ensure flexibility and keep any wind out.

Philippe Chenevez, Cinela, said, “As virtual reality continues to grow in popularity, users will expect the highest quality to keep them believing in their virtual environment. We believe that the combination of the SoundField SPS200 and the Pianissimo windshield is an ideal solution to create the immersive sound needed for VR.’

TSL Products SoundField SPS200 is available via TSL Products Commercial Network, while PIANI-SPS200 is available via Cinela.

For more information visit the TSL Products website or the Cinela website.

RED Digital Cinema announces RED EPIC-W and new WEAPON cameras

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

RED Digital Cinema will as of October begin shipping two new cameras: the RED EPIC-W and the newest WEAPON. Both cameras feature the compact and intuitive design of the DSMC2™ form factor as well as the new HELIUM™ 8K S35 sensor. HELIUM – RED’s latest sensor technology – allows for higher resolution in an S35 frame, while maintaining the superior dynamic range found in the award-winning RED DRAGON sensor.

The EPIC-W 8K S35 camera carries on RED’s tradition of putting industry-leading cinema tools in the hands of the many. EPIC-W captures 8K Full Frame motion at up to 30 fps, produces ultra-detailed 35.4 megapixel stills and offers Super 35 lens coverage. Additionally, EPIC-W is capable of incredibly fast data speeds up to 275 MB/s. Best of all, it is priced at $29 500 (for the camera BRAIN), setting a new standard for making 8K accessible to professional filmmakers.

The WEAPON 8K S35 is the latest option in the WEAPON line of cameras, featuring data speeds up to 300 MB/s, the ability to capture 8K Full Frame motion at up to 60 fps, and a sensor upgrade path to the RED DRAGON 8K VV. It is available for the same price as the WEAPON 6K with RED DRAGON sensor, at $49 500 for the BRAIN.
“From the very beginning, we’ve strived to not only develop the best imaging technology on the planet, but also make it available to as many shooters as possible,’ says Jarred Land, president of RED Digital Cinema. “The WEAPON remains our premier camera – and now comes with the option to either go with the 8K HELIUM sensor or 6K DRAGON sensor.”

“Since we began shipping the EPIC in 2010, it has been the workhorse camera of the industry,’ continues Land. “Our latest camera, the EPIC-W, continues that legacy and features our current-gen DSMC2 form factor as well as the 8K HELIUM sensor.”

RED also announced special pricing on these new cameras for registered RED camera owners – as well as those that have placed a deposit for RED RAVEN and SCARLET-W – starting at $14 500. See details on eligibility at the RED website.

“As RED technology advances, we always strive to give our customers the opportunity to update their gear along the way,’ says Land. “Our pricing for RED owners-only will allow them to move into either an EPIC-W or WEAPON with the 8K HELIUM sensor.”

In related news, RED has pre-announced that it will introduce an improved image processing pipeline, including new colour science, in the coming weeks. These improvements will be available in-camera on all BRAINs with a HELIUM sensor, and will be available to all footage shot on RED cameras in post production. The new image processing pipeline will be made available soon via free firmware and software upgrades.

All of RED’s DSMC2 cameras offer incredible dynamic range, shoot simultaneous REDCODE® RAW and Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD/HR recording and adhere to the company’s dedication to OBSOLESCENCE OBSOLETE® — a core operating principle that allows current RED owners to upgrade their technology as innovations are unveiled and move between camera systems without having to purchase all new gear.

For more information visit the RED website.

Call for judges for the 2016 WGSA Muse Awards

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

The Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA) is looking for judges for its 2016 WGSA Muse Awards judging panel. If you are a writer, director, producer or actor with produced work; a film or theatre critique; a lecturer in scriptwriting; and fluent in any of the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Sepedi (the majority of the submissions are English) then you qualify to apply to be a judge.

If interested send a short biography to admin@writersguildsa.org.

All judges will receive a maximum of ten scripts.

Closing date: 15 October 2016 at 12h00.

Judging will commence on 16 October and should be complete by 15 November 2016.

For more information visit the WGSA website.

Court rules against SABC over Hlaudi appeal

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

News24 reported that public interest won on Friday, 7 October 2016, when a judge dismissed the SABC’s application to delay a court hearing challenging the disciplinary hearing that cleared its former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

The Western Cape High Court on Friday said the Public Protector and the public interest would be prejudiced if the broadcaster’s application was successful.
The SABC had already complied with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s recommendation to institute the disciplinary hearing, as per her report into maladministration.

Motsoeneng, the former COO, was acquitted of charges after disciplinary proceedings took place between October and December 2015.
The Democratic Alliance applied to the high court in April to review and set aside these proceedings.

Judgment

The SABC launched a review of Madonsela’s report and findings in the Pretoria High Court just days before the DA’s matter was to be heard.
In June, the public broadcaster argued in the Western Cape High Court why the DA’s application should be stayed until the Pretoria High Court had made a decision.
Both the DA and the Public Protector opposed the move.
One of the arguments was that the SABC had more than ample time to make the application since Madonsela’s report was made public in 2014.
Another argument was that by instituting disciplinary proceedings, it had waived its right to seek a review.

Judge Monde Samela said in his ruling on Friday that his court and the Supreme Court of Appeal had upheld Madonsela’s directive.
He took note of the Public Protector’s argument that the effectiveness and importance of her findings would be severely undermined.
“In terms of the Constitution, the Public Protector is an institution established to strengthen constitutional democracy,’ the ruling read.
Samela reiterated that the office was independent, subject only to the Constitution and the law.

Granting the application would not prejudice the SABC or Motsoeneng, he said.
“As was held by the SCA, if the SABC is dysfunctional, it will not be able to fulfil its statutory mandate and the public interest should be its overarching theme and objective.’
DA federal executive chair James Selfe welcomed the judgment.

It would ensure Motsoeneng faced a proper inquiry, “not the stitch-up previously manufactured to shield him from accountability, which we contended was at odds with the remedial actions as ordered by the Public Protector.’

The party wanted an independent and impartial inquiry into his fitness to hold office.
It said there should be an independent chair, commence in the next two weeks, be open to the public and seek Motsoeneng’s suspension pending the outcome.
“Mr Motsoeneng cannot continue to serve at the SABC in any capacity, even in a position where he deems himself to be an “ordinary employee’.’

Source: News24

Official selection EKO International Film Festival 2016

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

Eko International Film Festival’s (EKOIFF) seventh edition will kick off on 24 October and continue until 29 October 2016 at the Silverbird Cinemas Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria.

EKOIFF official selection 2016


Feature films
1. Heroes Without Capes by Lia Beltrami – England
2. Jimi Bendel by Ehizojie Ojesebhola – Nigeria
3. Dream America by Paresh Gonda Liya (Pate) – Uganda
4. Chilly On The Lips by Laurence Lepeytre – France
5. Diary of A Lagos Girl by Nike Erinfe – Nigeria
6. Journey To The Mother by Dr. Mikhail Kosyrev-Naesterov – Russia/France
7. ATM by Lancelot Emasua – Nigeria
8. Twist by Adeniyi Ann – Nigeria
9. Jalam (Water) by Sohan Roy – India
10. It’s Her Day by Bovi Ugboma – Nigeria
11. Jack Strong by Wladyslaw Pasikowski – Poland
12. Just Not Married by Judith Audu Foght – Nigeria

Documentary films
1. A Wound That Never Heals by Joe Pisciotta – Usa
2. No To Mama’s Movement by Rokhaya Diallo – France
3. Wellness To Wilderness by Bob Ennis – Canada
4. Nowhere To Run by Dan Mccain – Nigeria
5. Moving Forest by Yanette Shalter/Emmanual Coquelou
– Indonesia
6. Down To Dusk by Dakup Nanmet – Nigeria
7. Makoko by Femi Odugbemi – Nigeria

Indigenous film Category
1. Eni Owo by Tijani Adetayo – Nigeria
2. Ileri Ife by Queen Ebigieson – Nigeria

For more information visit the EKOIFF website.

VR hardware revenues to exceed $50bn by 2021

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

Virtual reality (VR) may at present be making smalls steps, but it is primed to make giant leaps over the next five years according to Juniper Research.

In its Virtual Reality Markets: Hardware, Content and Accessories 2016-2021 report, the analyst found that hardware revenues from VR headsets, peripherals and 360° cameras are set to reach over $50 billion by 2021, up tenfold from an estimated $5 billion in sales in 2016. The analyst expects to see the rapid growth to be derived from widespread adoption of VR by smartphone users, and the high unit prices commanded by headsets for PCs and consoles.

A key market trigger will be the launch of the PlayStation VR this October, and Microsoft’s Project Scorpio in 2017 – offering compatibility with the Oculus Rift. Juniper believes that consoles strike a balance between computing power and cost, providing high-end specs without many of the additional costs unlike PC VR, and offer a better quality experience than smartphone VR.

Indeed, in the report Juniper predicts that console VR will account for over half of VR hardware revenues, but only make up 27 per cent of shipments.

Source: Rapid TV News

ShowMax launches in Kenya

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

TV viewing habits are changing with more than 100 million people worldwide subscribing to internet TV services. These services allow users to pick exactly what and when they want to watch, and do this without intrusive advertising breaks. Usage levels in Kenya, however, have been low. ShowMax, in conjunction with Safaricom, is set to change this with today’s launch of a new mobile video concept that directly addresses the needs of Kenyan customers.

“We’ve launched something in Kenya we’ve not tried anywhere else, and if we get it right it’ll become a blueprint for how to become a local service in every country we operate. It also means we might just put a dent in piracy and get more people on the internet TV bus,’ says Richard Boorman, head of communications for ShowMax.

ShowMax has launched a two-tier service for watching TV shows and movies via the internet. This is a first-of-its-kind video concept that directly addresses the needs of Kenyan internet TV consumers.

ShowMax Premium, priced at KSh 880 per month, has a full range of international and local content.

ShowMax Select, priced at KSh 330 per month is a mobile-first, data optimised product that offers reduced data consumption with savings of up to 75 per cent, has a specific focus on local content, and is paid for using M-PESA. Kenya is the first country to have this second tier added to ShowMax.

Both tiers allow subscribers to either stream content or to download up to 25 shows to watch offline. Downloaded content is valid for 30 days. Data usage is charged separately and works with a customer’s existing data bundles.

John Kotsaftis at ShowMax says, “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Kenya has different needs and tastes to other countries and deserves something designed specifically for Kenyans. ShowMax is the first international internet TV service that’s priced in KSh and paid for using M-PESA. It’s the first to put strong emphasis on local content including having sports clips.’

ShowMax features local favourites such as Real Househelps of Kawangware, Churchill Live, Auntie Boss, and Kona.

Subscribers can choose from a number of different download video quality levels. Using the most data-efficient setting, downloading a 20-minute TV show will use approximately 80 MB. This means that a 7.5 GB data bundle would be enough for more than 90 episodes.

“Kenya has all the right ingredients: tech-savvy consumers, rapidly expanding internet connectivity, and an appetite for quality TV shows and movies. So why hasn’t internet TV taken off yet?’ says Kotsaftis. “It doesn’t matter how good your service is if you don’t first solve the data challenge for customers, particularly for the majority of people who rely on mobile internet. That’s why we designed data-saving features and the ability to download content into ShowMax from the outset. With these features and a strong focus on local content, we think ShowMax will finally crack the internet TV model in Kenya.’

IPO to host its first producers’ conference

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

The Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) in partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) will on Thursday, 6 October 2016 host its 20/20 Vision Conference. The 20/20 Vision Conference, to be held at the SABC head office in Auckland Park, is the first ever event of its kind to be hosted by the organisation bringing together all IPO producer members.

“The Independent Producers Organisation exists to serve film and television producers, and one of its key mandates is to represent, promote and protect the specific needs and interests of producers. To properly represent them at all levels, it needs to be very clear about what the needs and interests of the community are and then work to address them through clearly laid out policy and strategies,’ says Akin Omotoso, IPO chairperson.

The IPO engaged with the general film and television industry professionals regarding other pertinent issues affecting the industry and impacting on its growth, issues that have formed part of the discussions at the conference. “The engagements were motivated by the reality that we are in the process of shaping a new IPO, an organisation that we envisage working with stakeholders including the SABC, DTI, NFVF and IDC towards a growing industry,’ adds Omotoso.

Speakers at the event will include an SABC representative, GFC CEO Andile Mbeki, IPO Executive Marvin Saven, Harriet Gavshon and Michael Auret.

Mbeki from GFC says that “partnering with the IPO on this important occasion is the beginning of a solid relationship that would see home-grown talent and stories being further appreciated by the public and other stakeholders.’

For more information visit the IPO website.

Leader announces 4K HDR upgrade

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

Leader Electronics Europe announced a major new option for the Leader LV7390 4K-upgradable 3G/HD/SD SDI rasterizer. The new LV7390-OP20 4K upgrade allows the LV7390 to support 4K/UHD programme production and post as well as 4x3G HD-SDI.

“HDR does not come in one universal standard so is a potential nightmare for any producers who want to deploy this new technology to improve the look and feel of their production,” says Kevin Salvidge, Leader’s European regional development manager.

“ITU.BT2100 Hybrid Log Gamma was jointly developed by the BBC in the UK and NHK in Japan. It is a royalty-free open approach specifying the system parameters essential for extended image dynamic range television. These include system colorimetry, signal format and digital representation.

“Dolby PQ is a license-based proprietary standard. It uses the SMPTE 2084 electro-optical transfer function and has a peak brightness that can go as high as 10,000 nits.

“Sony’s SLOG3 is being introduced across the Sony range of broadcast and professional cameras and monitors.”

“The upgrade includes high dynamic range measurement capabilities for the ITU.BT.2100 Hybrid Log Gamma, Dolby PQ and Sony SLOG-3 protocols. This capability plus a compact 1U form-factor makes the LV7390 ideal for production environments that cannot accommodate a full size waveform monitor.”

Also included with the 4K HDR upgrade is Leader’s CINEZONE HDR. This uses false colour to display areas of the image extending into HDR so can be used on non-HDR monitors. Potential issues can be identified quickly and easily without demanding specialist technical experience. CINEZONE HDR reduces the need for re-takes or costly additional hours in post-production. It allows producers to acquire content in HDR whilst being able ensure that content will not require additional re-working for standard dynamic range distribution. The CINEZONE HDR option also supports HD formats.

Customers can purchase the 4K/HDR upgrade when their businesses require it without having to return the LV7390 to Leader or to an authorised service centre.

The Leader LV7390 is a compact 1U 3G/HD/SD-SDI rasterizer which can be used to measure up to four source channels simultaneously. It can be deployed for desktop or rack-mounted operation. Designed for easy connection into 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI systems, the LV7390 incorporates full-resolution 3G/HD-SDI and DVI-I rasterized outputs which allow detailed video and audio parameters be checked on a separate monitor in full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution.

The LV7390 can be configured by the operator to display waveform, vector, picture, audio and SDI status. Display layout is customisable from a wide range of available settings including individual full screen or user-defined combinations. These settings can be configured from the front panel or via a USB pointing device and saved for fast recall. 60 user-definable presets are accessible. A reference marker can be placed at any position on the rasterized image.

For more information visit the Leader website.

SA film campaigns for crowdfunding

Cera-Jane Catton
-
0

An SA team of filmmakers have launched a crowdfunding campaign to launch a five-year production slate that will ultimately result in the creation of three feature films. Into Infinity is a science-fiction adventure short film about how, in order to believe in something much greater than yourself, you need to believe in yourself entirely.

Katherine “Kit’ Makena is a girl troubled by the loss of her father at a young age. In her final year of university, she has perfected a procedure, together with a team of fellow students and without the knowledge of the authorities, that taps directly into the very core of what makes us human.
She has discovered a way to prove the existence of a soul and its journey. When a test subject refuses to go ahead with the experiment for personal reasons, it is Kit that puts herself and everything on the line in a race against time (and the university superiors) to prove to the world what she already knows; change our perception of the great unknown and face the final frontier. But will she return?

They are launching an Indiegogo campaign and are looking for funding with the aim to immerse donators with perks that include soundtracks, posters, T-shirts, tickets and a whole lot more.

Key cast and crew inclue:

Starring Thishiwe Ziqubu as Kit:
Thishiwe Ziqubu is an award winning South African actress, director and writer who recently
scooped the Best Actress Award at the South African Film and Television Awards for her role in
the feature film, Hard to Get.

Crew:

Brendan C. Campbell – writer/director/producer/editor
Brendan C. Campbell is an award-winning editor and cinematographer with a background in writing and direction for theatre that has intentionally evolved into film. He has collaborated with M-Net, Ogilvy & Mather and local broadcast edits for HBO. He is the founder and owner of Hand Drawn House Motion Pictures.

Xolelwa Ollie Nhlabatsi – producer
A Baobab Africa Best Short Film nominee, founder of Blackweather Productions, Xolelwa Ollie Nhlabatsi created a solid foundation for himself in the entertainment industry with music videos for artists like The Soil and work for clients such as the BBC, Channel O and NBCUniversal.
He garnered international success with short film, Lost in the World, which toured Europe in 2015 during its festival run to powerful reviews and numerous award nominations.

Ofenstse Mwase – director of photography
A multiple award-winning graduate of AFDA, internationally award-winning and heralded cinematographer, Ofentse Mwase immediately sprung at the chance to work on Into Infinity, knowing the prospect of filming for science-fiction; his expertise in the usage of anamorphic lenses made him the obvious choice for the project, which was only cemented by his enthusiasm.

Dale Voges – visual effects supervisor
A 3D animator and team lead at animation company Flying Circus, Dale Voges and Brendan C. Campbell previously collaborated on visuals for a Parlotones music video

Kagiso Lediga – executive producer
Emmy Award Nominee, Kagiso Lediga is a South African stand-up comedian, actor, producer and director. He has written and directed noteworthy television comedies including the cult classic the Pure Monate Show, Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, and the Bantu Hour. He has played starring roles in the films Bunny Chow, and Wonder Boy for President and is currently in post production on Catching Feelings, a feature written, directed and starring Lediga alongside Pearl Thusi.

Behind the making of the film:

• The movie will be shot entirely on vintage anamorphic lenses to create a unique look exclusive to the film.
• The final film will be a full 4K cinematic presentation.
• The special visual effects and animation for the film have been developed over a period of several years by director Brendan C. Campbell.
• The film will feature an original cinematic score composed entirely for the purpose of the movie.
• Into Infinity will be mastered in a full 5.1 surround mix, to immerse the audience entirely in the universe we’ve crafted on screen.
• There will be two versions of the film, a Festival Cut (Theatrical) and an Extended Cut that will be considerably longer.

For full list of perks and what your funds will go towards and get you, visit the Indiegogo website.

1...8910...32Page 9 of 32
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
© Copyright 2017

Pin It on Pinterest