The Arriflex Corporation has released version 1.4.0 of their Laptop Camera Controller (LCC) software for the Windows '95 and Macintosh operating systems. In addition to remotely controlling all new-generation Arri cameras (the 435, 535, 535B and 16mm SR-3), the LCC 1.4.0 offers remote control of the 435 Integrated Video Assist (IVS) character-inserter functions, plus a handy "Find" function. The new IVS Character Inserter window allows easy insertion and placement of text and frame outlines in the video signal, which can then be moved by dragging directly on the computer's screen. In all, 52 characters of user-defined text can be entered directly on the screen. The LCC 1.4.0's advanced features include the ability to show any text for only a given amount of time after camera start, automatic insertion of camera warnings (like LOW BAT) into the video signal, and the ability to display any camera status information, including the frame rate, shutter angle, footage counter, scene number, and take number. The LCC 1.4.0 is distributed on a CD-ROM that also contains a variety of Arri manuals, quick guides, brochures, and technical notes in the Adobe Acrobat PDF file format.
Arriflex, (818) 841-4028, fax (818) 848-7070, e-mail: [email protected].
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| Eyecup Extension. |
Raider Productions unveils the i-cuff, a camera eyecup adapter designed specifically for camera operators who wear glasses. Created by Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Ira Raider, the i-cuff eliminates all extraneous light from entering the viewfinder. An elastic ring, the i-cuff is made from waterproof, breathable, lightweight fabric, and designed to fit all video and film cameras with a viewfinder diameter of 3 1/2" or less. Its Velcro tightening strap allows for individualized positioning and a personalized fit. And the i-cuff's contoured, wrap-around design features a thick, ultra-suede chamois surface to cushion the operator's face.
Raider Productions, 1-800-793-3006, website: www.i-cuff.com.
At the 1999 Sundance Film Festival, Avid Technology, Inc. exhibited the Avid FilmScribe, a stand-alone, frame-accurate cutlist-generation tool for Windows NT. Also demonstrated was a FilmScribe bundle which offers independent filmmakers postproduction capabilities on the Avid Xpress system for Windows NT. The FilmScribe is based on the same technology as the Avid Film Composer. Its tight integration with Avid editing products (via native Avid bin support) eliminates the need for translating Edit Decision Lists (EDLs) for film-list generation.
The FilmScribe delivers automated list generation for editors as well as negative cutters. As a stand-alone application, the software helps filmmakers generate accurate and detailed lists to ensure correct cutting and assembly of film negative and workprint, while the FilmScribe bundle includes overall functionality plus the following features: the Matchback Option (which allows users to generate a negative cut list from any 30 fps or 25 fps sequence), AutoSync (which enables users to easily marry picture and sound elements from dailies), and a timeline "dupe detection" function that interactively marks any frames used more than once in edited sequences, improving footage management for the negative conform.
The FilmScribe also offers the ability to create cut lists and change lists for all film gauges, including 16mm, Super 16, 35mm, (2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-perf), and 65mm (5-, 8-, 12- and 15-perf). It can also convert 30/25 fps-edited sequences into 24 fps cut lists, allowing filmmakers working in video to develop lists necessary for a final cut in film.
When employing FilmScribe with matchback projects, users can include information on four picture tracks for all cut lists and change lists. The matchback function also supports 16mm and 35mm projects. The system can also devise cut lists that describe all layers and effects created by Avid's Media Composer or Film Composer systems, as well as Xpress and Symphony systems, allowing all editorial and effects work to be represented in the cut list for previsualization. This includes pixel-based effects information, such as those created by Intraframe editing and AniMatte, which allows users to create animated, key-frameable mattes. Another feature allows for the development of optical lists for chroma and luma keys, superimpositions, and titles, so all the work done in offline editing can be represented in a cut list.
The FilmScribe fully supports Avid bins and sequences originating from the Media Composer or Film Composer systems (versions 6.5.3/7.x); the Symphony system; and the Xpress for Macintosh (versions 1.5.3/2.x) and Windows NT systems.
Avid, (800) 949-AVID, website: www.avid.com.
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© 1999 ASC