Sony’s global training centers: a commitment to the art and technology of the moving image By Keith Vidger, Peter Crithary, M.S.Sundaresan, Gillian Howe, and Yjun Guo Creatives from all genres strive to excite and entertain audiences with their boundless imagination. To ensure that filmmakers are able to best utilize state-of-the-art digital production technologies, Sony has established Digital Motion Picture Centers in key locations around the world. 65 CineAlta back to TOC 84 These classes and events provide professional training on Sony’s digital cinematography cameras and incorporate the complete workflow from capture to screen. Post-production professionals also have access to the latest third-party workflow platforms for hands-on training. These facilities are also a valuable resource for feedback, which is shared directly with Sony engineering and manufacturing teams to drive current and future product development. Resources at each facility include: cameras, workflow systems, professionally-lit camera sets and critical screening environments. Select DMPC locations are equipped with Sony’s state-of-the-art professional 4K projection systems for both testing and learning applications. In addition to motion picture technologies, Sony is expanding the global DMPC mission to incorporate broader technologies including 4K live production training for sports and sitcoms, traditional studio camera systems and much more. Sony pioneered 4K projection systems in 2005 and is now the world’s foremost manufacturer of 4K cameras and televisions. Just seven years after its introduction, 4K technology is now racing toward becoming the standard in theatrical projection and electronic cinematography. Fueled by consumer demand for 4K content, an incredible array of new 4K products are now available to filmmakers; presenting both new creative opportunities and technical challenges. To streamline the transition to 4K, Sony has established a worldwide-training organization with DMPC locations in Culver City, California; Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, UK; the Sony Media Technology Center in Mumbai, India and the Sony HD Academy 3D•4K Technical Center in Beijing, China and plans further expansion. These centers will be networked to form an environment of global collaboration, demonstration and learning. The goal is to give filmmakers of every genre access to equipment, content screenings, training and support. The DMPC mission is to provide a fully self-sufficient resource for industry professionals and students alike, to learn about and share their experiences in all aspects of digital content creation and workflow. DMPC locations consistently offer seminars, master classes and special events for all members of the industry including directors, producers, cinematographers, camera assistants, operators, loaders, D.I.T.s, editors, SFX technicians and film school students, among many others. Digital Motion Picture Center in Hollywood, California T he DMPC experience represents all major aspects of filmmaking, including: Capture — Creatives at every level of production can select from Sony’s state-of-the-art cameras (including the Z100, FS100, F5, F55 and the flagship F65) to shoot their own footage on the DMPC’s custom set. Designed to test electronic cinematography cameras, the DMPC’s set combines traditional lighting with LED technology and challenging production design elements to push cameras to their limit. Post — Just a few steps away from the camera set is the DMPC’s Workflow World. Modeled after a post house, Workflow World highlights products from the major manufacturers of dailies systems, editorial and color grading to offer nearly every workflow possible. Only minutes after shooting, filmmakers can work with their footage using Colorfront, edit with Avid and finish on a BaseLight, for example. L ocated on the most historic sound stage at Sony Pictures Studios, the DMPC provides a unique environment where filmmakers can get hands-on training with the latest 4K technology. Since opening in June of 2012, the DMPC has helped directors and producers with productions ranging from big-budget features to reality television, and has even drawn professionals from as far away as China, Australia and Europe to classes that have trained more than 1,000 cinematographers, operators, assistants and Digital Imaging Technicians. Footage can also be edited directly with Apple’s Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s Premiere Pro and finished on Da Vinci Resolve or on Pablo systems. There’s really no limit to the workflow possibilities at the DMPC, and it is all offered at no cost. Display — Once the 4K footage is finished in Workflow World, it can be displayed on a variety of 4K televisions or in the DMPC’s screening room which features a 25-foot screen and the latest Sony SXRD 4K Digital Cinema Projection System. This final stage of the DMPC experience brings the creative vision of the filmmaker to life in a way that few people have experienced firsthand. In the span of just a few hours, the simplicity of 4K production, combined with the elegance of 4K workflow is realized as stunning 4K imagery for an experience that is unparalleled in the industry. The DMPC offers regular classes on camera operation, workflow and other production technologies to any member of the industry. The DMPC also conducts classes in cinematography and camera operation for film schools such as AFI, Chapman University and USC. In addition to serving the needs of the production community with the latest 4K technology, the DMPC continually strives to improve image quality for the theatrical and television industries. New workflows are always being tested to improve quality and efficiency. The DMPC is also the foremost supporter of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences work with ACES, and is also a driving force in image enhancement for live television, and is expanding he application base to include a broader range of technology. To book a training class or schedule a tour, please visit the DMPC website at: sony.com/DMPC or call: (310) 244-6730. Digital Motion Picture Center in Europe at Pinewood Studios I n his opening speech, Katsunori Yamanouchi, VP, Sony Professional Solutions Europe, said: “Our mission at the DMPC(E) is to bring together the latest technology and the hottest talent to advance the art of media content creation. We want this to be a facility of training, of knowledge sharing and where people come together to exchange experience and learn about the latest tools and techniques.” Pinewood has the latest 4K cameras including the F65 CineAlta digital motion picture camera and the F5 and F55. It is able to demonstrate a 4K workflow with a range of workstations and 4K projection facilities that allow visitors to view their work. DMPC Europe is a place for professionals to discover and share their passion and knowledge for the latest digital filmmaking technology from Sony and its alliance partners. This will include courses for DIT’s, DP’s, Producers, Line Producers, and VFX Post Producers. An accreditation program will be offered, and addressing the different aspects of 4K production including budget preparation, make-up and art direction. DMPCE Pinewood has seen the launch of script to screen workshops that give participants the opportunity to shoot using the DMPCE sets and put Sony F55 and F65 cameras through their paces, and experience the workflow. In October 2013 in front of a select group of film industry luminaries and journalists, Sony Professional Solutions of Europe opened the doors to the Digital Motion Picture Center Europe (DMPCE). The new facility at Pinewood studios highlights Sony’s commitment to the film industry in Europe. Several VIP visits from DP’s have taken place with delegations coming from Italy (AIC members), Norway (FNF members) and Denmark (DFF members), Belgium, with DPs from across Europe attending the script to screen sessions. The center also has hosted dealer events and camera hire company events. Based on feedback from clients, DMPCE Pinewood is planning to stream courses so they are targeted more specifically at particular market segments. The center will also be further developing relationships with all the camera guilds across Europe and running series of events at the facility including master classes. For more information please visit the DMPC(E) website at: http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/hub/ broadcast-products-cinematography-pinewoodstudios or call: 44(0)753 785300 S ince Sony HDA was founded, it has held monthly HD camcorder operation courses (theory and hands-on practice), HD salons and open courses, as well as customized on-site programs for broadcasters. Sony HD Operation & Engineering Academy / 3D and 4K Technical Center (HDA) was upgraded and renovated with a reopening at the end of 2011. HDA has since become a new base for Sony 3D and 4K application solution, technical support, education, research and training service for customers. HDA will support HD development in Chinese broadcasting and media industry to help Chinese broadcasters and related industries with exciting 3D and 4K programs. The mission of HDA is to offer HD/3D/4K operational training of Sony camera technology, program production support, HD/3D/4K program coproduction by using Sony relevant solutions, and consulting, in an effort to support and further develop content creation businesses. As for facilities, systems, and equipment of HDA, there are 3D and 4K theater/projector machine rooms, Sony’s HD Operation and Engineering Academy, 3D, 4K Technical Center, China H eadquartered in Beijing, China Sony’s HD Operation & Engineering Academy (HDA) was established in 2007 with the aim of working with Chinese TV stations, production houses, and filmmakers by offering training courses to achieve maximum added-value of Sony products and stay current with the latest digital technology. shooting corner/control rooms, and editing areas, together with testing room/classroom/meeting rooms. In addition there is an HD/3D equipped demo van for mobile broadcast training made available to the students. Last but not least, HDA is equipped with a 4K demo van which is being used for training. Currently, the following HD/3D/4K equipment and systems have been installed: • Shooting & recording technology • SR master series including F65/F55, HDC camera, HDW/PDW/PMW/NEX camcorder & VCR • Display & monitoring • SRX/VPL PJ, BVM/PVM/LMD monitor, KD BRAVIA® • Production & worklflow applications • HD EFP system, including HDC and MVS • 3D HD-Demo VAN, 3D EFP sys with P1/MPE/SRW and 3Ality Rig • 4K NLE system, including PC/Apple with Davinci color correction system, etc Until now, HDA has organized more than 100 training sessions for over 30 Chinese major TV stations and production houses, such as CCTV, BTV, SMG, TJTV and Xinhua News Agency with about 3500 people having attended the courses. HDA has had significant successes with key accounts in content creation at the 2008 Beijing Games, 2009 China HD/SD simulcast broadcasting, 2011 3D channel establishment, and 2013 12th National Games. HDA’s reputation is gaining rapidly in the industry and as a result more Chinese professionals are regarding its training as a job qualification. For more information, please visit the HD Operation and Engineering Academy, 3D, 4K Technical Center website at: http://pro.sony.com.cn/academy/ default.shtml or call: +86-10-8458-6402 Sony Media Technology Center, India I ndia’s motion picture industry is flourishing with more than 1,000 annual releases, which is the highest in the world. Through SMTC, Sony provides its expertise in high definition and 3D stereoscopic film and broadcast technologies to India’s entertainment industry. The 3D market in India is expected to expand rapidly and the creation of optimum, high-quality 3D content is essential to this growth. Sony supports the creation of an environment that facilitates high quality 3D production, continuing the significant effort launched more than a year ago with the opening of Sony’s first 3D Technology Center in Los Angeles where more than 1,000 industry professionals have visited and trained to-date. Sony has installed top-of-the-line HD and 3D content creation and digital cinema projection equipment in WWI. In addition, it will provide its know-how in HD content creation from acquisition to post-production of content. It will also teach the entire pipeline of 3D filmmaking, methodology, and provide training for high quality 3D content creation. In India Sony has collaborated with Whistling Woods International (WWI), which is a leader in the media and entertainment education sector to establish the Sony Media Technology Center at the Mumbai campus of WWI. Since its inception in March 2011, the S.M.T.C has regularly hosted workshops and seminars on 3D film-making and digital cinematography, with future plans including a larger focus on 4K. More than 200 film-making professionals from production, direction, editing, screen/playwriting and cinematography departments have attended the SMTC 3D workshops. In March 2012, before starting to shoot the 3D Hindi film Anybody Can Dance, the crew of the film (including the director, producer, writer and costume and production designer) attended a 3D workshop and then applied what they learned in the workshop during the production. The S.M.T.C hosted a launch event or Sony’s F65, F55/F5 and F3 cameras in the Indian market, as well as seminars on Sony’s Digital Cinema cameras conducted by senior Sony staffers. The mission of Sony Media Technology Center (S.M.T.C) in Mumbai, India is to encourage the use of Sony digital production technology by providing cinema and TV professionals with a creative environment for a “hands-on” experience with Sony’s high-end, digital cinematic storytelling tools. For the Hindi feature film Highway, releasing in February 2014, the DP Anil Mehta tested the F65 camera at the S.M.T.C and was convinced of its supreme quality when he saw the images played back using the 4K SXRD 320 projector. DP Vikas Sivaraman also tested the F65 at the S.M.T.C for Fox-Star studios’ production Bang-Bang and the top management team of Fox-Star including CEO Vijay Singh visited the SMTC to gain first-hand knowledge of Sony’s 4K Digital Cinema quality and workflow. After experiencing the S.M.T.C, DPs Alfons Roy and Mahesh Aney chose to shoot their TV series on the F55 with a 4K RAW workflow. Major rental houses in Mumbai like Prime Focus, Prasad Labs, and Solo Films — which own F65, F55, and F5 cameras — have sent their camera assistants and data technicians to the S.M.T.C for training on the operation and workflow of these cameras. Since the S.M.T.C is located within the Whistling Woods International film school, the center also conducts digital cinema workshops with the cinematography students of the school; most recently a 4K RAW digital cinema workshop with the F5 camera was held. Equipment Installed at the S.M.T.C includes a 3D- Element Technica “Pulsar” rig, HDC-P1 cameras, HDF-200, MPE-200, and LMD-4251TD monitors. Also used are Sony F65, F55, and F5 cameras with Carl Zeiss-Master Prime lenses, Sony SCL lenses, Resolve color correction panel and software. 3D and 4K projection is through a Sony SXR-320R projector with 3D and 4K lens using a Harkness silver screen. For more information about the S.M.T.C please write to: ch.melatur.sundaresan@ap.sony.com, P.Ponnappa@ap.sony.com or Subhendu.Dutta@ ap.sony.com ©2014 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Features, design, and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.