LAS VEGAS — FotoKem’s nextLAB, an end-to-end software solution for film and television productions using file-based workflows, played a key role in the production of demo footage that supports the announcement of Canon’s Cinema EOS C500 and the Cinema EOS C500 PL for use with EF-mount and PL-mount lenses respectively.
Both upcoming cameras (www.canoncinemaeos.com) will be capable of originating 4K (4096 x 2160-pixel) resolution digital motion imagery with uncompressed Raw output for external recording. The Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL are upcoming additions to Canon’s Cinema EOS System, a line of digital cameras and lenses that applies Canon’s digital imaging technology to cameras designed for professional cinematographers. FotoKem provided complete production support for the Cinema EOS C500 demo film, Man & Beast, which premiered Sunday, April 15th at the 2012 NAB Show.
From the early beta stages, FotoKem collaborated and consulted with Canon Inc. on the design of the first end-to-end, 4K production-to-post file system. FotoKem built nextLAB’s high-resolution pipeline on the Academy Color Encoding Specifications (ACES) architecture, making the EOS C500 the first Canon camera to take files from production all the way through post in ACES.
NextLAB’s all-in-one mobile solution for on-set media and asset management is an advanced technological extension of FotoKem’s in-house services. Its proprietary core application software enables the mobile system to essentially bring the full power of FotoKem’s data management systems to production. Based on an open architecture, nextLAB Mobile solutions effectively bridge the gap between production and post, while enabling other platforms to easily interact with its functionality.
Notably, nextLAB’s powerful color capabilities were used to grade dailies and set the look on Man & Beast, which was shot by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, ASC (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Fight Club), and produced by MJZ for Canon. Margarita Mix, a FotoKem company, handled the mix for the film.
“It has been exciting to work with Canon at the very edge of new camera technologies, experiencing first-hand the latest features available to filmmakers, and defining the way they finish their work,” says FotoKem Vice President Mike Brodersen. “Our nextLAB software has helped to define on-set services across a number of productions, and our original, all-in-one dailies and media management platform has evolved to the next level in this process. With Man & Beast, we are seeing the next phase of creative technology for filmmakers come to life.”
“About 99 percent of the file-based TV and feature projects at FotoKem utilize the nextLAB software,” notes Tom Vice, VP/GM of the nextLAB system. “Its powerful features provide assurances to cinematographers and directors that their digital media files are safe, viewable, and maintain data integrity at every step of the process. We look forward to working with Canon again in the future to help continue to break the barriers of technology.”