A GLASS HALF FULL

Times are tough, no doubt. And this economic crisis is reaching far beyond the housing market and auto industry. One only needs to read our daily online news to see details on how the post market is being affected.

So this month, I decided I would try to find some positive news, and believe it or not, there are numerous headlines that suggest the world is not coming to an end.

First off, there are a number of studios that have launched, moved into new space or expanded their business. In New York, Hyperbolic Audio opened up shop, offering creative audio services for commercials and broadcast projects. Effects house Rhino moved into new space on Madison Avenue; Cut + Run is now editing in a new 4,800-square-foot; and audio post house Sonic Union, which opened in December, just added additional talent.

On the West Coast, VFX company Ntropic opened a new LA location to service its growing commercial, film and music video business. Warner Bros Post Production in Burbank just opened a new re-recording mix stage and an additional ADR room. And later this year, Warner Bros. will launch its newest post sound facility, which is currently under construction.

44 Blue, a reality TV and documentary production company in Studio City, also expanded, setting up a post house — Presidio Post — as well as an equipment rental and stock footage company called Picture Perfect. Presidio will service 44 Blue’s clients via its 11 Avid systems, as well as offer space and gear to outside productions. Picture Perfect will license B-roll footage that the company has shot throughout the world, making the best use of its assets.

Manufacturers are also trying to bring in business with promotions and incentives. Panasonic’s Robert Harris says the company is offering 2.99 percent APR financing for 24 months on products such as its popular AG-HVX200A camcorder, and zero percent on other pro gear. JVC is also looking to provide solutions for customers, and Craig Yanagi says you can look to the company to offer package deals that can address individual needs in the marketplace.

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