| The Voice of Panavision |
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| Yvonne (Vonnie) Schmidberger |
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Q. You started at Samuelson Film Service in 1990, how did you get the job?
A. I charmed them!!!
Q. The receptionist is always seen as the ‘Face of the Company’. What is the image that you try to present?
A. Very warm, welcoming and helpful.
Q. Receptionists are more often than not, the keepers of the secrets. Tell us one.
A. My lips are sealed.
Q. What is your advice to people aspiring to a role in reception?
A. Keep studying and you’ll get there OR You need to have a nice friendly personality and be interested in people.
Q. Some companies have replaced their receptionists with automated call re-directing. For example, ‘For sales, press 1’. Why is a real live person at the end of the phone so important?
A. Lara doesn’t know all the people I do!!!!
Q. Your biggest frustration as a receptionist?
A. The phone keeps ringing!!!! How am I supposed to get my work done?
Q. Did you train hard to achieve those receptionist tones in your voice and do you use this voice after hours? Give us an example.
A. No, it comes naturally.
Q. What has been the biggest change you have seen in the last 20 years?
A. Technology and, in particular, the trend from film to digital.
Q. What is the most bizarre phone call you have ever received?
A. I get a lot of calls from people trying to rent properties in Maroubra???
Q. You were voted as having the most infectious laugh at Panavision. What do you find funny?
A. I find life in general funny and there is always something to laugh about at Panavision. Seriously though, I’ve had a lovely life so I don’t’ have much to be sad about. |
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| Panavision Canon 7D* Competition Winner! |
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| Troy Bakes |
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Panavision are pleased to announce that the winner of the Canon 7D camera is Troy Bakes from Brisbane. When told of the good news, it is fair to say Troy was somewhat thrilled.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this win!!!
I had been saving to buy a decent camera that will do HD movies that’s not even half this good, but now I own an AMAZING camera. It seemed that across all photography forums, questions sites and the couple of experts I asked, the overwhelming consensus was that the 7D was light-years ahead of any other camera in the price range for photographic ease, results, quality, usability, everything. Everyone told me that the 7D is across the board the best camera in its class. I couldn’t be more excited about having the best equipment possible to start using.
Once again, thanks a million.”
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| John Barry - More than just Sales |
Another business that, over the years, has gradually become a vital part of the Panavision family is the John Barry Group, including John Barry Sales and Service.
Established in Australia in 1967 as ‘Birns and Sawyer Australia’ by its Hollywood parent to cater to the growing cine-film and television industries in this country, it quickly became a key player. Strong team, company and individual relationships were built rapidly as the industry expanded. In 1978 the company was renamed John Barry Group Pty Ltd and that name caught on as industry shorthand for ‘the place to access the up-to-the-minute, high quality production and post production gear and the service to keep it running’!
The policy right from day one was to carry a complete range of film and television related products. Today that includes Video Cameras, Lighting, Sound, Production and Expendables as well as an extensive (and ever growing) range of postproduction equipment and non-linear editing solutions. There are also many instructional books and manuals suited to all competency levels, even student filmmakers. Worth noting is the ever-changing clearance range. Many a filmmaker has found the perfect bargain to make the budget stretch further! ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| John Barry Sales |
John Barry Sales |
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| Louma2 - Extending the use of cranes |
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One of the beauties of the Louma2 telescopic camera crane is the automatic arc compensation or straight line. At the push of a button, Louma2 creates a two dimensional plane in virtual space. We call this planing. This is a new and exciting function of the telescopic crane adding a new tool to the grip and camera operators box of tricks. The arm automatically extends or retracts keeping the camera along the line of the plane regardless of the horizontal or vertical movement. It’s possible to achieve 55 feet of straight line tracking without moving the base. Additionally, when in planing mode, automatic compensation of Smartpan, Smart Tilt or third axis roll instruction can be sent to the Louma2 remote head.
To learn more about the Louma2 please go to www.louma2.com where a video can be seen illustrating the straight line tracking and other unique features.
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| Main Louma Image - The Cup |
Louma BT Financial |
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| Anna Howard - South Solitary |
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Anna Howard’s film resume has the perfect mix of solid ‘apprenticeship’ items going back fifteen years of shooting everything from short films through commercials, series, docs and telemovies as well as features. The latest project to be released, Shirley Barrett’s ‘South Solitary’, was shot on 16 mm film and is now ready for audiences both local and overseas. Opening film for the Sydney Film Festival, it has lush visuals and an authentic Australian mood to it story-wise and visually... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Anna Howard in the lantern room of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. |
On location at Portland, Vic |
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| ‘Animal Kingdom’ DOP praised by critics |
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One of the most talked about films this year has been David Michôd’s ‘Animal Kingdom’ notable for being the Winner - World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic, Sundance Film Festival 2010. Box office figures in Australia, traditionally the toughest market for locals to crack, have been so good that the distributors broadened the release almost straight away, increasing screens nationally.
Critics have given plenty of kudos to the cinematographer, Adam Arkapaw, for the richness of his widescreen pictures. These have caught their eye through the balance of genuine Melbourne backgrounds and locations, impactful acting by a terrific cast and a number of audience-jolting set-pieces involving a tangled world of violence.
There’s been plenty of crime on the small screen over the last couple of years: not so much on the big screen. But now critics are hailing this film, for its depth and particular look, as one that may well have started a renaissance of quality crime movies in the tradition of Scorsese, Michael Mann and Coppola.
Cameras were from Panavision and Adam Arkapaw’s first decision as DOP was to shoot 3-perf. ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Adam Arkapaw |
Left to Right : Andrew Jerrum (1st AC),
Glenn Arrowsmith (Key Grip), Sky Davies (2nd AC),
Emily Barr (Camera Attachment), Adam Arkapaw,
Adrian Goodwin (Grip)’ |
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| 3D Feature Film Teaser - “Death Defier” |
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The team at Everyman Entertainment in partnership with High Def Video Services and with the support of Panavision and Fuel VFX have just completed shooting a 3D teaser for their upcoming feature film “Death Defier”. The supernatural thriller to be shot entirely in Australia is the first in a slate of projects written and directed by Shane Carn with producers Michael Carn, David Jowsey and Lucy Markovich.
Having wrapped on James Cameron’s 3D feature film “Sanctum,” award winning DOP Jules O’Loughlin shot the “Death Defier” teaser using Panavision’s new Element Technica 3D rig mounted with the MX Red One Digital Cinema Cameras and Angenieux Zooms.
Everyman Entertainment and Hi Def Video Services will be relocating to Leichhardt where they are establishing a 3D capable facility with digital cinema services including a 3D projection theatrette.
“The Death Defier teaser shoot went very smoothly considering the complications associated with your typical 3D shoot. Using the Element Technica Quasar 3D rig, two MX Red One Cameras and with the support of Panavision’s Andrew Collier, Peter Lorz and Grant Hansford, the shoot was a great success. The stereo pictures we were able to capture were really impressive and I cannot fault the Quasar rig nor the knowledge and support that we received from Panavision,” said Jules O’Loughlin. ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Element Technica ‘Quasar’ 3D rig in Over/Through configuration. |
Jules O’Loughlin on the set of Death Defier. |
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| New: Canon Professional Video Cameras Impress Industry Reps |
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Canon Australia recently announced the Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras. Both new models employ an MPEG-2 FULL HD 4:2:2 50Mbps Codec for capturing and recording native 1920 x 1080 video onto affordable, universally available Compact Flash (CF) cards – an industry first! The cameras were launched recently to media and some industry representatives at an event in Sydney. Canon brought documentary filmmaker on board, Toby Oliver, to trial the new cameras – you’ll be able to check out the short film he shot on Canon’s YouTube Channel shortly. Download the attached PDF to read more about some of the features that most impressed at the event. ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Canon XF300 |
Canon XF305 |
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| Genesis Now Available in PL Mount |
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In a first for Panavision Australia, the Genesis digital camera system can now be supplied with either a Panavision or PL mount. This allows cinematographers and directors the opportunity to use their favourite PL mounted lenses on the Genesis as well as the existing option of Panavision Primo primes and zooms. This move compliments our existing ability to interchange Panavision and PL mounts on our fleet of ARRI, Red and Phantom cameras.
Panavision, Cooke, Master Prime, Ultra Prime, Zeiss, Angenieux – the choice is yours.
For more information please contact your local branch.
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| First-ever live broadcast in 3D in Australia and Panavision was part of the team |
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Sydney, 17 June 2010 – According to Panavision Asia Pacific Managing Director Martin Cayzer the 3D rigs that Panavision supplied and installed for the recent Australia versus New Zealand FIFA World Cup soccer build up match in Melbourne represent not only a first for the company but also for Australia and the state of things to come for the future.
“The 3D rig project for Australia versus New Zealand came about shortly after we announced our partnership with Element Technica,” said Cayzer. “We are now the exclusive Australian distributor for Technica 3D, a family of stereographic 3D rigs designed by Element Technica to precisely align and control positioning of a pair of cameras necessary for stereographic 3D imaging.”
With the new partnership successfully in place Panavision Asia Pacific Business Development Manager Andrew Timlin began discussions with Global Television’s Andy Armstrong and Andrew Quinn regarding what Panavision could supply in terms of equipment and expertise for a then ‘upcoming’ sporting event. ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Apple/Panavision Canon 5D Mk II Masterclass |
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Recently, Jemore Santos and Nic Godoy from Panavision Digital Marketing and James Bilich from Panavision Operations held a Canon 5D Mk II Masterclass at the Apple Flagship store in Sydney.
The information session was headed by Jemore and offered the audience in depth information on the camera, the rigs and the workflows.
There was a great turn out with more than 40 guests attending. Amongst these guests were some notable DP’s such as Hugh Miller, Simon Chapman, Matthew Horrex and Denson Baker showing their support for this revolutionary camera. With budgets getting smaller and directors wanting to evaluate viable alternatives, more and more shoots are turning toward this camera with great results!
Panavision can also supply the hand held grip assembly and 8.9” HDMI onboard monitor to complete this impressive kit. ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Toby Oliver ACS finds himself ‘Beneath Hill 60’ |
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Toby Oliver ACS is another of Australia’s stellar DOPs with impressive credits to his name. His experience covers all genres of commercials, short films, music videos, documentaries and features.
Recently, he shot the World War I movie, ‘Beneath Hill 60’ (Dir: Jeremy Sims, script, David Roach) which opened on April 15 to critical acclaim from reviewers and audiences, who see it as an indication that Australia’s film industry is undergoing a very healthy year of releases. ‘Beneath Hill 60’ is a story of bravery that has been eclipsed by Gallipoli, but is just as fascinating and praiseworthy.
The plot revolves around the army tunnelers, miners who created a maze of narrow, dark, underground tunnels, laying explosives which were later detonated in a massive blast to destroy enemy positions. The film was inspired by the record of the time left behind by
charismatic soldier, Captain Oliver Woodward, winner of the Military Cross and Two Bars for his bravery and maverick daring. ... Read the rest of this article by downloading the PDF attached
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| Panavision: Supplier to dramas, long-form and mini-series |
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 It has been heartening to see so much quality, local drama hitting our television screens lately, with several shows being extended beyond the first series. Local productions are clearly doing well with viewers and networks embracing them wholeheartedly. Judging by the Logies, in which ‘Packed to the Rafters’ continued its run of winning awards, Australians appreciate seeing local stories and actors featured on television.
Congratulations to the casts and crews of all nominees and we are sure many of the programmes we are working on this year will appear in next year’s Logies.
Panavision have been providing gear and friendly service to a long list of local productions, some that are currently shooting are listed below.
Packed to the Rafters – Series 3
Production Company – Seven Productions
DP - Louis Irving ACS
Rush – Series 3
Production Company - Southern Star Entertainment Pty Ltd, Network Ten
DP - Bruce Young
Librarians – Series 3
Production Company - The Librarians Pty Ltd, ABCTV
DP - Darrell Martin
Rake
Production Company - Essential Media and Entertainment
DP - Bob Humphreys ACS
Cloudstreet
Production Company - Screentime Pty Ltd
DP - Mark Wareham ACS
Rescue Special Operations – Series 2
Production Company - Southern Star Entertainment
DP - Joe Pickering ACS
and shortly we’ll be providing equipment for a new series:
Cops LAC (Local Area Command)
Production Company – Nine Network
DP - Russell Bacon AC
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| Andrew Commis ACS: ACS 2010 Australian Cinematographer of the Year |
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Congratulations to Andrew Commis ACS for being recognised as the Australian Cinematographer of the year at the 2010 ACS National Awards.
Andrew won the prestigious Milli Award for his photography on ‘Beautiful Kate’, complementing the Golden Tripod he won for the same production in the Feature Film Category.
"It’s a tremendous honour to win the Milli, there’s some seriously esteemed company on that list of previous winners!
Beautiful Kate was a dream shoot, I was really encouraged to push the visual story telling and take chances.
For me that ended up translating into 2.35 widescreen, Fuji stock, shift & tilts and the oldest Zeiss superspeeds I could find!
Thanks for all your help Panavision. "
Andrew Commis ACS
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