HDTV Productions Inc. announces multiple high-definition cinematography projects in late 1999, including a documentary on Brazil's 500th anniversary, a CTV forest series, and a CBC Christmas special shot with three Sony HDW-700 HDCAM cameras. Canadian producers cite future-proofing and image quality as key reasons for choosing HD acquisition over standard definition.
HDTV Productions Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Douglas Munro Cinematography Inc., is pleased to announce that High Definition Cinematography is snowballing. Winter may be upon us, but we have our hot crew in the Amazon, documenting the wonders of Brazil for the production of BRAZIL HD, a documentary produced by Commuincacao Alternativa, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The final product to be screened in High Definition as part of the 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of Brazil.
"Commuincacao Alternativa wanted experienced people and a specialized High Definition camera package," reports Dale Rechner, Production Manager of HDTV Productions Inc. "We were able to design specific camera set-up cards to accommodate the high contrast of the jungle and low-light characteristics of shooting in caves."
Edmonton based Producer, Doug Hutton of King Motion Picture Corporation, choose to go with Douglas Munro C.S.C., President of HDTV Productions Inc. for his current production of THE FORESTS OF CANADA to be aired on CTV next year. "Just fabulous images. As a producer, if you are not shooting in High Definition now, you are wasting your time in the long run. And with Doug's sensitivity towards image quality and detail, the choice was easy. "
Doug recently DP'd THE GEORGE FOX CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, produced by Bradshaw and MacLeod along with Toronto partner, Balmur Entertainment.
" I don't think anything else has been done like this in Western Canada before. Three Sony HDW-700 (1080i) HDCAMS shooting film style with music playback and live vocals takes a little effort to pull off. Everyone associated with the production should be proud. With tight timelines we were able to accomplish our objectives and produce a fine looking show in High Definition. Although it will not be transmitted in HD for it's premier on CBC Dec 19, 1999 that day will come, soon!" comments Douglas Munro.
Voice Pictures of Calgary choose Douglas Munro to DP their dance special documentary about Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. "The whole idea of future proofing and extending the life of your production appealed to me. And after see the images that Doug could produce, I was sold." states Wendy Hill-Tout, producer. "With the European market in mind, the film like qualities make it an extremely excellent artistic medium to work in. In this case it is art we are dealing with, and art we are producing."
