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WTFN
Entertainment Media Release
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2
February 2007 |
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High Dramas in High Definition
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Melbourne's
WTFN Entertainment would like to apologise to the television industry for the
lack of High Definition tape stock in Australia. They've almost bought the lot.
"Yes, that was us," Executive Producer Steve Oemcke admitted, "We've
got quite a few shows in production, so we had to buy every High Def tape we could
get our hands on."
WTFN's flagship programs, Coxy's Big Break on the Seven Network and Talk
To The Animals on the Nine Network, will be produced in 1080i High Definition
from 2007.
"The changeover process involves every step of production," Mr Oemcke
said, "New cameras, 17 terrabytes of extra storage space on the editing systems,
all new graphics for the shows."
Mr Oemcke said global forces, not local pressure, brought about the upgrade to
High Definition. "The demand internationally for HD has increased out of
sight," he said.
Because of WTFN's year-round production schedule, there's been no time to stop
and install new technology. Instead it's been a process of progressively expanding
their systems while still making their existing programs, including Shopping
For Love on Nine.
WTFN's Production Supervisor, Stephen Rees, has overseen every aspect of the changeover.
"It's been a tricky process, because WTFN is always in production. There
was a chance we could have lost data if we didn't do it right."
"We've had a few dramas. One of our big problems was a three month wait to
get high definition monitors. No point making High Def TV if we can't actually
watch it while we're editing," Mr Rees said.
"The graphics package for Coxy has been revamped, and that's been
quite a challenge. The new package looks stunning, but the render times and file
sizes are massive," Mr Rees said.
The extra clarity HD provides means everything has to stand up to increased audience
scrutiny. Camera focus has to be razor sharp, make-up needs to be subtle and camera
crew reflections are harder to hide.
But the payoff is already apparent, "The picture quality is outstanding.
Coupled with a full colour grade, images are richer and more vibrant than we could
ever achieve with Standard Definition." Mr Rees said.
Talk To The Animals Series Producer Anne Maree Sparkman is delighted with
the results. "For me, it's all about the viewer getting closer to these beautiful
creatures. With HD you feel like they are about to walk into your living room."
Coxy's Big Break Series Producer Wes Crook is similarly impressed, "We're
a travel show, we're used to making places look good, but now they look sensational!"
More information:
Steve Oemcke
Executive Producer
WTFN Entertainment Pty Ltd
Phone (61) +3 9810 7111
Stephen Rees
Production Supervisor
WTFN Entertainment Pty Ltd
Phone (61) +3 9810 7111 |
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[High resolution logos & photos are available upon request.]
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