CANADIAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS
NEWS JUNE 1990
VOL. 9, NO. 10
ISSN 0820-3431
THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS
NEWSLETTER VOLUME 9
NUMBER 10
TORONT~ONTAIDO,
JUNE1990
CANADA
ISSN 0820-3431
Dear Members, Thanks for returning your listing information for the directory so promptly this year. For those who haven't, there's still time, however, Duncan would like to remind you again that you have to be a paid up member to be included in the directory. As you know there's been some discussion on having either t-shirts or sweatshirts designed. If you would be interested in ordering one, please let us know. Based on your response, the executive will be able to go ahead with this. Also, there are still a few films and tapes in my office from the awards and I would really appreciate it if you would arrange to have these picked up. Thanks! Have a wonderful summer,
~
Editor in chief: Robert Hocking, esc Editor: Jennifer Hietala Editorial Office and CSC Office 72 Fraser Avenue, Suite 203 Toronto, Ontario M6K 3El Tel (416) 538-3155 Fax (416) 538-8821
CSC Executive President: Robert Hocking esc Vice-President: Joan Hutton esc Secretary: Wang Chow Treasurer: Duncan MacFarlane esc Membership Chairman: Jim Mercer esc Public Relations: Lori Longstaff, Kenneth Post esc Education: John Holosko Awards Chairman: Jim Mercer esc Membership inquiries: (416) 538-3155 The Newsletter is printed in Toronto and is published ten times a year. Subscriptions are available for $75.00 per year in Canada and $95.00 outside the country.
Cover: Japan 1960. Sophomore camera assistant Kurita on an interesting high angle setup Opposite: Professor lzawa, Kuri Kurita esc and David Niven on location for "The Flying Raft".
Cinematographer Robert Rouveroy esc allows director to line up a shot
Contents Profile on Naohiko Kurita esc ... 3
res co
THE WIDEST RANGE OF LIGHTING FILTERS IN THE WORLD FOR CONTROL OF LIGHT IN FILM. STAGE AND VIDEO PRODUCTION
..
I •
·
I
I
•
• I
I
I •
·
·
I •
I
• I
I
ROSCO LABORATORIES, LTD., 1271 DENISON STREET 1166, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 465
TEL (416) 475-1400 FAX (416) 475-3351 Offices in New York. Hollywood, london, lisbon, Mildrid •nd TOkyo
I
Letter from Amsterdam ... 9 Report on the Camera Assistants Course ... 12 Beginnings: A Profile of Two Camera Assistants ... 14
•
Carrottop Comer ... 15
Given Kurita's family background, it is hardly surprising that he has chosen to be a freelance cinematographer. In the highly competitive world of filmmaking, a cinematographer ironically has to combine toughness with gentleness. Toughness in this case means physical stamina as well as the ability to remain steadfast in your decisions when the situation warrants it These qualities Kurita has in abundance. It is probable that he inherited them from his ancestors. His great grandfather was an unattached samurai, an independent wanior. Kurita's mother was artistically inclined. She played many musical instruments and was gifted in the art of watercolourpainting and Japanese Haiku poetry. Her ambition ofbecaning an artist was dashed due to a family bankruptcy. Instead, she instilled in her son an appreciation for the arts and taught him a number of traditionaJ, Japanese crafts. Kurita was in grade one when World War II started. Like many others, Kurita's family was evacuated to the coonttyside to escape the bombing. There, he watched Japanese kamikaze pilots attack American B29 bombers. One of his most enduring memories from that period is of the food shortage. Hunger gnawed at his stomach throughout those tragic years. Kurita has an aversion for war because it victimizes the young and the innocent. He has become a peaceloving man and his approach to worlc is governed by harmony - not conflict The turning point in Kurita's life came when, in grade eleven, he read an essay by the famous Russian filmmaker Eisenstein. Kurita was fascinated by Eisenstein's ideas about the similarities between montage and Orlnese ideograms. The astute Russian filmmaker observed that Chinese words are often made up of two or more separate characters. By combining two characters, a new word was formed. In an analogous way, two shots could be spliced together to create a new entity. Kurita was fascinated. At about this time Kurita contracted tuberCSCNEWS
BRIDGING EAST AND WEST A PROFILE ON NAOHIKO KURITA
culosis and was bedridden for two years. While confined by TB, Kurita made a private decision that he would like to be a film director. However, after he recovered from the long illness, he was unable to get a job in the film industry as employers were reluctant to hire an ex-TB patient. Without any hope of employment Kurita went to Nippon University to study directing. After graduating with a BA, the only job he could find was that of a camera assistant at Iwanami Productions Inc. He accepted the junior position and eventually realized that he was quite comfortable working behind the camera. He was an assistant at Iwanami for five years before being promoted to cameraman. During that time Kurita primarily shot documentaries. He enjoyed the freedom and responsibility of documentaries because the cameraman often had to interpret the script and decided what to shoot ¡ After shooting for three years at Iwanami Kurita wanted a change. His 3
esc
desire to travel and seek new experiences led him to apply for a Canadian visa. Because of his experience with TB, he was afraid that he might not pass the medical exam. He was very grateful to learn that not only did he pass, but was granted permission to emigrate to Canada. When Kurita landed in Canada in 1967, his first job was with Western Films Ltd. in Winnipeg. Shooting film at minus 40degrees farenheit was his initiation into Canadian winters. It was a fantastic experience. Coming from a culture that was basically homogeneous, Kurita was fascinated by the diversity and multi-racial mosaic of Canadian society. The little English he had learned in Japan was mostly agreeable, polite conversation. For a long time he was unable to argue and felt rather uncomfortable. Inspite of the difficulties, Kurita was very well-treated by his Canadian employer and colleagues.
Kurita accepted the Canadian way
A few years later when the Japaof making films with difficulty. In Canada, nese wanted to shoot IMAX, Kurita was the end result is most important. In their choice as cameraman. Although Japan, the process itself is paramount Kurita wanted to shoot IMAX for a long unleashes the ultimate The Japanese are fanatical with details, time, he hadnothad the opportunity. The HDTV produdion tools their productions are elaborate and highly subject was a documentary for the SisArriflex 535 Camero System • permih full creative potential polished. Canadian films tend to be less seki Earth pavilion at Expo '89 in • cost-efficiency of 35-mm fil m • exceeds all proposed HDTV complicated but often brilliant. Kurita Yokohama. "Only the earth" was shot standards • preferred input to advanced _ HDTV post-production saw not only the different mentalities but on location in Iceland, Indonesia, Ausalso the strengths and weaknesses ofboth tralia and the Badlands of Alberta. Arriflex 765 Camero System A year later Kurita was hired for systems. • efficient camera for 65-mmfilm Therewereotherdifferences. In another IMAX film by the Japanese for • advanced lens and accessory systems • sync-sound and Japan, there were no camera operators. Expo '90in Osaka. The primary location high-spoed operation The cameraperson always did his or her for ''Flying Raft'' was the Amazcn jungle own operating. In addition, the gaffer in Brazil. This film offered a bird's eye Offered for your use at premier ARRI rental companies. Further information from was, after consultation with the director view of the tree-top microcosm or ••canand cameraperson, responsible for decid- opy'' of the Amazon from an air balloon. ARRIINAGRA INC 9 TAYMAll AVENUE ing and setting up of all lights required. The competition for survival and the TORONTO, ONTARIO CANADA MBZ 3Y8 The first assistant also had far more re- beauty of the plants, insects and animals PHONE 1416) 252-4200 FAX (416 252-8829 sponsibility in that he or she was respon- are recorded in this unique film. To caprure the teeming life forms sible for setting the exposure of the film. The one commonality that was shared by under the canopy, both east and west was the tools of the the film crew trade; both Canada and Japan used the hauled 99 cases of equipment weighsame type of film equipment As opportunities in Winnipeg ing a total of three were limited, KuritaleftforToronto after tons into the one year and ten months at Western jlmgle. The 95 day Films Ltd. Inspite of his concerted effort stay in Brazil made to crack the Toronto market, Kurita had life difficult for little luck in finding work. After sitting some of the crew at home for many months worrying about who left families his future in film, he took a job with the back home, alpost office delivering Christmas mail. though they had Life had hit rock bottom and he had more than enough thoughts of returning to Japan. In the end to keep themselves he realized the potential he had in Canada occupied physiand he stayed. Slowly the jobless days cally and mentally. became fewer and fewer. While re worlred The locations were for Canadian canpanies such as Chetwynd primitive, wild and Films, TDF, Meridian and OECA (now occasionally laced TVO), he maintained contact with his with danger. Japanese associates, who occasionally The airengaged Kurita to shoot. A terrific op- strip on Marajo portunity landed on Kurita's door step Island was nothwren a grwp of Japanese came to Toronto ing more than a to study the IMAX system and they hired . short, five meter him as their translator. Not only did wide dirt track. Kurita make some money and learn a Only one pilot was great deal about IMAX, he established a fool-hardy enough window of opportunity to the giant for- to land the crew mat there. _After the Paddling the Amazon River on a raft with 99 cases of film equipment!
D
4
JUNE1990
filming, his over-burdened Cessna was so laden with equipment that it barely managed to clear the tree tops on the take off. While the pilot laughed at the incident, Kurita was shaken by the near crash. Crew member Mike McMurray was bitten by a piranha on the deck of the boat when the eight inch, voracious flesheating fishleptoutofthe water and bit the unlucky McMurray on the nipple. There were also the tiny, bloodsucking ticks that attached themselves onto flesh, particular!y parts of the anatomy that never see the sun. There they feast themselves, leaving behind red, itchy spots. Minute to the point of being invisible, the crew had to use a magnifying glass to locate these parasites on each other's bodies. While not all the Brazilian locations were perilous, most demanded hard, physical worlc. To film the sunrise over the canopy, the crew had to scale a 48 meter observation tower. Some of the camera equipment was hauled up by rope and pulley while the rest was hand-carried. The long staircase leading to the top was rusty with steps missing in some places. The platform, approximately 6 meters by 6 meters, cleared the tree-tops nicely and it was used for two or three days. Since dismantling the equipment at the end of the day was ruled out, it was decided that Tim Sauder and Mike McMurray would set up a tent on the platform and guard the equipment overnight. As a safety precaution, the two men armed themselves with knives. During the night they heard disquieting foot steps on the staircase under their tent, but no one ever came up. In the morning they discovered that a group of curiousmonkies had been checking them out in the darkness. Their wave-like howling was a haunting experience. Kurita used the IMAX IW5 camera with an assortment of Zeiss and Canon lenses. These were still lenses adapted to IMAX with a special lens mount. Macro shots were made with Canon lenses with extensim tubes. Kurita CSCNEWS
cautioned that using extension tubes on location is tricky because the lens has to be centered precisely or the shutter may be seen in the shot The high speed Kodak 5296 IMAX film stock came in 1000' rolls. At 24 fps, it has a running time of2 minutes and 58 seconds. The flatness of the film during exposure is maintained by a vacuum (same as during projection). The all-up weight of the IW5 with film is more than 85 lbs. Location changes of more than 10 meters required foor crew members to transport the camera in a stretcher-like cradle. When available, a helicopter was used to move the equipment from shot to shot The IW5 camera is very sensitive to humidity. In Brazil it broke down on the second day of the shoot. From then on, silica was put into equipment cases along with the gear at the end of each day in order to protect it from humidity. Kurita offers a few tips to those who will be shooting IMAX for the first time. While the camera is rolling, camera vibration has to be kept to a minimum. Since the projected image is ten times cmventiona135mm, even the slightest jitter will be magnified to an annoying degree. Kurita tried placing a cushion under the camera to prevent this. While this didn't help, weights were found to be very effective. Along the same lines, camera movements (dollying, craning, helicopter etc.) such as pans, tilts have to be executed mo~ slowly. Camera set ups usually take longer than conventional shooting. In Kurita's opinion, the grip is a veryimportantmemberofthecrew. Tim Sauder did an excellent job en both IMAX films that Kurita shot. Of special interest is the camera platform he rigged up under the air balloon with the help of a few Cclamps. As an addition to the gondola suspended under the belly of the balloon, Tim Sauder built and attached a makeshift side-mount to facilitate aerial shooting. In the middle of nowhere, using only a handsaw, a few C-clamps and 30 5
MmAWON FilM AND VIDEO LABORATORIES 19 Mercer Street, Toronto, Canada MSV 1H2 Telephore: (416) 977-0019 Fax: (416) 977-7669
AUN GORDON DlRECIORS FINDER BIRNS & SNNYER DIRECTORS FINOERS PRODUCT10N BOARDS, STRIPS ETC ACCUCHART LUXOR • AY. I VIDEO CHARTS & TABLES MINI COOL UGHTlNG OEOOUGHT IANAIRO UGHTlNG LDWEL UGHTlNG liM UGHTlNG DESISTI UGHTlNG USHIO& SPECTRO BULBS
FOBA TRIPODS & ACCESSORIES MANFROT10 TRIPODS, SMDS & ACCESSORIES MIU£R TRIPODS & ACCESSORIES O'CONNOR TRIPODS & ACCESSORIES P£T<R USAND TRIPODS & ACCESSORIES SIICHTLER TRIPODS & ACCESSORIES MATTliEWS GRIP EQUIPMENT STANlON JIMMY JIB Fl£Xflll REF1.£CTORS KEITH MONKS FISHPOl£5 liM FlSHPOl£5 \IAN DE BURGH FISHPOLES TIFFEN FllJERS FILM I VIDEO WIDE ANGLE ADAPTERS INNO/ISION LENSES COLOUR MEDIA UGHTlNG GELS PETROFF MATTE Bdx
CHILES BEIJ IWTERIES FUll VIDEO W'E W'ES • CAMERA, GAFFER, EXPOSED FILM NAUW< · PEliCAN · SOFT f'IIC • TRI!.'EL KARTS • TRIPAK SPECTRA CINE EXPOSURE METERS MINOI.JA EXPOSURE METERS SAMCINE CAlCUlAIORS KELLY CAlCUlAIORS CINEMA PRODUCTS BEYER DYNAMIC HEADSETS I MICROPHONES ETC. SCHOEPS MICROPHONES SENNHEISER MICFIOPHONES TRAM MICROPHONES SWINTEK WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
TEJCSKIL TE~ TEJCSKIL COMPUTER PFIOMPTERS TELESCRIPT PFIOMPTERS
-
BALES • RENTALS • SERVICE
CINEaUIJ;I Tel. (416) 467-7700 Fax (416) 461-7716 10 BANIGAN OR .. THO~NCLIFFE PARK, TORONTO, CANADA , M4H 1E9
SPOf' FILM & VIDEO INC.
23 F raser Avenue T oronto, Ontario M6K 1Y7
PH ONE: ( 416) 535-3522 FA X: (416) 5 3 5 - 1041
Dailie s- Film or Tape! e 24 hour film and vid eo services e 16mm 35mm negative processing and printing
e e
film-to-videotape transfers digital aud io to videotape s y n ch r onization syste m
.
•.
TWO STUDIOS ON SITE! STUDIO A- 115ft. X 48ft. X 32ft. GRID STUDIO B - 60ft. X 35ft. X 17ft. G R ID
Castman EXR Color Negative Rms
Anew century begins...
Afloat in the hot-air balloon over the Amazon jllllgle. Kurita on far right over IMAX IW5.
I~ ~
l
EASTERN REGION:
KODAK CANADA INC Toronto. Ootano M6M 1V3
I((X);.KCanMH!Irte: 2 ~· du Commerc• 1.. dM Soeuts, Monfreal, OueOec
1;::1~~j
TOLl FREE 1: 1· 900· 46KOOAK
~~e.:PHONE 1:
CENTRAl REGION:
WESTERN REGION·
KO<W<c..-lno 3500Eglir*Jnlwtt. W. TonnD.Onlaria TELEPHONE 1: FAX I :
KO<W<<:..-In< 140 ~ StrMt, Suitl300
v~. ~Columtlia
~~~~E 1:
t: !l ::::
ratchet straps, he created his clever contraption in about one hour! Once airborne, it worked very well indeed. (see photos!) Sound was recorded separately on 35mm magnetic tape. A CD system is now available. The release print was on IMAX 70mm stock. The extra 5mm, added to accommodate the 6-channel stereo sound track, does not affect the size of the picture area. While on location in Brazil, the 6
exposed film was hand-delivered weekly to the Metrocolour Lab (later switched to Technicolor) in California. Someone had to accompany the film in order to protect it against excessive x-rays, theft or loss. Kurita felt the once-a-week delivery was inadequate. Needless to say, the cost of even this was very high. Kurita estimates that the IMAX films he has shot cost up to $200,000 per minute. Because of the distance between lab and location, seeing the rushes was imposJUNE1990
Grip Tim Sauder designed and constructed this camera platform under the hot-air balloon for "The Flying Raft".
sible. Kurita relied on a consultant/ mediator from IMAX who supervised the processing and regularly reported to Kurita by telephone to let him know how the footage was. Video transfers were sent out to location, but Kurita did not have faith in them. After a while, he didn't watch them because he couldn't assess his work properly on a small TV screen. Having shot IMAX and other film and video fonnats, Kurita has gained a great deal more insight into motion pictures. There was a time when he thought the large size of IMAX was just a gimmick. Now, after shooting two IMAX films, size and clarity of the large image means quality to him. With IMAX, the image fills one's entire field of vision and the viewer becomes immersed in the action. The frame is no longer a distraction. For Kurita, IMAX enables him to express on the screen what he sees with his eyes. Having said that, he cautions that IMAX and other fonnats are merely CSCNEWS
tools; they cannot replace good taste or creativity. It is very important to select the right fonnat for the subject Kurita believes that a cinematographer has to have passion for his craft if he is to succeed. Passion is the driving force that pushes him to try new techniques and to take risks. Without risktaking, Kurita believes a cameraperson 's work becomes stale and uninteresting. He cites the example of pioneer aviators who dared to dream up the ''crazy'' idea of flying. They took great risks and the fact that their dream came true proves his point. Kurita adds that a cameraperson 's job is not always as dangerous or daring as the pioneers aviators. His or her responsibility consists of maintaining focus and exposure. Interestingly, these simple tasks have tonnented cinematographers for over 100 years. Since the completion of the Japanese-produced IMAX films Kurita has shot'' Home for Christmas'' a TV drama with Mickey Rooney. Both Kurita's experience and 7
knowledge of two cultures have made him a valuable commodity to producers. Inhisownwords,hesays, "Ihavefilmed from inside a coffin, attached to the mast of a ship, shot from helicopters and inside racing cars. Moreover, both Japanese and Canadian producers value highly my dual understanding of western and eastern cultures.''
WANGCHOW.
011
IMAX TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1 STANDARD 16mm
IW5 Camera:
170 degree mirrored shutter
Exposure:
1/51 second at 24 fps
Lens ·mount:
bayonet type
Speed range:
1 - 36 fps, forward, 1 - 24 fps, reverse
Registration:
pin registration
Magazines:
1000 ft single chamber torque motors interchangeable vertically "co-axial" stacked at rear of camera
Viewfmder:
reflex viewing through mirrored shutter dual magnification eye piece rotates 360 degrees with erect image ext. eye piece footage and speed visible in viewfmder low battery indicator sync warning LED's
2 STANDARD 35 mm
3 STANDARD 70 mm
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Power requirements: 14 amps at 28 V DC
•
Sound sync:
crystal sync, 24 fps and 25 fps
Dimensions:
15" x 15.5" x 11.75" (38.1 em x 39.4 em x 29.8 em)
Weight of camera only:
4 IMAX®
60 lbs. (27 .2 kg)
Weight of 1000 ft. film in mag: 25 lbs. (11.3 kg) in two magazines
OPTICAL EFFECTS TITLE DESIGN
I
t
I I I I 1•1 I I I 1•1 I I I I
b egin s in lhf' mind 's t" yt>, a nd
Nt> w - agt• v itlt•u t>clitin g
th er e, with all tlw subtlety and
clinwn s in nal
range and ri chn ess of th o u ght , it
gr a phi ('S
becomes a n image.
imprt>ss ivf" s t a ff.
Thi s is The Im age Gr o up . A n e w co mp a n y an
env iro nme nt
Wave fr o nt,
that
wh e r t'
Mir age
1loing
po wt> r t> cl
hy
an
so m t>
ima gt>
bu ildin g , ca ll
Wil son Ma rklt· a t ·(4 16) 59 1 - 140 0
D igi t a l
a nd a sk to"'" our
reel.~~
It rm•an s f' Vf'ry lhing lo us.
tec hn o log ies are a t yo ur co mm a nd .
I I AGI
art•
mult i -
t·o mpu tt• r
So wlwn yu u ' r f' int t> r t>S i f'cl i n
o ffe r s
P a intbo x ,
a nd
a nd
a nim a t t" d
\:71\JU
I S I VI I Y T I I NG
~~[!]@!)D[?J[QJE2J~~[][]~~[mJ
FILM OPTICALS
T h e IMAGE G ROU P C A NA D ~ L~'J?: ~6-So h o.S trt>t> t , To ro nt o. Ontar·iu. Cana d a MST I Z7 (4 16) ~9.1 - 1 40~ F'ax (4 16) 59 1- 6854.
OF CANADA LIMITED
23 FRASER AVENUE TORONTO, ONTARIO M6K IY7 PHONE (416) 534 • 6810 FAX: (416) 5 34 • 3 0 57 Contact: Ernie McAdam or Mike Smith
Montreal Contact: Jack Jones (514) 937-2336
TWO STUDIOS ON SITE! STUDIO A - 115 ft. X48 ft. X32 ft. GRID STUDIO B • 60ft. X35ft. X 17ft. GRID
WORKSHOP
Contact: Jim Hardie ( 416) 588-2023 306 REXDALE BLVD ., UNIT 7, REXDALECANADA M9W 1R6
8
TEL (4 16) 741-1312 FA X (4 16) 741 - 1894
. JUNE1990
LETTER FROM AMSTERDAM I
. I
,,
Full16mm/ 35mm Film Lab Services Film to Tape Audio Post lnterformat On -Line Editing
111 Peter Stteet, Toronto, Ont. MSV 2H1 . 4 16 . 593 . 05 56 . FAX . 593 . 720 1
VAru~LJITE CANADA LTD
TERRY LORD
571 Adelaide Street West Toronto, Ontario M5A1N8 Tel: (416) 947-9400 Fax: (416) 367-8708
CSCNEWS
It took a while before the pieces of this report clicked together, but I think you'll be interested in the following. I'm not a 'regular' reporter so I cannot vouch for all the facts. Actually, some ofthis information is not verifiable. The conclusion is therefore more of an educated guess than I would have wished, but as I have had a pretty fair track record in predicting stuff as you know and because it will most surely affect you within the next decade, I will proceed. At a recent War Veterans dinner I found myself talking to an old friend. We had been in the same Japanese concentration camp in Indonesia where we had the dubious pleasure of spending the war years. At the time we were both very interested in radio and all kinds of electrical stuff. Remember, the word 'electronic' had not been invented yet. We built a clandestine receiver incorporating a smuggled tetrode valve, a stolen telephone and some other junk, fed by batteries made of coconut shells filled with urine from diabetes patients with appropriate electrodes of brass doorknobs and strips of zinc. Never mind the other details, that is for another story, but believe me, it worked. We parted ways after the war, I to find my future profession in the army, he to return to Holland where he studied radio propagation and rapidly climbed in the hierarchy at Philips Electronics. A few years ago, he retired and formed a private company interested in pretty weird and esoteric stuff, mostly computer related, etc. In the last few years, I had become a "MacFreak" and we were able to renew our friendship at a comfortable level. I mean, at that dinner I was able to at least partially comprehend his dissertations. I visited him a few weeks ago and through him I found a very interesting story. It all started with Professor Mandelbrot who more or less invented, or let's say proposed, fractals, the mathematical formulas to describe digital 9
computer language in organic, even analogue, terms. A long time curiosity, it was understood as a very beautiful insight into the matter of synthetic imagery, but soon enough there were indications that it could be used to 'fold up' as it were, vast amounts of digital information. A form of compression then, but with a serious loss of information upon unfolding. I wrote about this in the May 1988 issue of your Newsletter. Those of you who keep the issues will find it on page 22. The conclusion there was, I'm sad to say, a bit optimistic at that time. The problem was that we transmit in video every bit of every picture, 30 times a second. This makes the problems of transmitting or recording TV enormously complex. If you stop for a moment and contemplate what is going on, the fact that we succeed at all is a wondrous thing! In camp in 1945, my Dutch friend and I used to speculate about television as we tried to imagine what would be going on after the war. I was utterly convinced that TV, the transmission of video pictures was impossible to sustain. God, we were all of seventeen years old at the time. We weren't even aware that Germany started transmission in 1934, Americain '36(andwasfullypreparedto schedule regular transmissions from Schenectady in 1939, but the war intervened). What we were talking about was television out of 1938 technical books, most of which were badly mutilated by our fellow inmates who found the pages thin enough (although not as thin as a Bible's) for rolling their cigarettes. Yet Jan already had some weird ideas that are now the mainstay of his affairs. He proposed 'information theory', saying, in short, that it is crazy to
FUJICOLOR PROFESSIONAL MOTION PICTURE FILM. FUJICOLOR NEGATIVE FILM
F- SERIES F-64 F-64 D F-125 F-250 F-500
E.l. 64 E.I. 64 Daylight E.l. 125 E.l. 250 E.l. 500
B~lance
Available in both 35mm and 16mm. For further information, please contact:
FUJI PHOTO FILM CANADA INC. Montreal Denise Langis (514) 636¡8383
Toronto David Cheng (4 16) 890-6611
Vancouver Taylor Ogslon (604) 27 1-251 2
YOUR BEST CHOICE
SALES, SERVICE, RENTALS!
Aaton Cameras Cooke & Zeiss Lenses Matte Box & Follow Focus Lighting Kits & Reflectors Grip Equipment Ronford Baker Tripods & Heads Steenbeck Film & Video Editing Equipment
KINGSWAY FILM EQUIPMENT LTD. Motion Picture Division
1665 Enterprise Road Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4L4 Tel: (416) 670-2880 (800) 387-3990 Fax: (416) 670-2917
send the same signal over and over again, to write and rewrite the same picture at the other end. He thought it more logical to send the picture once, somehow store it at the other end to be released over and over again, while continuing transmitting only the changes in the picture. These were, of course, the ideas of two very young, ill infonned and illeducated boys. But as I progressed through the years, saw the birth of commercial TV, worlced as news cameraman in the early stages (1952 in England, 1958 first with CHANNancouver, later CBC Edmonton) and picked up a substantial amount of technical gibberish I often thought aboutJan's weird and wonderful ideas. For instance, one of his ideas was to generate yet another TV standard, one that would start the signal in the middle of the screen and write concentrically expanding until completion of the field before returning again to the point of origin. This would make the signal considerably smaller than the system now used, where a retrace is needed after every written line, 525 times a second. He did develop that system, by the way, when he was working at Philips and I believe it is used in some military gear. But to get back. Those two ideas, fractals and Infonnatim1heory (that word was coined by Forbes magazine in the '50s) will, most probably, be influencing your life, as I said in the beginning, in the very near future. A company called C-Cube Microsystems of San Jose, CA has anoounced their latest VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated) chip that will revolutionize the computer and ultimately the video industry. The chip, called the CLSS0-1 0, runs at just 10 megahertz, will compress a 25MB continuous colour image (roughly equivalent to a digitally processedNTSC image) to about 5 MB in about a second. That same chip in future versions, running at 27 Mhz will compress at a 20: !level and that will be enough for real-time (30 frames per second continuous tone colour images) video, if translated to NTSC or PAL. But still, even a 5Mhz signal (5 million cycles) is much to large for telephone cable that can barely accommodate 5000 cycles. Here is where 10
the combination of the fractal processing chip of Iterated Systems in Atlanta and the contribution of my good friend Jan will get you a HDTV D-1 signal on a Sony 8mm videorecorder. The VLSI chip itself will cost around $200. Until now it cost $10,000 in digital signal processing chips to process a single 4:2:2 frame, taking about a minute to do so. In comprehensible tenns, it would take a Macintosh SE-30 around three minutes to process a single CCIR 601 frame. The prototype board by C-Cube is now capable of compressing a CCIR 601 4:2:2 size frame that represents a very high quality video frame of about 28 Mhz down to a 2 Mhz realtime video at 30 frames/second. Of course it will just as easily compress ROB or 4:4:4 or YUV. And the first application will be for Macintosh based video editing systems. In every compression and expansion ofvisual data there must be some loss. By using an algorithm underwritten by the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) of the International Standards Organization (that is deciding how you will see your video tomorrow) the loss is limited to that part of the colour content and frequency of the signal that 'matches the human visual data response'. In other words, it matches the eye so you loose data that you cannot see. The vice-president of C-Cube also says that an unnamed European company is using four of these chips to compress HDTV. Steps are underway to develop a motion picture standard chip. You may gird your loins to the fact that 16mm might well become obsolete as it cannot give the same quality as 35mm for nonnal video use and in the foreseeable future that 35mm film will become obsolete when the 2.5 million pixel chip announced by a Japanese finn comes on stream. Jan now contemplates further reduction by utilizing fractal folding, adaptive discrete cosine transfonns, combined with infonnation theory ¡ to reduce the signal from the now achieved real-time 2 Mhz to real-time 4.8 khz. This opens high quality video over the regular telephone wires, very small, inexpensive videorecorders far surpassing JUNE1990
Betacam technology and a few other goodies that I will tell you about in future issues. In the meantime, those among you who dabble a bit in the stock market, take a close look at Philips, which is now shedding several outdated electronic divisions and about to fire about 20,000 employees around the world. Their stock is falling, but surprisingly, not as fast as normally would be the case. Guess that Philips has another interesting development coming up ... soon. On something completely different A few days ago my longlifelove returned from Canada where she had some business to take care of. Talking to some mutual friends she found that most expected me to tum up again in Canada, like a bad penny. It is impossible for me to write all my friends, so I use these pages to inform you all. Here goes. I am quite happy with my decision to move here, evenifitis sometimes frustrating to deal with people who are essentially foreign to me. Somehow I 'took' to Canada when I left my home country Indonesia and the freedom that is inherent in Canada is dear to me. As newscameraman I travelled extensively through all provinces and I enjoyed the total individual freedom that eludes, sadly, most inhabitants of this world. Over here, such freedoms are also written in law, but they are maybe impossible to realize as Holland is the most densely populated country in Europe, possibly the world. That entails harnessing these freedoms with masses of rules and regulations that are unavoidable. A small instance. A little town here has just upped its fines from around $20 to $50 for peeing in the wilds. It literally means that if you are driving around, need a pit stop and find the nearest bush, you will be fined, if apprehended. But any alternative will cost you money. For example, all restaurants have ladies sitting outside the restrooms who fleece you for about 15 cents to use the facilities, even, you would believe, in the MacDonald's in Amsterdam! It is understandable if you read that the number one problem in Holland is the surplus of cow, pig and chicken dung that stinks up the countryside: a result of the unreal prosperity of the cow, CSCNEWS
pig and chicken exports. The dung is impossible to get rid of so official dung police make their rounds to control the farmers so they won't secretly dump it But the pluses are also enormous. Life is inexpensive, the food is unbelievable, the social well-being is very high. Europe is totally vibrant. It is, as we say, all happening here, now. Soon I will drive east, pernaps as far as Moscow, which is the same distance from Amsterdam as Winnipeg is from Toronto, but will pass through eight language barriers and sample God knows what kinds of food and wine (a pretty good bottle of wine sets you back around two or three bucks). There is a vitality, a healthy unrest here that is exciting. Other plans include renting a boat to ply the canals and lakes in Holland and France and to "winter" in Morocco. I don't plan to return to Canada, at least not for a great while. But then again, I have changed my mind so many times already, you never know! Have a good shoot this summer. Bye for now! Robert Rouveroy esc
r~~n:i<:mst''i~ w ~~~~ w:
~~
·~.;: ~·;;':
:fj
We're the largest motion picture lab and post-production facility outside of
'l':
so:::::.o
1;1:;
The new post- production facility offers the highest stan<kvds of sound technology available and fearures:
t:~S·
•
(.'!.'
,:iZ
::"::;:;
l''~~ ~;~.:;
•
y;{
::::~·~ ri!~_..,
(j0 ~~-~~
:.:!: ~1.
:.-. ·-~ 1.~.:'
f;i .-,'.!~
:;,:~
.'_(·,
(~~ .;~::~0'
~:; :!;~·
:.-;,
Sound Systems.
! ::.:
North America's most sophisticated Him rerecording theatre. with a screen size of 30 feet
-~[;
~?t!"Z~~a~ for
•
H:
f our state-of-the- art sound re-recording theatres equ ipped for high-speed m ixing. ADR and Foley recording featuring LUCASFILM THX
t
so. a private lounge and
i::;
':-:<:
f!~ ·.~·;,
N ine audio post suites for video sound production including ADR and Fo~y recording.
;.~';
~~e~e~ =:~:~~T~~~5~ (~~ of
take your production from rushes to linaf refease in both 35mm and 16mm. achieving world class standar9s For b<xlking information. contact: Stan Ford at (416 ) 364 -4321 Sound Srudio, 4Z 4 Adelaid e Street E.lst. Toronto. Canada MSA I N4 film laboratory: 380 Adelaide Street West. Toronto. Canada MSV I R7
~:~·:·
·;.:·~
;n
~·-~·;
:"z
:'J:,
..::.~
~if Fi~
~~ ~t:ta~~~e:::'~;,'~ !il
!s>b
~A
Clairmont Camera is on the Lot at North Shore Studios. 555 Brooksbank Avenue, Bldg 7, Suite 130 N. Vancouver, B.C. V7J355 • (604)984-4563
11
m ?!:~
POST PRODUCTION
FACILITY
~$~
(·'
~ClASS
AGFA+ Professional Motion Picture Fllmstocks Colour Negative: XT 125 Medium Speed XT 320 High Speed 16 and 35 mm Other film products and video tape also available; in stock across Canada In Toronto, The Motion Picture DMslon (416) 241-1110 FAX (416) 241-5409 toll free from Ontario & Quebec: 1-800-268-0726 or 0727 elsewhere In Canada: 1-800-387-3661
RENTALS CoMPLETE 16/35MM CAMERA PACKAGE ARRI 35 BL IV 35 BL II HI-SPEED ARRI Ill AND IIC ARRI 16SR AND SR HI-SPEED POGO-CAM CAMERA SrABIUZJNG MouNT CR'YSTAL EYEMO CRASH CAMERAS HELMET & POV CAMERAS SPECIALIZED CAMERA MouNTS FOR CARS/AERIALS/9<11NG/WATER CUSTOM 5-TON PETERBILT FoRD CuBE VANS MoTOROLA WALKIE-TALKIES NAGRA SoUND SYSTEMS COMPLETE CREWS AVAILABLE
I
COMPETITIVE DAILY/WEEKLY RATES
The 1990 CSC Camera Assistant's Course is over. The success of this intensive nine day course depends upon the time and support ofmany individuals and companies. I would like to thank John Lindsay and Rick Kearny, two excellent first assistant camercqnen, who helped me tremendously in coordinating the program. We couldn't run the course without people like John and Rick. The course is designed for students who are serious about assisting as a career. I feel the board did an excellent job in selecting the candidates. It is always a difficult task and this year was no exception. Our out-of-town students were represented in the east from Montreal and the west Calgary. The students this year were: Francois Daignault, Richard Daley, Christopher Hayward, Judith Lindo, Kelly Mason, Khalen Percival-Neubacher, Roman Neubacher, Karen Partridge, Michael Saito, Ian Scott, Rob Sekersky, Rebekka Vallan, and Rob W~a. The course took us to Production Services, Cine Village, Arri/Nagra, William F. Whites, Spot Film & Video, Kingsway Film Equipment, and Panavision. I would like to thank the following individuals on behalf of the CSC: John Feeny, Doug Dale, Peter Parks and Roger Playter atPS Production Services; Don Pym, Fritz Krockenberger, and Pierre Careau at Arri/Nagra; Michael Zakula and Colin Davis at Kodak; David Cheng at Fuji; Hans Gahr, Dean Tartaglia at Whites; Helmut Cremer and Glen Ferrier atPanavision; Mike Wilder and Gregory Mirand at Kingsway; Peter Edwards at Rosco; AI Lindsay and Jim Hardie at Spot Film & Video; and Imperial Coffee (for keeping me going), the Society, Marianne Gracey and Ken Post Special thanks to the world's best instructors: Rick Kearney, John Lindsay, Roger Finlay, David Perkins, Mark Cyr, Ernie Kestler, Mitch Ness, Ryan McMaster, Ray Charles, Christopher Raucamp and Greg Farrow. In closing I would like to personally thank (how else can I?) everyone who contributed. If I have forgotten anyone, forgive me. Thanks for your support
P.P.I. CAMERA CORPORATION 314 West Pender Street Vancouver BC V6B 1T3 (604) 669-8890 office (604) 681-6817 24 hr. service (604) 662-8013 fax
JOHN HOLOSKO
P.S. Thanks students for the jacket! 12
JUNE1990
We put it all together coast · to · coast
(j) ~on Compon·{
WIWAM F. WHITE Estot>'shed •nee 1%3
Camera. Lighting. G rip ... A Complete Film Service
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new Photo-Sonics High Speed 35mm cameras!
""""""""""""
bonlo Ontono M8V 3>'11
(41b):1:121HI
IOIM-800-2M·2200 10f?TlJo:00·961&27
71!>rueSI
~c•
43We$T~fl~
Monff$01 fo•
vonceuver e c V!>Y 11t2 {0()1 )81).3071 VCl? TU! 04-~
• l -!>14 · 11o6-88~
\obnc;~fo•
.l.b'lt•~ Qu6t:lec: ( !>14)806·33?3
bOf'IIOfoo • 2~2-~
~3C
'L"
• H:o:)o! - &74 - 2~
Top: Richard Daley, Rebekka Valian, Ray Charles, Karen Partridge, Francois Daignault, Rob Wytka and Rob Sekersky at William F. Whites.
Middle: Judy Lindo, Michael Saito and Greg Farrow at William F. Whites. Judy is currently working on Degrassi with Phil Earnshaw esc and Colleen Norcross. Michael is currently working at Rawi Shennan. Bottom: John Holosko, Mike Wilder
of Kings way, and Rob Sekersky. Rob is also worldng at Rawi Shennan.
Photos: Ken Post esc
CSCNEWS
13
BEGINNINGS: A PROFILE OF TWO CAMERA ASSISTANTS BY WANG CHOW In this first column on assisting, we feature two camera assistants who are trying
to establish themselves in the very competitive and tough film and video business. Colin Hoult
As a youngster Colin wanted to be an astronaut But as he got older he realized it was easier to make films about space than to go out there himself. He
started making 8mm space films when he was ten years old. On Saturdays he would stage little film festivals with his friends. By the time he was seventeen, Colin started thinking seriously about a film career. He began to read American Cinematographer. In 1988 after graduating from high school he landed a job as a camera trainee on a low budget horror/suspense film entitled ''Whisper to a Scream''. Since then, Colin has worked as second and first assistant on a number of projects that include music videos, TV dramas and others. Last Christmas he assisted Naohiko Kurita esc on a film with Mickey Rooney. Colin Hoult is a firm believer that experience is the best teacher. The fact that he hasn't taken any courses doesn't bother him in the slightest. Most of his technical knowledge comes from working and hanging around rental houses. His main concern is getting enough work so that he can grow. One aspect of the industry that he likes is the unpredictability. Colin enjoys the challenge of new projects and the opportunity of meeting people. On the down side, he is concerned about how difficult it is for the notice to break into this overcrowded industry. There are far too many aspiring filmmakers, camerapeople, assistants, etc. than there are jobs available. At 21, Colin Hoult has come to the realization that filmmaking is a tough business. It is not quite as tough as being an astronaut, but close. In seven to ten years Colin would like to be a DOP. His ambition is to take Canada to the forefront of filmmaking on the international stage. Carolyn Wong
A native of Victoria, B.C., Carolyn worked as a technical and administrative assistant for various organizations for the frrst five years of her professional life. Her interest in still photography led her to a job as a production assistant in 1986. Two years later she received the opportunity as a trainee/ camera assistant on the tv series ''My Secret Identity''. Since then Carolyn has branched off to other areas. She has assisted on music videos, tv dramas, commercials and documentaries. She has also acquired some Betacam experience. Carolyn likes the process of developing good working relationships on set, but dislikes the long hours. Mter a slow spring, Carolyn is on the move with a number of shoots. She has just finished a music video entitled' 'Only for you'' for the group Twist. Later in the summer, Carolyn will 2nd assist cameraman Miroslaw Baszak on a feature called "Highway 61". She will also attend a workshop in Ottawa. Carolyn Wong has taken the Panavision camera course and is now a resident of Toronto.
&CINEVILLAGE When only the best will do. PS & Cinevillage, 65 Heward Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4M 2T5 (416) 466-0377; Fax: (416) 466-9612
L~l=Filters DISTRIBUTED BY
LEE Colortran Canada, Inc. Unit 1, 400 Matheson Blvd. East, Miasluauga, Ontario L4Z 1N8 (416) 890-0935 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (41_6) 890-0261
14
JUNE1990
I
I
The Festival of Festivals Trade Forum has announced an exciting addition to the 1990 event. The Forum has created a " Speakers Corner" as an arena for people and interest groups to express their views. According to Forum producer Debbie Nightingale, "We want to encourage debate, and give everyone a chance to speak up. Speaker's Corner can be used as a platform for an organization or an idea, for lobbying or just discussing the current state of the industry.' ' Participants will be given thirty to sixty minutes to make speeches on the subject of their choice. The only requirement is that topics must be submitted in advance to the Trade Forum Office. The Festival of Festivals Trade Forum, now in its twelfth year, takes place September lOth through 12th at the Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto. The Festival of Festivals Trade Forum office is locatedat387 Bloor Street East, Suite402, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1H7. Tel: (416) 962-0549. Fax: (416) 962-3036. For further information call Alan J, Schwarz at (416) 467-9444.
CSCNEWS
Well, it actually happened! Lori (Carrottop) Longstaff took the plunge and got married on June 29th. Well, I was there and I finally get a chance to write about Lori instead of reading all about my shoots in Carrottop Comer. "Uncle" Ken Post was there putting in a few good words and taking some pictures (when his flash worked!). The lucky man is Fred Willey who is in the construction business. Fred and Lori have been an item for many years, but we got a clue settling down was in the plans when they bought a house in Keswick a few months ago. Lori has been my focus puller for two years now and she does a great job. Her constant enthusiasm is an inspiration for all crew members (and she is always running around taking notes on her micro recorder for more CSC gossip!). The wedding was a happy event for all who attended, especially her mom, Mrs. Peggy Longstaff. The ceremony took place at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. The reception afterwards included the best man putting on a frrst rate magic show, although the real trick was seeing Lori tying the knot! R.A. STRINGER esc
CARROTTOP CORNER For those who attended the official Canadian release of the Panther dolly on June 22, I'm sure you would agree that the evening was a tremendous success (as well as quite the party!). There were a number of exhibitors there including Steve Campanelli who had his Steadicarn on display. Steve just finished operating Steadicam on " World's Oldest Bridesmaid'' (Perry Hoffman assisted him) and has a Molson commercial coming up with DOP Rhett Morita. ENG starts up again. Mark Hroch is first assistant and Chris Thompson is second assistant ' 'Counterstrike'' wrapped a few weeks ago. Miklos Lente esc was DOP and Ron Stannett esc shot a couple of the shows. Brian Gedge was full-time operator and Michael Soos was frrst assistant. (Michael is also a recent " honey moaner"). Paul Mitchnick had about 30 days on second unit with Mitch Ness assisting him. Scott McDonald was clapper loader and Lisa Brill, the trainee. The Counterstrike crew expects to return to the series in September. Right now the show is shooting six episodes in France. Ron Stannett esc will be the OOP for "Top Cop". There'll be three camera units on this one! Sounds like an interesting project Per loge Shei upgraded from focus puller to DOP on the last few weeks of an IMAX shoot Joe Dasilva assisted Per, while filming in Toronto. Manfred Guthe esc is DOP on "Road to Avonlea". They started shooting on June 25th and will finish the 13th episode in January. Bob Saad is operating and Kerry Smart and Wendy Walgate are assisting. Have a terrific summer! LORI LONGSTAFF 15
REPORT ON JUNE MEETING
PRODUCT NEWS ... FROM Rt1SCO
The June meeting was planned as a screening evening of all the award winning films from the annual esc awards. Because of the volume of films the meeting had to be split into two evenings. The first screening, on June 11, was the films that were finished on film. I felt it was unfair to screen projected film and video side by side. Video projection still being in its infancy it can't yet compare to film projection, and I felt it unfair to make a direct comparison. Film House generously provided screening facilities for the film screenings. The first film to be screened was Millennium, D.O.P. Rene Ohruihi esc. Because of time restraints we could only screen the first and last reels. This was screened in Film House's Theatre One, a THX dolby stereo mixing theatre, and the sound was impressive. The reels we screened contained a night plane crash scene that was spectacular and in the last reel a series of special effects scenes which make it easy to understand why this film was chosen as best feature film. After this we took a short coffee break and then adjourned to Theatre Four, another THX dolby stereo theatre, this one equipped with 16mm projection equipment. Here was saw "Ressac" and "Roaches" two entries by the winner of best Student Production John Freeman. Both films were very entertaining and John was present to make some comments on them. It was very interesting to see how the quality of student films has improved over the years. Last, but not least, we watched the winner in Unique Cinematography, "Oasis in the Sea" by John Stoneman esc. This film is one episode of a series produced by John for CTV. It was wonderful to see this underwater world on a large screen instead of our TV sets. Unfortunately, neither Rene or John could be with us at this meeting, a pity because I'm sure there were many things members would have liked to discuss with them. The meeting adjourned with more coffee, cookies and talk. I would like to thank Film House for their kind donation of facilities and the production companies who made the films available to us for the screening.
A 65-minute videotape pw gram, hosted by Emmy Award winning cameraman and videographer, Dick Reizner, provides dozens of useful tips for lighting video productions in the studio, or in such locations as offices, warehouses and factories. The videotape, titled' 'Lighting In The Real World'' focuses on the real life lighting situations faced by producers and cameramen every day. It explains how to deal with the typical mixed light location: the windows are daylight, there are fluorescent lamps o ·er' d and the fill is tungsten - all in the same shot! Along the way, Reizner offers a number of ideas on lighting. Here are just a few of the subjects he covers: Which lighting filters to use for those special - but not so uncommon tasks - like videotaping the CEO who is balding and wears glasses or getting good ·mages of the speaker who is working next to a slide or overhead projector; Choosing the right diffusion material in the studio, or on location. Using patterns, or gobos, to break up the light and make the picture look more interesting; How to ''gel'' windows quickly and easily so the daylight balances correctly to your tungsten fill light and the intensity doesn't overwhelm your lighting; How to get the green/magenta (or CC) balance right when shooting under fluorescent lights; What the video white balance button or the lab can and can't do in getting the color balance right. Using the vectroscope and the light meter on location. What to do with metal halide or other ghoulish discharge sources. "Lighting In The Real World" is available at Rosco 1271 Denison Street, #66, Markham, Ontario L3R4B5 Tel: (416) 475-1400, Fax: (416) 475-3351 and will be shown at either the October or November CSC meeting.
You and your production team move mountains to make an image more memorable. At Precision Camera we understand your needs to find custom manufactured products that perform the job and are priced within your budget. But there's more to Precision Camera than just cameras. We've got years of experience as industry leaders in new products and new product technology. There·s our dedication to customer service and our dependability. And our sa les know-how you can turn to and count on. We invite you to try our full line of Cameras. Power. Lighting and Accessories as well as stateof-the-art Studio/Production Equipment. Precision Camera Inc. No problem is insurmounti3ble.
JOAN HUTTON CSC
Precision Camera Inc. UNEQUALLED TECHNOLOGY UNEQUALLED SERVICE
TORONTO 181 Carlaw Avenue Toronto. Ontario Canada M4M 251 (416) 461 -3411 FAX (416 ) 461 -4869
VANCOUVER 11861 88th Avenue Suite 401. Delta. B.C. V4C3C6 (604) 597-9591 FAX (604) 597-5091 Contact: Brian Rutz
· LENSES AND ACCESSORIES ·CAMERAS AND ACCESSORIES . POWER PRODUCTS . STUDIO/ PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT · LIGHTING ·TRANSIT CASES· . MANUFACTURING . SPECIAL SERVICES · EQUIPMENT