HD EXPO Enjoys Record Attendance

With knowledgeable speakers and dynamic visual examples on the mainstage, informative vendors in the open tent, and numerous parties inattendance, the third HD EXPO held on June 27, 2002, in Burbank, CA,proved to be an event that not only informed and showcased, butentertained.

The event was held at the Barwick Studios in an indoor/outdoorarena, hosting the latest in HD tools ranging from production to postproduction. Compared to the previous EXPOS, this one more thansurpassed the attendance quota. Over 500 industry professionalsattended the EXPO.

Leading off the presentations on the main stage, was Dino Parks ,Director of Photography for “Simon: The EnglishLegionnaire”, which not only promises to be an exceptional film,but was also a stunning example of the detail and beauty that HDtechnology can bring to a movie. The stunning backdrop to the film,shot both in Monaco and Algiers, was a wonderful and exciting openingto the EXPO.

Issues surrounding HD technology were addressed by the diversespeakers. Randall Dark, President of HD Vision Studios not onlyhighlighted the differences between 24P and 1080i, he discussed thedifferent ways that 1080i and 24P technology can be used separately orin conjunction with the more traditional production and post productiontechnologies of the past. HD Visions Studios is a complete productionand post production facility specializing in HD technologies located inStudio City.

Also in attendance was AVID Technology & Keycode Media, whosedemonstration illustrated the advantages of their newly redesignedHD/DS system presented by Avid’s “DS Guru” LucasWilson. The demonstration showed the workings of the post-productionworkflow, and how their equipment enhances and improves this aspect ofpost production.

Another highlight of the EXPO was Panasonic showcasing its newlyacquired AJHDC 27 VariCam presented by Michael Brinkman and DavidWiswell. The company not only provided interested onlookers with itsmultiple options and support equipment, but also lectured on how overcranking and under cranking are possible in their HD Digital Camerainstead of having to wait until post. The two presenters also exploredthe benefits of using 720P for acquisition.

After each of the specialized presentations a question and answersession followed. This facet of the EXPO provided the attendees withthe option to further their education and understanding of HD.

The “Fantasy Island” theme was complete with freshtropical fruit, beverages, Polynesian greeters in grass skirts, a steeldrum band, a tropical vodka tasting bar, and many enthusiastic guestsdressed in Hawaiian gear. In fact, all that was missing from the HDEXPO’s “Fantasy Island” was Mr. Rourke’sassistant, Tattoo. Despite this “small” oversight, theproducers of HD EXPO, Alan Young and Kristin Petrovich, created arelaxed and enjoyable environment conducive to the informative, social,and business aspects of High Definition Technology and the industry ingeneral.

The HD EXPO is held quarterly and will be executed again on the 26thof September.

For future information regarding HD EXPO, please visit www.hdexpo.net or call the eventhotline at (818) 389-9150.