Archive of the Cameras Category

WAYNE, NJ – JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., today announced that WHTM-TV, the ABC affiliate that serves Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, Penn. (DMA #41), has purchased 15 GY-HM790U and six GY-HM750U ProHD cameras for its transition to local HD news production.

Allbritton Communications Company, which is based in Arlington, Va., recently standardized on JVC ProHD cameras for studio and ENG work at WHTM-TV and five of its affiliated stations. The new cameras are part of an overall transition to local HD news production for all stations in the group.

In May, WHTM-TV began using its new JVC cameras in the studio in SD mode, but transitioned to HD in October. The studio’s three GY-HM790Us are connected via fiber optic cable, which eliminates the need for triax and additional cable bundles.

Each camera is equipped with a CopperHead ProHD KA-F790 fiber optic transceiver, a custom module built by Telecast Fiber Systems that provides a direct connection to the camcorder (no external cables). “The fiber package is compact and well integrated,” said Keith Blaisdell, WHTM-TV director of technology. “Telecast has worked very hard to deliver a robust and reliable fiber solution with the CopperHead.”

Photojournalists began using ProHD camcorders in the field in June, then transitioned from SD to HD in September. “The cameras are simply amazing in their video reproduction. The colors are rich and the resolution is really superb,” Blaisdell said. “Most of all, the total package is both operator and engineer friendly.”

Blaisell said JVC’s native file recording on non-proprietary SDHC cards has been a “perfect match” for the station’s Adobe Premiere NLE workflow. “We made the transition from legacy Digital Betacam tape to nonlinear workflow all at once,” he added. “JVC’s native file recording has worked seamlessly with Adobe Premiere to deliver stunning HD pictures.”

The GY-HM750U delivers outstanding 1920×1080 images in a lightweight, shoulder-mount form factor. It records at selectable data rates up to 35 Mbps and can record HD footage in 720p, 1080p, and 1080i, as well as SD footage (480i). Building on the modular approach of the flagship GY-HM790U, it includes a 68-pin chassis connector that creates a clean, direct interface with various modules – no external cables needed. Plus, a new feature allows simultaneous recording to both SDHC cards for instant backup or client copy.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Products Company is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video and audio equipment. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800)582-5825.

Portable Power Solutions for Sony, Canon, Panasonic, RED and ARRI Will Be On Site

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 28, 2011—From November 29 to December 1, Anton/Bauer® (Booth 223), a brand of The Vitec Group, and a premier global provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries, will demonstrate the company’s latest power solutions for government buyers and suppliers of video, AV, broadcast and multimedia technology at the Government Video Expo (GV Expo) 2011. more

TIFFEN® UPDATES AWARD-WINNING DFX® VERSION 3 FILTER SUITE WITH SUPPORT FOR 64-BIT AVID SYSTEMS; EXPANDS SONY CAMERA OPTIONS
Tiffen Dfx version 3.0.5 plug-in now compatible with Avid Media Composer v6, Symphony v6, and NewsCutter v10; adds camera support for Sony DSLR, NEX, SLT, and STV Models

Hauppauge, NY – November 18, 2011 – The Tiffen Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of award-winning accessories for still and video imaging, motion picture, and broadcast markets today announced that its Tiffen Dfx v3 digital filter suite is now compatible with Avid 64-bit systems, Media Composer®, and Symphony™ v6.0 as well as NewsCutter® v10.0. In addition to 64-bit, the updated Dfx v3 plug-in sports enhanced filter control and adds support for 16 Sony camera models. “We are always looking for ways to enrich the Tiffen Dfx capabilities whether it is qualifying new editing system releases such more

Wayne, N.J.– Seeking exceptional optical quality for fast-paced episodic television productions, three Canadian Directors of Photography (DPs) recently rented a complement of FUJINON Premier PL Mount zoom lenses from Sim Video—a leading Toronto-based broadcast and film equipment rental company.

The three notable Canadian DPs—Mike McMurray, David Perrault, and Rudy Blahacek—chose FUJINON Premier PL zoom lenses to shoot sci-fi television series for broadcast on NBC/Universal’s SCI FI Channel, CTV, and Lifetime. In choosing equipment for these productions, they selected from the Sim Video PL lens inventory which includes: Premier PL 18-85 T2.0 zooms, Premier PL 24-180 T2.6 lenses; and Premier PL 75-400 T2.8-3.8’s. Designed for high-end 35mm film and digital cinematography, the FUJINON PL Mount product family offers focal lengths ranging from 14.5mm to 400mm.

DP McMurray, CSC, has been using the Premier PL lenses to shoot “Warehouse 13,” an American fantasy/drama series for the SCI FI Channel. “In shooting ‘Warehouse 13,’ equipment reliability is crucial. FUJINON lenses are workhorses in the film industry, especially for TV series work, because they produce crisp, clean images and color-match extraordinarily well with each other,” he explained. “The FUJINON Premier PL 18-85 T2.0 is an excellent wide to mid-range lens, while the Premier PL 75-400 T2.8-3.8 takes care of all my long lens needs. But my favorites are the two Premier PL 24-180 T2.6’s that I use with my A and B cameras because, with their wide focal lengths, lens changes are minimal.”

DP Perrault, CSC, has also been using Sim Video’s FUJINON PL zoom lenses to shoot “Alphas,” a new action thriller series for the SCI FI Channel featuring five ordinary people who acquire super human physical and mental capabilities.

“I’ve been using the FUJINON Premier PL 75-400 T2.8-T3.8 and Premier PL 18-85 T2.0 to shoot season one of ‘Alphas,’ and they’re both beautiful lenses,” Perrault said. “These compact lenses offer broad focal ranges, great coatings, and flare rejection qualities, nice markings for focus, and in particular, gorgeous ‘bokehs’ on the 18-85.” Considered the mark of an exceptional lens, a bokeh is the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image. While some lenses produce bokehs that are unpleasant and distracting, FUJINON PL Mount lenses have the distinction of rendering very aesthetically pleasing blurs.

Regarding the FUJINON Premier PL 18-85 T2.0 lens, DP Blahacek said, “I will always carry this lens in my package. The resolution is amazing, and the lack of aberrations coupled with the fast T-stop put this lens in a class of its own.” Blahacek has been using this lens for almost two years to shoot several projects including: “Score: A Hockey Musical,” a film featured at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival; “Salem Falls,” a TV mini-series to air on Lifetime in 2012; and “The Listener,” a sci-fi TV series now in its second season on CTV, Canada’s leading broadcast network.

These three DPs, all with a long list of American and Canadian television credits, have long relied upon Sim Video for equipment rentals as well as responsive technical and customer support. In its more than 30 years in business, Sim Video has expanded from its Toronto headquarters, adding locations in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Atlanta, Halifax, and Beijing to better serve its customers. Sim Video’s FUJINON Premier PL mount zoom lenses, as well as its FUJINON “E” Series Zooms and HD ENG zooms are ideal companions to its high-end camera inventory, which includes the Arri Alexa, Red Epic, Phantom HD, Sony F35 and F800.

“FUJINON Premier PL zoom lenses are unique in that they provide cinematic and television productions with the same caliber of quality expected from the highest performing prime lens. Having the flexibility of a zoom means fewer lens changes on set which speeds up the overall space of production,” said Rob Sim, president of Sim Video. “Our investment in FUJINON Premier PL lenses was an easy decision given this lens maker’s legacy of providing superior product development and service to our industry.”

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 16 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2010, and in the year ended March 31, 2011, had global revenues of $25.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 86 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

FUJIFILM Optical Devices Division, 10 High Point Drive, Wayne, New Jersey 07470. Phone: 973-633-5600. Fax: 973-633-5216. Web site: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/optical_devices/index.html.

3D Film Factory’s Successful 3D Workshops Now Offer 3D Certification.

Since 2008 the 3D Film Factory (3DFF) has successful taught more individuals how to prep, shoot and edit stereoscopic 3D than any other organization. Now for the first time, 3DFF is giving participants the opportunity to get Certified in Stereoscopic Filmmaking.

What does that mean to be certified in stereography? “For us it’s a lot more than just a piece of paper. It’s an assurance of superior training,” say Shawn Gilmore, the company’s manager of operations. “It means that program participants have undergone 2-days of intensive, quality instruction with a veteran stereographer. Certification means that participants not only have a comprehensive understanding of stereoscopic theory, but an actual working knowledge and skills to shoot and edit professional-quality 3D.”

A partial list of workshops topics include; the guiding principles and overlying theory of stereoscopic 3D, how to make effective use of 3D, prepping for 3D, transforming your 2D ideas into working 3D images, camera and 3D rig selection, genlock issues, rig calibration, re-light for 3D, filming ratios demystified, gauging depth and pop, applying effective convergence, perfect image alignment, easy 3D post workflows, and all the other details you need to know to create superior quality 3D entertainment, that ultimately serves the story.

All classes are taught by expert stereographers with years of 3D filming and production experience. The goal is to teach participants as much as feasibly possible within the2-days, and therefore keep the focus on the students and their implicit 3D educational needs.

3D Training Workshops are held on an ongoing bi-monthly basis at our facility in San Diego, California. 3DFF supplies everything, including cameras, 3D rigs, 3D monitors, lighting and even lunch – all for a very affordable price. For scheduling and registration information call 619.384.4014 or visit at www.3DFilmFactory.com

About the 3D Film Factory
The 3D Film Factory is the leader in professional, affordable 3D camera systems and real-time 3D viewing solutions. In addition we provide a host of 3D production services for hire, including 3D camera rigs, 3D viewing systems, stereographers, and 3D post, as well as, monthly comprehensive 3D training workshops. Former clients include ESPN, NASA, DISNEY, HD CINEMA, PINEWOOD STUDIOS, and DISCOVERY. For more information visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Cinedeck EX supports challenging production, using Sony’s F3 camcorder, streamlines editorial & VFX pipeline, and heralds IIF-ACES color workflow development

Cinedeck LLC (www.cinedeck.com) today revealed details of how its Cinedeck EX, multi-format, HD-SDI recording, monitoring and playback system, was combined with high-performance Sony F3 cameras, and played a pivotal role in the camera-to-post workflow, of VFX-laden horror feature film The Ghost Of Goodnight Lane, directed by Alin Bijan (www.GhostofGoodnightlane.com).

The combination of Cinedeck EX with Sony F3 cameras enabled the production to solve budget, performance and space constraints during the shoot, with Cinedeck EX also delivering a fast uncompressed, file-based camera-to-post workflow for the editorial and VFX teams.

The experience of working the Sony F3’s with uncompressed S-Log footage, and desire to optimize theatrical picture quality, has led the filmmakers to work on the Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences’ IIF-ACES color-encoding specification, and the development of a new Input Device Transform for the F3.

The Ghost Of Goodnight Lane was written and directed by Alin Bijan, and produced by award-winning Dallas, Texas, production company Media World Studios, in association with FTG Media (www.MakingFilms.com). The production, featuring an angry ghost with evil intentions, is a comedy horror about a movie being made in a haunted film studio, and was inspired by paranormal events that occurred at Media World Studios. It stars Billy Zane (Titanic), Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls), Danielle Harris (Halloween), Matt Dallas (Kyle XY) and Richard Tyson (Black Hawk Down).

Principal photography took place over 22 days, with two Cinedeck EX systems capturing from A and B Sony F3 cameras. All footage was recorded from the F3s as 10-bit, uncompressed, RGB 4:4:4, S-Log gamma-encoded imagery. Live action was output from Cinedeck EX in Apple ProRes 4444 for Final Cut editorial, and green-screen elements output as uncompressed 4:4:4 for VFX work and compositing. Over a quarter of the movie, 25 scenes, was shot for VFX treatment. Multiple SSD cards were used to transfer the uncompressed footage to the editorial and VFX teams.

In addition to rigorous schedule and the tight budget, typical of an independent production, the production crew also faced restricted shooting environments, as many of the sequences were to shot in cramped spaces.

In preparation for the shoot, Bijan and his crew carefully investigated how innovations in camera, recorder and monitor technologies could solve these issues, while delivering the highest possible quality file-based workflow to streamline the camera-to-post workflow.

Considering all of these elements, the crew decided to shoot the entire movie using new Sony F3 cameras, with dual Cinedeck EXs at the heart of the camera-to-post pipeline.

“We knew we’d be facing a mountain of challenges in production, so we decided to let leading-edge technology lead us to the best pipeline,” said Bijan. “In the Sony F3 I found a camera that I could move around quickly and shoot sequences fast, but with extremely high quality. I also needed a recorder that did much more than just record. Assessing all the different kinds of recorders, we discovered Cinedeck EX offered more in one little device than anything else out there. It matched our physical space requirements, and more importantly, it enabled us to record S-Log uncompressed RGB 4:4:4 from the Sony F3 and deliver those files directly, and quickly, to post for editing and compositing.”

Jonny Revolt, editor The Ghost Of Goodnight Lane, commented, “When you’re shooting a film with so many VFX scenes, Cinedeck EX’s ability deliver ready-to-composite, uncompressed content, without the need to convert file formats, is a huge time and money saver. The post crew could begin working in the full S-Log color space immediately, and this gave us the comfort of being able to test VFX keys live on set.”

Summing up his experience shooting with the Sony F3 and Cinedeck EX, Bijan said, “I need the right tools to help me tell my story, and Cinedeck EX makes filmmaking so much easier. We took full advantage of its advanced capabilities to shorten the distance between production and post – that’s the wonder of file-based workflows. Cinedeck EX helped me to tell a better story and make a better film, because I didn’t have to worry about my workflow, and that’s half the battle in indie film-making.”

Peter Crithary, production marketing manager for Sony Electronics, said, “Given the F3′s extremely quiet signal and exceptional picture quality, using S-Log Gamma encoding, with 10-bit uncompressed RGB output, Cinedeck EX is the perfect companion to record and preserve the superb image quality of the camcorder.”

The desire of the filmmakers to maintain the cinema-grade quality of the Sony F3 footage for theatrical release, afforded by Cinedeck EX, has led to a collaboration with the American Society Of Cinematographer’s Curtis Clark ASC, chair of the ASC’s Technology Committee, to develop an Input Device Transform for the Sony F3. This will conform to the Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences’ Image Interchange Framework (IIF) ACES color-encoding specification, and streamline an ACES workflow – from camera to grading to finished output.

The Cinedeck EX & Sony F3 Advantage
The Sony F3 with S-Log has rapidly emerged as a sought-after, high-end digital camera for productions seeking file-based workflows across a wide range of production environments. These include 10-bit uncompressed, RGB 4:4:4 baseband output, with S-Log Gamma encoding for external recording, an important feature for customers requiring an HDCAM-SR™ workflow.

Along with a powerful, but simple, file-based workflow, Cinedeck EX delivers a number of unique benefits to filmmakers and cinematographers using the Sony F3 with S-Log, including:

· Cinema-grade S-Log recording

· Simple RGB 4:4:4

· 3G single link BNC

· Dual-link HDSDI BNC

· Live output of Cinedeck EXTREME feeds EVF

· Support for the widest variety of codecs

· Flexible arm mounting

· Provides perfect alternative to RAW TIFF files

Cinedeck EX starts at $8495 and features unparalleled flexibility with the widest range of edit-ready formats available on a single device. The following formats come standard and are supported natively on Cinedeck EX:

· Avid DNxHD (MXF wrapped or .mov)

· Apple ProRes (including 4444)

· CineForm Digital Intermediate

· Uncompressed 4:2:2 (.mov)

· Uncompressed 4:4:4 (.mov)

For more information on Cinedeck EX v2.1, please visit www.cinedeck.com.

For more information on the Sony F3 please visit www.sony.com/F3

Founded by cinematographers, and headquartered in the heart of New York City, USA, Cinedeck manufactures innovative, touchscreen recording systems for use with all popular digital cinematography cameras. Along with on-set monitoring, playback and quality control capabilities, these recorders also unify camera-to-post workflows by offering the industry’s most comprehensive range of edit-ready output formats. Cinedeck EX, the industry’s first camera-mountable device, has proven essential to the workflow on hundreds of TV and cinema productions, and has won TV Technology’s “2010 STAR Award”, the “2010 Vidy Award,” and DV Magazine’s “Award of Excellence”. Continuing this pioneering spirit, Cinedeck LLC is also addressing the challenges of the mobile and outdoor broadcaster with Cinedeck RX, its new, rack-mounted, multi-format recorder, monitor and playback system. Cinedeck RX was awarded the prestigious “2011 Pick Hit Award at IBC 2011” from Broadcast Engineering Magazine. For more information, visit www.cinedeck.com.

Our certified 2-day workshops are designed to demystify and simplify the entire 3D filmmaking & editing process, from development thru post production. In doing so, our veteran stereographers (3D experts) will teach you everything you need to know to create brilliant, eye-catching 3D images, that maintain viewer comfort — and ultimately serve the story.

TOPICS
– Determining the 3D needs of the participants & their upcoming 3D projects
– A tour-de-force “the principles of stereoscopic 3D filmmaking”
– Translating your 2D ideas into working 3D images
– Selecting the correct 3D Rig that integrates with your cameras – or visa-versa
– Solving gen-lock issues and how it works
– When to use a beam-splitter vs. side-by-side vs. 3D camcorders (dual fixed lens)
– You too can calibrate & prep a 3D rig (with a little practice)
– “Hands-On” — majority of the class is spent shooting with 3D Rigs – beam-splitter & side- by-side
– New 3D camcorders (dual fixed lens) – uses, limitations & what “they” don’t tell you
– Top 3D shooting secrets & ratios exposed !
– Depth vs. pop vs. parallax
– Achieving nirvana – perfect picture alignment
– Balancing convergence, parallax & io to achieve comfortable 3D images
– How to tell professional 3D vs. amateur 3D (hint: amateur 3D = headaches)
– Shooting beautiful, balanced 3D images that serve the story
– Re-lighting for 3D
– How to use and calibrate a real-time 3D monitor
– The 3D post-production workflow & you
– 3D editing = FCP vs Cineform vs Avid
– How to “Fix it in 3D Post” for Dummies
– 3D exhibition formats & how they affect your production (hint: start here & work backwards)
– AND– all the other nitty-gritty details you need to know to create superior looking, professional 3D — because at the end of the day (workshop) we understand that these training sessions are all about you and your upcoming 3D project. So really — our goal is to teach you everything we know about 3D, while addressing your individual needs and issues — and in the end, make you look good. Or at least – your 3D look good.

DETAILS
This is an INTENSIVE, FUN, “HANDS-ON” workshop where participants learn how to prep, align, light, shoot, edit and output professional style 3D, under the direction of a veteran stereographer. Unlike most other 3D training programs, teaching only 3D theory – our workshops allocate the majority of the day to filming on stereoscopic 3D systems – beam-splitter rigs, side-by-side rigs & real-time, stereoscopic 3D monitors.

Our courses are designed to accommodate both the complete novice, and the professionals with previous 3D filmmaking experience looking to learn more or fine tune their existing skills. The teaching stereographers understand that many participants may have pending 3D projects, therefore they welcome all questions, individual concerns and unique situations. Furthermore, attendees should keep in mind that 3D filmmaking is not an exact science, but rather an evolutionary process, with fluid rules and varying outcomes. The 3D camera rigs, cameras, real-time 3D monitors, editing equipment and lunch will be provided by 3DFF.

Our veteran 3D instructors (stereographers) are World-Class experts, with years of 3D filming and production experience on almost every contintent. Along the way they’ve shot for a wide variety of high-profile clients and fortune 500 companies to produce 3D documentaries, features, commercials and museum documentaries.

Our 3D workshops are held on an ongoing monthly basis at our studios in sunny, San Diego, California. See Program Dates / Locations for a current listing. Information or registration call 619.384.4014 or email info@3DFilmFactory.com

STEREOSCOPIC CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the 2-day workshop participants will receive our official Stereoscopic Certification Diploma. The 3D Film Factory Certification serves as a means to verify to other industry professionals that recipients have received detailed, in-depth instruction in the art and science of stereography. Specifically, it signifies that recipients posses a comprehensive understanding of stereoscopic theory, as well as, a strong knowledge of practical, hands-on 3D filmmaking and editing.

Creativity, Hands-on Insights, and Innovation were on the Docket at Entertainment Technology Expo and Post Production Master Class

(BURBANK, CA) Createasphere – a global community builder for the entertainment technology industry – wrapped four days of education, connection, and exhibition last week in Burbank during two events focused on a wide array of topics addressing content creation in a transmedia world.

Createasphere kicked off its flagship event of the year, the Entertainment Technology Expo, with a tech-leading exhibition area alongside a number of panels and intensives. “How’d You Get That Shot?” brought out a number of members from the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) who have captured death defying and technically outstanding shots. Panelists included David Frederick, SOC (Sons of Anarchy); Stephen Campanelli, SOC (Red Riding Hood); Steven Fracol, SOC (Green Lantern); Douglas Knapp, SOC (Escape from New York); Dan Kneece, SOC (Numb3rs); Larry McConkey, SOC (Hugo); and Ron Vidor, SOC (ER). “How’d You REALLY Get that Shot?” continued with a hands-on demonstration and illustration of the operators’ work in Gear Alley.

On November 3, noted cinematographer Salvatore Totino, AIC, ASC, brought a standing-room only audience in as he explored his role in a number of acclaimed films and his collaborations with director Ron Howard. Totino’s credits include Any Given Sunday, The Missing, Frost/Nixon, Cinderella Man, The Da Vinci Code, and Angels & Demons.

Gear Alley – where production-centric exhibitors, experts, and users congregated – was the hub for lively and busy product exploration of the industry’s latest tools. Noted DP Rodney Taylor, ASC participated in “Shoulder to Shoulder,” which included production shots with the Sony F65. The hands on demonstrations by the SOC and Taylor were supported by Sony, K5600, Panasonic and Marshall.

Kristin Petrovich, President of Createasphere, noted, “In the midst of so much change and opportunity in our businesses and careers, we strive to create events that speak to a new way of thinking as content converges with technology and becomes more immersive and participatory. Seeing the busy show floor with engaging panel discussions, in-depth intensives, and practical activities at Gear Alley, was gratifying. We want to keep an open channel of communication with all of our attendees, sponsors and speakers to make sure we continue to keep our finger on the pulse of trends and needs.”

The Post Production Master Class on November 4 and 5 followed the Entertainment Technology Expo. Designed to reach, inform and connect professionals in post production, the two-day event put a number of the most innovative thinkers in place for the conversation. Topics addressed included the affect of on-set solutions on workflow and the state of color. Thirty experts from Deluxe, Tunnel, Technicolor, Testronic, FotoKem, Light Iron, ALT Systems, Local Hero, and more were on hand to guide the informative two days.

Petrovich concluded, “We have seen the Post Production Master Class grow in popularity and value. It is obvious to us that there is a high demand for knowledge as post, visual effects, storytelling and production become even more closely aligned.”

Next up for Createasphere is the European launch of their successful Digital Asset Management Conference, which begins on November 8 at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. At DAM, Createasphere brings together technology leaders, entertainment and media organizations, and an interdisciplinary group of practitioners defining the future of asset management.

Also slated for 2012 are more than 17 events spanning three continents. These events include the Entertainment Technology Expo in Los Angeles and New York; Digital Asset Management Conference and Expo Los Angeles, New York and The Hague, Netherlands; Executive Marketplace for Houses of Worship in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York; 3D Road Show in the U.S.; and CABSAT in Dubai. For dates and details on all events visit www.createasphere.com.

For more information, full schedule and to register, please visit www.createasphere.com or call 818.842/6611.

About Createasphere
Createasphere is a global community builder for the entertainment technology industry, advancing technologies and careers through Expos, Conferences, and online offerings.

Createasphere was founded in 2001 as HD EXPO, and over the past decade has grown into a global company that develops and presents influential events for the content creation community, on line and face to face. Founded by Kristin Petrovich Kennedy in Los Angeles, Createasphere became part of Diversified Business Communications in 2009, now driving their entertainment strategies and properties division. Currently Createasphere is presenting the Entertainment Technology Expos in New York and LA; the Digital Asset Management Conference in New York, Los Angeles, and Europe; The DAMMY Awards in New York; Cinema India Expo in Mumbai; the online news and content portal CreativeProCoalition.com; 3D Road Shows; and Post Production Master Classes.

Connect with Createasphere on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Vimeo.

# # #

Media Contact:
Chris Purse,818.303.8088
ignite strategic communications
chris@ignite.bz or mimi@ignite.bz

Cinedeck EX v2.5 features extensive timecode and audio enhancements, plus new deck control application and improved playback engine

Cinedeck LLC (www.cinedeck.com), the pioneering developer of mobile capture systems for motion picture and broadcast production, today announced significant enhancements to its award-winning, portable, multi-format, recording, monitoring and playback system, with the release of Cinedeck EX v2.5.

Available for immediate download, the new Cinedeck v2.5 software delivers a range of customer-requested features that support an even better operational experience for Cinedeck users. These include a new and enhanced playback engine, expanded timecode operations, upgraded audio metering displays, and a new Windows-based, desktop remote controller for multiple Cinedeck EX systems.

Cinedeck EX is already the fastest gateway from production to post. It enables any camera with an HD-SDI or HDMI output to record to a choice of the most preferred finishing standards used in editorial and VFX post production today, including all flavors of Avid DNxHD, Apple ProRes, CineForm, plus uncompressed 444 and uncompressed 422 recording.

Chief among the enhancements of the Cinedeck v2.5 release is a new playback engine, which has been completely rewritten and provides a vastly improved user-experience compared to prior versions. Crucially, the new engine enables users to take advantage of Cinedeck Controller, a free Windows-based desktop application, which provides basic deck control of the Cinedeck EX. Cinedeck Controller, which comes bundled with the new software release, allows users to remotely control up to 24 Cinedeck units, browse a list of clips recorded in the current scene folder, and to control recording and playback on multiple units independently or simultaneously.

Among the many expanded timecode operations, Cinedeck v2.5 adds support for Adrienne Electronic’s LTC devices, including the use of Adrienne’s mini USB timecode reader. Cinedeck EX already supports Ambient Recording timecode systems.

Redesigned audio meters now show audio in dBFS (full scale) from -60dB to 0dB, with levels displayed in an array of colors making them easier to read in the field. Along with a range of general playback fixes, other enhancements include new edge detection displays, with edges in red, rather than black, to increase legibility.

“Users already enjoy the experience of using, and interacting with, Cinedeck EX, and their feedback has resulted in the new Cinedeck EX v2.5 software version containing a host of enhanced features,” said Cinedeck CEO Alan Hoff. “These new features focus on usability and performance improvements to optimize the fundamental operation of Cinedeck EX where it matters most – in production. With the new v2.5 version available now, current and new customers will enjoy the Cinedeck EX experience even more.”

Cinedeck EX v2.5 will be on display at the Createasphere Burbank show November 2-3, 2011 at Sony’s booth #101, and at Keycode Media’s booth #303.

Pricing and Availability:
Cinedeck EX v2.5 is available for immediate download, free-of-charge, to customers on maintenance. Cinedeck EX is available for purchase via resellers worldwide starting at $8495USD–MRSP. Visit www.cinedeck.com to find your nearest reseller.

Founded by cinematographers, and headquartered in the heart of New York City, USA, Cinedeck manufactures innovative, touchscreen recording systems for use with all popular digital cinematography cameras. Along with on-set monitoring, playback and quality control capabilities, these recorders also unify camera-to-post workflows by offering the industry’s most comprehensive range of edit-ready output formats. Cinedeck EX, the industry’s first camera-mountable device, has proven essential to the workflow on hundreds of TV and cinema productions, and has won TV Technology’s “2010 STAR Award”, the “2010 Vidy Award,” and DV Magazine’s “Award of Excellence”. Continuing this pioneering spirit, Cinedeck LLC is also addressing the challenges of the mobile and outdoor broadcaster with Cinedeck RX, its new, rack-mounted, multi-format recorder, monitor and playback system. Cinedeck RX was awarded the prestigious “2011 Pick Hit Award at IBC 2011” from Broadcast Engineering Magazine. For more information, visit www.cinedeck.com.

Judging Panel Includes Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer Russell Carpenter (Titanic), Producer Maureen Ryan (Academy Award-Winning Documentary, Man on Wire) and Actress Heather Matarazzo (Welcome to the Dollhouse)
Judging Panel Includes Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer Russell Carpenter (Titanic), Producer Maureen Ryan (Academy Award-Winning Documentary, Man on Wire) and Actress Heather Matarazzo (Welcome to the Dollhouse)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, November 3, 2011 – Big Vision Empty Wallet (BVEW), the networking organization dedicated to bringing both emerging and established artists and innovators together and helping them collaborate, create and showcase their work, has teamed up with Canon to launch its first National Film Pitch Competition. The purpose of Big Vision Empty Wallet’s National Film Pitch Competition is to find the next great feature film and get it made. Canon will be awarding the Grand Prize Winner with a 30-consecutive-day HDSLR Camera and Canon EOS EF “L” Series Lens Package Rental, plus a 1-week re-shoot. The winner will also receive other free rental packages and services to help them get their film made from additional sponsors, including a Producer’s Package from Media Services/Show Biz Software, Quick Film Budget, Konsonant, Rotting Television and Daryl Eisenberg Casting. The Grand Prize is valued at over $100,000. An additional prize furnished by Media Services will be awarded to the Viewer’s Choice Winner for Best Pitch Video, selected through online voting.

When contestants submit to the competition they receive a free one-year membership to Big Vision Empty Wallet. Contestants must be residents of the United States. To submit, visit: http://www.bigvisionemptywallet.com/national-film-pitch

Participants must submit the following by January 30, 2012:

• A treatment for their dream feature film that they would make using the valuable prizes provided by the competition sponsors.
• A promotional video, trailer or scene that pitches their film.
• Bios of the creative team.

The Top 10 Finalists will be announced on BigVisionEmptyWallet.com on February 10, 2012, at which time, online voting will open to decide the online winner. The esteemed judges will give each finalist a score based on originality, style, professionalism, marketability, quality of work and so on. The Top 3 Finalists will be announced on March 1, 2012.

The Top 3 Finalists will have from March 1, 2012 – April 1, 2012 to complete the first draft of their screenplay and submit it for judging in the final round. Online voting for the best pitch video will continue throughout this time.

The judging panel will select the Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced on BigVisionEmptyWallet.com and RottingTelevision.com on May 1, 2012.

The judging panel includes:

• Russell Carpenter – Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer, Titanic
• Maureen Ryan – Producer, Academy Award-Winning Documentary Man on Wire, Project Nim
• Heather Matarazzo – Actress, Welcome to the Dollhouse (Independent Spirit Award)
• Rik Cordero – Award Winning Commercial, Film and Music Video Director
• Alex Buono – Academy Award Nominated Cinematographer, 10-year veteran Saturday Night Live
• June Diane Raphael – Writer and star of upcoming feature Ass Backwards, Writer of Bride Wars

“It isn’t our goal to simply find the next great feature film, we will also enable the winner to get their dream film made,” said BVEW co-founder Dani Faith Leonard. “The grand prize package is huge. I wish I could win it!”

“We are extremely grateful and excited to be teaming with all of our sponsors, especially Canon during the exciting launch of their brand new cameras,” said BVEW co-founder Alex Cirillo.

ABOUT BVEW:

Big Vision Empty Wallet is an international networking organization dedicated to bringing together artists and innovators and helping them create, collaborate, and showcase their work. We inspire the creative class to create great change by creating great work.

Members Can:

FIND ARTISTS TO COLLABORATE WITH:
- Attend our ongoing events in cities around the world.
- Post casting and crewing notices on our projects board and in our member bulletin.
- Create a profile on our site where you can share your work and information about yourself as an artist and the art you create.
- Interact with other members who you want to work with by sending them a private message on the site.

CREATE WITH EASE:
- Take advantage of our exclusive member deals and discounts.
- Use our resource guide, including over 125 production forms, NY and LA vendor directories, as well as our listings of film commissions and unions.

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK:
- Screen your films or exhibit your work at our events.
- Gain free online entry to all of our online competitions.
- Upload your work onto your member profile.

AFFECT CHANGE:
Give back to your community at our local Chapter events in NY, LA, Philly and DC. We host events in other cities around the world too and will be expanding our events to Chicago, Boston, Toronto, London and Madrid! Each Chapter is associated with local charities and non-profits. Our members? work is always showcased through screenings, exhibits and performances as members network and give back.

ABOUT BVEW’S NATIONAL FILM COMPETITION JUDGES:

RUSSELL CARPENTER won the 1997 Oscar for Best Cinematography on James Cameron’s Titanic. His work with Cameron began on the 1994 Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy/action hybrid, True Lies. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). In the 1980s, Carpenter shot many memorable horror films including Critters, Critters 2 and A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. In the 1990s, he DP’d the Jean-Claude Van Damme hits Death Warrant and Hard Target. His next project, This Means War, is due out in theaters sometime next year.

MAUREEN A. RYAN is a producer based in New York concentrating on feature films and documentaries. She is co-producer of James Marsh’s 2009 Academy Award-winning Best Documentary, Man on Wire, as well as on Marsh’s latest feature documentary, Project Nim. She produced the independent film Bomber, which had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in 2009, as well as 2008 Peabody Award-winner, The Gates, co-directed by Albert Maysles. Ryan also wrote the book, Producer to Producer: The Step-by-Step Guide to Low Budget Independent Film Producing.

HEATHER MATARAZZO, a successful actor since her feature film debut in Welcome to the Dollhouse at the age of 11, has been captivating movie-going audiences for over a decade. Her unique talent and on-screen charm have earned her critical acclaim, including an Independent Spirit Award. Heather quickly followed up Dollhouse with a breakout performance in Taylor Hackford’s thriller, The Devil’s Advocate. In the following years, she worked non-stop on such films as 54, Getting to Know You, Scream 3, Sorority Boys, and Freshman Orientation. In 1997, Heather joined the cast of the smash hit series Roseanne for the final season. In 2001, Heather starred in Disney’s box office hit, The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall. That same year, Heather starred in Service Men off Broadway and made her Broadway debut in the Roundabout Theatres production of The Women. Following up her Broadway debut, Heather went into production for the sleeper hit Saved. Heather’s focus continues in film and theatre as she chooses to diversify her body of work securing a lead role in the sequel to HOSTEL. In 2010 Heather produced and starred in MANGUS!, and independent feature film directed by Ash Christian.

RIK CORDERO was born and raised in Queens, New York and is known for applying unusual, non-traditional shooting methods in his work. He was nominated for Video Director Of The Year at the 2009 BET Awards and was the recipient of the Best Film Award for his feature film, Inside A Change, which made its world premiere at the 2009 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival. In 2010, Cordero was seen in Sprite’s print and television ads for their “Spark” campaign. The ads featured him as a Hollywood director discovering inspiration in very unlikely ways. He recently wrapped his latest feature Starla, a thriller executive produced by Chris Robinson and The World Is Watching, a documentary about the culture of New York City high school basketball produced by Nike and narrated by Spike Lee. Cordero was also a featured director for SHOOT Magazine’s 9th Annual New Director’s Showcase held at the DGA Theater on May 10, 2011. He is currently in production with a documentary about the closing of Peninsula Hospital Center in Queens, New York.

ALEXANDER BUONO wrote and produced the theatrical documentary, Bigger Stronger Faster, which he developed and guided through every stage from financing and production to final delivery and distribution. The film premiered in competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed by Magnolia Pictures. Alex was the co-producer and director of photography of Green Street Hooligans, about London’s football subculture starring Elijah Wood, which won both the Jury Prize and Audience Award at the 2005 SXSW Film Festival. In 2003, Alex received an Oscar nomination for the short film, Johnny Flynton, which he produced and photographed. He recently completed the Chinese co-production, Shanghai Kiss, starring Hayden Panettiere, and has been the director of photography for the Saturday Night Live Film Unit for the past 9 seasons. Other credits include the Emmy-nominated ESPN series Mayne Street. Alex is a graduate of the USC School of Cinema Arts and spent his early post-collegiate years on the camera crews of studio ?lms including Twister, Conspiracy Theory and Armageddon. ?

JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL has appeared in such films as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Zodiac, Going the Distance, Year One, The Dry Land and Bride Wars, which she co-wrote with Casey Wilson. She currently plays Piper on the Adult Swim series NTSF:SD:SUV, and has been seen on Flight of the Conchords, Party Down, Funny Or Die Presents, Happy Endings and Players. She currently is developing a pilot for ABC with Will Gluck called, “Walk of Shame” in addition to numerous features currently in development.

ABOUT BVEW’S FOUNDERS:

ALEX CIRILLO is a filmmaker born and raised in New York. In May 2010, she and Dani Faith Leonard launched Big Vision Empty Wallet after having produced film screenings and competitions through their sister company, Industry Power Play. Cirillo is also a Producer at Washington Square Films where she works on feature films, documentaries and commercials, and specializes in TV & New Media development. She recently worked on Margin Call, a feature film starring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons and Stanley Tucci, which premiered at Sundance 2011 & opened in theatres this October, and Francine, an independent experimental drama starring Melissa Leo slated for release in 2012. Cirillo also serves as Grant Manager for Emmy-winning Director Robert Levi’s and Bowery Arts & Science’s National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for a documentary about legendary jazz musician Hank Jones. Additionally, Cirillo is the chairwoman of New York Women in Film & Television’s Gift Bag Committee. This summer she had the honor of serving as a judge for the Boston Comedy Festival’s New York Showcase and she is currently in pre-production on a documentary about children in inner city Baltimore gaining confidence and life skills with the help of The Tender Bridge.

DANI FAITH LEONARD is a writer and actress based in New York City. She has acted in independent films and theatre in the US and overseas. She can be seen writing and performing with the sketch comedy troupe Really Sketchy. In June 2008, she founded Preen Productions under which she and business partner Alex Cirillo ran Industry Power Play, a series of monthly film screenings and events for the independent film and performing arts community of NYC. In May 2010, they launched BigVisionEmptyWallet.com, a networking organization dedicated to bringing artists together from all over the world. She currently has two films in pre-production and is looking forward to what this exciting year will hold personally, and for Big Vision Empty Wallet.

For more information and to become a member of Big Vision Empty Wallet, visit http://www.bigvisionemptywallet.com/join.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, November 3, 2011 – Big Vision Empty Wallet (BVEW), the networking organization dedicated to bringing both emerging and established artists and innovators together and helping them collaborate, create and showcase their work, has teamed up with Canon to launch its first National Film Pitch Competition. The purpose of Big Vision Empty Wallet’s National Film Pitch Competition is to find the next great feature film and get it made. Canon will be awarding the Grand Prize Winner with a 30-consecutive-day HDSLR Camera and Canon EOS EF “L” Series Lens Package Rental, plus a 1-week re-shoot. The winner will also receive other free rental packages and services to help them get their film made from additional sponsors, including a Producer’s Package from Media Services/Show Biz Software, Quick Film Budget, Konsonant, Rotting Television and Daryl Eisenberg Casting. The Grand Prize is valued at over $100,000. An additional prize furnished by Media Services will be awarded to the Viewer’s Choice Winner for Best Pitch Video, selected through online voting.

When contestants submit to the competition they receive a free one-year membership to Big Vision Empty Wallet. Contestants must be residents of the United States. To submit, visit: http://www.bigvisionemptywallet.com/national-film-pitch

Participants must submit the following by January 30, 2012:

• A treatment for their dream feature film that they would make using the valuable prizes provided by the competition sponsors.
• A promotional video, trailer or scene that pitches their film.
• Bios of the creative team.

The Top 10 Finalists will be announced on BigVisionEmptyWallet.com on February 10, 2012, at which time, online voting will open to decide the online winner. The esteemed judges will give each finalist a score based on originality, style, professionalism, marketability, quality of work and so on. The Top 3 Finalists will be announced on March 1, 2012.

The Top 3 Finalists will have from March 1, 2012 – April 1, 2012 to complete the first draft of their screenplay and submit it for judging in the final round. Online voting for the best pitch video will continue throughout this time.

The judging panel will select the Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced on BigVisionEmptyWallet.com and RottingTelevision.com on May 1, 2012.

The judging panel includes:

• Russell Carpenter – Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer, Titanic
• Maureen Ryan – Producer, Academy Award-Winning Documentary Man on Wire, Project Nim
• Heather Matarazzo – Actress, Welcome to the Dollhouse (Independent Spirit Award)
• Rik Cordero – Award Winning Commercial, Film and Music Video Director
• Alex Buono – Academy Award Nominated Cinematographer, 10-year veteran Saturday Night Live
• June Diane Raphael – Writer and star of upcoming feature Ass Backwards, Writer of Bride Wars

“It isn’t our goal to simply find the next great feature film, we will also enable the winner to get their dream film made,” said BVEW co-founder Dani Faith Leonard. “The grand prize package is huge. I wish I could win it!”

“We are extremely grateful and excited to be teaming with all of our sponsors, especially Canon during the exciting launch of their brand new cameras,” said BVEW co-founder Alex Cirillo.

ABOUT BVEW:

Big Vision Empty Wallet is an international networking organization dedicated to bringing together artists and innovators and helping them create, collaborate, and showcase their work. We inspire the creative class to create great change by creating great work.

Members Can:

FIND ARTISTS TO COLLABORATE WITH:
- Attend our ongoing events in cities around the world.
- Post casting and crewing notices on our projects board and in our member bulletin.
- Create a profile on our site where you can share your work and information about yourself as an artist and the art you create.
- Interact with other members who you want to work with by sending them a private message on the site.

CREATE WITH EASE:
- Take advantage of our exclusive member deals and discounts.
- Use our resource guide, including over 125 production forms, NY and LA vendor directories, as well as our listings of film commissions and unions.

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK:
- Screen your films or exhibit your work at our events.
- Gain free online entry to all of our online competitions.
- Upload your work onto your member profile.

AFFECT CHANGE:
Give back to your community at our local Chapter events in NY, LA, Philly and DC. We host events in other cities around the world too and will be expanding our events to Chicago, Boston, Toronto, London and Madrid! Each Chapter is associated with local charities and non-profits. Our members? work is always showcased through screenings, exhibits and performances as members network and give back.

ABOUT BVEW’S NATIONAL FILM COMPETITION JUDGES:

RUSSELL CARPENTER won the 2007 Oscar for Best Cinematography on James Cameron’s Titanic. His work with Cameron began on the 1994 Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy/action hybrid, True Lies. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). In the 1980s, Carpenter shot many memorable horror films including Critters, Critters 2 and A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. In the 1990s, he DP’d the Jean-Claude Van Damme hits Death Warrant and Hard Target. His next project, This Means War, is due out in theaters sometime next year.

MAUREEN A. RYAN is a producer based in New York concentrating on feature films and documentaries. She is co-producer of James Marsh’s 2009 Academy Award-winning Best Documentary, Man on Wire, as well as on Marsh’s latest feature documentary, Project Nim. She produced the independent film Bomber, which had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in 2009, as well as 2008 Peabody Award-winner, The Gates, co-directed by Albert Maysles. Ryan also wrote the book, Producer to Producer: The Step-by-Step Guide to Low Budget Independent Film Producing.

HEATHER MATARAZZO, a successful actor since her feature film debut in Welcome to the Dollhouse at the age of 11, has been captivating movie-going audiences for over a decade. Her unique talent and on-screen charm have earned her critical acclaim, including an Independent Spirit Award. Heather quickly followed up Dollhouse with a breakout performance in Taylor Hackford’s thriller, The Devil’s Advocate. In the following years, she worked non-stop on such films as 54, Getting to Know You, Scream 3, Sorority Boys, and Freshman Orientation. In 1997, Heather joined the cast of the smash hit series Roseanne for the final season. In 2001, Heather starred in Disney’s box office hit, The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall. That same year, Heather starred in Service Men off Broadway and made her Broadway debut in the Roundabout Theatres production of The Women. Following up her Broadway debut, Heather went into production for the sleeper hit Saved. Heather’s focus continues in film and theatre as she chooses to diversify her body of work securing a lead role in the sequel to HOSTEL. In 2010 Heather produced and starred in MANGUS!, and independent feature film directed by Ash Christian.

RIK CORDERO was born and raised in Queens, New York and is known for applying unusual, non-traditional shooting methods in his work. He was nominated for Video Director Of The Year at the 2009 BET Awards and was the recipient of the Best Film Award for his feature film, Inside A Change, which made its world premiere at the 2009 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival. In 2010, Cordero was seen in Sprite’s print and television ads for their “Spark” campaign. The ads featured him as a Hollywood director discovering inspiration in very unlikely ways. He recently wrapped his latest feature Starla, a thriller executive produced by Chris Robinson and The World Is Watching, a documentary about the culture of New York City high school basketball produced by Nike and narrated by Spike Lee. Cordero was also a featured director for SHOOT Magazine’s 9th Annual New Director’s Showcase held at the DGA Theater on May 10, 2011. He is currently in production with a documentary about the closing of Peninsula Hospital Center in Queens, New York.

ALEXANDER BUONO wrote and produced the theatrical documentary, Bigger Stronger Faster, which he developed and guided through every stage from financing and production to final delivery and distribution. The film premiered in competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed by Magnolia Pictures. Alex was the co-producer and director of photography of Green Street Hooligans, about London’s football subculture starring Elijah Wood, which won both the Jury Prize and Audience Award at the 2005 SXSW Film Festival. In 2003, Alex received an Oscar nomination for the short film, Johnny Flynton, which he produced and photographed. He recently completed the Chinese co-production, Shanghai Kiss, starring Hayden Panettiere, and has been the director of photography for the Saturday Night Live Film Unit for the past 9 seasons. Other credits include the Emmy-nominated ESPN series Mayne Street. Alex is a graduate of the USC School of Cinema Arts and spent his early post-collegiate years on the camera crews of studio ?lms including Twister, Conspiracy Theory and Armageddon. ?

JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL has appeared in such films as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Zodiac, Going the Distance, Year One, The Dry Land and Bride Wars, which she co-wrote with Casey Wilson. She currently plays Piper on the Adult Swim series NTSF:SD:SUV, and has been seen on Flight of the Conchords, Party Down, Funny Or Die Presents, Happy Endings and Players. She currently is developing a pilot for ABC with Will Gluck called, “Walk of Shame” in addition to numerous features currently in development.

ABOUT BVEW’S FOUNDERS:

ALEX CIRILLO is a filmmaker born and raised in New York. In May 2010, she and Dani Faith Leonard launched Big Vision Empty Wallet after having produced film screenings and competitions through their sister company, Industry Power Play. Cirillo is also a Producer at Washington Square Films where she works on feature films, documentaries and commercials, and specializes in TV & New Media development. She recently worked on Margin Call, a feature film starring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons and Stanley Tucci, which premiered at Sundance 2011 & opened in theatres this October, and Francine, an independent experimental drama starring Melissa Leo slated for release in 2012. Cirillo also serves as Grant Manager for Emmy-winning Director Robert Levi’s and Bowery Arts & Science’s National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for a documentary about legendary jazz musician Hank Jones. Additionally, Cirillo is the chairwoman of New York Women in Film & Television’s Gift Bag Committee. This summer she had the honor of serving as a judge for the Boston Comedy Festival’s New York Showcase and she is currently in pre-production on a documentary about children in inner city Baltimore gaining confidence and life skills with the help of The Tender Bridge.

DANI FAITH LEONARD is a writer and actress based in New York City. She has acted in independent films and theatre in the US and overseas. She can be seen writing and performing with the sketch comedy troupe Really Sketchy. In June 2008, she founded Preen Productions under which she and business partner Alex Cirillo ran Industry Power Play, a series of monthly film screenings and events for the independent film and performing arts community of NYC. In May 2010, they launched BigVisionEmptyWallet.com, a networking organization dedicated to bringing artists together from all over the world. She currently has two films in pre-production and is looking forward to what this exciting year will hold personally, and for Big Vision Empty Wallet.

For more information and to become a member of Big Vision Empty Wallet, visit http://www.bigvisionemptywallet.com/join.