EDITOR'S NOTE
Technology: New, Old and Revived
by Tomm Carroll
 Tomm Carroll |
As I write this, just before press time, the Hollywood writers strike was finally settled! And with any luck, by the time you’re reading this, most of our industry will be back to work or at least preparing to return.
With the strike behind us, we look to the future. Literally. The 800-lb. gorilla of new technology trade shows for the post-production professional, NAB 2008 in Las Vegas, is right around the corner. In the early weeks of this year, we’ve already had the 2008 editions of NAMM––the musical instrument and technology show––and the behemoth Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which dwarfs even NAB in sheer size.
Writer Dan Ochiva offers a preview of what to expect, technology-wise (tapeless workflows, high-speed networks, metadata, etc.), at NAB this April, while music editor and recording engineer Michael Jay offers a take on the NAMM show from his professional perspective, and assistant editor Roger Cooper reports on the post-production related equipment he came across at CES.
Although it was little more than a gimmick when it debuted in the 1950s, stereoscopic (or 3-D) cinema has become “The Thing That Wouldn’t Die.” Twenty-first century technological developments in the process are sure to have a presence at NAB. But why wait til then? Lenny Lipton, “the godfather of 3-D,” has been proselytizing about the wonders of stereoscopy for years now. Debra Kaufman covers a recent presentation Lipton made to the industry on the advancements of 3-D.
Despite the fact that this magazine will be available at NAB, in a counter-programming move, our cover this issue is adorned with old––almost retro––tech in the form of videotape cassettes. Jeff Buchanan edited the new comedy Be Kind Rewind, about the misadventures of a couple of guys who work in a video rental store (an occupation soon to become obsolete) and develop a unique solution to a big mess they find themselves in. Buchanan talks to Rob Feld about the creative chaos of working with director Michel Gondry and the editing (on VHS!) of the so-called “sweded” movies, shot by and starring the characters in the film.
Feld also interviews Be Kind’s assistant editor Alex Kopit and music editor Tass Filipos about their particular challenges working with Buchanan and Gondry on this unorthodox picture, including the videos-within-a-film.
This issue’s classification spotlight shines on our librarian, shipping and vault membership, as Michael Kunkes checks in with our members based at the Fox, Paramount and Warner Bros. studios in Hollywood, as well as NBC in New York, to discuss their job functions and responsibilities.
Following the debut of a regular post-production-themed crossword puzzle last issue, we have now added an advice column, “Talk to the Sprocket," wherein members can anonymously ask sensitive work-related questions and receive responses. Let us know what you think of it.
And, on a sad note, we have lost our beloved Maggie Ostroff––Board member, assistant editor, member of this publication’s Editorial Policy Committee, and author of the “Maggie’s Corner” column that appeared in these pages. Maggie passed away peacefully in early February after a long, but well-fought illness. She is already missed. Rest well, dear heart.
Due to our magazine deadlines, an obituary/tribute will not appear until our next issue.