In the workshop 120 cameramen worked with all avaible HD cameras on all kind of sets simulating most of possible filming conditions. Work with high-end postproduction equipment like the eQ, Avid Nitris, Lustre or Final Cut Pro was also part of the one-week workshop. Producers, technicians and digital artists were informed about the development in Germany at a congress from companies like Zeiss, WDR, Chroma TV, Apple, Canon, Sony, Fujinon, Quantel, Sennheiser, Arri, Band Pro and Cine Postproduction. Luckly most of the seminars were not marketing reports but packed with helpfull basics for filming with HD.

Special Guest: Michael Ballhaus

As special guest Michael Ballhaus responsible as the director of photographie in many Hollywood movies like “The Departed” (2006), “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003), “Uptown Girls” (2003), “Gangs of New York” (2002), “Wild Wild West” (1999) or “Outbreak” (1995), taught a master class using the F23 shooting a short movie. In an interview at the congress Michael Ballhaus usually dedicated to Arri said that the new sony F23 (Film 2/3″ CCD Chip) is a big step forward. Although the technology is advancing in his opinion film will always be a part of the filmindustry. It will always be a question of the aesthetics if traditional film will be used or HD equipment. Therefore cameraman have to be more skilled. Especially finding good camera assistance in Germany is almost impossible Mr. Ballhaus said. Therefore an initiative has been formed to educated this job. In the US it is a common well paid job, in Germany due to small budget the position has been rationalized. Ballhaus hopes that the media industry returnes to well educated production crews to enhance the quality.

Working with HD

“Hands on HD” was a great success. Although the TV Stations in Germany change to real HD TV (720/50p) (yes, we are so slow due to missing benefits on the audience side), most production companies know that HD is already there. HD is great, may be not for news but for series or TV movies. UHD is already in development and Digital Cinema will even more change our perception of viewing images.

By the way: All HD cameras were there, but the “RED” was missing, although the organizer had tried to get it…