Staines, UK – Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a leading international manufacturer of advanced camera support products, recently completed the successful installation and commissioning of an advanced camera support and management system at the Swiss Parliament in Bern. The announcement was made by Shotoku sales director James Eddershaw from the Company’s European headquarters in Staines, UK.

The project entailed complete replacement of outdated technology in the Ständerat chamber with Shotoku’s state-of-the-art Orchestra Camera Management System (CMS) with a TR-16S Shot Control Panel to direct seven strategically mounted TG-27 robotic pan/tilt heads. The Shotoku management system is fully integrated with the facility’s vision mixer and audio controls.

“We have been working with Shotoku for several years and had no hesitation completing the final stage of the TV upgrade [with] Shotoku’s TG-27 head and Orchestra control systems,” said Technical Project Manager Hermann Krähenbühl. “We operate with a combination of microphone-driven automatic control and operator-driven, joystick control for smooth on-air close-up work Shotoku’s Orchestra CMS system provides the perfect solution for this careful balance of requirements.”

“Shotoku provided systems for the Nationalrat [National Council] Chamber and Press Centre in recent years and we are delighted now to complete this major upgrade for the Ständerat,” said Eddershaw. “Our parliamentary TV system—based on the TG-27 head, TR-S shot panel and Orchestra CMS software—is built on years of experience gained from operations in parliaments across the world. As a result, it is very well suited to the uniquely demanding application of live coverage of extended debates in large chambers.”

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides robotic camera systems capable of interfacing with third-party equipment. Established as an engineering design firm specializing in advanced mechanics and electronic control systems, Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan with offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. The Company’s robotic camera systems are designed, developed and manufactured in Staines, UK. For further information: www.Shotoku.co.uk

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Shotoku contact: James Eddershaw
+44 (0)1784 224 650 • info@shotoku.co.uk

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications, Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Company to Display MATRIX Cheese Plate and Gold Mount System, DIONIC HCX, DIONIC HC, CINE VCLX and Battery Accessories

LONDON, FEBRUARY 9, 2012—Anton/Bauer®, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company and a premier global provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries, will demonstrate its latest array of power solutions at Broadcast Video Expo 2012 (Stand I30) for an international audience of broadcast, video and audio professionals. more

PORTLAND, OREGON, FEBRUARY 8, 2012—Autoscript, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, and the world’s leading teleprompting company, will showcase its latest prompting innovations at the annual Professional Video & Tape Cascade Mountain Video Show (CMVS) in Portland. more

TORONTO, FEBRUARY 8, 2012—Autoscript, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, and the world’s leading teleprompting company, will be in attendance at the 10th annual February Freeze, hosted by William F. White International in conjunction with CinequipWhite, Inc. on February 8. more

Continues Commitment to Offering Innovative Power Solutions for Industry’s Hottest Cameras

SHELTON, CT, FEBRUARY 6, 2012—Anton/Bauer®, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company and a premier global provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries, is pleased to introduce its QRC-CA940 Gold Mount® solution for the new Canon EOS C300 camera. This latest introduction furthers the company’s commitment to developing power solutions for the industry’s top cameras. more

Buenos Aires News & Sports Channel
Installs Shotoku Camera Support Systems

Torrance, CA – Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a leading international manufacturer of advanced camera support products, proclaimed a successful integration of the company’s virtual reality (VR) camera support at C5N (Canal 5 Noticias) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Shotoku Inc.’s president, Naoki Ebimoto, made the announcement from the Company’s US headquarters in Torrance, CA.

The news and sports information service, established in 2007, is distributed to a worldwide audience via cable, satellite, streaming internet services and social networks. The facility recently interfaced Shotoku’s SH120 VR-enabled pan / tilt head system with virtual 3D graphics by Vizrt. Driven through an iPad interface, the channel’s operators produce traffic and weather updates, as well as reports on such ever-popular topics as the economy, politics and sports. The Shotoku system was inaugurated on Argentina’s Presidential Election Day in October 2011 with compelling graphics especially designed for the occasion by Vizrt.

“Using the Shotoku system, our production team developed a new way to display the news on the [television] screen. Virtual 3D graphics were easy and reliable; they caught the attention of viewers and helped us remain the most innovative channel, with the latest technology in Argentina,” declared Gastón Serralta, IT manager for C5N.

“We were very pleased at the results of our integration with Vizrt in Buenos Aires,” said Ebimoto. “Virtual reality systems are a key to the future of television production; they enable small facilities to expand the boundaries of creativity and capture the attention of their audience.”

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides robotic camera systems capable of interfacing with third-party equipment. Established as an engineering design firm specializing in advanced mechanics and electronic control systems, Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan with offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. The Company’s robotic camera systems are designed, developed and manufactured in Staines, UK. For further information: www.Shotoku.tv

# # #

Shotoku contact: Naoki Ebimoto
1-866-SHOTOKU • info@shotoku.tv

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications Harriet Diener
845-512-8283 / harriet@desertmooncomm.com

New 3D BULLET RIG shown with Panasonic HPX250 cameras. The most affordable, modular 3D beam-splitter made. Adustable IO (3.5″), convergence (0-2 deg), XYZ axis, camera elevation and mirror angle (44 to 46 deg) for perfect image alignment. Fits easily on Steadicam, handheld mode (shoulder mount incl), EasyRig, jib and any tripod. Weighs just 15 lbs. Accomodates Red Epic, Scarlet, Sony EX3, F3, Canon XF305, XF105, 5D, Si-2K, & many other cameras. Visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Wayne, N.J.– If there’s one thing a broadcast-quality rental and staging firm quickly learns, it’s that the critical choice of equipment can make or break their reputation. This factor was top of mind for Winnipeg, Manitoba’s award-winning MidCanada Production Services when they purchased the first FUJINON XA50x9.5BESM HD Telephoto Lens delivered in Canada.

MidCan Director of Operations Chris McIvor explained that it’s all about finding the sweet spot of versatility and affordability, while providing the quality and durability that his rental operation demands. “We thought it was a great idea for FUJIFILM to offer a multi-purpose studio/ENG box lens with a built-in camera mount,” he said. “As a rental house, that was really important to us because we have a wide variety of cameras, more than thirty in stock. Since we don’t need separate mounts, the lens will work with any of our cameras. Mounting the lens is simpler, and the cameras are lighter and easier to use.”

McIvor noted that the other big deciding factor in MidCan’s choice was the fast lens speed: “The 1.7 aperture gives us the opportunity to shoot in very low light conditions. We don’t do stage lighting, but in rental and staging you never know for sure the lighting conditions in the particular environment you’ll be facing. It could be a concert one day, a sporting event the next.

FUJIFILM Optical Devices Division designed the XA50x9.5BESM with this kind of flexibility in mind for any type of large venue requiring tight shots at long distances. The lens features the Digi Power servo control system and Digital Quick Zoom to control the lens function quickly and accurately for all production environments. While McIvor is excited about the possibility of using the lens to shoot professional hockey games for Winnipeg’s new Jets franchise, he also sees many applications across Canada for live conferences and tradeshows.

“This lens is in a price range that is very affordable in the staging market for such a long telephoto lens with a great aperture,” he explained. The new lens is actually just one of a wide variety of Fujinon lenses in MidCan’s rental inventory. McIvor noted, “We get a lot of requests especially for the HA16x6.3BERD ENG/EFP lens. It’s a great mid-range choice with a combination of wide angle and high zoom range that everyone seems to enjoy. And, like all our FUJINON lenses, it’s delivered terrific quality and durability.”

McIvor added that in the demanding rental and staging business, it’s essential to work with manufacturers who support their products with great customer service. “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with FUJIFILM. Our rep, Stosh Durbacz, is terrific. He’s one of those guys who will bend over backwards to make something happen, as he did in working with us to get the new lens here in Winnipeg and ready for the Canadian market. Thanks to his efforts, it’s boxed up and ready to be on a plane today. We couldn’t be happier.”

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.

About Mid-Canada Productions

With its 16,000 square foot facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, MidCanada Production Services Inc. specializes in broadcast-quality equipment and crews for film, television and video production and post-production; audio recording; ADR recording and post production; SD/HD video camera rentals, sales and supply; and website design and development. Visit http://www.midcan.com.

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

South of France based broadcast, video and AV rental services specialist Forcast, headed by Stephane Pilloud has acquired Action Monaco from the Avesco Group – in a planned expansion that will see both companies join forces and continue operating in their existing highly successful formats.

The strategic merger sees Forcast become the largest AV rental / broadcast and video facilities service operation in France outside of Paris, and the biggest such independently owned company in the country.

Forcast has steadily built its reputation for supplying the highest quality, state-of-the art video equipment and crew, plus imaginative turnkey solutions to the busy live and corporate events market in the region – which also extends into Spain and Italy – over the last 10 years.

Its work embraces all sectors of their industry including sporting fixtures, special events, festivals of all types – music, arts, culture, etc., together with corporate shows and presentations. It is also involved in AV and broadcast systems design, specification and implementation, with recent high profile venue projects including the new Olympic Nice Stadium and the Grimaldi Forum conference and congress centre in Monaco.

Says Pilloud, “An absolute ideal opportunity presented itself with Action Monaco, and I saw a chance to integrate both businesses into a single streamlined operation, taking advantage of a great synergy that will continue to provide the service and standards that everyone expects”.

With Action’s main office in Monaco and Forcast’s three facilities along the Cote D’Azur, all easily accessible to main intercontinental highways, Forcast and Action Monaco can easily combine both equipment and resources to cost-effectively service projects from Barcelona to Milan as well as further afield in Europe.

The Forcast / Action merger fuses the latest technologies with a wealth of experience, knowledge and dynamic thinking in the fields of modern video production.

All related equipment can be supplied to a diversity of clients and projects, from full HD camera and OB systems to varying PPUs; from a wide selection of LED screens and surfaces to projection systems of all sizes together with multiple screen control and screen management options. Full editing suites and content creation facilities are also available, either for pre-production or on site.

Pilloud will be joined at Action Monaco by Monaco based independent AV producer and industry maverick Andrew Van Hoffelen, who will help co-ordinate the day-to-day running of the company, focusing on large events and business development.

Van Hoffelen comments, “Over the past twenty five years I’ve worked to improve the service and standards of the TV, video and staging facilities available on the Cote d’Azur. Stephane has always been an enthusiastic partner in this mission and I’m really excited to join the Forcast / Action Monaco team at this juncture.

“Forcast already has an amazing reputation and respect for excellence in its work. Stephane has always instigated ‘international’ rather than ‘local’ working practices and we are dedicated to providing global clients with exactly the same technical facilities, and service that they would expect ‘at home’. This far exceeds a standard ‘Local rental operation’ and it is great to get the opportunity of moving this ethos and the whole operation forward”.

The live events market in the south-west of Europe and particularly along the coast, is currently steadily busy, with much of the business initiated in the USA, UK, and other parts of northern Europe.

Factors becoming important in it’s servicing include the requirement for more eco-friendly and sustainable technical solutions that don’t involve trucking equipment over such long distances. The Forcast / Action Monaco merger puts the companies in an ideal position to fulfil this criteria.

Forcast also works closely with specialist partners in lighting and audio to enable the provision complete, cost-effective full technical production packages.

For more press info. on Forcast or Action Monaco, please contact Louise Stickland on +44 (0)1865 202679/+44 (0)7831 329888 or Email ‘louise@loosplat.com’.

Hollywood, CA – 3D Film Factory, the leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs, introduces the world’s lightest, most affordable, hand-held 3D rig – the 3D Bullet Rig. Ready to “Load & Shoot”, this versatile 3D system is literally unshakable for handheld, Steadicam, Easyrig, or tripod filming.Priced at a fraction of other professional 3D rigs (under $5K), this compact beam-splitter rig is the perfect solution for location, reality, or action 3D filmmaking. It’s features actually surpass that of other more expensive rigs. For more information on the 3D Bullet Rig visit www(dot)3DFilmFactory(dot)com

“The 3D Bullet Rig is going to take 3D production to a whole new level. I love this rig. It’s incredibly light, rock steady and most of all – it’s really easy to shoot with from your shoulder, or tripod. This rig is a 3D filmmakers dream, very versatile“, said the company’s veteran stereographer Keith Driver. “Most 3D rigs are bulky, expensive and worst of all – tripod bound. They require a crew to operate. We’ve shot 3D projects in Africa, the Middle East, Hollywood soundstages, you name it we’ve done it in 3D. And we realized we needed a more mobile 3D rig. A 3D rig you could just pick up and shoot with. This is the 3D Bullet Rig.”

The 3D Bullet Rig makes handheld 3D filming effortless and smooth by transferring the weight to your waist and shoulder. Each 3D rig includes a spring-loaded suspension rod, comfortable weight displacement belt and adjustable, padded shoulder mount. The result is hours of mobile, handheld 3D filming capability. In addition, the rig features detachable rubber hand grips for easy manoeuvring and a standard tripod mounting plate (¼-20 and ?-16 holes).

Weighing approx. 15 lbs. (5.8 kgs.) the Bullet Rig accommodates the Red Epic, Canon DSLR 5D, 7D, XF105, XF305, XH-G1, Sony F3, EX3’s, HDCP1, X5U, Z1U, Panasonic AF100, HPX250 and many other professional HD cameras.

The rig also features custom camera mounts that easily lock and load cameras into place using a standard quick-release plate from Bogen/Manfrotto. The horizontal camera mount offers IO (inter-ocular) adjustability from 0” – 3.5” (0 – 89 mm) and simple convergence movement from 0°-3°. Both functions are easily controlled using smooth, accurate finger knobs, with calibration markings. The vertical camera mount adjusts for perfect stereoscopic picture alignment by elevating and performing full x-y-z rotation (yaw, roll, tilt).

The light-weight, mirror box housing is constructed using space-age foam core plastic that’s durable, corrosion-free and substantially cooler than a metal matte box. This ensures your beam-splitter glass with its expensive coatings will stay cool on hot days. The rig itself is hand-milled employing a nearly indestructible aluminium alloy frame.

Perfect for traveling light, the entire 3D Bullet Rig is ingenuously designed to set-up and break down in a matter of minutes, packing into a small, water-tight pelican case.

As a bonus, the horizontal rail easily detaches, along with the camera mounts, transforming into a side-by-side rig 3D for wide and landscape stereography.

Our opti-prime, 50/50 beam-splitter glass is optimized to meet the demands of 3D filmmaking. See specs. Within the matte box, a simple adjustment tool allows stereographers to fine tune the glass angle from between 43° to 47°.

The outcome is simply the world’s most affordable, professional handheld 3D rig.

It should be noted that using our simple Lanc system camera operators can now synch start/stop, focus, alignment, lens shift and many other vital functions thru both cameras or individually.

The 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D beam-splitter rigs intended for HD camcorders, as well as larger ENG and broadcast style camera. In addition, we offer several inexpensive side-by-side rigs and real-time 3D viewing solutions. To learn more about 3D camera rigs, 3D viewing systems, 3D production services, or 3D training workshops visit – www.3DFilmFactory.com

About the 3D Film Factory
Established in 2008 by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the 3D Film Factory has been the worldwide leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs and real-time 3D monitoring solutions. In addition we provide a host of 3D production services worldwide including, stereographers ‘for hire’, 3D camera rig rental, 3D viewing systems, and 3D post, as well as intensive 3D training workshops. Former clients include ESPN, NASA, Disney, HD Cinema, Pinewood Studios and Discovery. For more information visit www.3DFilmFactory.com