November 20, 2009 — Markham, Ontario: Digital Rapids – the leading provider of tools and solutions for bringing television, film and web content to wider audiences — announced today that the StreamZHD multi-format, live and on-demand encoding system has won a 2009 Streaming Media Readers’ Choice Award as the top high definition (HD) hardware encoder. The award was presented this week at a special reception during the Streaming Media West conference and exhibition in San Jose.

Digital Rapids StreamZHD

The Readers’ Choice Awards are held annually by Streaming Media magazine and recognize the leading streaming and online video solutions, services and innovations as judged by end users, rather than the magazine staff. Over 200 products, companies and services competed in this year’s awards. more

Company Partners with Dell, Intel and Wacom to Provide Opportunity for 3D Artists Worldwide to Connect

Autodesk, Inc., will host its annual 3December event to celebrate 3D computer graphics, and the artists who create them. Running from December 1–10, the event will include live and virtual activities that connect thousands of 3D artists from around the world. Attendees will be able to share their work, learn from top digital entertainment professionals, and network with other artists. more

Contributes 175 Shots to Chris Weitz-Directed Follow-Up to Hugely Successful ‘Twilight’ Film

Prime Focus VFX, formerly Frantic Films VFX, has completed 175 visual effects shots for the Summit Entertainment release, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” directed by Chris Weitz. Prime Focus contributed a majority of the film’s most frequently featured visual effects, including CG water, atmospherics, CG matte painting and environment work, and the “Diamond Skin” effect on Edward and the other vampire characters. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is based on the popular series of novels by Stephenie Meyer. The film stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and hits theaters Nov. 20th. more

For nearly 30 years, Management & Training Corporation (MTC) has been providing life changing opportunities via its successful job training program through the federal government’s Job Corps. Since 1987, MTC has also offered rehabilitative educational opportunities at privatized correctional facilities across the country. Part of the company’s continued growth can be attributed to its proactive marketing efforts, which includes an in-house video production department generating marketing tools the company distributes to existing and potential clients. more

Autodesk Consulting Provides Linux Pipeline Implementation for Mudbox Digital Sculpting and Texture Painting Software

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has announced that DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NASDAQ: DWA) and Sony Pictures Imageworks are integrating Autodesk Mudbox software into their Linux-based production pipelines. Autodesk Consulting’s custom development team worked collaboratively with teams at Imageworks and DreamWorks to port the digital sculpting and texture painting software to the Linux platform. Mudbox for Linux is available through Autodesk Consulting services. more

One of Hollywood’s hottest producing duos turns to Troika to rock its theatrical debut

Troika Design Group, a strategic branding and design agency for media and entertainment companies, has been tapped by Polsky Films, an independent feature film production company, to produce its signature logo animation. The production tag debuted at the LA premiere of Werner Herzog’s “The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,” starring Nicolas Cage. more

First Light 3D Engine Drives New Windows Version; Enables Editors to Cut 3D Content on Virtually Any Windows-Based Editing App Supporting AVI or MOV File Formats, View Edits in Full 3D with Full Frame Rate Playback in Real Time

Solana Beach, CA, November 18, 2009 – CineForm®, Inc. (www.cineform.com), creators of high-fidelity compression-based workflow solutions for the post production marketplace, today announced it has extended its industry-unique 3D editorial workflow — driven by the award-winning CineForm First Light 3D workflow engine — to the Windows platform. With this announcement, Neo3D for Windows enables editors to cut 3D content on virtually any Windows-based editing application that supports AVI or MOV file formats. more

Installation includes three Baselight EIGHT systems for new 4K DI grading theatres

LONDON— FilmLight today announces delivery of seven Baselight colour grading systems to Sony Pictures Entertainment. The systems will be installed at its newly-built digital intermediate facilities on the Sony Studios lot in Culver City, California, and connected to the studio’s Digital Backbone. The package includes three Baselight EIGHT systems that have been installed in state-of-the-art 4K digital intermediate grading theatres designed for both standard and 3D stereoscopic feature film work. The installation also includes two Baselight FOURs for use in suites designed primarily for television projects and two Baselight Assists, for pre-grading and other preparatory work. more

Burbank, Calif., November 17, 2009 – AmberFin today announces the addition of Quinto, Australia’s leading supplier of professional equipment for the television and post production industry to its Asia Pacific network of resellers. The announcement comes as part of AmberFin’s Partner Program created to develop and forge new channel and OEM partnerships internationally. more

Attendees will get up-close look at FotoKem’s new specialty division nextLAB

Los Angeles, CA—16th November 2009 — The Digital Cinema Society (DCS), an international nonprofit educational cooperative invites the professional production community to a meeting exploring tapeless workflow at the motion picture lab. The meeting will take place on Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 AM until Noon, at FotoKem in Burbank. more