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ECHING

From A to Z: the first workshop all about HD

Since the World Cup at the latest, everyone has been clued up about “HD” and thinks of clear, sharp pictures in 16:9 format. Wendelin Sachtler’s Academy got to grips with the subject in its first workshop on “Basic HD workflow”. The six participants learned the ins and outs of working with this new system, from camera technique to lighting and post-production. Film-maker Esther Heckmann on her first steps with HD: an eye-witness report.

In October, six camera operators and four trainers participated in Wendelin Sachtler’s Academy workshop on “basic HD workflow”. It was the first time that the Academy had featured the subject of HD, so the course took an in-depth look at every aspect of this new technology.



For amazing effects: the HD camcorder

We kicked off with a detailed introduction to the menu navigation of the Sony HDW F 900 R, with trainer Hendrik Vogt using practical examples to demonstrate the effects possible with the new system, any problems that might arise and how to deal with them. Whether it was colour saturation, contrast or detailed accuracy, HD convinced us all, as we gained hands-on experience with the Sony HDW F 900 R.

»Today, the camera is more a computer than anything else, and you ought to be in complete control of it.«

Martin Blyth, seminar participant

 For the perfect complexion: the airbrush 

Fruit bowls or brass edges produced challenging lighting effects for HD recordings.


On the second day, we had a lively presentation from cameraman and light designer Achim Bendix. Some actors had been specially invited and we lit them comprehensively from all sides.  Fruit bowls, reflecting tablecloths or brass edges were also used to create difficult lighting situations for HD recordings. For the high resolution calls for great attention, or every spot will become visible, especially with complexions.
The problem with skin structures was given special attention on the third morning. Sabine Riedel, a professional mask maker, used a number of make-up techniques to show us the peculiarities of the mask, for even the tiniest cracks in laugh lines or crumbs of make-up are visible in HD recordings. However, a new way of using the airbrush when applying the make-up ensures an even complexion.

For the final touch: post-production

The afternoon was devoted to workflow in HD post-production.
Heide Fliegner of roll call production used examples to show us format comparison at the online editing station and mixing from the technical point of view.  She showed us a number of post-production parameters, such as resolution, frame speed, colour-correction options and special effects. There are many ways in which the HD system affects the editing process and we were able to apply these to the material we had already recorded when practising. However, we were also made aware of the dynamic tension between production and post-production, as there are limits to how much editing HD pictures will stand.

»I joined the workshop because I wanted to learn the finer points, pick up a few tips from the experts and get to grips with the new camera. My expectations were fulfilled 100%.«

Ortwin Schleser, seminar participant


After the seminar we were all in agreement: the Academy’s workshop had been a thorough eye-opener to the design options created by HD technology.

Workshop Impressions

> Camerabalance with K. M. Kramme

> Camera direction à la artemis

> Old guard meets the avantgarde

> Lighting effects hard and smooth

Photo Gallery

Seminar participants trying out equipment, speakers in action and lots of impressions from the latest workshop.

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Equipment

It also depends on luminairies. Sachtler offers light for any purpose and any location.

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