FotoKem’s nextLAB Puts Solid Workflow Into Place for Canon Cinema EOS Line

FotoKem’s nextLAB, an end-to-end software solution for film and television productions using file-based workflows, played a pivotal role in the production of demonstration footage to support the development announcement of the Canon Cinema EOS C500 and the Cinema EOS C500 PL for use with EF-mount and PL-mount lenses, respectively. Both upcoming cameras will be capable of originating 4K (4096×2160-pixel) resolution digital motion imagery with uncompressed RAW output for external recording. The Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL are upcoming additions to Canon’s Cinema EOS System, a line of digital cameras and lenses that apply advanced Canon digital-imaging technology to gear designed for professional cinematographers. FotoKem provided complete production support for the Cinema EOS C500 demo film, “Man & Beast,” which premiered on Sunday at the 2012 NAB Show.

From the early beta stages, FotoKem collaborated and consulted with Canon on the design of the first end-to-end, 4K production-to-post file system. FotoKem built nextLAB’s high-resolution pipeline on the Academy Color Encoding Specifications (ACES) architecture, making the EOS C500 the first Canon camera to take files from production all the way through post in ACES.

NextLAB’s all-in-one mobile solution for on-set media and asset management is a technological extension of FotoKem’s state-of-the-art in-house services. Proprietary core application software enables the nextLAB Mobile system to essentially bring the full power of FotoKem’s data-management systems to production. Based on open architecture, nextLAB Mobile solutions effectively bridge the gap between production and post, while enabling other platforms to easily interact with its functionality.

Notably, nextLAB’s powerful color capabilities were used to grade dailies and set the look on “Man & Beast,” which was shot by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth ASC (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Fight Club) and produced by MJZ for Canon. Margarita Mix, a FotoKem company that boasts feature, television, and spot audio credits, handled the mix for the film.

“It has been exciting to work with Canon at the very edge of new camera technologies, experiencing first-hand the latest features available to filmmakers and defining the way they finish their work,” says FotoKem VP Mike Brodersen. “Our nextLAB software has helped to define on-set services across a number of productions, and our original, all-in-one dailies- and media-management platform has evolved to the next level in this process. With “Man & Beast,” we are seeing the next phase of creative technology for filmmakers come to life.”

Notes Tom Vice, VP/GM of the nextLAB system, “About 99% of the file-based TV and feature projects at FotoKem utilize the nextLAB software. Its powerful features provide assurances to cinematographers and directors that their digital-media files are safe, viewable, and maintain data integrity at every step of the process. We look forward to working with Canon again in the future to help continue to break the barriers of technology.”

For more information on the Canon Cinema EOS C500 professional camera and demo film, visit www.canoncinemaeos.com.