Image Line Productions was looking for an alternative recording and editing solution that was good enough to replace film for broadcast commercial work.  They found the solution working with the Wafian HR-1 Direct-to-Disk video recorder. 

Currently in final editing for summer release, Image Line Productions utilized Wafian’s HR-1 direct-to-disk-recorder to record several commercials for one of their clients.  This was a shift away from film for this client, but one that Image Line Productions’ team promoted to their client as a streamlined workflow without loss in image quality.

Image Line Productions conducted a test shoot in Los Angeles with the HR-1 and showed the footage to the client.  The client easily agreed that the HR-1 delivered a very high quality image and approved the production using the HR-1 instead of film.

Recording: Image Line Productions’ workflow for shooting the commercial included the Wafian HR-1 and JVC GY-HD100U.  The Image Line Productions team was impressed with the design of the built-in LCD display and how easy it was to use.  They also used the built-in LCD and HD-SDI output attached to an external monitor for immediate playback.  Brad White explains, “We ended up using the HR-1 as our playback device to review takes that we liked.”  This creative control allowed the Image Line Productions team to make decision onset and get everyone involved to help make key decisions about product placement, talent, and free the camera operators to get ready for the next shot.

Editing:  Image Line Productions edited the commercial using Adobe Premiere 2.0 and CineForm ProspectHD.  “We had a great experience with the HR-1.  We loved having the 10-bit information when we were in post and made moves on shots and did final color correction,” said Brad White of Image Line Productions.  The streamlined workflow of recording to the HR-1 allowed the team to offload their footage via external firewire hard drives to create digital masters and begin editing immediately.

Reliability:  Image Line Productions was confident with the HR-1’s proven reliability and built in redundancy to protect their footage.  This built-in protection was a key component in securing insurance for the shoot as well as client sign-off on the project.  “The HR-1 was simple to use, steadfast and problem free for the entire week of shooting”, said Brad White.

Look for Image Line Productions’ latest commercials on-air in summer 2006.  You can learn more about Image Line Productions and their portfolio of clients by visiting their website at http://www.imagelinemedia.com

For more information about Wafian’s HR-1 Direct-to-Disk video recorder, please visit its Product Page or call Wafian at 858-863-4166.