DIGITAL MEDIA FEST
6-7-8 JUNE 2006 Parkroom Melbourne Park Function Centre Melbourne & Olympic Parks
Online Booking Form PDF Booking Form SPEAKERS TICKET TO EXPO
The Digital Media Festival is an integrated 3-day conference presenting all you need to know about digital content creation – digital imaging, digital video and animation and effects.
Speakers representing the world’s leading companies will hold sessions presenting their most recent work, from Hollywood blockbusters to corporate productions, games and television documentaries, series and commercials, and run masterclasses leading you through the innovative processes they have developed. Today’s best digital photographers, directors and artists continue to achieve results that shape and progress our expectations of and capabilities in digital content. DMF is the most cost-effective, inspiring and enjoyable way for filmmakers, producers, animators & photographers to access and learn about all aspects of this dynamic industry.
A major trend for all creators and users is the need to deliver a complete product. The ability to combine technologies and disciplines will give you a competitive edge in the fast-changing world of imagery. Photographers, filmmakers and animation artists are expected to know about each other’s skills. Fortunately, the tools you need to meet this challenge are being developed and constantly improving. At DMF, you will encounter people, see productions and participate in seminars from all 3 technology streams and discover for yourself how they all work together.
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Digital Video, the industry’s best cinematographers and editors discuss current trends in High Definition work across various media, audio capture and controlling lighting. Seminars demonstrate editing and presentation skills and customising workflows.
Corporate, event & government video makers • Independent filmmakers • Broadcast professionals • Multimedia producers • Corporate communicators • Educators • Students
MASTERCLASS: EDITING 9:00AM
JASON BALLANTINE
Jason Ballantine received an AFI and FCCA nomination for Best Editing in 2005. He has recently completed two feature films, The Bet and The Caterpillar Wish, both due for release shortly. He is working at the leading edge of digital film production on titles such as Greg McLean’s Wolf Creek and forthcoming Rogue. Among Jason’s credits are feature films including Babe, Mission Impossible 2, Moulin Rouge, The Crocodile Hunter, The Quiet American, Star Wars Episodes 2 and 3, and Happy Feet. Jason also undertakes regular classes for freelance editors and assistant editors and is an AVID Certified Instructor. He has presented training seminars and been invited to appear on industry panels both here and overseas.
HD WORKFLOW 10:30AM
COLIN BELL, DOP & MARCUS HERRICK, 37 SOUTH
In today’s digital video production environment, the need to accommodate many different approaches to shooting and editing has challenged the traditional post-production facility. High definition acquisition comes in many forms, whether it’s the new generation of low cost HDV camcorders, DVCPRO HD, HDCAM, Varicam or traditional Super 16mm film. Learn how 37south is dealing with the demands of a divergent clientele working in HD across a range of media from TV and film commercials to sales presentations, interactive training and Web video.
DIGITAL VFX CINEMATOGRAPHY 12:00PM
Steve Newman ACS
Steve will examine how digital technology has changed cinematography especially in relation to visual effects. Covering areas such as shooting and lighting for green screen, time shift stills array cameras, motion control, 2D and 3D VFX lighting and Special Effects interactivity all illustrated with examples from ‘Babe: Pig in the City’, ‘Inspector Gadget 2’, ‘Ghost Ship’, ‘Anacondas’ and ‘House of Wax’.
MASTERCLASS: 2:00PM
LIGHTING CINEMATOGRAPHY
DENNIS PARKER
Dennis Parker is a Lighting Cameraman dedicated to his craft and to producing quality images. Experienced in all genres of production, Dennis has shot on all film and tape formats including large and small HD cameras. Whether it be waiting patiently for that perfect shot on a natural history documentary or gowning up to film the real life and death drama unfolding in a medical theatre, Dennis will explain how to overcome the challenges and pressures of filming in the studio or in unusual or remote environments.
TITLING & MOTION GRAPHICS 3:00PM
DAVID DE GUIO & EMILY HARRIDGE, THE VISUALPLAYGROUND
Improve the impact of your productions with
distinctive titling and motion graphics. Discover the techniques behind the work that leading Melbourne production house, the Visual Playground has created for clients such as Rove Live, Big Brother, Discovery Channel and the ARIA Music Awards. Founding directors David and Emily take you on a detailed step-by-step tour of some of their projects to demonstrate their innovative approach from
concept to finished product.
LOCATION AUDIO FOR DV/HDV 4:00PM
EWEN COLDREY, DIRECTOR, dB AUDIO VISUAL
How do you select the right shotgun microphone for recording in an outdoor location? What qualities should you consider when choosing a wireless microphone for your next job? Find the answers to these and other questions about the latest technology and techniques for location audio with dB Audio Visual, a local company that has been providing broadcast, video and motion picture equipment for program makers in television production, stage and theatre for the past 25 years. www.dbav.com.au
AEAF highlights the creative leaders among Australian and international special effects artists. Speakers reveal the fascinating array of hardware, software and specially developed technology behind modern film and television productions and games cinematics.
ANIMATORS • GAMES DEVELOPERS • VFX &VISUALISATION ARTISTS • CGI SPECIALISTS
STEPHEN KING: 9:00AM
NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES DAVID BOOTH, VFX SUPERVISOR, DP ILOURA
Investigate the creative process behind a new multi-million dollar television series for Turner Network Television (TNT), filmed in Melbourne by Coote-Hayes Productions. Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King is an anthology of 8 one-hour episodes adapted from King’s short stories. It features such notable performers as William H Macy, Greta Scacci, William Hurt, Tom Berenger and Jacqueline McKenzie. Melbourne’s DP Iloura is responsible for the compelling and significant visual effects (CGI) appearing in 6 Nightmares & Dreamscapes episodes.
CHIKO ACCIDENTAL ALIEN 10:00AM
STEPHANE ZERBIB – INDIGO DIGITAL, GLENN KIRKPATRICK – FUNNYAZHELL ANIMATION, GRANT CAMPHUISEN – FLASH PROGRAMMER/RHODON IT, LUKE JUREVICIUS
Follow the development of ‘Chiko Accidental Alien’, an ambitious project that the Broadband Production Initiative, a joint venture between the Australian Film Commission and ABC New Media, has undertaken. The online game, created with the production qualities and narrative of a platform game title, is due for release in 2006 on the ABC broadband website. Stephane Zerbib of Indigo Digital produced it in Sydney with animation studio Funnyazhell and interactive house Rhodon IT. The crew has put the unique artwork of illustrator-turned-animator Nathan Jurevicius, best known for his Scary Girl comic and figures, to brilliant advantage and given the artist’s brother Luke Jurevicius an integral role in production. A TV series based on the game is also in development at Australia’s Sticky Pictures.
KING KONG 11:30
ERIC SAINDON, DIGITAL FX SUPERVISOR, WETA DIGITAL NZ
Take an inspirational look at the winner of the Academy Award for Achievement in Visual Effects for 2005, King Kong. Wellington-based FX company Weta Digital employed the latest hardware, software and proprietary tools to create a completely original creature pipeline with some of the most believable digital doubles in the industry. Enter the collaborative working environment at this artist-led, highly creative facility where crews of hundreds of people and 4,400 render wall processors create the breathtaking scenes and visuals that enliven modern films.
AEON FLUX & SIN CITY 2:00pm
MICHAEL JANOV, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, THE ORPHANAGE USA
The Orphanage was one of three VFX
houses to contribute to Robert 
Rodriguez’s acclaimed Sin City, a stylised adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel. This company has built its Windows-based pipeline around Maya, 3ds max, After Effects and Brazil, adding Houdini to the mix for Sin City. In Aeon Flux, The Orphanage was responsible for the exploding homing Orbs and some of the major shots depicting the digitally imaged futuristic city of Bregna. 
X-Men: The Last Stand 3:30PM
John Bruno, VFX Supervisor
X-Men: The Last Stand at DMF Melbourne
In X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, the climax of the “X-Men” motion picture trilogy, a “cure” for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history. For the first time, mutants have a choice: retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers and become human. The opposing viewpoints of mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test – triggering the war to end all wars.
GAMES CINEMATICS 4:30PM
THOMAS SCHOBER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, JORDAN WALSH, ACT3 ANIMATION
A session with one of Australia’s premier character animation studios will give you special insight into the creation of an arresting showcase games cinematic. Act3Animation specialises in productions for leading games publishers and is currently working on a major cinematic for the forthcoming RPG ‘NeverWinter Nights 2’.
Digital Imaging presents the latest developments in flexibility between image formats, project workflows and artistic expression in commercial photography today. Top photographers talk about practical and creative new ways to take advantage of digital media.
Photographers • Graphic Designers • Artists • Educators •
Multimedia Producers • Video Producers • filmmakers • Students • Corporate Communicators • web design
METADATA, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PROCESSING RAW FILES 9:00AM
Moshe Rosenzveig
Optimise your workflow techniques for handling images in RAW and JPG format and learn how to automate processing and manage large numbers of images using Adobe Bridge. Topics covered will include selecting, rating, renaming and copying images, applying metadata to multiple images and searching for images using metadata information. It will also look at the advantages of shooting RAW vs JPG and how to adjust settings in Adobe Camera Raw. Some aspects of the workflow covered in the seminar can be used in other digital asset management software such as iView Media Pro, Thumbs Plus, ACDSee and others.
CASE STUDY: COMMERCIAL 10:00AM
PHOTOGRAPHER, NORTH SULLIVAN
In his 30-year career as one of Australia’s most respected advertising photographers, North Sullivan has compiled an enviable resume of credits. He has launched four highly successful campaigns for the Australian Tourist Commission, introduced a mysterious new SUV called GMC Envoy in the USA, supplied AMP’s Olympic Torch Relay national billboards, promoted the Qantas Choir and produced the Carlton Draught billboards. He is recognised as one of the industry’s most passionate and outspokenchampions, widely respected for his contribution to Australia’s arts industry and community.
COLOUR MANAGEMENT 11:00AM
MASTERCLASS, MICHAEL LITHGOW
Colour management expert Michael Lithgow teaches you how to establish a colour managed environment and an efficient workflow for digital inkjet printing. Topics covered include colour terminology, media overview, ICC profile creation, monitor calibration and profiling, Photoshop colour settings and workflow. Learn how to stay on top of the complex and continuously evolving technology for digital imaging workflow.
CASE STUDY: 12:00PM
FASHION/COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY , JULIET TAYLOR
Maverick artist Juliet Taylor rejected conventional art school training and chose to make her own way in the world of commercial photography. She has worked with industry leaders such as advertising photographer Eryk Fitkau and recently produced a series of outstanding imagery with advertising art director Bobbi Gassy. Melbourne-based, her innovative work targets high profile advertising locally and internationally. Deriving inspiration from artists Magritte and Man Ray, Juliet employs the latest digital technology for both the shooting and post-production processes. To summarise her work she says, ‘A photographer’s most powerful tool is the mind – without a vision you may as well just be a photocopier.’
BEYOND BASIC PHOTOSHOP 2:00PM
LES WALKLING
This session presents a concise and systematic approach to the complex and often confusing array of options, tools and processes available in Adobe Photoshop. It is designed for anyone already
working with Photoshop who feels they still lack a
sufficient grasp of its underlying principles and practices. Practical examples include working
creatively with levels and curves, efficiently
correcting primary and secondary colour casts,
productivity workflows and overcoming Photoshop
limitations. Specific topics covered are:
• Prioritising Photoshop – Choosing the Right Tools • Levels – Colour and Density Correction Fundamentals • Curves – The Ultimate Adjustment and Editing Tool • Editing – Local Control of Hue, Saturation, Brightness and Contrast • Masking Adjustment Layers, Layer Styles and Layer Masks • Blending Modes – Dividing and Focusing Image Adjustments • Variable Contrast – B&W and Colour Controls • Working Smarter and Faster – Introduction To Actions and Scripting
CASE STUDY: LANDSCAPE & ARCHITECTURE 4.00PM
DAVID SIMMONDS
David specialises in the built environment, urban and industrial landscape and people. His work is particularly suited to corporate, architectural, advertising and industry requirements. His style spans bold, graphic and abstract designs to the refined, subtle and classical. David works primarily on location, both traditionally and digitally, and has perfected a panoramic technique particularly suited to heroic imagery.