FotoKem puts another iQ system at the heart of their DI workflow

California-based FotoKem has taken delivery of a second Quantel iQ digital intermediate system as part of its continuing expansion in digital film production.
The company recently integrated the iQ into the digital lab’s workflow having seen for themselves the benefits an iQ could bring to the filmmaking process.
“The iQ is a great machine,” said Bill Schultz, FokoKem’s Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Digital Film Services. “The iQ allows us to provide the best product possible in the DI service market. The iQ integrates all of the requirements of doing DI in a single box,” said Schultz. “It also does a great job of conforming and handling our data correctly.”
Recently the company finished conforming two films on the iQ, the critically acclaimed, 'Hustle and Flow' and 'Lords of Dogtown'. Both movies presented their share of challenges but according to Schultz no hurdle was too high for either the iQ or the talent driving the machine.
Dogtown material came to FotoKem as a mix of Super 16mm, HD, and mostly 35mm. “Making Super 16mm look like 35mm was a challenge presented to us on the film ‘Hustle and Flow’,” said Schultz. “By proper data handling and by maintaining 10 stops exposure latitude all the way through, and with the ability to edit, colour correct, and provide graphics in innumerable windows all in the same package, we were able to get it right.”
“The IQ allowed us to accomplish some very interesting lighting effects and we were able to achieve very stylised surfing sequences,” said FotoKem’s Head of Digital Production, John Nicolard. “There is one scene that starts out underneath a pier where there are a lot of shadows and then goes right out to a surfing sequence where there are extreme highlights. The iQ has a wide dynamic range and works well in this kind of environment.”
Another advantage of the iQ has been its ability to multi task whether it be editing, colour correcting or compositing for features or trailers.
“From a business standpoint I think the iQ is an efficient and cost effective system,” said Rand Gladden, vice president of Digital and Data Development. “It’s a high end box that does the job very well.”
(SP)