POPPY APPEAL VIDEO SHOOTS ON CINEALTA HD

THE video for a new CD launched to raise funds for The Royal British Legion’s 2001 Poppy Appeal has been shot using the Sony CineAlta HDW-F900 high definition camera.
The video, featuring a number of celebrities alongside singer songwriters Dan Saxon and Mark Jaimes, was created by production company Galaxy Light & Power, directed by Chris Middleton and Andy Grant and shot at Molinare studios in central London.
The CD includes three songs – ‘11th Day, 11th Hour’, ‘Unsung Heroes’ and ‘No Greater Love’ – all written and recorded by Saxon-Jaimes. The aim of the project is to help raise the profile of The Royal British Legion and their work within the younger generations. In addition, all profits from sales of the CD will go to the 2001 Poppy Appeal, which – like the Legion – are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year.
The video features a number of celebrities, including several members of the cast of ‘Coronation Street’ and news reader Alastair Stewart. As well as the studio work at Molinare, it includes segments shot on location using other digital formats and archive material showing some of the work of the British Armed Forces. Footage from the various segments was transferred to Digital Betacam and edited at Waterloo post-production facility, Power Cuts.
All the people and companies working on the project gave their time and resources for free, or at cost. Sony supplied the CineAlta HD camera and PAG supplied its power system.
Galaxy’s Andy Grant, the producer and co-director of the video, said the need to shoot pictures of the highest quality within the given time and budgetary constraints made the CineAlta HD camera the ideal choice.
He said: “We transferred the HD rushes to standard definition for editing the following day, a much quicker process than when shooting film, which would have required to be processed, telecined and graded. At the same time, the quality is as good if not better than film, without any of the hassle. It is a versatile and user-friendly system. CineAlta is infinitely more flexible than film, HD stock is cheaper, and there are no processing or telecine costs. If allowed the choice, I would choose HD over film every time.”
The Poppy CD will be on sale until Christmas and is a key part of the 2001 Poppy Appeal, which aims to surpass the £20.1 million raised last year.
The Royal British Legion is one of Britain’s leading ex-Service charities protecting the welfare, interests and memory of ex-Service people and their dependants. All their work is funded through the Poppy Appeal and the donations and sponsorship of individuals, groups and businesses which support its aims. (CD)