Infinite Frameworks goes High Definition with Discreet systems

Singapore-based postproduction house Infinite Frameworks has purchased a Discreet smoke editing/finishing system and is upgrading to the latest version of Discreet’s high-end visual effects system, inferno 6.
This purchase makes Infinite Frameworks the first facility in Singapore with a full range of high-definition (HD) postproduction capabilities. It is also a boost to Singapore’s Media 21 plan, a vision by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for Singapore to become a global media hub.
“In order to maintain our position as a top-notch post facility that competes aggressively regionally and internationally, we knew we had to equip ourselves with Discreet systems,” said Freddie Yeo, General Manager at Infinite Frameworks. “Our digital artists are very confident working on Discreet systems, especially when handling complex and challenging visual effects projects. Our clients are also comfortable with the systems’ capabilities and reliability. We recognise that the best way to get the job done is with Discreet systems.”
Infinite Frameworks has begun work on several HD broadcast projects and expect another two more to begin at the start of next year. The postproduction facility has also upgraded its hardware with an SGI Onyx 350. Investment in HD is crucial to growth as Infinite Frameworks opens up new revenue streams in feature films, made-for-TV movies and episodes from booming markets like Singapore, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. There is growing interest from regional broadcasters to have programmes mastered in both HD and SD formats.
Yeo continued: “Having programmes mastered in HD will certainly help Asian programming travel further, particularly in international markets where HD is already an ongoing broadcast format.”
HD television is well established in Japan and is quickly growing in South Korea. In other Asian markets the mainstream broadcast format remains in SD, with HD gradually being introduced.
Singapore’s MDA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the second largest media company in China, the Shanghai Media Group, for Singapore to co-produce and co-finance five HD made-for-TV movies.
Seto Lok Yin, MDA director of Industry Development, commented on Infinite Frameworks: “The creation of such a high-end HD postproduction facility demonstrates that Singapore is on track to develop the infrastructure and talent base needed to produce top quality HD images.”
(GB)