At a time lately when “pulling back” is more often heard than “capital expansion,” Film & Tape Works’ announcement of a major equipment investment and a general growth was both startling and welcome news.
The production/post facility took delivery on a $500,000 daVinci 2K Plus and a $250,000 Avid DS Nitris, both first and exclusive in Chicago and the Midwest.
The total $750,000 purchase “represents our company’s ability to be a nimble and technologically advanced company,” said FTW’s executive producer Adam Marton. “We’re delighted to have made this improvement that supports our production community, technically and creatively.”
The daVinci 2K Plus color enhancement system “is the best of breed technology money can buy,” said Marton. “This is not like buying a Final Cut Pro.” Hourly cost is $950 for supervised color enhancement by color correction expert Bob Sliga.
Purchasing the new, $250,000 Avid DS Nitris “was a means to support the production industry in its HD post efforts,” Marton said. It’s the only finishing system on the market that delivers real-time effects and color correction. It will be the province of editor Mark Johnson.
Full-service Film & Tape Works’ annual gross sales are usually around $3 million. Staff editors are newcomer Brian Temple from Seattle, Mark Johnson, Mike Kotnaur, Tom Heinz and Greg Steinbrecher.
Film & Tape Works is located at 237 E. Ontario; phone, 312/280-2210.
