Gemini Lab, the leading Chennai based Indian film operation, has purchased a major Quantel Genetic Engineering shared workflow infrastructure supporting multiple color correction and DI workstations. The new Quantel system will form the backbone of the companys digital film workflow, at a stroke giving Gemini Lab a digital film operation that is among the most advanced, productive and creative not only on the subcontinent, but also on the world stage. The new Digital Film operation will be launched during the Cannes International Film Festival later this month.
The Gemini Lab Genetic Engineering system has 16 hours of shared 4K (64 hours at 2K) storage in the GenePool at its heart. This supports two 4K Pablo color correction systems, one equipped with a Neo control panel and one with the standard interface, as well as an iQ 4K digital intermediate graphics, editing and effects system. The system also supports a 4K Sam data server (giving open read/write access to 3rd party applications), and all connected workstations have simultaneous access to all stored material at all times. This means that all Gemini’s connected creative suites, plus additional VFX workstations, can be working on creative, billable operations for 100% of the time, providing massive productivity boosts compared with conventional SAN-based systems. The system is also enabled with Quantels Stereo3D software, providing a designed-in solution for Stereo3D post production as the industry embraces this exciting new creative opportunity.
“The decision to purchase a Quantel based DI system was one that was not taken lightly, and Gemini spent a long time assessing all the options, looking closely at DI operations installed and running around the world, said Ravishankar Prasad, Gemini Managing Director. There are many good DI color correctors out there – but Quantel’s offerings via their Genetic Engineering system with integrated Neo, Pablo, iQ and Sam demonstrated viable benefit for an operation looking for a flexible and cost effective DI solution, with more capability than just simply color correction. With our group’s tag line being ‘.. the best place for good images’ it really was a simple decision to go with Quantel.
“Further, we have looked at additional business partners for this venture to enable fast operational build-up, as well as looking at future business models, and have retained the services of Steve Shaw, of Light Illusion, the top DI consultancy within the Digital Film industry, Prasad continued. And we are also investing from the start in the global phenomenon that is 3D Stereoscopic imaging – something the Quantel system is ideally suited to.
“As a film lab Gemini are taking the DI and Digital Film market very seriously, and have invested in Arri film scanning and recording equipment, as well as Arri D-21 digital cinematography cameras to marry with the Quantel DI system, providing a best of breed digital film capability throughout – from scene-to-screen,” Prasad concluded.
Were delighted that Gemini has chosen Quantel digital film systems for its bold move into high-end digital film workflows, said Richard Craig-McFeely, Quantel Director of Sales. With a reputation for quality and creativity second to none in India, Gemini sets the bar very high for its technology partners and its choice of our systems as the backbone of its entire operation is a wonderful endorsement of our technology.