Apple centre Digicape hopes to add value to the post-production of films and commercials shot in the Western Cape by opening a specialised digital video consultancy.
The decision to open such a consultancy service follows the film and TV commercial industry examining its options in the wake of the rand`s strength and increased competition from countries such as Argentina.
Digicape`s consultancy is headed by Glenn Seiler. He will include in the service solution design and implementation as well as technical support and training.
Robin Olivier, director at Digicape says: "We believe there has never been any formal technical support available in South Africa for video solutions, and companies were cautious when it came to investing in software without the certainty of having an expert to call if problems arose."
Martin Cuff, director of the Cape Film Commission, says the rise in the rand/dollar exchange rate has added 11% to a film shoot`s bill over the past year. Furthermore, the Cape is now finding out that it is not the only location that can offer foreign film crews beaches, mountains and a multi-racial society.
"Over the past 10 years we have developed a lot of experience in doing this work, but very little is done post production, such as editing. The reasons for this extend further than just cost," he says.
Brendan Rice, a producer at TV commercial production house Gateway, says convenience is a critical factor, which means that if an advertising agency can line up a number of commercial productions then the editing of the first can be done by the time the last is shot.
"Post production is largely an untapped market in South Africa. We have the skills and the equipment available, rather it is matter of schedules. Often the director of a commercial will come from one country, the client will be from another, and by offering editing facilities, it can all be done in one place," he says.
Final Cut Pro, Apple`s professional video and film editing software, is the fastest growing Apple product in Europe, but this trend is not reflected in South Africa, even though the local market represents one of the most rapidly growing regions for Apple in the world.
Other companies that will benefit from the inclusion of digital video consultancy into Digicape`s current offering include television stations, advertising agencies and home users who have an interest in video production.
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