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23 year old IMIS member secures cinema release.

IMIS member, writer and director, Elliott Hasler’s feature film, Vindication Swim, will be released from 8 March in cinemas.

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Based on the inspirational true story of Mercedes Gleitze, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel, the film depicts Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.

Elliott is an exemplar to his family, friends, and IMIS. A young professional at the beginning of his career, he has pulled off an almost impossible feat not dissimilar to that of his film’s subject. Years in the making, with tremendous attention to detail and on a miniscule budget for the production side of the film – Elliott has completed a film that has attracted a UK distribution deal.

All the swimming scenes were filmed in the English Channel without the use of tanks, green screens or body doubles.

You can support this exceptional young member by catching up with his film at a cinema near you.


Pushing the boundaries of cinema technology!

The first IMIS event of 2024 was a technical visit to ‘The BBC Earth Experience’, in the purpose-built Daikin Centre near Earls Court. Sadly, now closed, IMIS members and their special guests The Projected Picture Trust and UKCA, where amongst the last to see it.

The event included a visit to the control room, a Q&A session, and a light lunch of sandwiches and soft drinks.

The BBC Earth Experience used 70 DLP laser projectors, surround sound technology, 20 media servers and large screens to produce a visually stunning immersive experience. Our guests entered a huge space surrounded and intersected with screens of different sizes and angles onto which was projected stunning nature footage. Interactive break out areas and viewing vantage points could be explored. A coherent chorological programme of some 70 minutes driven by IMIS Hon. member Sir David Attenborough’s narration was the core of the event. The kaleidoscopic immersive programme, despite showing alternative shots of the same sequence on many different screens, in different places, was nevertheless very cohesive. It was like a cinema Premium Large Format on ‘speed’!


Bradford’s Widescreen Weekend.

Following on from a  Society event at Bournemouth University earlier in the year, and a few of the Board attending the Pinewood summer party, a fair number of IMIS members were again in attendance at Bradford’s Widescreen Weekend in October. Theo Gluck – a long standing IMIS member and former Director of Library  Restoration and Preservation at Disney in Burbank, introduced the fabulously restored “The Lady and The Tramp” to the festival audience.

Also in attendance once again were film industry couple Dave and Carin-Anne Strohmaier. Some IMIS members  may be aware of the Herculean  film restoration achievement that Dave has accomplished over the past decade. He, with collaborators,  has led the digital restoration of the full back catalogue of the three strip analogue Cinerama films of the 1950s and 1960s, the last in collaboration with Warner Brothers. Carin-Anne has had an extensive career in post production having worked on a number of Robert Zemeckis movies.

The couple have extended generous hospitality to IMIS members who have visited Hollywood over the years. IMIS was delighted to able to return such hospitality by organising a visit to Pinewood Studios. We  showed them around the studio lot, treated them to lunch and included meetings with Ruhan Loterring and a visit to the Kodak film processing facility, and also meeting up with Jens Christensen Head of Post Production at Pinewood.

Mark Trompeteler


Cameraimage 2023

The annual Camerimage Film Festival held in Poland stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking, where creativity and technology converge to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Attending Film festivals is a great way to advance your own knowledge of the film industry, coupled together with the possibility of meeting industry professionals, and growing your network of contacts. Expense of foreign travel and foreign stays is an obvious barrier to people on lower incomes at the beginning of their careers, but every country has its own programme of national festivals. If your want to advance your knowledge and contact list then attending some film festivals should be a part of your annual “to do” list.

The 2023 Cameraimage  festival once again illuminated the world of cinematography, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles alike to celebrate the artistry and technical prowess of visual storytelling. This year’s festival, held in the picturesque medieval city of Toruń, Poland, not only showcased outstanding cinematography but also delved deep into the technical aspects of filmmaking, attracting industry partners at the forefron

Technical Showcases:

Advanced Cinematography Techniques: The festival featured screenings and workshops that delved into cutting-edge cinematography techniques. From innovative camera rigs to groundbreaking lighting setups, attendees had the opportunity to witness the evolution of visual storytelling. Cinematographers and directors shared insights into their creative processes, providing a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution that goes into crafting each frame.

Virtual Production and CGI Integration: A significant focus was placed on the integration of virtual production and computer-generated imagery (CGI) in filmmaking. Industry leaders showcased how these technologies are revolutionising the way films are conceptualised and brought to life. From creating breathtaking virtual landscapes to seamlessly blending real and digital elements, the festival explored the expanding role of technology in shaping this visual narrative.

Sound Design and Immersive Audio: Recognising the importance of audio in filmmaking, Camerimage emphasised the role of sound design and immersive audio experiences. Workshops and demonstrations explored how advancements in sound technology contribute to the overall cinematic experience, enhancing storytelling through nuanced auditory elements.

Industry Partnerships:

Collaborations with Camera Manufacturers: The festival served as a platform for leading camera manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations. Attendees had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the newest camera models and accessories, fostering a direct connection between filmmakers and industry leaders. Live demonstrations and Q&A sessions allowed for an in-depth exploration of the capabilities of these cutting-edge tools.

Post-Production and Editing Suites: Post-production houses and editing software developers were actively involved, providing insights into the evolving landscape of post-production workflows. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about the latest software tools and techniques that streamline the editing process, ensuring a seamless transition from shooting to the final cut.

Collaborative Platforms and Cloud-Based Solutions: The festival highlighted the growing importance of collaborative platforms and cloud-based solutions in filmmaking. Industry partners presented how these technologies facilitate real-time collaboration among teams working on different aspects of a film, regardless of geographical locations. This emphasis on connectivity underscores the industry’s commitment to efficiency and collaboration in the digital age.

Conclusion:

The 2023 Camerimage Film Festival stood as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking, where creativity and technology converge to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Through a spotlight on advanced cinematography techniques and a strong emphasis on industry partnerships, the festival not only celebrated the art of filmmaking but also provided a glimpse into the future of the industry. As filmmakers continue to embrace technological advancements, Camerimage remains a vital hub for exploring the technical marvels that shape the cinematic landscape of tomorrow.

Simon Hasler, IMIS Financial Director

Eliott Hasler, IMIS member and young British film writer & director