Hi-tech screening a boon for film-makers

Dec 17 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

FILM-MAKERS in the North East will be able to get a fresh view of their work thanks to the new technology at the movie industry’s headquarters in the region.

Thanks to the endeavours of a Northumberland firm, the region’s actors and directors can now watch their masterpieces in a screening room at the revamped Newcastle offices of Northern Film and Media (NFM).

The installation was carried out by Cramlington-based audio visual firm Newlandmedia, which beat off national competition to win the tendering process.

The refit at the Hoults Yard, Walker, also includes digital signs in the reception allowing visitors and staff to watch show reels in high definition and keep up with the latest news via RSS and social media feeds.

And, behind the scenes, a high-speed local network holds everything in place, streaming large packets of data without impacting on NFM’s day-to-day internet users.

Newlandmedia, which has more than 30 years’ experience in the field, won the contract after demonstrating it could meet NFM’s remit of staying at the forefront of the digital sector.

The showpiece screening room, for instance, not only uses a cutting-edge HD 1080p projector unit, but also has zoned audio and is Blu-ray compatible. It also serves as a video-conferencing suite.

And to ensure the office has full media coverage, seven flat screen HD 1080p screens were installed throughout the office space connected by industry-leading Extron Matrix switchers.

Paul Blakey, sales director at Newlandmedia, said: “Our team’s expert knowledge, local support and understanding of the customers’ requirements provide a level of pre- and after-sales support that is essential to NFM.

“We have been delighted to be part of NFM’s transition into Hoults Yard and wish all the staff at NFM the very best in their new premises.”

Earlier this year, Newlandmedia was able to bolster its workforce thanks to a graduate scheme run by the North East’s digital industry body Codeworks.

The company appointed Samantha Lovat – a chemistry graduate from Northumbria University who has a keen interest in the digital sector.

The firm’s impressive portfolio of national clients includes The Baltic contemporary art centre in Gateshead alongside a number of other major digital film projects.

Newlandmedia has over 30 years of experience in the audio-visual and video industry with a workforce that is able to successfully design, build and install audio-visual and video-based solutions at all levels.