Viewfinder Productions Photographs Grand Central

Viewfinder Productions has just completed principle photography on its next documentary: Grand Central. Produced for The American Experience this documentary will trace the history of Grand Central from 1871 to the present.

For two days this past June Viewfinder filmed in Grand Central Terminal using a revolutionary HD system designed by LA-based cinematographer Steve Yedlin. The Log8 system optimizes the exposure latitude of the HD format using the Sony Cinealta 900 camera. Once color timed, Log 8 (and it's big brother Yedlog) is simply the best HD image we've ever seen. The blacks have depth without being lost or crushed. The colors are warm without having that garish saturated video look. It's not quite film, but it comes mighty close. In a few weeks we'll post a small sample of the six hours of material we filmed under the direction of cinematographer Michael Chin.

A Novel Broadcast on PBS

Viewfinder Productions latest documentary, Novel Reflections: The American Dream, broadcast as a special presentation of the American Masters series in April, 2007. Novel Reflections was a departure in its form and content. Novel Reflections offered a unique perspective on American history by examining seven novels and the lives of their authors. The film also employed an inventive new photographic technique for historic recreations.

The New York Times called Novel Reflections "fast moving" and took special note its emotional impact. "Reflections" doesn't intend to be a substitute for reading," wrote Susan Stewart. "But the truth is that it offers viewers a chance to experience many of the pleasures of literature without actually having to slog through a single chapter."
For the full New York Times review click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/arts/television/04stew.html?ex=1333339200&en=ead21b5ad38664dc&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

For the companion PBS website click here: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/