National Film and Television School opens 4K Digital Content Training studio and Hub
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has officially opened the Sony Gallery, which is located in its 4K Digital Content Training Studio. Part of the new state-of-the-art facilities at its Beaconsfield campus, the new space will provide an unparalleled opportunity for students to learn the ropes of television production and prepare them for the world of modern broadcasting, with the ability to shoot, record, and stream live content in 4K.
In order to deliver some of the UK’s first 4K native studio courses, which include the NFTS Directing and Producing Television Entertainment MA; Cameras, Sound and Vision Mixing Diploma; and Production Technology MA, the facility has been equipped with the latest Sony 4K technologies, including six HDC-4300 system cameras, an XVS-7000 switcher and a PWS-4500 live server system, all capable of supporting 4K, HDR and IP workflows.
The HDC-4300 4K system cameras will enable students to learn on the most advanced studio camera platform both operationally and creatively. Sony’s technological innovation and unparalleled hands-on live production experience are crystallised in the design of this camera. The HDC-4300 provides the chance to shoot in a variety of formats, from HD to 4K, HFR to HDR, making it the perfect camera for learning the practicalities of various broadcast production scenarios.
Supporting the IP live production technology, the XVS-7000 combines the latest technology innovations and strengthens the NFTS’ training facilities with a series of well established vision mixers, which are already in use in most live productions, to offer students an exceptional wealth of operational learning. Flexible configuration makes the XVS-7000 adaptable to any production requirements, while the ability to up and down convert between 4K and HD provides flexibility for video input and outputs.
The PWS-4500 live server system matches the flexibility of the HDC-4300 & XVS-7000, supporting all format types whether over SDI or IP. With a strong workflow integration with Avid Post production system, the PWS-4500 will offer the students opportunities to experience live and file-based workflows around the platform.
“Educating and inspiring the next generation of production professionals means ensuring they have access to the tools they’ll encounter when they enter the world of full-time employment, and 4K has become an absolute necessity for this,” said Nik Powell, director at the National Film and Television School. “At a time when the quality and volume of live content continues to increase, we chose Sony because their solutions are the most in use in the live production market. Our students will have the chance to work with the highest quality systems available, providing them with practical experience that equips them for the first steps in their career.”
“At Sony, we’ve always been passionate about supporting and nurturing our industry’s future talent,” commented Norbert Paquet, strategic marketing manager for live production at Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “Building on our heritage in world-class training facilities, such as the Digital Motion Picture Centre Europe (DMPCE) at Pinewood Studios, we’re helping to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience. We’re excited to work with the NFTS, whose leading edge reputation speaks for itself, and ensure its students have access to the latest tools for television production now and for years to come.”