news articles
November 2008
Concert for Diana Blu-Ray
Last year's release of Concert for Diana won two awards for Richmond Studios, one from the DVD Association in America, the other at the HEW Awards 2008. Following the success of this disc, Richmond Studios were commissioned to author the Blu-Ray version in August 2008.
With six hours of material, this huge Blu-Ray release for Universal Music is packaged as a two-disc box set. Each disc has song selectors, personal playlist options, extra features, and the audio is in DTS HDMA 5.1 as well as PCM stereo.
The original designs were revised to take advantage of Blu Ray's menu and graphics capabilities, whilst retaining the look and feel which was developed in conjunction with the Prince's Trust, Universal and Live Nation for the standard definition release.
The Concert for Diana Blu-Ray box set was released on 27th October 2008 with English, French, German and Portuguese subtitles.
November 2008
MTV European Music Awards Liverpool, 2008
This Thursday, November 6th 2008, sees some of the biggest talent in rock, pop and rap music come together for the annual MTV European Music Awards. Hosted by singer, Katy Perry at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, this year’s show features live performances by Pink, Beyonce, Kid Rock, The Ting Tings, Duffy, The Killers, Kanye West and Estelle, with many more stars confirmed to introduce nominees and present winners with the sought after awards.
Richmond Studios’ MD, Toby Alington, will be overseeing the broadcast audio of this live-to-air event for the 6th year running, with audio engineer, Leaf Troup, assisting in delivering top-quality 5.1 and stereo sound to millions of viewers across the UK and Europe.
Seasoned veteran of live show broadcasts, sound designer, Derrick Zieba, will be acting as the front of house audio crew chief, with Britannia Row and Alfacam providing Pro Tools playback and operating systems. Hamish Hamilton will be directing the production. Toby and Derrick have worked together closely on many of the world's biggest music television events including the prestigious annual BRIT Awards.
For more information on EMA nominees and red carpet action visit: http://ema.mtv.co.uk/.
November 2008
Beautiful People
Richmond Studios is excited to be involved in bringing this critically acclaimed UK sitcom to home entertainment viewers. Having been commissioned by 2 entertain to design and author the DVD, as well as produce material for the special features of the box set, Richmond Studios was able to maximise use of all on site facilities.
Created by the producer of Absolutely Fabulous, Beautiful People is based on the best-selling wild childhood memoirs of Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys, New York, and delves into Simon's youthful memories of his wacky family, and his desire to escape suburban Reading to live amongst the "beautiful people" - from his perspective - as a window dresser in a New York department store.
As well as creating vibrant animated menus that reflect the bubbly, off-beat nature of the programme, Richmond Studios edited hours of backstage footage to produce slick special features including a Behind the Scenes and Book Signing.
The Beautiful People box set was released in the UK and Ireland on November 3rd 2008.
October 2008
The Fox and the Child
Richmond Studios is pleased to be part of bringing this sumptuously shot whimsical fairy-tale to home entertainment viewers. Commissioned by Pathé Films to design and author the DVD for The Fox and the Child, Richmond Studios created picture-book style menus that, although animated and moving, recall the fantastical, fairy-tale mood of the film. Menus are complete with 5.1 audio sound design to match the 5.1 audio throughout the main feature and special features, which include a photo gallery and theatrical trailer.
Luc Jacquet’s second film, after hugely successful March of the Penguins, tells the story of a young girl (Bertille Noël-Bruneau), who, while wandering through the woods and fields near her home in rural France, stumbles across a fox. Enthralled, she begins to follow him. Through patience and persistence, the fox eventually becomes accustomed to the girl’s presence and the two begin to form an unlikely friendship. Narrated in English by a smooth-voiced Kate Winslet, and featuring some breath-taking landscapes, this film is easy to get lost in.
The Fox and the Child will be released on DVD on 8th December 2008.
October 2008
Clarkson - Thriller
2 entertain has commissioned Richmond Studios to design and author Jeremy Clarkson’s latest DVD: Clarkson - Thriller. Packed with explosions, racing and cool cars, this DVD box set will definitely have petrol heads going. Richmond Studios designed animated menus across both discs, that feature sharply-shot moving close-ups of the cars and eye-catching segments from the film, all framed by designs that recall engines, car interiors and smooth, stylish lines. Most notable special features include a “more car less music mix” option, for viewers who can’t get enough of that all-important engine roar, and a bonus disc of Behind the Scenes footage.
Thriller sees Clarkson test for the best in the latest Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, Porsches and Ferraris as he takes them for test spins on the roads of the Swiss Alps, the infamous no limit Autobahns of Germany, and, er, Norfolk. In addition to showcasing the world’s sleekest super cars, no Clarkson DVD would be complete without some explosions. Thriller doesn’t disappoint on this front either, as Clarkson fits rocket launchers to a Porsche 944, attacks a Lexus with a machine gun and blasts fireworks at speed cameras.
Clarkson - Thriller will be released in the UK on 3rd November 2008.
October 2008
Pavarotti Tribute Concert, Petra, Jordan
The greats of the musical world are coming together for a tribute charity concert on what would have been Luciano Pavarotti’s 73rd birthday, 12 October 2008, in Petra, Jordan.
Toby Alington will be recording and mixing the live music for broadcast and potential TV and DVD releases, with Derrick Zieba providing the live FOH sound. Alington and Zieba have regularly worked on huge international concerts, including the BRIT's, Classical BRIT's, MTV EMA's and many other classical and pop events worldwide.
A select group of artists who performed and worked with Pavarotti will be performing at this unique concert, mixing elements of the classical and pop worlds. The line-up of international talent includes Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras, Andrea Griminelli, Jovanotti, Cynthia Lawrence, Laura Pausini, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Aleem Quandour, Sting and Zucchero, accompanied by the Prague Philharmonia under the direction of Eugene Kohn.
Audio equipment for the event, along with extensive production expertise, is being provided by Britannia Row. A total of 96 channels of live feeds will be mixed on separate DigiCo D5 desks for broadcast, FOH and on-stage monitoring. This totally digital audio solution will be flown to Amman on a specially chartered aircraft from the UK.
Toby Alington was commissioned to work with Luciano Pavarotti many times during his distinguished and unique career, both as a solo artist and with Carreras and Domingo as the famous Three Tenors.
The live event - "Salute Petra" - will benefit many charities including the UNHCR, World Food Programme, the Centre for People with Special Needs in Petra, and the Children of Petra Village programme.
September 2008
Noddy's Magical Christmas Adventures
Another year, another Noddy Christmas Special! Richmond Studios had fun designing and authoring this year’s Noddy’s Magical Christmas Adventures for Universal Pictures UK. In addition to completing all animated DVD menus, encoded with sound design, Richmond Studios created, designed and authored two games as part of the special features section of the disc.
Not simply standard viewing for youngsters, Noddy’s Magical Christmas Adventures is an interactive experience. With games for viewers on both ends of the age range, this DVD encourages Noddy fans to think and respond to what they have seen. The popular “Spot the Difference” game is designed for younger viewers with a set-up for each character, while “Pathfinder” is a game that allows players to make various decisions, and features multiple characters from the episodes. To safely get to gifts under a Christmas Tree in the centre of Toy Town, players must choose which of the two paths Noddy must take, all the while trying to avoid the crafty Goblin. Visually stimulating, the player is shown a snow-covered aerial view of Toy Town and is rewarded with an exploding gift if they win.
Using Scenarist we were able to create a programme that was fun and user-friendly… we hope the kids will enjoy it too! Noddy’s Magical Christmas Adventures will be released on October 27th 2008.
September 2008
Rock Legends
Richmond Studios have been commissioned by Universal Music Group International to design and author the Rock Legends DVD series. Comprised of 10 discs, this series pays homage to a number of rock greats from Roxy Music to Santana, Free, Dio, Peter Frampton, Chris Rea and more, by showcasing outstanding live performances in both Dolby Digital stereo and DTS 5.1 audio options. Calling on the expertise of our audio engineers, the majority of the project audio was remastered at Richmond Studios to create explosive 5.1 audio.
With one crowd pleaser after another, this collection of DVDs is sure to appease all types of rock fans. A selection of triumphant performances taken either from one show, such as the Cranberries sold-out 1994 gig at the Astoria on The Cranberries Live, or from a number of gigs scattered across years and cities, such as on Kiss’ Kiss My A**, this series highlights some of the best acts in rock and metal over the past 40 years.
Chris Rea: The Road to Hell and Back: The Farewell Tour, The Cranberries Live, Dio: We Rock, Free: Forever, Kiss My A**, Peter Frampton: Frampton Comes Alive II, Roger Waters: The Wall Live in Berlin, Roxy Music: The High Road, Rush: Exit…Stage Left and Santana: Sacred Fire: Live in Mexico will be released in September 2008.
September 2008
Honeydripper
Richmond Studios is pleased to be designing and authoring the DVD for another award-winning production brought to the UK by Axiom Films: director John Sayles’ Honeydripper. Encoded over two DVD 9 discs, this box set is fully loaded with special features, thoughtfully and accessibly formatted to enable smooth viewer navigation. From cast and film-maker interviews, to musical performances by cast and crew, as well as the director’s original character biographies, special features provide insight into the context and origins of the film in an engaging way. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio option brings the musical focus of the film to the forefront. Menus and transitions on both discs are complete with sound design inspired by the quintessentially American, rock & roll and blues music from the film.
Set in a sleepy Alabaman town in 1950, Honeydripper revolves around Tyrone Purvis (Danny Glover), proprietor of the Honeydripper Lounge, and his role in the rise of guitar virtuoso, Sonny Blake (Gary Clark Jr.) Deep in debt, Tyrone is desperate to bring back the crowds that used to come to his place. He decides to lay off his long-time blues singer Bertha Mae, and announces that he's hired a famous guitar player, Guitar Sam, for a one night only gig in order to save the club. Guitar Sam never shows, but into town drifts Sonny Blake, a young man with nothing to his name but big dreams and the guitar case in his hand. It seems Lady Luck might shine on the Honeydripper Lounge once more…
Honeydripper features an all-star cast including Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacy Keach, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Sean Patrick Thomas; as well as such notable musicians as Keb' Mo' and Dr. Mable John. It also introduces a major new talent, Gary Clark Jr. who makes his electrifying film debut as Sonny.
Honeydripper will be released on September 22nd 2008.
August 2008
Kylie X 2008
Toby Alington was once again working with Steve Anderson, Kylie's Music Producer, to record and mix the soundtrack for Kylie X, her highly successful 2008 touring show.
Recorded live at the O2 in early August using Floating Earth's digital recording mobile, the soundtrack was mixed at Olympic Studios with final post-production taking place at Richmond Studios in September.
A TV cut-down of the show launched Four Music, the new C4 music channel, and was also broadcast on terrestrial Channel 4 the following weekend. The full version will soon be available on DVD.
Toby was asked to look after the Kylie X soundtrack after the successful production of many of Kylie's soundtracks, including Showgirl and Homecoming, both DVD and TV releases.
The show features many of Kylie's new tracks, along with old favourites including "Lucky", Kylie's first hit. The staging makes extensive use of video screens and floors, and the event was filmed by Blink TV on fifteen 16mm film cameras. The shoot was directed by Marcus Vine.
July 2008
Wim Wenders Films
Richmond Studios is proud to be part of creating deluxe edition DVDs of iconic director, Wim Wenders’ most influential work. Following the first ever DVD commercial release of Alice in the Cities in the UK, Axiom Films is releasing more of his cult classics, continuing with the 2nd and 3rd parts of his road movie trilogy, Wrong Move and Kings of the Road. Wings of Desire, The American Friend, and arguably Wenders’ most influential film, Paris, Texas, were released in the UK in July..
As well as designing, encoding and authoring all of the DVDs, Richmond Studios produced and edited original special features for Wings of Desire and Kings of the Road in their in-house edit facilities. These Conversations pieces feature rare footage of cast and crew on set, and a compilation of Wim Wenders’ most insightful interviews relating to each film. Viewers can enjoy further bonus material encoded by Richmond Studios on all DVDs, including film commentary with Wenders and starring actors, outtakes and deleted scenes. DVD menus are flawlessly in line with the theme and tone of each film, featuring key moving image clips from the films and designs that compliment the exquisite cinematography throughout the films.
Wrong Move, Kings of the Road, Wings of Desire and The American Friend were released on 28th July 2008.
July 2008
HEW Awards
Richmond Studios is thrilled to announce winning the Home Entertainment Week Music Programme Award for their work on Universal Music International’s Concert for Diana DVD, and would like to extend their congratulations to UMI for this combined triumph. This year, HEW Award organisers changed the focus of the Programme Awards to ask simply: what makes a great DVD? Recognising excellence in producing, authoring and design, the Programme Awards saw creative agencies take centre stage, while the Marketing Awards recognised distributor prowess in advertising and sales.
Despite tough competition from the likes of Liberation’s Stereophonics: Rewind (also authored and designed by Richmond Studios), 4DVD’s Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten and Abbey Road Interactive’s Amy Winehouse: I Told You I was Trouble, Universal Music International’s Concert for Diana came through a clear winner, inspiring comments from the judges such as “excellently authored” and “very carefully and professionally put together.” The judges were also impressed with the Personal Playlist options which allow viewers to create their own playlists. Universal Music International commented that Richmond Studios was selected as creative agency for their proven track record, creativity and tremendous attention to detail.
Other Programme Award winners on the night included Optimum & Eyeframe’s This is England DVD for Film, 2 entertain & Stream Digital Media’s The Mighty Boosh Series 3 DVD for Comedy, and Universal & Zoo Interactive Entertainment’s Agatha Christie’s Poirot for Interactive DVD. Marketing Award winners included Icon for Small Theatrical Film Marketing for La Vie en Rose and Universal for Best Film Marketing (Blockbuster of £10m) for Atonement. Retailer and Rentailer of the Year Awards went to HMV and Lovefilm respectively..
July 2008
The Hottie and the Nottie
After designing and authoring the DVD for Rescue Dawn, Richmond Studios have been commissioned by Pathé Films to do the same for new chick-flick/rom-com, The Hottie and the Nottie, starring Paris Hilton. Encoded over one DVD-9, with a 5.1 audio soundtrack and loads of special features including a Making of featurette, this disc is both neatly packaged and fun to browse through. With all that one would expect from a chick-flick DVD, animated menus for the disc are filled with floating pink hearts over a back-drop of more vibrant pink. A picture of bikini-clad Cristabel and frumpy June, complete with a paper bag over her head, greet viewers on the main menu.
Light and fun, the movie revolves around two friends, Cristabel Abbott (Hilton) and June Phigg (Christine Lakin). Best friends since first grade, the two girls are inseparable and similar in most ways except one: their looks. June’s unfortunate ugliness results in both girls being single as Cristabel refuses to date anyone without her friend by her side. When Nate Cooper (Joel David Moore), a friend with a long-lasting crush on Cristabel, steps back into their lives, things begin to change. Determined to date the apple of his eye, Nate goes to everything in his power to get June a date, luckily stumbling over a dentist slash part-time model willing to take on the mammoth task of giving June a make-over. As time goes by, it seems Nate is one step closer to his goal, until he begins to question which girl he truly wants. Silly and slapstick it will definitely have you laughing.
The Hottie and the Nottie was released on DVD in the UK on July 28th, 2008.
July 2008
Uniform
Richmond Studios is pleased to announce the success of the PAL DVD release of Diao Yinan’s directorial debut, Uniform. Seen as one of the defining films of the Chinese Sixth Generation, Uniform tells the story of a rural man driven to extreme measures through the poverty he is faced with. Commissioned by Axiom Films to design and author the DVD for this award-winning, socially charged drama, Richmond Studios delivered premium audio visual results.
DVD Times reviewed the disc with high acclaim, praising the anamorphically presented stable and progressive encode: the transfer from the film's original 1.75:1 aspect ratio on this edition is nothing less than impressive. Colours are deep, rich and well-defined…The image is pin-sharp without artificial enhancement, showing fine detail throughout. Even on a single-layer disc, the image looks flawless, with no compression artefacts or macroblocking.
Critics were also impressed with the Dolby Digital soundtrack which was mastered and encoded by Richmond Studios, labeling it as strong and clear, commenting specifically on the enhanced sound effects: The rich sound with reverberating explosions heard at one of the industrial plants and in the noise of trucks and traffic enhances the atmosphere of industrialisation underlying the film.
As well as the intro which welcomes the user into the disc, Richmond Studios also created all the menu designs for this title. Special features include an enlightening Interview with director, Yinan, in which he discusses his initial idea for the film and how it ultimately evolved into the final script, while also exploring issues of state censorship in China.
Uniform was released in the UK and Ireland on 14th July 2008.
July 2008
Peter Warlock - Some Little Joy
Richmond Studios has been commissioned by Capriol Films to design and author the DVD of Peter Warlock – Some Little Joy. Based on the life and works of Philip Heseltine, better known under his artist alias, Peter Warlock, this dramatisation follows the famous 20th century composer on his professional endeavours and romantic entanglements.
From his numerous passionate relationships with women from long-time girlfriend Barbara Peache, to ex-wife Minnie Lucy Channing (aka Puma) and spiritual soul mate Winifred Baker, to his high-profile friendship with D.H. Lawrence, and occasional run-ins with the law, Peter Warlock definitely knew how to cause a stir, both socially and professionally. He inhabited the bohemian world of mid-twenties England, mixing with famous artists such as Augustus John and composers, Jack Moeran and Lord Berners. He first received popular acclaim for his mature compositions completed in 1918, yet despite being a musical genius, was never fully acknowledged by the musical elite. He came to an untimely death in 1930, at the young age of 36; the verdict as to whether or not the gas leak that caused it was intentional, remains open-ended to this day.
Tying together this disc along with extras such as the Directors commentary and an optional 5.1 soundtrack, Richmond Studios has portrayed the era in which Warlock is set, by creating classic, old filmic style, animated menus.
Peter Warlock will be released on DVD in September 2008, worldwide.
July 2008
Falstaff
Tony Britten’s English musical adaptation of Verdi’s Opera, Falstaff, tells the story of “Big John” Falstaff as based on fictitious character, Sir John Falstaff from Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor. Richmond Studios is happy to be part of this fun project, having been commissioned by Capriol Films to design and author the DVD, which includes a special Making of featurette and 5.1 audio.
Most likely to be found at the members’ only bar of his exclusive golf club in Windsor, Falstaff sees himself as the ultimate gentleman, golfer and gift to all women, despite the fact that he can’t pay his bar tab and is rarely seen on the golf course as no one wants to actually play with him! Tony Britten’s trademark wit and accessibility perfectly compliment Verdi’s glorious comedy, making it delightful to watch the big man blunder from one catastrophe to another as the plot races towards its uproarious conclusion.
Using an animated, semi clad, miniature Falstaff to guide the user through the menus, Richmond Studios fulfilled their brief to maintain the wit and imagination throughout the disc and prepare viewers for what’s to come.
Falstaff comes out on DVD wordlwide in September 2008.
July 2008
Masada
Richmond Studios is pleased to be authoring a 2-DVD box set of a successful Universal Pictures 1981 mini-series, Masada, first aired on American network ABC. Based on the historical siege of the Masada citadel in southern Israel by legions of the Roman Empire in 73 A.D., this 4-part programme features an all-star cast, starring Peter O’Toole as the Roman legion commander, and Peter Strauss as the Jewish commander Elazar ben Ya’ir. The series was filmed on location at the site of the ancient fortress of the same name, in the Judean Desert in Israel.
The DVD’s are presented in a clean, yet theatrical way. The menu design adopts the look and feel of weathered pages from a book enable the viewer to navigate through DVD menus with ease. Detailed maps of the region behind stills of the film lend depth to the chapter selection, while moving footage brings the main menu to life. Flaming transitions foreshadow the drama of the siege bringing the theme of the series through the design.
Masada – The Complete Epic Mini – Series 2-disc box set will be released in the UK and Ireland on 7th July 2008. An epic historical drama, Peter O’Toole at his best.
May 2008
DVDA Excellence Awards 2008
With a list of fierce competitors, Richmond Studios is thrilled to announce winning another DVDA Excellence Award. 2008 sees Richmond Studios victorious in the Authoring Design & Implementation Excellence category for the Concert for Diana DVD. With nearly six hours of live material, the concert featuring 33 artists had to be carefully encoded over two discs, cramming in extra features and a choice of 5.1 audio to boot.
With only three weeks to turn this around, Richmond Studios created the menus and followed the brief of a sleek and classy design. Fully animated, with seamless transitions throughout the set, a Personal Playlist, gives the user the option to play their own selection of tracks on both discs. The release includes four BBC in-depth interviews as well as the as-broadcast "Diana & Me" videos throughout the concert.
Geoffrey Matthews, Project Secretary to Prince William and Prince Harry and Producer of the Concert for Diana commented: "Richmond Studios has really done a quite outstanding job in producing a DVD that is completely and seamlessly in tune with the look and feel of the original live event and more profoundly with its underlying values. Many congratulations, and many thanks."
Richmond Studios US CEO, Jonathan Miller and VP of Business Development US, Christian Mills, picked up the award for Richmond Studios at the ceremony in LA on May 8th. Sponsored by Ascent Media/Blink Digital and HBO Video, the night recognised excellence in theatrical, children’s, music, TV, games discs, and many more. Attendees on the night included Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Panasonic Hollywood Lab and MGM Home Video.
Since 2005, Richmond Studios have been amongst the list of UK winners at this prestigious event, having received awards for DVD Facility Excellence, DVD Audio Quality Excellence and Music DVD Excellence Awards.
May 2008
Libero
Richmond Studios is excited to have designed and authored the DVD of award-winning Spanish film, Libero. Director, and lead Kim Rossi Stuart, (The Keys to the House, Beyond the Clouds) won the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his directorial debut, and with good reason. This heartfelt family drama is at once tragic and compassionate, beautifully shot it tells the story of a woman (Barbaro Bobulova) abandoning her husband and children, as seen through the discerning eyes of her 11-year-old son, Tommi, played by Allessandro Morace.
The narrative follows the courageous father and his two young children who have to face the harsh reality of being abandoned by the most important woman in their lives. In all the family’s bungling imperfections and fury of emotions, their love for each other remains strong, enabling them to withstand the trials and tribulations life throws at them. That is until the one person they were yearning for returns, unannounced, into their lives, threatening to test their emotional boundaries.
Viewers are welcomed into this DVD through an engaging intro, giving a sense of the film by revealing Tommi’s escapism of sitting on the roof of his house to flee the world. DVD extras include original screen tests used to cast the main actors in the film and a mini featurette: Behind the Scenes of Libero Fans will find an interview with director and lead star Kim Rossi Stuart particularly insightful, while deleted scenes and a stills gallery are also there for their perusal.
The DVD was released in the UK and Ireland on May 26th, 2008.
May 2008
Alice in the Cities
Set in the 1970s in the U.S., Wim Wenders’ iconic film, Alice in the Cities has never before been given a full theatrical or DVD commercial release in the UK and Ireland. Richmond Studios are proud to be designing and authoring the DVD for Axiom Films.
Accepted to be one of Wenders’ most poignant films, Alice in the Cities was the first to be shot partly in the United States and subsequently won the 1974 German Critics’ Prize. One of Wenders’ first “road movies,” the film follows disillusioned journalist, Philip Winter, (Rudiger Vogler) on his solitary travels through the States, and their difficult culmination when he encounters a young mother and her eight-year-old daughter at an airport. The mother convinces him to watch her daughter, Alice, only to abandon her with him. The unlikely pair then embark on a journey through Holland and Germany to find the girl’s grandmother, armed with only a photograph of her house as a clue to her whereabouts. Despite the strained circumstances and clear generational gap, the two come to care for one another. Funny, yet bittersweet, Philip’s reactions to Alice’s often enthusiastic, Americanized proclamations signify a generation’s growing awareness and subsequent disenchantment with the rapid growth of global consumerism.
To capture the “road movie” theme of the film, an intro to the main menu features an animated montage of Polaroid style snapshots of people, places and things encountered on the main character’s travels. Special features include film critic, Mark Cousins’ interview with director Wim Wenders and interviews with Ruediger Vogler (Phillip) and Yella Rottlaender (Alice).
Alice came out on DVD on 26th May 2008.
May 2008
Delirium: A Cirque du Soleil Live Music Concert
Toby Alington was commissioned by Serpent Productions to produce the theatrical, DVD and TV soundtracks for this Cirque du Soleil show at the O2 Arena.
Floating Earth provided the recording facilities, and the 90-track digital multitrack mix and post-production took place at Richmond Studios in May.
Created and directed by Michel Lemieux and Victor Polin, Delirium is a multi-media sensation. A theatrical show featuring re-mixed music from Cirque du Soleil, Delirium combines highly skilled acrobatic stunts with a whirlwind of sounds, colours and imagery. Through a unique projection system, viewers’ aural and visual perceptions are challenged as gigantic, crystal-clear images, are imposed across the auditorium, moving in time to an eclectic blend of musical elements.
The 270 square feet projection space is over one and a half times bigger than IMAX cinemas, consisting of 2 state-of-the-art roll-up screens suspended from the top of the arena and tulle screens that stand at the stage extremities and wings. Seven 25-kW and two 16-kW projectors, including one in the main character’s air balloon, cast images across ceiling, screens, floor and audience.
As all Cirque du Soleil shows, the main narrative of Delirium, symbolizes experiences faced in daily modern life, using surreal imagery to tell the story. The show follows the life of Bill, an ordinary man living inside a bubble, as he becomes more and more isolated in a society where meaningful relationships are replaced by virtual ones, and the purveying mode of communication is through electronics. Everything in Bill’s urban life draws him further into an imaginary, virtual world. Meeting a myriad of characters on his fantastical journey, Bill’s social desires grow, and he eventually comes to realise the advantages in grounding his energy in the real world.
For the first time in Cirque du Soleil’s history, the show is based on a musical, rather than an acrobatic structure. Melodies, musicians and singers are the driving force of Delirium. Experimental, fluid and international, the main music genre can best be described as urban tribal beats, combining percussive driven pop and electronic music with melodious ballads and world rhythm sounds.
May 2008
Classical BRIT Awards 2008
Toby Alington completed his 9th year of producing the Classical BRIT Awards for BRITs TV, broadcast on ITV in the UK on 16 May. Recorded in the all-digital Floating Earth mobile facility, the soundtrack was mixed and dubbed at Richmond Studios by Toby Alington and Leaf Troup.
Richmond Studios also produced the audio for the nomination packages, and recorded all the voice-over material using their in-house studio facilities.
Hosted by the BPI and NS&I, the show was held at the Royal Albert Hall on May 8th. The star-studded event was hosted by Myleene Klass and featured special performances from international stars, Andrea Bocelli, Anna Netrebko and Josh Groban, as well as some of the finest new classical talent.
Seven trophies were awarded to the most outstanding artists in the classical music genre. Anna Netrebko won Female Artist of the Year, Blake received NS&I Album of the Year, Nicola Benedetti finally picked up the Young British Classical Performer or Group award after being nominated three years running, while Male Artist of the Year went to renowned conductor, Sir Colin Davis. Other winners on the night included James Newton Howard for his composition on the soundtrack for Blood Diamond (Soundtrack of the Year), and acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis who was awarded the Critics’ Choice Award. The Outstanding Contribution Award went to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The Classical BRIT Awards is the sister show of the annual BRIT Awards, for which Toby has produced the live broadcast audio for the last fourteen years.
May 2008
Viva la Diva
Darcy Bussell, Britain’s most renowned prima ballerina, and award-winning Welsh Opera singer, Katherine Jenkins, paid tribute to some of the world’s greatest female stage and film performers, in their critically acclaimed show, Viva la Diva on Sunday May 11th at London’s O2 Arena.
Toby Alington was commissioned to record the show, ready for post-production in 5.1 for DVD and TV releases. Using the Red TX mobile, the show was recorded to 64-track digital multitrack.
Combining solo performances and duets of some classic Hollywood numbers, the show features tap, flamenco and ballet. Both Bussell, who, at the age of 20, became the youngest principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, and Jenkins, a three time winner for Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards, embraced this opportunity as a means of breaking out into different forms of entertainment. Drawing inspiration from both classic and modern sources such as the Hollywood Classic movies of Ginger Rogers, and Cyd Charisse, performances by opera singer, Maria Callas, as well as contemporary stars such as American burlesque dancer, Dita Von Teese, Viva la Diva is a true homage to grandeur, grace and style of the female greats in opera, musicals and dance – impressive and entertaining.
Toby has recorded Katherine many times previously around the world, from TV studios in Cardiff to Sydney Opera House.
May 2008
CHESS: In Concert
On Monday May 12th and Tuesday May 13th musical fans were treated to two spectacular performances of Chess in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This cult musical, first performed in London’s West End in 1986, featuring all-time hits One Night in Bangkok and I Know Him So Well, is a favourite among theatre-goers, and generated a number of hit singles off a concept album (a la Jesus Christ Superstar) recorded in 1984. The story revolves around a romantic triangle between two chess players in a Chess World Championship and one of their managers, who ends up falling in love with her client’s rival.
Toby Alington was contracted to record the show, a mammoth task involving over 120 inputs. Using the Floating Earth digital recording facility – which Alington had used only days previously at the Albert Hall for the Classical BRIT Awards – the entire show was recorded to 88-track digital multitrack.
Alington worked on the original cast-album of chess at Olympic Studios, Barnes, in 1983, and has worked with many of the artists featured in this performance on previous recordings.
In its latest rendition, the show with book and lyrics by veteran writer Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Lion King), and music by ABBA’s Bjoern Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Mamma Mia!), features an all-star cast starring US recording artist, Josh Groban, Broadway’s Idina Menzel (Wicked) Adam Pascal (RENT), and many more. Also featured were the Chess in Concert company, the 100 strong West End Chorus and the City of London Philharmonic with Stephen Disley playing the great organ of the Royal Albert Hall. Tim Rice introduced both performances.
May 2008
Monster Series
Movie buffs will be pleased to discover that Universal Pictures is releasing a series of classic horror films from the 1930s and 40s to DVD. Richmond Studios were asked by Universal Pictures UK to design and author this series of discs, comprised of seminal films: Werewolf of London, Son of Frankenstein, Ghost of Frankenstein, Dracula’s Daughter, Son of Dracula, and She-Wolf of London. With breakthrough make-up techniques and impressive performances, these horror classics marked the beginning of the Western cinematographic pre-occupation with all things monster.
Richmond Studios are happy to be involved in bringing them back to life and to new audiences. Re-mastered and newly designed, the picture quality and sound quality are far from dated. Striking images of the gruesome gouls welcome the viewers into each of the discs through the animated main menus. The scene selection menu design resembles a sold-out old theatre, creating the illusion that we, the viewer are about to enjoy the original screening.
These 6 definitive DVDs are to be released on 5th May 2008.
Werewolf of London (Stuart Walker)
Son of Frankenstein (Rowland V Lee)
Ghost of Frankenstein (James Whale)
Dracula’s Daughter (Lambert Hillyer)
Son of Dracula (Robert Siodmak)
She-Wolf of London (Jean Yarbourgh)
April 2008
Cirque du Soleil - Kooza
Richmond Studios is currently working on its 10th major DVD release for Cirque du Soleil.
KOOZA returns to the origins of Cirque du Soleil as it combines two Circus traditions – acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. A colourful show, set in an electrifying and exotic visual world that emphasises the bold slapstick humour of the comical characters. KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world. His journey brings him into contact with many other characters that highlight the physical demands of human performance in all its splendour and fragility.
Richmond Studios' concept incorporates some of the themes within the show, and takes the user on a magical journey full of suprises. The relationship between the Trickster and the Innocent is visually explored throughout the discs as they evolve from strangers to almost accomplices, encountering different characters, identities and scenarios along the way.
To accompany the show, this double disc features the documentary "A Thrilling Ride Through KOOZA", as well as an in-depth look at the Wheel of Death act. With promos, fully animated menus, 5.1 Dolby and DTS soundtracks, this inspiring disc will be released in the summer of 2008.
April 2008
Wild Tales
Richmond Studios are happy to be authoring Volumes 1 and 2 of 2entertain’s charming Wild Tales programme for kids. Over a set of four DVD9 discs with animated menus and menu sound design, these titles are great for younger audiences, but sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. Viewers are greeted with theme music and moving footage of the episodes on the main menu to captivate young audiences from the word go. With images of the main characters throughout help to introduce and familiarise viewers with the animals they will get to know so well throughout the programme.
Originally broadcast on CBBC, Wild Tales has been hailed as the ultimate rites of passage series, and focuses on many of nature's young—including pups, calves, foals and cubs—as they progress through their youthful origins as a mother's apprentice, into adulthood. Volumes 1 and 2 were released on DVD on 14th and 28th April 2008 in the UK and Ireland.
April 2008
DVD Europe
Richmond Studios' Managing Director, Toby Alington, is a founder-member and Chairman of DVD Europe. Based in London, not-for-profit DVD Europe has been set up to be the central communication point for UK and European issues on current and future production of DVD and future formats. It aims to advance all aspects of production for DVD and associated technologies, provide information on best practice and bring stability to the industry.
DVD Europe plans events, seminars and presentations to bring its members face to face with the cream of the packaged media industry professionals and leaders in upcoming technologies, to hear their thoughts and predictions on the future. Not to mention excellent opportunities to network, meet acquaintances and make new friends in a convivial environment.
Membership of the organisation is free and the activities are entirely supported by sponsorship. Recent events included social evenings, presentations on everything from Blu Ray to legal issues in the industry, and one event per month is planned for the next year.
For more information on membership and upcoming events please visit: www.dvdeu.org
April 2008
Cadence
Armenian-based classical ensemble, CADENCE, recorded two albums at Abbey Road Studios. Richmond Studios' founder, Toby Alington, engaged Tim Handley, award-winning classical producer, to produce the two CD's, and the products will be released on the Signum label early in 2008. Nika Babayan, who established NAB Artists Management in Armenia in 1995, was the Executive Producer.
The Cadence ensemble comprises piano, guitar, accordian, violin and bass, and was formed in February 2004 by five outstanding Armenian instrumentalists under leadership of pianist Armen Babakhanian, initially to perform the works of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. The ensemble hope to film concerts later this year with Richmond Studios.
March 2008
The Magic Flute
Richmond Studios was commissioned by Revolver Entertainment to design and author the DVD of Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation of classic Mozart Opera, The Magic Flute. Set at the beginning of World War I, starring Stephen Fry and performed in English, this version aims to target new audiences.
The story begins on the eve of the first global war, when a magical drama unfolds as Tamino sets forth on a perilous journey in pursuit of love, light and peace in a world afflicted by darkness, death and destruction. Encountering many colourful characters on the way, Tamino is sent on a mission to rescue Pamina, the lovely daughter of the Queen of the Night, who has been kidnapped by the dark lord, Sarastro. What follows is a spectacular musical adventure in which the destiny of a pair of young lovers may help determine the fate of nations and the lives of millions.
Branagh commented of the project: “This is a very exciting departure for me as a filmmaker. Working with Sir Peter Moores and his Foundation to help bring this masterpiece to a different audience is an immense and thrilling challenge.”
The DVD includes a bonus featurette and cast and crew interviews. Viewers enter the fantastical world of the disc through the keyholes of an animated flute. The main menu design recalls The Magic Flute’s theatrical origins with theatre curtains framing footage of the feature. Richmond Studios’ use of integral still frames from the film and menu sound design all help to keep the user in a theatrical world.
The DVD was released in the UK on March 31st.
March 2008
Cerys Matthews
Toby Alington was engaged by Cardiff-based production company, Presentable, to produce the soundtrack for a TV special of Cerys Matthews, filmed in North-West Wales. The former Catatonia star performed in front of an invited audience, and included many tracks from her latest album. Special guest Catrin Finch performed with Cerys and her band, and the hour-long show will be aired later this year on UK television. Using Barcud's recording facilities to capture the soundtrack on digital multitrack, Toby remixed the show at Abbey Road with final mastering at Richmond Studios.
TV Director, Sian G Williams commented: "Thank you so much for all the wonderful work you did on the Cerys show. The remixes were beautiful and it was a pleasure working with you as always."
March 2008
Why We Fight
Richmond Studios was commissioned by Axiom Films to design and author the DVD of Why We Fight. Inspired by Dwight Eisenhower’s legendary farewell speech (in which he coined the phrase ‘military industrial complex’) filmmaker Eugene Jarecki (The Trials of Henry Kissinger) surveys the scorched landscape of a half century's military exploits, exploring the relationship between economic success, and a state of constant war. Weaving unforgettable personal stories with commentary by some of the military’s most powerful insiders, Why We Fight asks why, how and with what consequences, military activities have become a focal obsession of U.S. government.
Extensive special features on this disc are definitely ones to watch, especially the additional scenes. By way of example, “The Dangerous Illusion” scene presents the viewer with a thought-provoking exploration of the U.S. military’s reckless misconception that modern weapons require increasingly less manual direction. The extended character featurettes provide viewers with more information on the main characters, and an audience Q & A with director Jarecki and his TV appearances on Charlie Rose and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart shed light on his thoughts behind the film.
Further extras include commentary by Jarecki and Col. Lawrence Wilkerson and a theatrical trailer. An uncomplicated design and user friendly menus throughout the disc make it easy to navigate through all the bonus material and encourage the viewer to explore this full and attractive disc.
Why We Fight came out on DVD in the UK and Ireland on March 24th 2008.
March 2008
Web Harmony
Richmond Studios were commissioned by MRM Worldwide to produce an entertaining Viral advertisement for Microsoft. Working with tight deadlines, and taking an initial idea and framework from the client, Richmond Studios produced the whole project from production-concept and storyboarding through to post production.
Richmond Studios’ brief was to come up with a humorous way in which to present the disharmony traditionally associated with Web Designers and Web Developers. Using the signature music from John Boorman’s cult movie ‘Deliverance’, the film was shot so as to convey the reality of the situation, revealing Microsoft’s new product designed to resolve their differences.
Shot and edited in HD, this film communicates humour to the audience of designers and developers, and enables them to recognise each other's stereotype and laugh at their idiosyncrasies. Using visual elements throughout the casting and filming, and a careful pace of the final edit, the film is aimed squarely at its target audience.
You can watch the film at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fcur9lxQvg
February 2008
Brit Awards 2008
Toby Alington and Richmond Studios are once again contracted to provide the broadcast audio production for this flagship event, their 14th consecutive year on the show. Toby's long-time live-show colleague Derrick Zieba will provide the live PA sound design and audio equipment in conjunction with Britannia Row.
With an outstanding four nominations each are record-breaking Syco Music/Sony BMG vocalist Leona Lewis, Island/Universal's breakthrough sensation Mika, and Polydor's Take That on a remarkable lap of honour after their three BRIT Award wins in the 1990s. Toby and Richmond Studios recently produced the soundtrack for Take That's forthcoming DVD of their O2 touring gig, and also worked with the fab four and Sugababes on ITV's 2008 New Year countdown show - live from the O2 to ITV1. A previous live-to-air Take That TV special for ITV in 2006 earned Toby a prestigious RTS Award nomination for its soundtrack.
As already announced, the 2008 award for Outstanding Contribution to Music will go to Sir Paul McCartney, who will also play live for the Earls Court crowd and the multi-million ITV1 audience. The inaugural winner of the newly-minted Critics' Choice award is 19-year-old, London-born discovery ADELE.
Seven BRIT Award performers were also confirmed this week: Kaiser Chiefs, Kylie, Leona Lewis, Mark Ronson, Mika, Rihanna and Sir Paul.
Toby and Richmond Studios produced the soundtrack for Kylie's London "Showgirl" DVD as well as her Melbourne-shot "Homecoming" DVD, and Toby was Sound Supervisor on An Audience With Kylie for ITV at the end of last year. Both Mika and Kaiser Chiefs have previously been recorded and mixed by Toby on the MTV EMA's and previous BRIT Awards shows.
Floating Earth will provide the digital mobile recording facility to produce the music feed of this live soundtrack. With 96 remote mic'-amps connected via fibre optic to the stage, this state-of-the-art facility has been used by Richmond Studios on many previous live events, most recently ITV's live-to-air New Year show with Take That from the O2 Arena.
February 2008
The Wayward Cloud
Axiom Films have commissioned Richmond Studios to design and author this entertaining DVD for Tsai Ming-Liang’s controversial film The Wayward Cloud. Vibrant colours and gigantic watermelons comprise the intro and DVD menus, bringing the outrageous quality and humour of this original musical to the forefront.
A sensational blend of sex, comedy, musical and drama, The Wayward Cloud went down a storm at last year’s London Film Festival, leaving some audience members completely stunned. Taiwan is beset by a terrible water shortage. TV stations are advising the population to economise drastically, and to drink watermelon juice. But, as always, people are finding their own solutions to the drought. Shiang-Chyi secretly fills discarded bottles in public toilets, while Hsiao-Kang takes midnight baths in rooftop storage tanks. They drift like clouds, never touching, until unusual circumstances bring them a little closer together. Daring, controversial and very funny.
This memorable DVD hit stores on the 11th of February 2008. Special features include an interview with internationally acclaimed director, Tsai Ming Liang, and a stills gallery.
February 2008
The Real Football Factories: International
Following the big success of The Real Football Factories, Richmond Studios was commissioned by 2 Entertain to design and author the DVD for sequel, The Real Football Factories: International. This time around, Danny Dyer makes his investigation international, travelling to Europe and South America to meet the different characters that gave birth to, and incite, international football hooliganism.
In search of the world’s most bitterly fought football clashes, both on and off the pitch, Dyer tracks down the “top boys” from Rome to Rio, from Buenos Aires to Belgrade, and meets the firms that make England’s worst look tame. This 100 minute special, a compilation of the best moments of the TV series as seen on Bravo, includes all the action as Dyer and the crew are shot at, stoned, chased, tear gassed and brought face to face with the world’s toughest firms, revealing a shocking insider view of this global phenomenon.
The DVD comes with an impressive list of bonus materials including: out-takes, a visit to Maradona’s House, and individual features on the world’s most dangerous gangs.
The Real Football Factories: International was released alongside the Richmond Studios authored DVD of original hit-series, The Real Football Factories: Best of Series One on 18th February 2008.
February 2008
The Real Football Factories: Best of Series One
Richmond Studios was commissioned by 2 Entertain to encode, design and author The Real Football Factories: Best of Series One. Presented by Danny Dyer, (The Football Factory, The Business, Human Traffic) The Real Football Factories portrays both the historic and contemporary face of football hooliganism in Britain. Visiting local firms in London, the Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire, and Scotland, Dyer explores the social impetus behind the creation of these clubs, soon realising that their foundations are inextricably linked with issues surrounding employment and cultural integration, and often expressed in their fashion and drug culture.
This 90 minute special is a compilation of the best moments of the TV series as seen on Bravo, and includes observational match day filming and shocking archive and CCTV footage. Animated menus and dramatic sound design throughout the disc bring the aggressive subject matter to life before the video has even begun. Viewers can also tune into unseen detailed interviews with Stoke’s “Naughty 40,” Yid Army’s Trevor Tanner, and Burnley Suicide Squad’s Andy Porter, as well as a mini featurette: England Special – Hooliganism and England.
The Real Football Factories: Best of Series One was released along with the sequel, also authored by Richmond Studios, The Real Football Factories: Best of International on 18th February 2008.
February 2008
Royal Television Society Awards
Toby Alington was nominated for an RTS award for his work on An Audience With Take That for ITV. Live-to-air, this show included the full touring live band, live vocals, presentation, VT feeds and a live audience at London Studios. Mixed live, the show received one of the highest music television audiences ever in the UK.
Also nominated for the award (Sound - Entertainment & Non-Drama Productions) were Paul Paragon, Dominic Muldowney, Gregor Lyon & Ben Baird for their Eastern European recording of "War Oratorio" for Channel 4, and the BBC Studios Sound Team for Strictly Come Dancing. The months of post-production on War Oratorio paid off, and the award went to the Channel 4 team for their recording with added archive material.
Toby Alington was subsequently commissioned to record and mix Take That's Beautiful World Tour DVD soundtrack, and also mix Sugababes and Take That's performances for ITV's New Year Countdown to Midnight 2007/8.
January 2008
Take That Beautiful World
Following the success of Take That's "An Audience With..." live from ITV's London Studios, Toby Alington was again commissioned to record and mix the soundtrack of Take That's touring show from the O2.
The live show on 7 December was broadcast to over 40 Vue Cinemas with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. This show was also recorded for DVD, and post-production of the soundtrack will be completed at Richmond Studios in January 2008.
This was the middle of three Take That events for which Toby has produced the soundtrack. ITV's "Audience With Take That" reached a record live music show audience on the network, and was nominated for a Royal Television Society award for its soundtrack. Toby was also responsible for mixing Take That's live performance for television on "Countdown to Midnight", the live through-midnight show on ITV1.
With the need to digitally record a 96-track multitrack from the O2 performance, Richmond Studios commissioned the Floating Earth recording mobile with it's fibre-optic multicores, digital SSL C200 console and Pyramix hard-disc multitrack recorders. More than twenty audience microphones captured the excitement of the fans, and the 5.1 broadcast was effortlessly handled through TC6000 processing and Dolby cinema-aligned monitoring.
Mixing was completed at Abbey Road's Penthouse Studio with assistant engineer Richard Lancaster.
Mastering and dubbing at Richmond Studios completed the post-production process with audio engineer Leaf Troup.
The DVD will be released through Universal early in 2008.
January 2008
Ross Kemp on Gangs
Richmond Studios has been commissioned by 2 Entertain to author and design the DVD for Season 2 of this BAFTA award-winning documentary series. Each episode features Ross Kemp travelling to different locations, where he gains unprecedented access to some of the world's most dangerous gangs. The results are shocking, yet eye-opening, exposing viewers to a world of violence and deadly allegiances rarely seen before.
The disc's design is based around the gritty nature of the programme, highlighting some of the most memorable scenes from Season 2, in which Kemp explores the inner workings of the MS13 (Mara Slavatrucha) in El Salvador, Neo-Nazi gangs in Moscow, the extreme gun culture in St. Louis, Missouri, (a city with more guns than people) and ultimately, spends time with brutal members of South Africa's Number's Gang in Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town.
This exciting PAL DVD set is due for release in February 2008, a programme that is far from traditional fly-on-the-wall formats, and makes for very compulsive viewing.
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