TP students are ready for the onslaught of High Definition Technology

1st polytechnic in the region to set up fully equipped Apple HD Post Production Facility to train media students

Temasek Polytechnic (TP) will be the first institute of higher learning in the region to set up a complete state-of-the-art High Definition (HD) post-production editing facility using Apple HD workflow. The first batch of students to be fully trained in the latest industry-compatible platform for HD technology will be graduating from TP in April 2007. They will support the HD industry that is expected to kick off in a big way once trials for HDTV are completed in December 2006.

With the gathering of momentum of HDTV roll-out around the world, especially in countries like USA, UK, Korea, Japan, Australia and Singapore, the students will be going into the industry at an opportune time, armed with the essential skills and knowledge, to support the HD initiatives by MDA and Media Corp as the media industry makes the swift transition to digital technology.

Using the latest Apple Technology and Panasonic equipment, the system represents a complete workflow from filming to editing in HD format. With this new technology, students can film and edit on the go. This will significantly reduce post-production time and offer a distinct advantage over current film and post-production norms.

This partnership will also give students opportunities for industry exposure and networking. Some of the plans in the pipeline are for selected digital films by final-year students created in HD format to be screened in digital cinemas by the middle of next year. Students will also have the opportunity to be part of a technical support team in the actual production of feature films and TV drama series.

Commenting on the partnership, Temasek Design School's director, Mr Moses Wong said: "We are indeed fortunate to have this opportunity of working with industry giants like Apple and Panasonic who will provide opportunities for our students to handle the latest cameras and accessories as well as access the complete HD workflow - from filming to editing. We look forward to contributing significantly in the area of HD technology".

Elaborating on MDA's commitment for the push for HD technology in Singapore, Mr Seto Lok Yin, Director, Industry Development, MDA, said: "The global media industry is embracing HD technology at a very fast pace. It is important for Singapore's media industry to stay ahead or even take the lead in using and deploying HD technology".

"To this end, MDA is facilitating the deployment and adoption of HD technology nationwide through a holistic programme. This includes working with broadcasters on HDTV trials for terrestrial and cable platforms; public education on the benefits of HD from the young to the old; growing the media talent pool in Singapore and support for content creation. This is aptly demonstrated by today's pioneer batch of graduates who will be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to meet market needs in the era of HD technology", he added.

Panasonic's Managing Director Mr Eugene Chan spoke of the importance of training the next generation for the HD industry: "Education has been the missing key component of the HD chain in Singapore. As a technology partner with Temasek Design School and part of the complete chain, we hope to enrich the overall HD experience of the students, enabling them to be relevant to the industry in Singapore and beyond."

Also present at the event will be TDS graduates and local filmmakers, Mr Nicholas Chee, Director/Writer and Mr Randy Ang, Executive Producer of the much talked about local film, 'Becoming Royston', which is filmed in HD format. The story is about a boy's dream of becoming Singapore's most talked about filmmaker, Royston Tan, who is also a TDS graduate. Nicholas, Randy and Royston are amongst the first to produce local movies using HD technology.

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