A new company called HDoutdoor is redefining "movies under the stars", by taking the hi-def experience outdoors. And they're starting out big, by being chosen as AV production partner for the Rooftop Docs series at this year's Hot Docs festival, taking place May 4th, 5th, and 6th on the roof of London Tap House in Toronto. Hot Docs is North America's largest documentary festival.
HDoutdoor will turn any outdoor space - park, schoolyard, golf course, parking lot, etc. - into a cinema under the stars, and in razor-sharp HD, just the way the director intended. The company uses widescreen HD cinema projectors exclusively, which are all owned in-house, never sub-rented, ensuring not only availability but optimal performance.
"If there's one thing we try to convey to clients, it's that we're really, really serious about sound and picture quality", says Matt Drury, who co-founded the Toronto-area company with his wife Chi. "That's why we never use low-res business projectors that are made primarily for spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. With us, it's high def from beginning to end."
Outdoor movies are becoming increasingly popular for municipalities, condo associations, film festivals, or even businesses looking for non-traditional ways to gain some exposure and create a sense of fun and excitement in their community.
HDoutdoor uses inflatable Airscreens, which can be set up in a matter of minutes just about anywhere. "We even have screens that literally float on water, like on a pool or on the lake up at the cottage. We call them 'dive-in' movies". Photos of various screens and events can be seen at http://www.hdoutdoor.com/ .
Content isn't limited to Hollywood fare. HDTV, streaming content, live feeds and gaming can all be shown on the big screen. "Video games like Wii Sports and Rock Band are a blast on a regular TV, so just imagine them on a screen half the size of your house" says Matt, who is also the founder of ImageProjection, which rents searchlights and does projected video ads on buildings.
For those who can't wait for the local movie in the park, the company also provides its services for private events. "Because our service and equipment is high-end, we cater to some fairly elite users for private movie screenings, lawn parties, and of course starting now, Stanley Cup playoffs. It's Canada, after all!", says Chi, the diehard hockey fan of the operation.
Hot Docs runs Apr. 28 to May 8 in Toronto, Canada. Ticket information and times can be found at http://www.hotdocs.ca/ , or via http://www.hdoutdoor.com/ .
For more information, contact Matt or Chi Drury at 905-447-3535, MakeItBig@HDoutdoor.com, via Skype (search for "HDoutdoor"), or http://www.hdoutdoor.com/ .
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27.04.2011 | Editor's blog
Cat. : 905-447-3535 av Canada Chi Drury Contact Details Director Family Relation founder HD cinema Hot Docs Hot Docs festival House in Toronto http://www.hdoutdoor.com http://www.hotdocs.ca ImageProjection London MakeItBig@HDoutdoor.com Matt Drury North America Person Career Person Email Address Person Relation Private Skype Technology Technology Toronto FESTIVALS