To produce a reference film for the assessment of technical demands on current and future camera technique without sacrificing the content or artistic aspiration.

Sponsored by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung Bmbf (the German Ministry of Education and Research), ARRI, with scientific support from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS-A and from the Heinrich-Hertz-Institute, compiled a catalogue of requirements which included the resolution, the light intensity, the depth of focus as well as criteria for the visual and subjective impression.

The two authors Thomas Letocha and Andreas Föhr had to tackle the first difficult task. In the script they combined all the technical criteria requested with an interesting story. Next to the demands on the technical quality of the reference film, the cinematic art of narration was not to be neglected. The task was dealt with successfully and lead to the short film "Circle of Love".

Gernot Roll, who was able to be engaged for the reference film as director and cameraman, directed the six days of shooting at the Königssee. The Bavarian Alps and the Königssee as well as the adjoining Berchtesgadener Land provided an ideal background for shootings that allow for an evaluation of camera and film quality. Subjective criteria like atmosphere and effect on the viewer were of primary interest for the selection of takes and locations.

In order to make it possible to compare all effects in detail "Circle of Love" was simultaneously shot with up to four cameras : With a 16mm, 65mm, as well as a 35mm film camera and a digital HD 24p camera. The reference film is therefore an optimal basis from which the results of new camera developments can be measured and evaluated.

Arnold & Richter Cine Technik Betriebs GmbH & Co. KG
Presseservice J. Thieser
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D-80799 München
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email: JThieser@arri.de