(Left to right): Bruce Guerre-Berthelot, Paul-Henri Wagner, Russell Waite, Luc Besson
One of France’s most prominent independent filmmakers, Luc Besson, has purchased a Euphonix System 5 console for his Digital Factory facility in Normandy. The 144-fader, 620-channel digital Euphonix System 5 was installed by Euphonix’s distributor, 44.1, earlier in 2004.
“There was no other choice,” stated Besson. “Euphonix is the only manufacturer that can provide the power we need at this moment and I believe the System 5 is the way for the future.”
Known for his avant-garde techniques and experimentation, Besson’s name is synonymous with films like The Professional, La Femme Nikita, The Big Blue, The Fifth Element and The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc. During his career, Besson has acted as cinematographer, director, writer, editor, producer, second unit director and casting director.
Built in 1998, Digital Factory also completed the films Taxi, The Transporter and Kiss of the Dragon and Fanfan La Tulipe, starring Penelope Cruz.
Vice president of international sales for Euphonix, Russell Waite commented, “Luc Besson has shown continual foresight in his field. His decision to go with Euphonix reflects his status as a leader–he was one of the first directors to start using Avid as a film-editing tool and again, first in his field with the Euphonix System 5. The fact that Luc Besson will have the world’s largest console, coupled with the recent sale to Pinewood-Shepperton Film Studios confirms Euphonix as a major player in the European film industry as well as in technology. Special mention should be made of Paul-Henri Wagner and his team at 44.1 in Paris who were integral in consolidating the sale.”
For more information, please go to the Euphonix Website at www.euphonix.com.
