Asia Digital Entertainment recreates Sri Lankan cinema

Asia Digital Entertainment formally commenced operations on its cinematic production, Vaishnavee, at a special muhurath ceremony.

The movie is the first ever Sri Lankan production that will be filmed with the use of the world’s most advanced digital camera, the Red Epic.

Directed by Sumitra Peries and based on a story by Dr. Lester James Peries, Vaishnavee is expected to be a trailblazer in the Sri Lankan cinema industry due to its plot line that places it in the fantasy genre, its technologically advanced special effects, the star-studded cast and crew, as well as the movie’s pioneering foray into digital technology.

The Sinhala language movie, suitable for all ages, takes its name from the goddess Vaishnavee, and follows the story of a puppet that has fantastically come to life. The Red Epic camera will shoot the movie at 4K, ensuring that the image quality of the movie is exceptional.

Able to capture outstanding footage even in low light, the Red Epic will give the filmmakers a variety of different options as far as location is concerned. Scheduled to be shot within Colombo and its suburbs, post-production of the film, including colour grading, will be done in Sri Lanka, making Vaishnavi the only film of its nature that will be entirely produced within the country.

Asia Digital Entertainment expects the film to be completed in March and forecasts a healthy reception from movie enthusiasts due to its genre and advanced special effects – both elements being rarities in the current Sri Lankan cinema industry.

Having been a pioneering force in the inception of Sri Lanka’s cinema industry, Dr. Lester James Peries lends his invaluable experience and expertise to this state-of-the art production.

Sumitra Peries, a legend herself in the television and movie industry of Sri Lanka will take the reins as director of the film. Renowned as a phenomenal film and tele-drama actress with several awards to her credit, Yashoda Wimaladharma will play a leading role in Vaishnavee.

Donald Karunaratne, one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced and acclaimed cinematographers, will impart his proficiency as Director of Photography. Staying true to its policy of recognising and supporting young Sri Lankan talent, Asia Digital Entertainment has also cast newcomer Shehara Hawadewa in an acting role in the movie.

“Dr. Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries have created Sri Lankan cinema,” said Lalinka Muthukumarana, Chief Operating Officer of Asia Digital Entertainment. “In 1956 Rekawa was the first Sri Lankan movie that was produced entirely within the country. It is considered the first 100 percent Sri Lankan-made movie.

That is why we thought of inviting Dr. and Mrs. Peries to play such a pivotal role in the recreation and evolution of the Sri Lankan cinema industry towards digital technology. Likewise, Donald Karunaratne, the most experienced cameraman and director of photography in the country today, will handle the Red Epic. He too has adapted to and embraced the latest technology.”

Although these veterans of celluloid film were at first shocked at being asked to work entirely in digital technology, they decided to rise to the challenge upon being educated by Asia Digital Entertainment about the advantages of this advanced technology.

Conversion of the current celluloid film format into digital technology will drastically decrease the cost of production and distribution of movies, thereby resulting in the movie industry as a whole becoming more lucrative. Digital technology also ensures that image quality is maintained at a high standard.

The Red Epic camera manufactured under the brand name Red is a highly advanced digital camera produced in the USA. The founder of the Red line of cameras, Jim Jinnard, created it with the focus of introducing the most advanced digital camera in the world.

The Red Epic comprises a list of endless features, enabling the camera to capture up to 120 frames per second, each frame at full 14MP resolution and capturing at 5K. The Red Epic has been used in a number of leading movies in Hollywood, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Angels and Demons, The Hobbit and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to name a few.

Asia Digital Entertainment has exclusively trained cinematographer Vishwa Balasuriya at the RED Studios in Hollywood to operate the RED EPIC. He is also capable of training others to use the camera.  

Asia Digital Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Asia Capital Group, has a Motion Picture arm, which is focusing on producing between 15 and 20 movies a year in order to activate and improve the local cinema industry.

 The company is also working towards converting all cinemas in the country into digital format. Furthermore, Asia Digital Entertainment rents out its Red Cameras at low cost to filmmakers in order to encourage the use of digital technology within the industry.

The Post Production unit of the company is equipped with cutting edge editing suites. Asia Digital Entertainment also produces Sri Lanka’s premiere entertainment magazine, Showtime.