ARLINGTON, Texas - Prairie Pictures' StormStock has been selected as a nominee for the 2016 Footage Library of the Year Award by FOCAL International, The Federation of Commercial Audiovisual Libraries International, a professional not-for-profit trade association based in London. The award is presented to a FOCAL member organization which, in the past year, has introduced a new service, initiative or innovation.

StormStock's primary initiative during 2015 was the implementation and completion of a dedicated 4K footage workflow. The process began in 2014 and fully matured during 2015. It includes 4K hardware and methods for capturing new imagery, post-production color and grading, and delivery. The 4K initiative was coordinated by StormStock founder and cinematographer Martin Lisius who established the collection as a high resolution source in the 1990's (with Super 35mm) in preparation for HD that came on-line years later. Lisius continues his commitment to cutting edge technology and premium imagery with 4K. "Our clients come to StormStock when they need the very best weather footage available," Lisius said. "We work directly with their production team to provide them what they need, including access to camera original files like Red .R3D 4K. Whatever they need, as fast as they need it. That is our obligation to them." 

StormStock is unique in the market because it is not a company, but rather a collection produced by artists at Prairie Pictures, a production group based in Texas. Founded in 1993, StormStock is also one of the oldest stock footage brands in the world. In 2015, hundreds of hours were spent to test and implement 4K cameras, lenses, LUTs and new software for color and compression needs. Original files are cataloged and archived along with edit-ready formats including ProRes 422 and the new 4444 XQ, the highest-quality version of Apple ProRes for 4:4:4:4 image sources (including alpha channels). This format has a very high data rate to preserve the detail in high-dynamic range imagery generated by today's large 4K digital image sensors. The entire team is required to have a hand in production and be knowledgeable of the imagery that resides in the collection. This allows for fast and effective access by clients to the footage they need. "Because we create the product ourselves, we are able to maintain the quality from start to end." Lisius said. "And, because we are production people, we speak the same language as our clients, and better understand their timeline and requirements."

In addition to the Footage Library of the Year nomination, StormStock's Kim George was nominated for Footage Employee of the Year. Kim manages the StormStock infrastructure including web site and telecommunications, and heads public relations and marketing. Kim's greatest contribution is as a client liaison. She stays in close contact with each customer helping them find what they need, deliver it before deadline, and close out each job in a timely manner.