Newbury company's Oscar hopes

A NEWBURY based video production systems company is preparing to bask in the glory of Oscars success after two of its films were nominated for nine Academy Awards

A NEWBURY company will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of a film expected to shine at the Academy Awards tonight (Sunday), The Social Network.

The film, which tells the story of the launch and rapid growth of the social networking website, Facebook, was produced and improved on equipment designed and built at Quantel, based in Turnpike Road.

The Quantel systems were also used on a film called Restrepo, which has been nominated as best documentary feature.

Quantel spokesman Roger Thornton said: “We're delighted that both The Social Network and Restrepo have been nominated for Academy Awards, and proud that our technology played such a central role in helping both films look as good as they do on screen."

He added that he wished them both all the best and said there would be more than a bit of Newbury in Hollywood today.