Bringing WWII in HD to life with Director Matthew Ginsburg

"WWII in HD, one of the most significant documentaries ever to be made about World War II, recently aired on History with one of the most outstanding docu-directors at the helm in Matthew Ginsburg. Culled from hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage from archives, private collections, military museums, and basements the world over, WWII in HD brought the Second World War into the 21st Century via 16mm footage that rivals some of today's most vivid high definition imagery.

Under the select episode direction and executive production of Boom Productions founder Matthew Ginsburg who worked in collaboration with Lou Reda Productions for the landmark History documentary, WWII in HD set a new visual standard for how we see WWII in full color. Also using the stories of twelve courageous veterans to give WWII a human heartbeat, the challenge for Matthew Ginsburg was to paint a definitive portrait of WWII in HD while juggling hundreds of hours of footage to make one cohesive exploration of conflict and the impact it had on "The Greatest Generation."

Fresh on the History heels of WWII in HD, we caught up with award winning documentary director, Matthew Ginsburg, to learn how he brought WWII in HD to life, the many challenges of directing such a huge project, how he chose the footage to fit among the stories, and how the entire WWII in HD experience changed his outlook on theSecond World War.

THE DEADBOLT: How do you feel now that WWII in HD has already gone to air? Were you able to enjoy it in the same way as the viewers?

MATTHEW GINSBURG: I have to say I rarely watch projects that I've worked on, when they air. But I watched this one. And I watched every episode. To say that I enjoyed it like other viewers is tough to say, because I always knew what was about to happen next. I watched the series with family and friends who were seeing it for the first time and that was a great experience to be able to see it through their eyes.

THE DEADBOLT: In taking on such a massive project, although you were quick to say yes, how overwhelming was it for you creatively at times?

GINSBURG: There were various stages when it did seem overwhelming for a number of reasons. But when you have a team of people who are so committed to making this happen, and to getting it done and done well, that made it all manageable. There's strength in numbers. Everybody shouldered the weight of it and that's what made it possible.

THE DEADBOLT:Between the twelve stories, the footage and all of the information, how did you approach the process to get twelve clear stories without getting lost?"

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The Deadbolt Exclusive - Bringing WWII in HD to Life with Director Matthew Ginsburg