3-D in NYC

3-D in NYC

In early March, Vidéo MTL was delighted to attend a demonstration in New York on 3-D image capture and post-production at the initiative of ZGC and PS Technik, represented by Mr. Florian Maier. The 3-D image, as everybody knows, is enjoying renewed interest these days. But in addition to fuelling fascinating discussions on the 100-year-old principles behind 3-D, as well as its immediate future, the emphasis in particular was on the new creation tools at our disposal.

At this level, it appears that the miniaturization of HD cameras (Cumina; Iconix; SI2K) is a major element opening the door to a greater flexibility and a certain ease of design. It also provides a level of comfort in skills acquisition, which until very recently had been a very fastidious process, limiting camera movements.

The camera stand is also a determining factor: for its part, PS Technik came to show us two complementary models that can adapt stereography to practically any existing camera. They can be motorized, making it possible to move the camera in ways that would have been almost unthinkable until now.

Concerning the processing of material in post-production, computer tools have made a great leap forward, largely due to the development and popularity of video games. Research in this direction seems to be unfettered and the solutions are growing. The leaders even offer solutions that are made to measure and recyclable.

Spectacular advances are also foreseeable in 3-D projection, as well as holographic television: NAB 2009, which will take place in Las Vegas at the end of April, should demonstrate the substance of these advances.

In sum, all sorts of novelties on the horizon will make 3-D production and distribution both possible and “democratic,” which is good and exciting news in itself. But let’s be honest: we do not all have the budget of a James Cameron, who is producing his upcoming 3-D movie for the nominal sum of $190 million. In fact, 3-D production costs may exceed the usual 35 mm production costs by 50%!!!

In addition, the knowledge required is vast and complex, which puts it in the exclusive domain of a restricted circle of specialists.

We are all convinced that in the era of delivery of films on DVD, 3-D represents the spearhead of the next generation of film delivery in movie theatres. For the moment, only the elite can afford the cost of the production techniques and technicians, but the many advances and more accessible training makes it possible to envision a brilliant future for this mode of cinematographic design.

Note that we thought the same thing in the 20s and 50s!!!