3D Means just that, 3D ! Trying to ease some confusion

Guys, I have been getting lots of comments and emails from folks that are getting the definition of 3D confused. I don't really blame them! The only movie in recent memory of any magnitude that was 3D was Beowulf and when people go and see that, they are inclined to think that anything 3D is bound to look like Beowulf! Reasonable thought process, but it's not accurate. The following is a technical discussion in layman's terms about the technology:

Zemeckis uses "Performance Capture" for Beowulf for ALL the characters, even Grendel. That means that real actors perform those parts but are covered with a sort of "computerized make-up" that is getting better with every movie. The actors wear dots so that computers can track movements of their body parts, including their faces. Directors can then weave it all together. Beowulf also includes backgrounds that are all computer generated.

James Cameron (Avatar) and Peter Jackson (The Hobbit!) are/will be using Performance Capture but on a very limited scale - Avatar will only have six sythespians (like Gollum was). The rest is REAL ACTORS in 3D with typical CGI for special effects. Cameron will be mixing multiple types of shooting and it will be spectacular.

Finally, another method being used is stop action - namely by Tim Burton. He will be using stop action for his upcoming Disney 3D movie Frankenweenie.

I hope this helps clear up any misconceptions... Contact me via the form below if you have any questions - or use the Disqus comments.