Legend 3D Unveils New Visual Effects Division, Stereo Works

Hah! As soon as I post my thoughts on the future of 3D conversion I see an email in my inbox with this press release from one of the top tier conversion houses, Legend 3D introducing a service to address the very thing I was talking about - lens refractions and reflections (light issues) as well as collaboration on native 3D productions. Their service is called Stereo Works and I would say that their timing is perfect. Here's their release:

Specialized VFX Arm Focused on Native Stereo Repair and Stereoscopic Post-Production Projects

SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2012)—Legend3D, Inc., a leading digital media technology/visual effects company and innovator in 3D storytelling, today introduced Stereo Works™, a new business division dedicated to collaborating with entertainment studios to create seamless stereo images for feature films. Stereo Works supports Legend3D’s high-quality 3D conversion portfolio by leveraging the company’s propriety technologies to address a variety of stereoscopic issues faced by today’s studios. By adapting Legend3D’s existing asset control platform and efficient workflow systems, Stereo Works offers film studios and VFX teams an experienced partner to provide precise post-production stereo imaging services.

“Legend3D has a deep understanding of all types of stereo and, with extensive R&D, we’ve developed tools that lead the industry in quality and efficiency. Stereo Works is a natural extension of our conversion services and enables us to better serve studios in managing native 3D post-production projects,” said Dr. Barry Sandrew, founder, chief creative officer and chief technology officer at Legend3D.

Stereo Works provides a wealth of stereoscopic services, such as native stereo repair to address camera anomalies, lens refractions and reflection issues. It also supports stereoscopic rotoscoping, color matching, compositing of graphic elements and 2D plate corrections for flawless finished products that convey the director’s vision and help enhance the audience’s experience. The team, led by Jared Sandrew, Stereo Works’ head of creative and Legend3D’s stereoscopic visual effects supervisor, is comprised of Legend3D senior team members, ensuring the utmost level of quality is delivered on each project.  The division is wrapping up its first major studio assignment for 3D release early this summer.

“Legend3D is an established 2D-to-3D conversion partner for Hollywood studios and with the creation of Stereo Works, we’re building upon our successful technology platforms to enhance offerings and fill the need for high-quality post-production stereoscopic visual effects,” said Tom Sinnott, Stereo Works’ head of operations and Legend3D’s chief operating officer. “This extended arm enables us to expand our work with studios to cost-effectively support high-end VFX projects and overcome common stereo hurdles, both as a part of and in addition to 2D-to-3D conversion.”

The establishment of Stereo Works marks another growth milestone for Legend3D, as the studio recently relocated its Los Angeles office to Hollywood Center Studios to be closer to its entertainment client base. Last November, the company secured venture capital financing, including a $19 million Series E Preferred Stock offering, which is helping fund Stereo Works’ R&D efforts to create original VFX algorithms that will continue advancing industry technology and initiate more efficient post-production workflows.

Stereo Works is based in Legend3D’s San Diego office. To learn more about Legend3D, please visit www.Legend3D.com. For press inquiries, contact Robin Dwyer at 619-234-0345 or Legend3D@formulapr.com.

About Legend3D
As the largest U.S.-based 3D conversion studio in the film industry, Legend3D, Inc. is a dynamic digital media and visual effects company. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Barry Sandrew, Legend3D utilizes patented 2D-to-3D image conversion technologies to enhance filmmakers’ storytelling by creating the highest-quality three dimensional conversions. Legend3D is the most experienced 3D conversion company in the industry and has completed 3D conversions for major motion pictures such as Hugo, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Green Lantern and The Smurfs. Legend3D’s clients include Bay Films, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Walt Disney Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate and Screen Gems. Legend3D’s conversion artists are rapidly setting the industry standard for 2D-to-3D conversion and continue to help filmmakers connect with audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Legend3D.com.