Drexel University to Be First East Coast University to Have a Student 3D Short

Hey all, Tim here with news coming out of my Alma Mater Drexel University! Drexel University is a school in Philadelphia, PA and Sal Sciortino (writer, director, producer) is going to make his senior thesis film Crane the first stereoscopic 3D student film done on the east coast! This is exciting news personally for me because of the years I spent sharing news stories and talking with faculty & students about 3D. It's great to see a young student pushing forward with the first stereoscopic production to come out of the school. It also helps bring the 3D medium to education throughout the continental United States.

A short synopsis about the this ambitious short film:

Crane is an action-packed film that deals with the life of former secret agent, John Crane. He has classified information and has been hiding from his old agency, the agency has had enough. They kidnapped John's wife, and he is hell bent on finding her. With the help of his friend (and current operative) Jamaal, John traverses the city to locate his wife. Unfortunately, finding his wife will be no simple task – the agency keeps her well hidden, they have a ton of agents standing in John's way. Luckily for John, he's a rugged man with phenomenal fighting skills, and he will let no one stand in the way of finding his wife.

The action scenes in this movie will be done with full cooperation of the city of Philadelphia, who will assist in closing down roads in order for shooting to take place! Sal comes from a background full of experience to make this possible.

Sal Sciortino is currently a senior at Drexel University. During his time in school he has worked on countless projects. Sal spent 9-months in Los Angeles gaining production experience and working for companies such as Bad Robot Productions and Toy Box Entertainment. His love for film began when he was in the eighth grade. Sal learned countless programs and techniques through self-drive, and has been improving his skills ever since.

The short film will be shot using Drexel's own 3D Film Factory beamsplitter rig, and a pair of Sony EX-3's. However, there are a few items that Sal and his crew are going to have to rent in order to make this happen in the best possible stereo 3D. As Drexel doesn't have an on set 3D Monitor of their own the production will need some money in order to rent one, along with a bit more 3D gear. That's why Sal has launched a Kick Starter Campaign to help raise funding for the project. Below is a video from the shooting studio of Drexel Film & Video with Sal explaining the Kick Starter campaign and a bit about the film:

HIT THE JUMP FOR THE VIDEO AND MORE INFO:

The University Of Texas At Austin Starting UT3D - A Comprehensive 3D Production Program!

I met Wayne Miller of SD Entertainment at the 3D Experience in New York a couple of years ago as he was one of the participants on my 3D Filmmakers Panel that I moderated. He has an amazing vision of where 3D is going and has contributed a great deal to the success that 3D has enjoyed thus far. I was quite excited when Wayne let me know about this new program: Read on!

Here is the press release (emphasis is mine):

Radio-Television-Film Receives $2 Million to Create Nation’s First 3-D Production Program

The Department of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin has received a $2.17 million grant from the Moody Foundation to create “UT3D,” the first comprehensive 3-D production curriculum in the country.

Don Howard, associate professor and production area head in the Department of Radio-Television-Film, will serve as director of the program, which will offer classes to undergraduates beginning in the fall of 2013. Radio-Television-Film graduate Wayne Miller (B.A.,’77), executive producer at the leading Los Angeles-based 3-D film, television and new media studio SD Entertainment, helped envision the program and will help ensure its sustainability as co-chair of the advisory council.

“3-D content and technology are headed for a revolution across all platforms,” Miller said. “It’s imperative to share this new tool kit with future filmmakers so they have the training and experience for the jobs of the future. By providing students an understanding of 3-D technology and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, The University of Texas at Austin is bound to become the leader in 3-D education.” 

The Moody Foundation grant will be given over a five-year period. Classes will be taught at the Belo Center for New Media and the ACL Live at the Moody Theater in downtown Austin — the recording studio for the PBS television show “Austin City Limits” — where students will use the studio’s 3-D production and performance facility.

“We’re delighted to support UT3D,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation. “The Moody Foundation’s focus on educating the youth of Texas is consistent with funding the establishment of the UT3D curriculum. Students will also gain first-hand experience in 3-D production at the Moody Theater to start their real-world training, and when they graduate, they'll be ahead in the growing medium of 3-D.”

In addition to receiving leadership from current Radio-Television-Film faculty members, UT3D will draw upon industry professionals — directors, technicians, producers and executives — to mentor students, including the executives and production team from SD Entertainment.

Students will produce a range of 3-D content — including plays, sports, documentaries and narrative pieces — and explore recent 3-D innovations, such as “glasses-free” 3-D for television, tablets, cellphones and small display devices.

UT3D was also made possible by Tim McClure, GSD and M Advertising co-founder and College of Communication advisory council member, who provided guidance on the creation of the program and will continue to connect the college with industry partners.

“This grant represents an overwhelming investment in the College of Communication and Central Texas by the Moody Foundation, a long-time supporter of education and the arts,” said Roderick P. Hart, dean of the College of Communication. “The college is also grateful to its community and industry partners and UT3D Director Don Howard, who will prepare our students for the burgeoning 3-D industry.”

The Moody Foundation is a charitable organization that makes grants primarily in Austin and Dallas, with an emphasis on education, social services, children’s needs and community development. The Moody Foundation was created by Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Moody Jr. to benefit in perpetuity present and future generations of Texans.

Best of luck with this endeavor to all those involved! MarketSaw will always support the education and fostering of passion in the 3D space and this new program is a huge step in the right direction!

3D In The Classroom! How 3D Can Improve Education Through Engagement

I received today an enlightening email from Donald Brittain who is the CEO of Instant Effects. They specialize in 3D products and services but also have a solution for 3D education. I have long held that 3D in the classroom would capture the attention of students in a much more meaningful way than other types of media. With Brittain's team focusing on interactive models of such things as a human head / skull / muscles / brain, etc I can see how they are on to something. 3D isn't just about entertainment!

Take a look at the video clip at the end of this post for more info.

Here's what he had to say:
This short demo video shows how we have optimized our 3D content and interaction methods for classroom use. Through market validation, we found that teachers want “virtual models” that they can interact with and use as a teaching aid. This works better than traditional physical models since they tend to be small, hard to see in detail, and don’t offer the ability to animate to show internal workings and dynamic processes. Other software and media vendors have concentrated on producing either linear media (movies – very passive) or lessons optimized for one-on-one learning (useless in a classroom setting).

We are currently rolling out this education initiative in the UK through a JV with White Space Productions. The JV is called “3D Hub” – see www.3d-hub.co.uk

After this is up and running smoothly, we intend to partner with other companies to address the US and Asian markets, and to broaden our approach to include additional forms of interactive learning and presentation.

In addition to the advantages of using 3D media touted by TI (see, for example, http://www.dlp.com/projector/markets/education/teacher.aspx), our approach also allows:
- Uniformity of curriculum material and presentation method (by using the same virtual models throughout a state/region/country)

- Ability to quickly update material throughout all schools (since all assets are digital, as opposed to physical models and books, etc)

- Lower upfront and ongoing costs (start with 2D projection of the 3D models, phase in stereo 3D when budgets allow)

- Higher level of engagement (interactive media is substantially more attractive to students than static pictures or passive movies, and stereo 3D enhances this)

Check out the video:



What do you think? I know I would have soaked this stuff up as a child in school! All the power to these guys. Hope it's successful and you can bring it across the pond too.

3ality Digital Named Primary Stereoscopic 3D Partner Of RED Digital Cinema Education

Interesting developments happening in the "Gold Standard" battles of native stereoscopic 3D! My good friends at 3ality Digital have partnered with RED Digital Cinema (makers of the RED One, Epic and Scarlet digital cameras) to deliver S3D education to filmmakers and young students! Love this combination!!

Here's the official press release:

3ality Digital and RED Digital Cinema Partnership Kicks Off With S3D Production Classes and Presentation at REDucation

Burbank, CA. – June 1, 2011 – 3ality Digital, world leader in advanced technologies to empower creative digital stereoscopic 3D (S3D) acquisition, and RED Digital Cinema announced today a Stereoscopic 3D partnership, which launched during the recently completed REDucation sessions on May 24-28 at RED Studios Hollywood. 3ality Digital will be the primary 3D partner for RED Digital Cinema, and together the companies will train professional and aspiring filmmakers on how to create clear and pristine 3D images using the same equipment as elite Hollywood directors like Peter Jackson and Bryan Singer.

“The biggest tent pole movies shooting on the planet right now, like The Hobbit, are all shooting S3D on EPIC and 3ality Digital,” said Ted Schilowitz, Leader of the Rebellion at RED Digital Cinema. “The teams at RED and 3ality Digital have been working together for years behind the scenes. Now is the right time to take that relationship to the next level and integrate education components for the community.”

As the primary stereoscopic 3D partner for RED, 3ality Digital lent its technology, currently being used in feature films such as The Amazing Spiderman and Jack the Giant Killer, to REDucation’s 3-day introductory session May 24-26, as well as during the advanced classes May 27-28. The REDucation Open House included a screening of S3D content produced with 3ality Digital technology. Attendees also experienced special presentations from RED including the latest “Tattoo” EPIC Reel shown in 4k.

“S3D is here to stay and choosing partners at the forefront of the technology that really grasp what true, high-resolution cinema and S3D are all about is essential for business and for the community,” said Steve Schklair, CEO of 3ality Digital. “Educating filmmakers and getting RED and 3ality Digital technology in their hands at events like REDucation is a crucial step towards accelerating and facilitating S3D content production and ultimately consumer adoption.”

The ongoing partnership will also include collaboration at the Camp RED youth summer program August 1-19, where the new partners will provide young filmmakers with training in S3D production. Students ages 9-15 will shoot their own S3D films at RED Studios Hollywood during the week-long day camp sessions, including an exclusive, behind-the-scenes trip to 3ality Digital Studios.

###
About RED Digital Cinema
Red Digital Cinema is the brainchild of Jim Jannard, founder of Oakley, world-famous manufacturer of sunglasses, sports apparel and personal electronics. Mr. Jannard is a self-professed lover of all things photographic, having amassed an extensive photographic collection, as well as having been a shooter for most of his life. His search for the perfect video/film camera was never satisfied and proved to be the inspiration behind creating the ultimate full motion camera. His desire was to create a camera that matched the quality of, and processed images similar to, the very finest digital still cameras.... but at motion picture frame rates.

About 3ality Digital
3ality Digital is a pioneer and leading authority in stereoscopic 3D (S3D). 3ality Digital provides the film and television industry with camera platforms, stereo image processing systems and S3D image scaling technologies that are considered the “gold standard” for the production of compelling and immersive S3D entertainment. Whether for a feature film or live sporting event, its innovative technology empowers customers to stay in control of creativity when working with S3D.

Founded in 2000 by CEO, Steve Schklair, 3ality Digital has a reputation as an innovator in S3D, with its technology powering multiple live-action firsts. This includes: U2 3D, the first movie shot completely in live-action S3D; the first live S3D broadcast of an NFL game (Raiders vs. Chargers, December 4th, 2008, broadcasted to a select audience); the first live S3D sports broadcast available to consumers, including the 2009 BCS Championship Game, BSkyB’s landmark Manchester United vs. Arsenal soccer broadcast (January 31st, 2010), the first network hockey telecast ever produced in S3D (New York Rangers vs. Islanders, March 24th 2010 on MSG); the first S3D commercial broadcast during a Super Bowl (Sobe “Lizard Lake”); the first full episode of a scripted television series shot in live-action S3D (Chuck vs. The Third Dimension, aired on NBC on February 2nd, 2009); and first RED EPIC S3D Movie, 'The Amazing Spider-Man.’

For more information, please visit www.3alitydigital.com

3ality Digital is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Principal Large Format Creates Unique Three-day Training Programme For ‘Advanced 3D’

Principal Large Format creates unique three-day training programme for ‘Advanced 3D’.

Principal Large Format (PLF) is delighted to announce that it will lead a three-day training course on 3D for cinema and television next January in London. Titled ‘Advanced 3D – The National Stereoscopic 3D Training Programme’, the course is being presented by PLF in association with Talking Point and funded by the Skillset Film Skills Fund as part of A Bigger Future 2 and by Sky.

And the first word goes to Brian Lenz – Sky’s Director of TV Product Development, who explains: “With the rapid growth of 3D gaming, cinema and the exciting launch of 3D TV, spearheaded by Sky, there are a wide range of creative and commercial opportunities. However, to position the UK as a true centre of 3D excellence, it’s essential that programme makers invest themselves in the art of 3D, so that we create world leading content. That’s why we’re supporting valuable training programmes such as this.”

The course will have two sites tailored to the differing activities and their expected attendance levels. Part 1 (Tuesday 25th January) will be held at BAFTA for a maximum of 220 attendees. The day will cover everything delegates need to know to decide if a particular project is right for 3D – whether it be a feature film, a commercial, a high-end documentary or an ‘as live’ concert performance. And, if it is right, which 3D rig you should use and the impact that your decisions have on design, post production, budget and schedule. Attendees will be also treated to networking drinks as well as a 3D screening at the end of the day.

Part 2 (Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th January) will be held at Twickenham Studios Stage 1 for a maximum of 35 attendees, all of whom will have to have attended the opening day’s sessions at BAFTA. The Twickenham sessions will provide an intensive, hands-on, practical guide to 3D movie-making, using all the major 3D rigs as well as monitoring, recording and post-production tools. 3D equipment will be provided by On Sight, SGO Mistika, Telegenic and Mytherapy. And again, networking drinks and 3D screenings will take place on both days.

Pre-registering attendees will be given handouts, a reading list and other recommendations before the course, while all three days will feature 3D screenings and guest speakers, with refreshments available throughout and plenty of opportunities for networking.

PLF founder Phil Streather (pictured) is one of the 3D world’s leading lights whose production credits include Bugs! in IMAX 3D, The London Eye 4D Experience for Merlin Entertainments, Carmen in 3D for RealD and Royal Opera House and Meerkats 3D with Oxford Scientific for National Geographic and Sky.

Streather says that the two-stage nature of the Advanced 3D course is one of the things that makes it unique. “On the first day at BAFTA the sessions will take place in a 3D cinema as a stand-alone module, and we expect to host a broad range of broadcast, movie and advertising industry professionals to discuss everything from lens choices to budget implications. Then, on days two and three, we will take a smaller group of DoPs, First ACs, VFX Supers, Editors, Directors and Producers to apply some of the insights gained on the first day to real-world 3D content production.”

Having previously run 3D master classes at NAB Las Vegas, IBC Amsterdam, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and many other events and locations, Streather feels that PLF is well-placed to give a balanced overview of current technologies and approaches to 3D production.

“I have a very practical and clean approach to 3D training,” says Streather. “Clear definitions of terms, such as convergence, parallax and depth budget, are combined with hands on experience. I then explore 3D style and storytelling through the screening and analysis of a diverse selection of 3D material. Stereography is a craft science that every head of department involved in 3D production should now become versed. Advanced 3D is proud to take its place in this important learning process.”

Skillset’s Director of Film, Neil Peplow says “3D training is at the top of the agenda for the UK Film Skills Strategy and Skillset is incredibly excited to be funding Advanced 3D alongside Sky. Principal Large Format’s pioneering training programme, delivered by top industry practitioners, will present a necessary and rich overview of 3D. Industry professionals working in the UK Film industry attending these courses will undoubtedly gain a deep, practical understanding of the economical and technological impact of 3D.”

Fees for Advanced 3D are £250 (plus VAT) for Day One only and £750 (plus VAT) for all three days; with the registration deadline being Friday 14th January. More information is available from Helen Johnson at +44 7968 381288 or helen@talkingpoint.uk.net or Phil Streather at phil@plf.cc

Principal Large Format (PLF) was founded in 1998 by present CEO Phil Streather. PLF is a production company dedicated to developing and producing award winning 3D Giant Screen (IMAX) features, 3D Theatrical Documentary features and 3D TV.
www.plf.cc

For further information, please contact:

Phil Streather
CEO
Tel: +44 (0) 1373 813 301

Press contact:
Katinka Allender
PR Consultant
Tel: +44 (0) 1491 571402
Email: katinka@k-communciations.com

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media, with responsibility for 60 per cent of the UK Creative Industries. This comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion and textiles. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenges by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
www.skillset.org

A Bigger Future 2 is the second phase of ‘A Bigger Future’, the UK film skills strategy developed by Skillset and the UK Film Council and funded by the Skillset Film Skills Fund. The Skillset Film Skills Fund is supported by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council and the film industry through the Skills Investment Fund.
www.abiggerfuture2.co.uk

Talking Point is an established provider of training programmes and consultancy for the film and television industries. Run by Helen Johnson, recent programmes include Weapons on Set (with the Production Guild) and Behind the Lens (with the Christine Blundell Make Up Academy and British Society of Cinematographers)
www.talkingpoint.uk.net

New Stereoscopic 3D Training Program in Los Angeles

Here is an interesting course being made available for stereoscopic 3D training. Have a look if you are interested in picking up some fundamentals...

Press Release:
3D Film Factory, a leading manufacturer of professional, affordable 3D camera systems, is now offering hands-on, comprehensive programs aimed at educating and training stereographers, cinematographers and production professionals in 3D filmmaking. For years the company’s team of in-house, veteran stereographers have been on the forefront of 3D production, shooting 3D projects and training select clients worldwide. Now with the industry on the rise, they’re making their expertise, experience and 3D secrets available to those who are eager to learn.

“Most of our stereographers have spent the last few years filming, producing and teaching 3D to a wide host of clients worldwide“, said company president Karl Kozak. “This is the next step, creating an affordable, intensive, hands-on 3D training program for veteran cinematographers and first-time filmmakers alike. This is the ’how to’ for anyone hungry to learn the secrets of 3D filmmaking, the right way.”

This intensive 2-day introductory course covers the following topics: 3D pre-production & prep, choosing the right gear & support, camera & 3D rig calibration, genlock issues, creating balanced 3D images, 3D filming guidelines, adjusting intraocular & convergence, shooting ratios, professional 3D vs. amateur 3D, filming with beam-splitter rigs & side-by-side rigs, realtime 3D monitoring techniques, lighting for 3D, post production methods & short-cuts, 3D exhibition formats and much more.

“The goal here is to demystify the whole 3D process and simplify 3D filmmaking, starting with the fundamentals through more advanced techniques“, said the company’s lead stereographer Keith Driver. “We’re teaching 3D from inception, through production, post and even exhibition. You’re going to learn what’s taken us years of 3D production to gleam - how to create balanced, brilliant 3D images, that maintain viewer comfort and serve the story.”

This is not merely a seminar or lecture. Participants will spend 2 full days of hands-on shooting and editing in 3D under the direction of a highly-trained, veteran stereographer. The program is designed to accommodate both the complete novice, to those professionals with previous 3D filmmaking experience looking to learn more or fine tune their existing skills. Teaching stereographers understand that some participants may have pending 3D projects, therefore they welcome all questions, individual concerns and unique situations.

Furthermore, participants should keep in mind that 3D filmmaking is not an exact science, but rather an evolutionary process, with fluid rules and varying outcomes. Complete 3D camera rigs, realtime monitors, and editing equipment will be provided by the company on site.

The first such training session will be held July 10 & 11th, 2010, in Hollywood, California. For complete program information, locations, pricing, availability and registration please email info@3DFilmFactory.com.

About the 3D Film Factory
Based in sunny San Diego, California, the 3D Film Factory is a 3D equipment manufacturer AND a full-service 3D production house. More specifically, the company specializes in the design and marketing of production-ready, affordable stereoscopic 3D camera systems and real-time 3D viewing systems, as well as, a wide variety of 3D production services for clients, from ‘stereographers for hire’, to hands-on 3D training, to complete 3D productions through post and exhibition.

To learn more about the 3D Film Factory’s production services, training, or stereoscopic 3D camera rigs visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Pricing is $1,295 for the 2-days. 3D Film Factory is giving discounts for those who have purchased 3D camera rigs from them as well.

Heads Up: Stereoscopic Cinema Class at UCLA Extension

Michael here. Yesterday on the set of I.E. Effects' S3D production I happened to run into stereographer Keith Collea, who was supervising the 3D for the shoot. We talked S3D for a while, and he helped clarify a lot of points regarding stereo production. The funny thing is that I did not realize at first that he was teaching a class I registered for a couple months ago, a course titled "Stereoscopic Cinema: The Basics of 3D Filmmaking."

The class is being offered at UCLA Extension. Read the description below:

Today's trend toward 3D moviemaking is on the rise. This course looks at the history and current technological innovations in the 3D field. You learn about to the theory and techniques of Digital Stereographic 3D filmmaking and spend a day on stage with a 3D camera system similar to those being used today on the biggest Hollywood productions. Finally you see how this footage can be posted using Final Cut Pro and you visit a local post house specializing in 3D Digital Intermediate work.

Westwood: 202 Extension Lindbrook Center
Monday, 7-10pm
March 1, 8 & 15

Los Angeles: Red Cam Studios
Saturday, 10am-1pm
March 6, 13 & 20

I can't wait for the class. Anyone else in the LA area interested in expanding their knowledge of S3D should definitely consider joining!

3D Game Shows Coming Soon? And Another 3D Education Opportunity

Michael here. The Hollywood Reporter has an article about a 3D clip of Wheel of Fortune that was screened Friday morning on the Sony lot at an open house for Sony's new 3D Technology Center. The Center's purpose is to spearhead 3D R&D as well as provide production training.

from THR:

Harry Friedman, executive producer of "Wheel" and "Jeopardy!," introduced the clip.

"One of the biggest challenges is keeping a game show fresh -- by changing the show without changing the game," he said. "We do that with enhanced production value, such as set design. We typically do dimensionalized sets, which are made for 3D."

A timetable for a 3D version of "Wheel" is not in place.

On hand at the event was International Cinematographers Guild president Steven Poster, who confirmed that the ICG would work with the center to offer training for its membership. "This is a real boon for the industry," he said. "We have not been able to implement training because of a lack of facilities."

Training will be offered in directing, cinematography, video game development and live-events production. The first sessions are slated to begin next month.