Fantastic Week At The Advanced Imaging Society and VR Society Lumiere Awards!

Dignitaries on the red carpet, including Jim Chabin, Ed Bedley Jr., Ivan Reitman, Jon Favreau and Roy Taylor

The Advanced Imaging Society and VR Society held their 8th annual Lumiere awards last week and year after year they always seem to one up the previous! This year was no exception at the completely filled venue at the Stephen J. Ross Theater on the Warner Bros. Studios' backlot.

I was blown away by the VR (virtual reality) demonstrations that were set up for attendees to try. Simply amazing content and we've only just begun in the space! Trust me, if you haven't seen some of these cinematic VR experiences - do it. And the Google Tilt Brush was the icing on the cake. Again - you have to experience VR to appreciate it. No amount of hype or traditional media will probably prepare you for it. You just have to try it!

Native 3D Wizards Ben Gervais and Demetri Portelli

On the Advanced Imaging Side of things, I have to make special mention of Ang Lee's BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK. The native 3D team of Demetri Portelli and Ben Gervais continues to lead the world by example with their superlative work in native 3D (shot optically - not converted in post). It is a technological first for cinema with its first ever use of combined 3D, 4K, 120fps framerate, but more importantly - it works. Another masterpiece for Ang Lee. A Lumiere well earned for Demetri and Ben!

Further, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the stellar 3D conversion and visual effects in Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE. You know what I mean don't you? That astral plane projection scene - or the folding city scenes? Jaw dropping! Congratulations to Marvel Studios on your Lumiere.

I'm proud to be a recipient of Lumiere for last year's 40 BELOW AND FALLING (with an amazing crew and team) and honored to vote for this year's group of hopefuls. Let's take a look at the category nominees and winners:

3D Feature – Live Action
Assassin’s Creed – 20th Century Fox
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Warner Bros.
WINNER: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk – Sony Pictures Entertainment
Captain America: Civil War – Marvel Studios
Doctor Strange – Marvel Studios
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Warner Bros.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – 20th Century Fox
Rogue One – Walt Disney Studios
Star Trek Beyond – Paramount Pictures
Suicide Squad – Warner Bros.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Paramount Pictures
The BFG – Walt Disney Studios
The Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.

Stereography – Live Action
Assassin’s Creed – 20th Century Fox
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Warner Bros.
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk – Sony Pictures Entertainment
Captain America: Civil War – Marvel Studios
WINNER: Doctor Strange – Marvel Studios
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Warner Bros.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – 20th Century Fox
Rogue One – Walt Disney Studios
Star Trek Beyond – Paramount Pictures
Suicide Squad – Warner Bros.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Paramount Pictures
The BFG – Walt Disney Studios
The Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.

Packed house at the 2017 Lumieres - Jon Favreau seated at left; Ed Begley Jr. seated at right (Photo credit unknown)

3D Feature – Animated
Finding Dory – Pixar
Ice Age: Collision Course – 20th Century Fox
Kubo and the Two Strings – Focus Features
Kung Fu Panda 3 – DreamWorks Animation
Moana – Walt Disney Studios
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter – Sony Pictures
Sing – Universal Pictures
Storks – Warner Bros.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Paramount
The Angry Birds Movie – Sony Pictures
The Great Wall – Universal Pictures
The Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.
The Secret Life of Pets – Universal Pictures
Trolls – DreamWorks Animation
WINNER: Zootopia – Walt Disney Studios

Stereography – Animated
Finding Dory – Pixar
Ice Age: Collision Course – 20th Century Fox
WINNER: Kubo and the Two Strings – Focus Features
Kung Fu Panda 3 – DreamWorks Animation
Moana – Walt Disney Studios
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter – Sony Pictures
Sing – Universal Pictures
Storks – Warner Bros.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Paramount Pictures
The Angry Birds Movie – Sony Pictures
The Great Wall – Universal Pictures
The Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.
The Secret Life of Pets – Universal Pictures
Trolls – DreamWorks Animation
Zootopia – Walt Disney Studios

Outstanding Use of 2D to 3D Conversion
Assassin’s Creed – 20th Century Fox
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Warner Bros.
Captain America: Civil War – Marvel Studios
Doctor Strange – Marvel Studios
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Warner Bros.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – 20th Century Fox
WINNER: Rogue One – Walt Disney Studios
Star Trek Beyond – Paramount Pictures
Suicide Squad – Warner Bros.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Paramount Pictures
The BFG – Walt Disney Studios
The Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.

3D Short
Panda Paws – DreamWorks Animation
Piper – Pixar
The Early Hatchling Gets the Worm – Rovio Entertainment
WINNER: Inner Workings – Walt Disney Animation Studios

High Dynamic Range – Live Action
10 Cloverfield Lane – Paramount Pictures
13 Hours – The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi – Paramount Pictures
Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass – Walt Disney Pictures
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice – Warner Bros.
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk – Sony Pictures Entertainment
Captain America: Civil War – Marvel Studios & Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Deadpool – 20th Century Fox
Deepwater Horizon – Lionsgate
Doctor Strange – Walt Disney Studios
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Warner Bros.
For A Few Bullets – Wanda Pictures
Force 2 – Viacom 18
Hardcore Henry – STX
Independence Day: Resurgence – 20th Century Fox
Inferno – Sony Pictures Entertainment
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back – Paramount
L.O.R.D (Legend of Ravaging Dynasties) – LeVision
La La Land – Lionsgate
WINNER: Live By Night – Warner Bros.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – 20th Century Fox
Now You see Me 2 – Lionsgate
Pete’s Dragon – Walt Disney Studios
Star Trek 3: Beyond – Paramount
Suicide Squad – Warner Bros.
The BFG – Walt Disney Studios
The Divergent Series: Allegiant PT.1 – Lionsgate
The Jungle Book – Walt Disney Pictures
The Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.
Warcraft – Legendary Pictures & Universal Pictures
X-Men Apocalypse – 20th Century Fox

High Dynamic Range – Animated
WINNER: Finding Dory – Walt Disney Studios
Ice Age Collision Course – 20th Century Fox
Kubo and the Two Strings – Universal Studios
Moana – Walt Disney Studios
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows – Paramount
Zootopia – Walt Disney Studios

Virtual Reality Categories

VR – Gaming
A Chair in the Room: Greenwater – Wolf & Wood
Accounting – Squanchtendo with Crows Crows Crows
Batman: Arkham VR – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Battlezone – Rebellion Developments
Chronos – Gunfire Games
Eve: Valkyrie – CCP Games
WINNER: Job Simulator – Owlchemy Labs
Raw Data – Survios
Space Pirate Trainer – I-Illusions
Star Wars Battlefront Rogue One X-Wing VR Mission – DICE & Criterion Games
The Gallery – Episode 1 Call of the Starseed – Cloudhead Games
The Lab – Valve Corporation

VR – Film Experience
Fantastic Beasts – Warner Bros., Google, Framestore VR Studio
WINNER: Ghostbusters VR Experience – Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Void
Star Wars: Trial on Tatooine – ILMxLAB
Suicide Squad: Special Ops VR – Warner Bros., Mob Scene & Atlas Entertainment, MPC VR & Legend 3D
The Jungle Book – Through Mowgli’s Eyes Part 1: Trust in Me – Walt Disney Studios & Tangerine Apps
The Martian VR Experience – 20th Century Fox, Fox Innovation Lab, RSA Films, The Virtual Reality Company

VR – Animation & CGI
Allumette – Penrose Studios
Apollo 11 VR Experience – Immersive VR Education
WINNER: Dear Angelica – Oculus Story Studio
Gnomes and Goblins – Jon Favreau, Wevr, Reality One
Grace – MacInnes Scott
Home: A VR Spacewalk – BBC & REWIND
Pearl – Google Spotlight Series
The Night Cafe: A VR Tribute to Vincent Van Gogh – Borrowed Light Studios
The Starry Night – Shanghai Media Group
theBlu – Wevr
Volt: Chain City – Vive Studios
Wide Awake President Trump VR Experience – MacInnes Scott

VR – Live Action
A Challenge – Brigantine Films
Cirque du Soleil, KÀ – Felix & Paul Studios
Knives – Adam Cosco
My Brother’s Keeper – PBS Digital Studios
WINNER: Nomads: Sea Gypsies – Felix & Paul Studios
Perspective Ch. 2: The Misdemeanor – Specular Theory & Rose Troche
The Harvest – Chapman University & AMD
The Mule – Dark Corner Studios
Through the Ages: President Obama Celebrates Americas National Parks – Felix & Paul Studios
VR Noir: A Day Before the Night – StartVR

VR – Episodic Content
Gone – Wevr & Skybound
Halcyon – Syfy (produced by Secret Location)
WINNER: Invisible – Doug Liman, 30 Ninjas, Condé Nast Entertainment (CNÉ), Jaunt VR, Samsung

Winner, VR - Documentary: THE CLICK EFFECT

VR – Documentary
A History of Cuban Dance – Lucy Walker
David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef – Atlantic Productions & Alchemy VR
Defying the Nazis VR – LIFE VR
Rhinos on the Move – Discovery VR
WINNER: The Click Effect – Annapurna Pictures & Here Be Dragons
The Edge of Space – KonceptVR

VR – Journalism
Calais: The Jungle – Sky News
Chernobyl 30 Years Later – ABC News VR
Defying the Beast – World Vision & Koncept VR
Great Performers: L.A. Noir – New York Times VR
Out of Exile: Daniel’s Story – Nonny de la Peńa & Emblematic Group
Remembering Pearl Harbor – LIFE VR
Struggle for Survival in the Devastated City of Aleppo – CNN
WINNER: Take Flight – New York Times 
“Toxic Tour” 360 – Oil Exploitation in the Ecuadorian Amazon – Huffington Post RYOT
Valen’s Reef – Vice

VR – Sports
360 Rio 2016 Olympics VR – BBC Sport
Closer (featuring David Beckham) – Sky VR & Sky Sports
Experience the Rio Olympics in Virtual Reality – NBC Olympics & Samsung
WINNER: Follow My Lead: The Story of the 2016 NBA Finals – Oculus & m ss ng p eces
NFL Immersed – Episode 1: Eagles Defensive Line – NFL Immersed & Two Bit Circus
NFL Immersed – Episode 4: Melvin Gordon & the Chargers Game Day Prep – NFL Immersed & Two Bit Circus

VR – Music
WINNER: Joshua Bell VR Experience – Sony PlayStation
Kygo: “Carry Me – The VR Experience” – Sony Music
OneRepublic: “Kids” – MPC Creative
Pentatonix: “Up on the Housetop” – Sony Music
TheWave – TheWaveVR
Waves – Wevr (with Reggie Watts)

VR – Branded
WINNER: 360 VR Tour of the Shinola Factory with Luke Wilson – Reel FX
Absolut Deadmau5 – Absolut
Audi’s VR Car Showroom Experience – Zero Light
Formula E “Leap of Faith” – REWIND
Jack Daniel’s 360 VR Distillery Experience – Jack Daniel’s & The Mill
Jaguar: I-PACE – REWIND (for Imagination & Jaguar Land Rover)
Reimagine, VR Film by Etihad Airways with Nicole Kidman – The Barbarian Group
Stan Lee’s Cosmic Crusaders – The Hollywood Reporter, GBI, POW, Legend VR
The Field Trip to Mars – McCann (for Lockheed Martin) & Framestore
The Nature Conservancy: This is Our Future – MPC Creative

Yours Truly and the amazing Jon Favreau

The 2017 recipient of the annual Harold Lloyd Award for Filmmaking goes to Jon Favreau! And deservedly so. His artful storytelling married to eye opening filmmaking technology has thrilled audiences time and time again. My favorite Favreau film (FavFavFilm?) is definitely CHEF although the original IRON MAN comes very, very close. It was wonderful chatting with him for the first time at the Lumieres!

I want to deeply thank Jim Chabin and his AIS team for their tireless work in pulling off these shows every year. It is an absolute pleasure to attend and cover them! Thank you Jim!!

Looking forward to what 2017 has in store for us in Advanced Imaging and VR! Stay tuned. As MarketSaw enters our 11th year of life, we're going to be making some awesome changes!

I'll leave you now with some poster shots of the cinematic VR content we were able to experience!

Are You Experienced? BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK Premiere's October 14th

Yes, I say "experienced" because Ang Lee's BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK will be something you've never seen before and sets the stage for "the new platinum standard" of modern stereoscopic 3D. This is a game changer and a world's first.

It's not just 3D anymore guys. It's 4K 3D shot at 120 frames per second! From everything I've heard, this is THE way to experience the format. I've seen 3D shot/shown at 48 and 60 frames per second created by James Cameron, but never 120. Apparently, all aspects of the alleged "soap opera" effect disappear at 120 - something I have yet to see.

But the real trick is going to be for the masses to see it in 4K3D @ 120. Most cinemas can go to a maximum of 60 fps, not 120. There will have to be major capital investment by theater owners (new projectors!) in the future to be able to screen movies like BILLY LYNN in the premium format, and I certainly appeal to them to do so earlier rather than later, but it's a foregone conclusion that it won't be anytime soon.

If you will be in New York after the premiere, apparently the theater that is being used for the New York Film Festival premiere of the movie (AMC  Lincoln Square) will keep the dual laser projectors in place for the theatrical run. So there's that.

From FSLC (Film Society Lincoln Center): Lee’s stunning adaptation of Ben Fountain’s novel is the story of an Iraq war hero (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who comes home with his fellow members of Bravo Company for a victory tour. This culminates in a halftime show at a Thanksgiving Day football game—a high-intensity media extravaganza summoning memories of the trauma of losing his beloved sergeant in a firefight. Lee’s brave, heartbreaking film goes right to the heart of a great division that haunts this country: between the ideal image of things as they should be and the ongoing reality of things as they are. With a brilliant supporting cast, including Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund with Vin Diesel and Steve Martin.

I know most of the 3D team behind this movie personally and trust me - these guys are at the top of the game, starting with the Stereographer / Stereo Supervisor, Demetri Portelli and Production Systems Supervisor (2D, 3D, All Digital Workflow), Ben Gervais along with 3D Systems Technicians, Brian Cassar and Sandra Lombardi. The team also set up a 3D digital lab and entire DI lab in Ang's office which housed Nathan Shields (Toronto), Daniel George (Toronto), Michael Buck (LA) and Derek Schweickart (LA) who also did LIFE OF PI with Ang.

Production Systems Supervisor Ben Gervais was quoted (Variety) talking about the audiences thus far: "Test subjects that have seen some footage have commented that 40 minutes after seeing battle footage, they're still shaking." Really underscores their accomplishment!

Stereographer Demetri Portelli used Stereotec lightweight rigs with F65 cameras and of course Master Prime lenses (same as he did on LIFE OF PI, 47 RONIN, TS SPIVET). He and Gervais manufactured their own mirrors specifically for this project and they modified the fiber cable on set workflow, to suit the needs of production. They used Panavision Woodland Hills for prep and accessories. The key element was building a complete 4K stereo DI in Ang's office watching 120 FPS which was only made possible by Baselight (a Filmlight color grading system which they also used on HUGO).

Says Portelli: "It is also the first film graded at 120/4K/3D on Christie projectors with the digital master being projected at 28 foot lamberts! As (audiences) will see during the 12 minutes at IBC, and then the whole experience at New York Film Festival - our huge thanks to Christie projectors for their support in getting these images on the screen."

I've talked to Ang Lee as well specifically about 3D and future plans - as usual he's humble, yet obviously an extremely gifted filmmaker. Lee will also receive the IBC International Honor For Excellence (International Broadcasting Convention) next month in Amsterdam.

We are in good hands here. I can't wait to be wowed. My anticipation is through the roof for this movie and I've got to find some way of seeing it in 4K3D @ 120 fps.

NYC road trip anyone? :-)

Ang Lee To Tackle BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK In Native 3D 4K HFR!

(Photo) Jim Dorey. 2013.

When Ang Lee tackles a project he gives it his all and in this case the project is Ben Fountain's novel BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK and he is going to shoot it in native 3D 4K and ultra high frame rate.

When I spoke to Ang awhile back he told me that he's excited to work with 3D and having it available to him for projects - and now that we know what his next 3D project will be, my eyes lit up. 

As Lee did with LIFE OF PI, he will be leaping over new technological and creative barriers. To help him do so he's hired one of the best in Demetri Portelli (HUGO, 47 RONIN, THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUS T.S. SPIVET) and his team to handle the stereoscopic 3D. They'll be using Sony F65 cameras and the word is Lee's vision is breathtaking. As if you are really there. Think the D-Day scenes in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN but add in perfect immersive 3D shot in 4K and ultra high frame rate. Of course I'm sure Lee has many more surprises for us! Can't wait for this. 

Here's the storyline courtesy of Variety:
Bravo Company and 19-year-old private Billy Lynn survive a harrowing Iraq battle that is captured by news cameras. They are brought home by the U.S. administration for a promotional tour, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of a Thanksgiving Day football game, all while facing an imminent return to the war. Almost the entire movie takes place during the day of the game, with flashes back to the underlying events and Billy’s heroism. 

This is a filmmaker driven project that is original and you simply know that care will be taken to present it in new and spectacular ways. More info when we get it! 

Source: Variety

Ang Lee Has Tapped Peter Morgan (RUSH) To Write His 3D Ali - Frasier Film

Perfect! Universal has tapped Peter Morgan (RUSH, FROST/NIXON, THE QUEEN) to write Ang Lee's next untitled project which centers on the rivalry between boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the 1960-70s. Morgan is ideal to pen the project with his ability to squeeze out a compelling movie from real life rivals, like he did with James Hunt vs. Niki Lauda in RUSH (race car driving) and David Frost vs. Richard Nixon (political interviews).

Ang Lee of course won Oscar for Best Director for LIFE OF PI which astounded audiences with gorgeous cinematography and practically perfect 3D. Lee is also shooting his boxing rivalry movie in native 3D so I am definitely in high anticipation for this production!

Says Morgan: "It’s a look at how brutal the confrontations were between Ali and Frazier. They were marked by how aggressive Ali was towards Frazier out of the ring. He taunted and belittled him. [Ang Lee] wants to work with 3D technology that will make an audience feel as if they’re inside the ring. 

Further, Ang wants to actually use real footage of the original fights and bring in the actors through visual effects - should be a jaw dropping experience! I am thinking about those technically complex scenes in FORREST GUMP that brought Tom Hanks face to face with historical figures, only with modern technology and 3D.

Sounds dramatic and knowing Lee, he will indeed succeed in bringing us into the foray. More when I get it!

Source: Daily Mail

Ang Lee To Lens A 60's And 70's Boxing Movie - Will Explore New 3D Technology And Effects!

We finally have word on what is next for Ang Lee after his superlative production LIFE OF PI, which won him the Best Director Oscar last year. It's a 3D boxing movie from back when it mattered - the 60's and 70's.

The Universal Studios project is untitled thus far, but here is what we know about it:
An epic look at the boxing world of the 1960s and 1970s, as seen through the prism of its biggest rivalries and greatest fights. That will include the showdown between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali that was called the Thrilla In Manila.

Not only is the subject exciting, but what really caught my eye is Lee's continuing passion for 3D. Those of you who saw LIFE OF PI in 3D theaters knows just how well the he nailed it. The 3D, the visuals, the story - all amazingly well done. When I spoke with Lee back in February, he was so tuned into the format that I couldn't stop smiling.

From Deadline: "The idea is to take the exploration of 3D technology and cutting-edge visual effects further, as James Cameron is doing on his Avatar sequels."

That statement has me intrigued! Further, Lee will be working again with James Schamus (also CEO of Focus Features) to produce this project. It's looks like Lee will be a defacto gang member of leading filmmakers championing and excelling in native 3D. Love it!

What's New In 3D: Talking With Samsung's Dan Schinasi

Here's a second interview I completed today - this time with Samsung's Dan Schinasi and what his state of the union on 3D looks like. Join me in welcoming Dan to MarketSaw along with Samsung's amazing 3D products and industry support!

Jim Dorey: Dan, being in senior marketing management at Samsung as well as co-chairing the I3DS must take up most of your time! How do you manage to stay on top of two such dynamic organizations?

Dan Schinasi: It’s a balancing act but one that I take pride in. One that leverages my passion for marketing the world’s greatest TVs and the incredible 3D experience they are capable of delivering. Of course none of it would be possible without the support of my Samsung colleagues and management as well as the dedicated and professional leadership at I3DS!

JD: Speaking of the I3DS, what are you most proud of during the past 12 months?
DS: There have been a number of accomplishments that I share with my Co-Chair Tom Cosgrove, I3DS President Jim Chabin, and his terrific staff. The first is the successful merger of I3DS and 3D@Home. The combined organizations complement each other; our combined membership spans the entire 3D spectrum: we have members from all parts of the globe representing studios, broadcasters, content creators, the medical community, eyewear manufacturers, exhibition equipment makers, as well as CE companies. All of whom have a passion of seeing 3D thrive.

JD: What do you see happening with 3D over the next quarter? Next 6 months?
DS: On the consumer and production side, we will see continuous growth and consumer adoption of 3D in theatrical and home entertainment. We will further collaborate with researchers to better understand the hidden benefits of 3D, how we can continue to push the technology forward, as well as other applications.

JD: There are still misnomers and missteps when the media covers 3D; why do you suppose that is?
DS: There was significant promotion around the launch of 3D TV back when it was introduced in January of 2010. At the time there was not an abundance of content to enjoy and the media focused on that fact (the same misconception was apparent for HD content after HDTV’s entered the marketplace in the 90s). There was also a fair amount of confusion regarding the use of 3D technology that led to factually incorrect stories such as prohibitively expensive 3D gear to enjoy the technology at home. I3DS and its members are passionate about the technology and happy to educate the community about the technology and experiences available.

JD: The 3D Awards are coming up on Feb 6 - what are you most looking forward to during the evening?
DS: I’m most looking forward to meeting industry colleagues and the awards ceremony. In particular, honoring Ang Lee for his dedication and artistic capabilities in 3D production. There are a handful but growing number of producers that effectively use 3D as a tool to complement the story line. We are excited to reward Ang Lee for joining this expanding circle of producers.

JD: Thanks for your time today Dan! Appreciate all the time you put into 3D from multiple fronts and continued success!
DS: Thank you Jim!

More interviews to come!

What's New In 3D: Talking With Jim Chabin, President Of The International 3D Society

I'm going to meeting many, many key individuals in Hollywood and beyond within the 3D motion picture industry in the coming days and I will be bringing you all up to speed with what is happening lately and what we can expect in the coming year(s). These guys are in the know. It's exciting to see the energy surrounding the 3D standard and the huge year ahead of us. I'll be introducing you to these various individuals so that you too can get the full picture.

Today I'm speaking with Jim Chabin, President of the International 3D Society. It's obvious how energetic and passionate he is about 3D but it's his ability to channel all that energy into the greater good of 3D that makes him unique for his important role.

Jim Dorey: Hi Jim, great talking with you again! Let's jump right into it: What are you most proud of during the past 12 months?
Jim Chabin: Plenty to be thrilled about. After honoring Martin Scorsese and our 3D professionals last year at the 3D Awards we've embarked upon an exciting year. Probably of most note is the tremendous growth of 3D internationally, especially in China. We spent some time in Asia and we're really just at the beginning here. Our society members continue to expand their markets and business as 3D unfolds further into the world markets. Just recently we're teaming up with MarketSaw in bringing together timely and accurate information to the media. We've got news stories, recent stats, a list of executives in the 3D industry willing to give quotes or interviews whenever needed and much more coming.

JD: What do you think of Lucasfilm's recent decision to postpone STAR WARS EPISODES II and III?

JC: It really doesn't have to be complicated as some would make it out to be. They are probably looking at better ways of doing things just as they have in the past and will continue to do. This is part of the reason why our new mutual initiative with MarketSaw is so important. We need to have the correct information out there. That list of 3D Executives you have accumulated to assist with future media stories involving our space will be a great asset! Disney is huge on 3D. I'm anxious to see their cutting edge 3D technology used with the STAR WARS franchise as they have with their Disney, Marvel and Pixar brands. 

JD: And we just heard the recent announcement of WORLD WAR Z going 3D! 

JC: Exactly. There's something new everyday. Of course I can't comment on some of the projects that we know are going stereoscopic 3D, but suffice to say there are more coming and we're thrilled.

JD: What's on your plate Jim - what can we expect in the coming months?

JC: Well we're honoring Ang Lee on Wednesday night at the Beverly Hills Hotel for his outstanding work in 3D for LIFE OF PI, along with all the other deserving award winners like DreamWorks Animation. It's a night we all look forward to every year. We are honoring Panasonic for making the Olympics 3D broadcasts a reality last year. It's also exciting to hear that we can look forward to over 50 3D feature films in theaters in 2013! Later this month we are presenting to the Association of National Advertisers annual media leadership meeting - these are the brand management senior leadership, so that's an incredible new opportunity for our industry. Getting national ad brands into 3D! And we have engaged our colleagues in cable at the highest level to get better information on the benefits of getting all these 3D TV 's activated with content from 3net, ESPN and others... So our plate is definitely pretty full! 

JD: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me on this today - I know this is crunch time before the awards on Wednesday.

JC: It all comes down to this week - I'll see you there!

More interviews to come!

3D Month Continues! Jim's 2012 Top Ten 3D Movies Vs. The Results Of Our Reader's Poll!

Ok, so my list has no bearing on who is going to win awards at the 3D Creative Arts Awards for 2012 (only 2 weeks away - can't wait!), but I do have my opinion and where better else to voice it than right here?

Keep in mind my ratings combine my feelings for not only how good the 3D was but also the movie itself (which is different than what I did last year).

Without further ado, here are my selections - have at it! Let me know how yours differs or how much you perfectly agree with me :-)

Top Five 3D Conversions - Re-release:
1. TITANIC 3D
2. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
3. FINDING NEMO
4. MONSTERS INC
5. STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE 

Top Five 3D Conversions:
1. THE AVENGERS
2. JOHN CARTER
3. WRATH OF THE TITANS
4. MEN IN BLACK 3
5. FRANKENWEENIE

Top Five Native 3D Movies:
1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
2. LIFE OF PI
3. PROMETHEUS
4. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
5. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY 

Top Five 3D Animations:
1. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
2. BRAVE
3. ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
4. THE LORAX
5. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

Top Ten Combined:
10. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
9. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY
8. WRATH OF THE TITANS
7. JOHN CARTER
6. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
5. TITANIC 3D
4. THE AVENGERS
3. PROMETHEUS
2. LIFE OF PI
1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI was absolutely brilliant and on any other year would have easily took top place for me, but wow - Peter Jackson's HFR 3D was spellbinding! My jaw hadn't been locked open like that since AVATAR. Congratulations to all of my top ten list and more for an outstanding year in 2012. And 2013 promises us even more excitement!

Click to enlarge

And here are the results of the MarketSaw Reader's Poll asking the question: "What was your favorite 3D movies of 2012?"

It looks like we were in agreement on THE HOBBIT but you guys have PROMETHEUS in second spot ahead of LIFE OF PI. While I thoroughly enjoyed Ridley Scott's return to sci-fi, Pi's adventure was enough for me to move it ahead. To each there own - you can't go wrong with any of these top ten movies!

It was surprising to me is how well DREDD fared with you though. I found the 3D was headache inducing but perhaps that was my particular screening. In retrospect though, the CG shots were spectacular in 3D and then when we flipped back to native 3D, it went back to mundane for me. I enjoyed JOHN CARTER and WRATH OF THE TITANS so much more. Do I want more of Karl Urban's Dredd though? Darn right. I want better 3D next time too. DREDD didn't make my top ten.

Stay tuned for our annual MOST ANTICIPATED list of movies for 2013 coming up soon!

4th Annual 3D Creative Arts Awards - Feb 6, 2013, Beverly Hills Hotel

3D Month Continues! I'm excited to announce the upcoming 3D Creative Arts Awards at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 6th, 2013. The International 3D Society is the host. Yours truly will be there and mingling with of all those amazing and creative 3D aficionados. Expect full details!

As 3D enthusiasts yourself, I'm sure you will be interested in this gala event!

Here is the official announcement (emphasis is mine):

Dear friends,

On behalf of the Board of Governors of the International 3D Society and 3D@Home, we cordially invite you to join us as we honor the people and organizations who have distinguished themselves in the 3D arts and technologies at this year’s 4th Annual 3D Creative Arts Awards.

Our annual black tie dinner has become an exciting and enjoyable evening for our friends to gather and celebrate the best of 3D from around the world.

Please join us as we honor director Ang Lee for his extraordinary achievement with ‘Life of Pi,’ DreamWorks Animation (DWA) for their leadership in 3D artistic and technical achievement, and 3net as it celebrates its 2nd anniversary.

Your red carpet cocktail reception, honoring this year’s 3D Technology Award Winners, will be held at 6pm. Dinner will follow in the Crystal Ballroom at 7pm, and our program will begin promptly at 8pm.

There are a limited number of tickets and tables available, so we encourage you to RSVP as soon as you know you’d like to join us.

For all Table and Ticketing information, please call (310) 429-3830 or email info@influencepictures.com.

Join us for 3D’s biggest night of the year!

--


Copyright © 2013 International 3D Society, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
International 3D Society
16255 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 525
Encino, CA 91436
www.international3Dsociety.com

Movie Review: Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI - 9 Stars!

What a visually stunning, stunning movie. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, by all means get out and enjoy this masterpiece by director Ang Lee. And I mean Oscar worthy masterpiece. Lee hits on all the high points and seldom do you think that what you are watching is not an eye full of cinematic love for the audience.

I will say that at times the story was kind of slow in building up but when the moment hits and Pi's life is turned upside down - what a visual treat.

I want to talk about the 3D right away here. Amazingly well done. Ang Lee utilized native 3D through the rigs and services of the Cameron | Pace Group and you can tell that there just aren't many - if any - technical errors with the stereoscopic 3D. Some very cool and seldom used effects too - I won't go into details here as it may spoil your experience, but we can freely talk about them in the comments if you wish.

I'm so anxious to compare this cutting edge example of modern native S3D (through Cameron | Pace) to the upcoming sure to be masterpiece THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY because this project was shot using CPG's native 3D rigs and services competitor 3ality Technica and what we've all seen so far of that production has been jaw dropping too. Who will have delivered the top 3D goods?

Claudio Miranda's cinematography in LIFE OF PI is absolutely remarkable. Some shots are so intricate and well thought out that you just want to grab a screen cap of it and stare at it. So many scenes are desktop wallpaper worthy and that's no exaggeration.

So what was not so good about the movie? Well a few things. I thought the story was paced slowly at times in the beginning - still a visual marvel out of the blocks - but slow. So drink in the visuals while you wait for the action to pick up and then relax and immerse yourself. I am not a fan of character development accomplished through flashbacks (and I know there is not much choice here), thus the lower score (81 is still very good!).

Here's the storyline for the movie:

A man named Pi tells a story that occurred when he was 16. When his family decides to move their zoo from India to Canada, Pi winds up as the only human survivor of the tragic sinking of a cargo ship. On the sea in a lifeboat, he's accompanied by the other survivors—a zebra, a hyena, a female orangutan and a 450-pound aggressive Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

I did like the twist at the end of the movie. Even coming from a guy who considers himself much more aligned to science than religion, I found it to be moving enough to smile. That's an accomplishment in my books. I can imagine the impact on a more religious person.

So definitely a must see in my opinion and a must see in 3D. If you see it in 2D you are not enjoying the movie as the director Ang Lee intended you to see it and you will be missing out, I guarantee it.

9 out of 10 Stars.

Special thanks to Empire Theatres for the screening in RealD 3D. The screen was crisp and well lit as well as a perfect sound level! Outstanding customer service too.

James Cameron And Vince Pace On Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI **AND** The Visual Effects Behind The Tiger!

You can just tell this movie is going to spellbound us. Look at the talent associated with the 3D alone: director Ang Lee, Vince Pace and James Cameron - the latter two provided the 3D camera rigs and services through their Cameron | Pace Group.

Here's what Cameron had to say about it:
"The 3D is an integrated part of the art form, and I feel like the technology that we've created has contributed to a masterpiece."

Not small words coming from him. Sure he's a bit biased with his company working on this project, but he wouldn't put his name on it in this fashion if it weren't a special movie. We're in for a treat with this one folks.

Hit the jump to view the clips...

WOW. MUST WATCH: New International Trailer For Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

What a week for gorgeous trailers! First THE HOBBIT and now LIFE OF PI! After seeing the second trailer for Peter Jackson's re-visitation to Middle-earth I was suitably impressed. One of the best trailers I have ever seen. Then comes along this beast of a trailer! WOW.

Which do you think is better? Tough, tough choice and certainly they are totally different movies but the imagery in both astound.

Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI has done nothing but impress me from the start of their marketing push. Each successive drop of visual splendor has been better than the last and this tells me we are in for a treat opening night. Same for THE HOBBIT. It's hard not to compare these trailers.

And the comparisons don't stop at just the trailers. The 3D is going to look amazing and we have some bragging rights at stake here too: THE HOBBIT is being shot using 3ality Technica rigs and LIFE OF PI is utilizing Cameron | Pace Group rigs! Clearly both productions are going to have cutting edge, best of the best native 3D - combine that with the content we have seen thus far in these trailers and then throw it up on the largest 3D screen available and... sheer movie immersion.

Here's the storyline for LIFE OF PI:
Director Ang Lee (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) creates a groundbreaking movie event about a young man who survives a tragic disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While marooned on a lifeboat, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with the ship’s only other survivor — a fearsome Bengal tiger.

What do you think of the trailer? I can't stop watching it. Both of these trailers this week in fact. I must have watched them both a dozen times and I still feel as though I've missed something and want to revisit them.

LIFE OF PI hits theaters on November 21.

Stunning New Images From Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

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Wow. Gorgeous new shots from Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI continue to floor me with their visuals. The color palette that Lee is using is stunning!

Here's the storyline from the book:
The son of a zookeeper, Pi Patel has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes.

The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them “the truth.” After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional – but is it more true?

LIFE OF PI has also been honored with the opening of the NYFF. For all of our coverage of LIFE OF PI, click here. The movie opens on November 21.
 

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Source: Indiewire

50th NYFF Opens With 3D For First Time: Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

The New York Film Festival (NYFF, running Sep 28 to Oct 14) is celebrating 50 years in the business this year and to top that off they are opening the show with a 3D movie for the first time ever. Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI gets the nod as the intensely artistic project nears its release date of November 21 in North America.

If you have seen the trailer for the movie, then you are beginning to get an idea of what to expect from it.

Here's the storyline from the book:
The son of a zookeeper, Pi Patel has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes.

The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them “the truth.” After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional – but is it more true?

I'll have more about the movie and its reception at the NYFF as it happens.

Ok It's Here! Check Out The First Trailer For Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

We've seen some impressive imagery from Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI already but will the first trailer hold up to the intense expectations being set upon the movie?

YES. It does. Amazing so in fact. It reminds me a bit of how Tarsem Singh might have handled the movie - incredibly visual, surreal and yet intensely alive. I love it.

I won't go on too much about it until you've seen the trailer and have had a chance to absorb it perhaps with multiple viewings. Imagine this is 3D! And it's a native 3D production to boot shot with Cameron | Pace Groups 3D rigs.

Here's the storyline from the book:
The son of a zookeeper, Pi Patel has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes.

The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them “the truth.” After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional – but is it more true?

Here's the trailer! Enjoy...




LIFE OF PI opens on November 21.

Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI Looking Gorgeous! Check Out Four New Banners And A Movie Clip!

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Click to enlarge

WOW! I might appreciate art a bit more then others who don't have a mother who's an artist, but this work is clearly appreciable to all in my mind. All the material in this post is from the official site of LIFE OF PI.

The banners are amazing and utilize a watercolor effect to accomplish a wonderful dreamlike state and a testament to the care and attention that LIFE OF PI is getting from all connected with it. Just look at the detail in the boat alone! 

Ang Lee is raising filmmaking to the art it should be and I am thrilled to see it come together like this.

Ang Lee is shooting in native 3D with Cameron | Pace Group's 3D rigs and cameras. Clearly the visuals will be outstanding!

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Click to enlarge

There is no official storyline for the movie as of yet, so here is the book's description from Amazon:
The son of a zookeeper, Pi Patel has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes.

The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them “the truth.” After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional–but is it more true?

LIFE OF PI opens on November 21.

MUST SEE: First Look At Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

Check out our first look at Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI!! Love this image as this really is the meat and potatoes of the story: A small boat, a boy and a tiger. :-)

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Pi Patel is an unusual boy. The son of a zookeeper, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior, a fervent love of stories, and practices not only his native Hinduism, but also Christianity and Islam. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes. The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them “the truth.” After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional-but is it more true? 


The original book was written by Yann Martel in 2001 and many directors took a close look at it as a project for them, finally winding up in the capable hands of Ang Lee.

Suraj Sharma won the coveted role of Pi from a field of 3000+ hopeful young actors. He joins a cast including Tobey Maguire, Gerard Depardieu, Irrfan Khan and Adil Hussain.

LIFE OF PI is slated for release on December 14. Really looking forward to this one - the effects will definitely be Oscar fodder at the very least!!

Source: CriterionCast

LIFE OF PI Is Afloat: Ang Lee Shooting In Native 3D

According to USAToday, Director Ang Lee is set to begin adapting Yann Martel's LIFE OF PI
and has in fact found his leading man and a budget from Fox to shoot the movie in stereoscopic 3D. The official press release is here.

Lee says that Suraj Sharma will play Pi Patel who is stranded in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, zebra, hyena and orangutan. Sharma beat out an amazing 3000 other teen boys for the coveted role. "He read one complex scene, and by the end he was crying," Lee says. "We all were."

The storyline is all about Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, an Indian boy from Pondicherry, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. He survives 227 days after a shipwreck, while stranded on a boat in the Pacific Ocean with the aforementioned creatures.

Regarding budget, Lee approached Fox with a need for well over $50m and got it. "It's expensive to shoot in 3-D," Lee says. "I know it's a great burden on me, but the story kept haunting me, and 3-D was the way for me to crack the book."

I love Lee's commitment to using 3D for the project! "The ocean is perfect for 3-D. I think it will change the way people experience the sea."

Fox has set LIFE OF PI's release date for 2012.

Can't wait to see this on the big screen! Anyone read the book
yet??