PassmoreLab Teams with LINKIN PARK And Warner Bros. Records For 3D Music Video "Iridescent"

Linkin Parkʼs music video for the song, Iridescent (the end track from Paramount Pictures blockbuster, Transformers: Dark of the Moon) is now available in 3D and will screen at select theaters worldwide.

PassmoreLab, the San Diego based 3D production and 3D post house, has again teamed up with Grammy-Award winning, Linkin Park and Warner Bros. Records, to announce the release of the bandʼs latest music video, Iridescent in stereoscopic 3D. The song plays during the end credits of the number one box office film, 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon.' The 3D music video will play in select independent theaters worldwide at the end of the movie.

The video for Iridescent is abstract, shot in black, white and grey tones and intercut with images of snakes, bulldogs, futuristic architecture, bionic entities and Transformer robots (which provide the only brief flashes of color).

The video is all part of director (and Linkin Park turntablist) Joe Hahnʼs vision. “It explores how human existence might be affected by the elements of Transformers robots, and the threat of the Decepticons," said Hahn. "What would it be like to be citizens in a decaying universe? I tried a lot of new things, and we had fun shooting it."

This is the second time Linkin Park has worked with PassmoreLab for 3D production. Last year, PassmoreLab added the 3D post production to the bandʼs video for the number one single, ʻWaiting for the End.ʻ The video, touted as a “montage of melodic emotion,” received critical acclaim and earned Linkin Park and PassmoreLab numerous awards and praise at 3D film festivals worldwide.

PassmoreLab provides stereoscopic 3D production and post-production services using a combination of traditional approaches and proprietary tools. “We had a very tight schedule to complete all the 3D elements of Iridescent in time for the Transformers 3 premiere. Throughout the 3D production process, we worked very closely with the band's digital post-house Ghost Town Media in Los Angeles to stay true to the director's vision for the video. Without a high level of communication and efficient workflow between everyone involved with this project, it would not have been completed on time. The collaborative end result is truly a beautiful and dramatic use of 3D. Hahnʼs post-apocalyptic vision and our 3D mesh wonderfully,” said Greg Passmore CEO of PassmoreLab.

Iridescent provides a unique blend of gritty, desaturated stylization and iconic imagery that is greatly enhanced after conversion to 3D.

With the recent influx of 3D screening platforms -- theaters, television, mobile devices -- PassmoreLab has emerged as an industry leader in the 3D rock music video realm. “Our proprietary 3D techniques and alternative style has become a sought after commodity in the music industry,” said James Humann, Executive Producer with PassmoreLab, “We feel that ʻIridescent 3Dʼ is a game changer for the music video business and weʼre looking forward to continuing to work with bands and artists to produce and distribute videos and live performances through the latest 3D delivery platforms.”

Both Iridescent and Waiting for the End, in 3D, are available for distribution through PassmoreLab on multiple platforms including mobile devices, video on demand, television broadcast and theatrical.

About Linkin Park
Linkin Park is a modern alternative band comprised of lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, drummer/percussionist, Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave 'Phoenix' Farrell, DJ, programmer Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda - lead vocals, keyboards, guitar. From surreal videography (frequently helmed by resident DJ Mr. Hahn) to an unforgettable, iconic stage show, Linkin Park have always boasted a visual presence that befits the power of their music. The band is currently on a world tour for their latest album, A Thousand Suns. For further info and tour updates go to: www.linkinpark.com

About Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records is one of the most successful recording companies in music history and is home to some of the most influential and innovative artists of our time. Its reputation and extraordinary roster of new and established recording artists is unparalleled, and its collective influence on pop culture is without precedent.

Warner Bros. Records was founded 50 years ago by Jack Warner, and with a visionary approach toward discovering and nurturing musical talent, the Warner Bros. family of labels, including Reprise Records, Sire Records and Nonesuch Records, is currently home to an impressive generation of major artists. The Warner Bros. roster includes Avenged Sevenfold, Cher, Eric Clapton, Jill Scott, Gucci Mane, Jason Derulo, Common, Theophilus London, Bjork, Muse, The Flaming Lips, Goo Goo Dolls, Linkin Park, R.E.M., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Damien Rice, Rilo Kiley, Seal, Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Emmylou Harris, Wilco, Regina Spektor, Disturbed, Michelle Branch, Mastodon, Neil Young, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Green Day, The Black Keys, Waka Flocka Flame, Enya, Jackʼs Mannequin, Stevie Nicks and many others.

The rich and diversified catalog on the Warner Bros. family of labels includes a lineup of recordings by Black Sabbath, Miles Davis, Dire Straits, the Grateful Dead, the Kinks, Madonna, Randy Newman, Prince, the Ramones, Talking Heads, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Van Halen and others. As Warner Bros. Records begins its sixth decade, its commitment to presenting the world's best music, maintaining the highest standard and attracting the most exciting and original artists of our time will keep the name Warner Bros. Records synonymous with excellence. More at: http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com

About PassmoreLab
PassmoreLab is a San Diego-based stereoscopic 3D studio that specializes in 2D-to-3D conversion, native 3D production and 3D distribution. The company's California facilities include a full 3D production studio, post production suites and optical and software development labs. PassmoreLabʼs state-of-the-art 3D conversion technology has been used on major Hollywood films since 2009. As an independent film production company, PassmoreLab produces its own 3D films including science and nature shorts, broadcast television programming, and documentary and feature films. The company also focuses on 3D production for music videos and has worked with several high profile artists such as Slash and Linkin Park. PassmoreLab operates a separate distribution/sales office in San Diego that specializes in the licensing of 3D content to independent theaters, science centers, museums, planetariums, 3D television broadcasts and 3D mobile devices. More at www.passmorelab.com.

Nature Documentary OCEAN VOYAGERS 3D To Premiere In Los Angeles And New York

Fascinating story of mother and child seen for the first time in stereoscopic 3D in Los Angeles and New York.

On June 5, 2011, mammoth humpback whales and the vast blue of the Pacific come to life in full stereoscopic 3D when Ocean Voyagers 3D premieres in Los Angeles’ at the prestigious Downtown Independent Theatre. A joint effort between Feodor Pitcairn Productions and 3D superpower PassmoreLab, Ocean Voyagers 3D is an exciting adventure where hardship pushes endurance to the brink, danger lurks around every bend, and where love knows no bounds.

Narrated by Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress Meryl Streep, and filmed over a 5-year span in the waters of French Polynesia, Hawaii, Alaska and beyond, the film follows a mother humpback whale and her newborn calf in a “coming of age” journey for the neonate giant.

"The heart of this film is really the relationship between our humpback mother and her calf," remarks filmmaker Feo Pitcairn, "we had unprecedented access to these animals, filming them day after day, we established a real bond of trust. This enabled us to get rare and intimate footage, like the calf nursing and the mother resting on the sandy floor of the ocean. We're very excited to premiere the film in 3D in the Downtown Independent Theatre -- seeing this footage on a big screen in 3D is the closest thing to experiencing first hand what we experienced while filming them underwater."

“Rarely does a movie capture the essence of motherhood in the wild like Ocean Voyagers 3D,” Producer, Laura Orthwein asserts.

This film is a stirring testament to not only the strength, grace and beauty of these animals, but also a revelation of all the challenges they face, both natural and man-made. They must persevere through months without food, journeys of thousands of miles, and predation by shark attack -- as well as the threat of commercial whaling and entanglement in fishing gear. Moreover, Ocean Voyagers 3D includes rare footage of never-before-seen behavior of these
powerful animals in their most intimate of moments.

“...seeing these animals behaving naturally in their environment, interacting with one-another as only this film could allow, is truly something else,” says Greg Passmore of PassmoreLab, “...the images are hauntingly beautiful, fascinatingly imaginative.”

Coupled with spectacular imagery is Ocean Voyagers 3D’s stellar soundtrack with stereo recordings of the humpback whale’s mystic song over a backdrop of gorgeously composed music by Grant McLachlan.

“The goal [in composing the music] was to collect the essence of the ocean, and the humpback whale,” says McLachlan “... to truly capture the might of these majestic animals, while accentuating their more tender appeal.” The combination of stirring visuals, captivating sound and music, and strong thematic elements makes Ocean Voyagers 3D a timeless experience for the whole family to enjoy.”

Ocean Voyagers 3D will also have a private premiere in New York on Saturday June 4th, hosted by Dimitris Athos. For information in attending the New York event please contact producer Laura Orthwein at laura.orthwein@gmail.com

About PassmoreLab:
PassmoreLab is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production. The studio custom-designs and builds its own 3D camera rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions. PassmoreLab’s vast library of 3D titles includes: feature films, television programs, science and sports documentaries and music videos. Its state-of- the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post- production, optical development
lab, and a software development environment. In addition, PassmoreLab’s proprietary technology for 2D-to-3D video and film conversion is unmatched in the entertainment industry, in both affordability and turnaround times. Visit www.passmorelab.com.

About Feodor Pitcairn Productions, Ltd:
Founded in 1977, FPP is an independent production company featuring the work of diver, naturalist and underwater cinematographer Feodor Pitcairn. FPP was an early pioneer in the use of High-Definition technology in the underwater environment, originating and releasing Sperm Whale Oasis and Realm of the Killer Whales in HD in 2000. FPP was commissioned by the Smithsonian to create the Ocean Odyssey exhibit for the
Sant Ocean Hall, which opened in 2008 at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. The installation consists of eight HD projections wrapping more than 220 feet around the interior of the space. www.feodorpitcairnproductions.com

PassmoreLab To Add 3D Production to Starfish Cove CGI Animated Films

Another exciting MarketSaw exclusive announcement from PassmoreLab!

Colorado based animation studio Grand Design Productions is collaborating with San Diego’s PassmoreLab to add 3D production to two of Grand Design Production’s Starfish Cove CGI animated films. Utilizing PassmoreLab’s proprietary technology, the Starfish Cove films “Never Trust a Krum” and “Da’ Codfather” will be released for the first time in stereoscopic 3D for broadcast and distribution on 3D platforms around the world. Featuring state-of-the-art CGI animation, contemporary themes, powerful music and a cast of memorable characters, Starfish Cove delivers a fun-filled, family-friendly, 3D underwater entertainment experience for audiences of all ages.

“We are very excited about collaborating with PassmoreLab,” says John Douglas, founder and CEO of Grand Design Productions. “Being a pioneer and innovator in stereoscopic technology, they are natural partners for such a project and a company we can rely on to provide the finest 3D production possible for our films.”

Displayed in a stunning stereoscopic format, Starfish Cove is an animated series featuring an all-starfish cast that includes Bloo, Zozo, Poog and Weedle. Officer Crabihan also plays a key role in the series maintaining a constant vigil over Bloo and the gang in an effort to protect them from the most loathsome, despicable predator to ever set foot on the ocean floor – the Krum! In “Never Trust a Krum,” the Krum tries to lure Bloo into his lair but his nefarious scheme is thwarted by the ever vigilant Officer Crabihan while in “Da’ Codfather,” Bloo and the gang rescue a small codfish and learn that “one good turn deserves another” when his uncle Vito “Da’ Codfather” Codlione repays the favor by pledging his eternal allegiance to the little starfish.

“From “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” to “The Chronicles of Naria” to “Rio,” the success of 3D animated films is undeniable. We were looking for a production partner to help meet this consumer demand and we very impressed with the animation team at GDP,” stated Greg Passmore, CEO of PassmoreLab. “With the addition of these family-oriented titles, we can now offer an even broader inventory of 3D films to our distribution partners around the world.” “Never Trust a Krum” and “Da’ Codfather” 3D films will be in wide release this summer on 3D TV networks, video-on-demand services and new 3D smart phones and tablets worldwide.

About PassmoreLab
PassmoreLab is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production. The studio custom-designs and builds its own 3D camera rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions. PassmoreLab’s vast library of 3D titles includes: feature films, television programs, science and sports documentaries and music videos. Its state-ofthe-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film postproduction, optical development lab, and a software development environment. In addition, PassmoreLab’s proprietary technology for 2D-to-3D video and film conversion is unmatched in the entertainment industry, in both affordability and turnaround times. Visit www.passmorelab.com.

About Grand Design Productions (GDP)
Grand Design Productions is a Colorado-based animation studio that offers a fresh, family-friendly entertainment experience with contemporary themes and universal appeal. Grand Design Productions boasts an impressive roster of gifted, dedicated and highly motivated artists, musicians, animators and writers who share a common vision to develop and produce top quality, valueoriented, family-friendly entertainment properties. In 2006 Grand Design
Productions produced Sara and the Starfish, a CGI animated film and winner of the Calypso Award at the Moondance International Film Festival as well as the recipient of five doves from The Dove Foundation. Grand Design Productions is currently in production on a 3D version of Sara and the Starfish and its spinoff series Starfish Cove. Visit www.granddesignproductions.com

PassmoreLab’s Acclaimed 3D Films Coming to NVIDIA’s 3DVisionLive.com

Extreme Sports Films, Nature Docs and Cult Classic “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D” Available on 3DVisionLive.com in April!

San Diego, CA (Feb 29, 2011) (emphasis is mine) – The latest titles from PassmoreLab’s extensive library of 3D content will soon be available online to fans worldwide. Today, the San Diego-based 3D film studio announced that it has licensed a number of its latest 3D films to NVIDIA for 3DVisionLive.com, the company’s 3D online community and content destination.

3DVisionLive.com is an online community where NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ technology users can enjoy and share a broad range of 3D content on their PCs. It allows them to stream 3D films, trailers, music videos, sport clips, and video shorts, as well as upload, share and view full-resolution 3D photos.

“The mission of 3DVisionLive.com is to bring great 3D experiences to 3D Vision users and ultimately provide a marketplace for great 3D content,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision, NVIDIA. “NVIDIA is delighted to have PassmoreLab join the growing list of high-quality 3D content available for the world to enjoy easily inside their web browser.”

The licensing agreement consists of seven titles from PassmoreLab, with more to follow. Specifically, the titles include:
• The original 1968 George Romero zombie thriller “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!”
• Ed Wood’s 1959 cult classic “Plan 9 from Outer Space, Now in 3D!”
• Science documentaries “The Extreme Nature of Bats” and “Microworlds”
• Extreme downhill skateboard racing documentary “DROP 3D: My Life Downhill”
• Extreme snowmobile documentary “S:4 The Product”
• The PassmoreLab original animated short “Holy Moly”

“The adoption rate of 3D PCs is outpacing all other 3D delivery devices,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab. “Working with NVIDIA is significant because it means our content will now be enjoyed on notebooks and desktops anywhere in the world.”

Analysts estimate about 75M 3D PCs will be sold per year within five years. (Source: Jon Peddie Research, 75 million PCs in 2014). The 3D Vision ecosystem now includes 1,000 products, including notebook and desktop PCs, displays, TVs, projectors, video applications, cameras/camcorders, GPUs, games, and the world’s first online 3D community – 3DVisionLive.com.

“It’s an exciting time for 3D, as art and technology continue to gain new ground,” said Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s Head of Branding & Distribution. “As consumers, now we can all enjoy 3D anytime, wherever we happen to be – in offices, coffee shops, or sidewalk cafes.”

To experience PassmoreLab’s 3D films via 3DVisionLive.com, users will need a compatible NVIDIA® GeForce™ GPU-equipped PC, a 3D Vision Ready monitor and NVIDIA’s 3D Vision active shutter glasses and software, which are available for purchase at the NVIDIA store. A complete list of system requirements can be found at: http://www.3dvisionlive.com/requirements

About PassmoreLab
Passmorelab, the San Diego-based multi-media 3D production studio, has the world’s largest library of 3D content available for licensing. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions. Passmorelab’s proprietary technology for state-of-the-art 3D post-production is known in the industry for quick turnaround times and competitive costs. Additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. More at www.passmorelab.com, or contact Steve Glum (steve(at)passmorelab(dot)com, 858.200.5813.

Great to hear this news! PassmoreLab's award winning S3D content is a pleasure to watch. More when I get it!

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Exclusive: PassmoreLab Teams with Teen Rockers ‘Cherri Bomb’ to Shoot 3D Rock Video

EXCLUSIVE: PassmoreLab is working with teen rock band Cherri Bomb in making a 3D music video for their single RUN YOU DOWN.

Here's an early look at the official press release (emphasis is mine):

Production Starts in the California Desert in January

Los Angeles, CA (Dec 16, 2010) – Teen rock sensations Cherri Bomb are going from the sweaty stages of the Sunset Strip to the sweeping sands of the Salton Sea to make their first 3D video, it was announced today in a joint statement by San Diego-based 3D Production Studio PassmoreLab and Madhouse Music Productions.

“Run You Down”, is the second single off the album “ Perfectly Legitimate Use of Volume” and will be the band’s first video in 3D.

The all-girl band, currently in the studio working on their first studio album and are eager to get to work on the 3D visuals of the song, which was written by Noah Lifschey and Ana Lovelis. Production begins in January in southeastern California’s Salton Sea.

"I love this band and I like the idea that they will have a hot 3D video before they are even signed to a record deal,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab and director of the video. “The Salton Sea location is the perfect backdrop for the betrayal and redemption of the song, and the girls are going to look great against it.”

With an average age of just 13 years old, Cherri Bomb is being touted as “Rock’s New Generation” and has already created quite a buzz in the music industry, performing at the Sunset Strip Music Festival, opening for Filter, touring with the Smashing Pumpkins and also appearing on NBC’s Nightly News, ABC ’s “The Red Carpet” and Fox’s “Good Day LA”. They are managed by renowned drummer turned manager Samantha Maloney (Hole, Motley Crue, The Crystal Method, Billy Ray Cyrus) head of Superior Artist Management, and were just signed to Creative Artist Agency.

“Every teenager in the country is home rocking out on guitar hero with dreams of rock stardom,” said Samantha Maloney, “This video will give them the chance feel like they are inside the experience.”

The band also just added an upcoming show with Camp Freddy during their 4th annual Xmas Residency on December 17th at the world-famous Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. Camp Freddy is made up of ex-members of Jane's Addiction, Guns ‘N Roses and The Cult, and always features guest performances from a wide variety of respected musicians. This will be the first time Cherri Bomb has played with them.

“We are very excited to work with PassmoreLab,” smiles Maloney. “Their indie-studio feel is a perfect fit for us…and now I have a reason to buy the fancy Gucci 3D glasses!”

Always on the cutting-edge of music, art and technology, PassmoreLab produced all 3D aspects of Slash’s 3D music video “By the Sword” with Andrew Stockdale; New York garage-glam phenoms Semi Precious Weapons on the award-winning “Magnetic Baby”; punk-rockers Osaka Popstar & the American Legends of Punk on “Wicked World”; Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar on “Loud”; and LA art noir group Miss Derringer on “Black Tears”. PassmoreLab also opened the rock-and-roll archives of famed photographer Bob Gruen to produce the first-ever 3D conversions of images from the Rock, Punk, and New Wave eras.

“It’s a rare opportunity to work with an up-and-coming band that has already arrived in many ways,” says Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s head of Branding & Distribution. “And help establish them in the visual medium of 3D rock videos.”

Cherri Bomb’s “Run You Down” 3D music video will be available across multiple 3D distribution channels in March 2011.

About PassmoreLab
Passmorelab, the San Diego-based multi-media 3D production studio, has the world’s largest library of 3D content available for licensing. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions. Passmorelab’s proprietary technology for state-of-the-art 3D post production is known in the industry for quick turnaround times and competitive costs. Additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. More at www.passmorelab.com. Inquiries: Steve Glum, steve@passmorelab.com

About Cherri Bomb
Cherri Bomb is a teenage all-girl rock band with a uniquely-explosive rock sound inspiring new waves of fans of all ages around the world. Dubbed “Rock’s New Generation”, the band consists of members Julia Pierce on Lead Guitar and Vocals; Nia Lovelis on Drums and Vocals; Miranda Miller on Keyboards, Guitar and Vocals; and Rena Lovelis on Bass and Vocals. More at www.cherribombband.com.

PassmoreLab Wins Again with 3D Bats Film!

Studio’s "The Extreme Nature of Bats" Wins Best Cinematography at Dark Carnival Film Festival

San Diego, CA (Dec 9, 2010) – San Diego-based 3D Production studio PassmoreLab won another award for their just-released 3D documentary “The Extreme Nature of Bats”, this time getting the win at the Dark Carnival Film Festival in Bloomington, Indiana, for Best Cinematography.

Called the Sundance of horror, Dark Carnival was named one of the top 25 film festivals by MovieMaker Magazine. Hosted by AMC Monstervision’s horror alum & syndicated film critic Joe Bob Briggs, the three-day festival culminated with the awards ceremony, which included 13 different categories. The Best Cinematography category carried 7 competing nominations.

Shot in Texas, Romania, Belize, Africa and Mexico, the film, which explores the truths, myths and dark legends that have stalked the world’s only flying mammal, closely examines three bat species; the free-tailed bat, the megabat, and the infamous vampire bat. It takes an in-depth look at bats as unique and important animals, but because of fear and misconceptions associated with them throughout history, they are also some of the most misunderstood animals in the world.

The 35-minute documentary was directed by Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab, and handled all aspects of 3D production out of San Diego.

“It is truly an honor to accept this award for cinematography,” says Passmore. “Three bat species, four jungles, numerous caves, and five countries later -- it is especially humbling to be recognized for being able to put it all together, and see the support for this film.”

Using RED camera technology, “The Extreme Nature of Bats” took six months to shoot, due largely to the travel required to capture these bats in their natural habitats, in some of the largest bat caves in the world. Production wrapped earlier this year off the coast of Africa, on a primitive island in the Indian Ocean, netting the crew some never-before-seen-footage of bats.
“This film is far from a typical bats documentary, and continues to create a lot of audience interest,” says Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s head of Branding & Distribution. “It’s thrilling to see that as we ready it for release.”

PassmoreLab’s “The Extreme Nature of Bats” (www.passmorelab.com/bats) is now available for distribution to multiple 3D channels.

About PassmoreLab
Passmorelab, the San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production and 2D to 3D content conversion, has the world’s largest library of 3D content available for licensing. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration. State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. Passmorelab’s proprietary technology for 2D to 3D content conversion is known in the industry for quick turnaround times and competitive conversion costs. PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. Additional offices in Russia and the Philippines, www.passmorelab.com, or contact Steve Glum 858.200.5813.

About Dark Carnival Film Festival
Dark Carnival's home in Bloomington has a long history as a circus town, going back more than a hundred years. The festival is influenced by the writings of HP Lovecraft and a series of horror short stories by Ray Bradbury, which deal with a demonic fall carnival that rolls into small towns in the dead of night to prey upon the souls of the weak. The carnival theme creates a unique atmosphere for an event that celebrates multiple facets of horror, including live entertainment, music and film. www.darkcarnivalfilmfest.com

And the accolades keep piling up! If you get a chance to see this documentary don't waste it - check it out.

Exclusive: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, NOW IN 3D! Begins First Theatrical Run!!

Another exclusive from our friends at PassmoreLab who are pretty excited about this one! I don't blame them. Their 3D conversion of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is hitting theaters in both the US and UK from now until the end of the month. I saw this version of the film at The 3D Experience last month and it was fantastic to see life breathed back into this classic!!

Here is the press release that will go out on the wires sometime tomorrow:
NORWOOD, MASS. – October 14, 2010 – National Amusements, Inc., in partnership with San Diego-based 3D Production Studio PassmoreLab, announced today the first-ever 3D theatrical run of the classic 1968 zombie film “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” . The film will be presented at participating National Amusements theatres in the U.S. starting today, and in the U.K. through Halloween.

The original film, written and directed by legendary filmmaker George A. Romero, is the story of Ben, Barbara, and five others that try to survive a night in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse while the recently dead mysteriously become reanimated and walk the Earth once more. Romero’s first feature-length film, Night of the Living Dead, has inspired countless remakes, adaptations, and other tales during the years. Originally released on October 1, 1968, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1999.

Originally shot in black and white over 40 years ago, the film was painstakingly restored, colorized and converted, frame by frame into full 3D using Passmorelab's proprietary technology. The process took over a year to complete at a cost greater than the film's original production budget.

"We love the genre and as far as zombie cult classics go, this is mother of them all," smiles Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab. "If you are going to convert a horror classic, this is the one you want to see in 3D." In 2001, the American Film Institute (AFI) named the film to a list of 100 important thrillers.

“Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D! is the original film, now in 3D for its very first theatrical run,” said Steve Glum, PassmoreLab's head of Branding & Distribution. “We think fans of the film on both sides of the Atlantic will like zombies in 3D, and we are thrilled to be presenting it with National Amusements.”

Performances of “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” will take place on Thursday, October 14, at 10 p.m. at the following U.S. theatres: Showcase Cinema de Lux Patriot Place (Foxboro, Mass.); Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere (Revere, Mass.); Showcase Cinemas Worcester North (Worcester, Mass.); Farmingdale Multiplex (Farmingdale, N.Y.); Springdale 18: Cinema de Lux (Springdale, Ohio); Showcase Warwick (Warick, R.I.). Tickets cost $10 each and are available at participating theatre box offices, online at www.nationalamusements.com or by phone at 1-800-315-4000.

In, the U.K., “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D! “ will be shown on October 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and at midnight on Saturday, October 30, as part of the Halloween 3D Frightfest All-nighter film series. The series begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes four horror films, all presented in 3D. Tickets cost £12 each and are good for admission to all four films. Tickets may be booked by telephone at 0871 220 1000, online at www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and at the following participating box offices: Showcase Bluewater; Showcase Cinema de Lux Bristol; Showcase Cinema de Lux Derby; Showcase Cinema de Lux Leicester; Showcase Cardiff; Showcase Leeds; Showcase Nottingham; Showcase Peterborough.

About National Amusements, Inc.
National Amusements, Inc. is one of the nation's top 10 exhibitors, operating more than 950 screens in the U.S., U.K. and Latin America. National Amusements delivers a superior entertainment experience in theatres around the world under its Showcase, Multiplex and Cinema de Lux brands. Based in Norwood, Mass., National Amusements is a closely held company operating under the third generation of leadership by the Redstone family. National Amusements is the parent company of both Viacom and CBS Corporation and is also an equal partner in the online ticketing service MovieTickets.com.

About PassmoreLab
PassmoreLab is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production and 2D to 3D content conversion. The company has the world's largest library of 3D content available for licensing. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. PassmoreLab's proprietary technology for 2D to 3D content conversion is known in the industry for quick turnaround times and competitive conversion costs. PassmoreLab also maintains additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. For more information, visit www.passmorelab.com.

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw

EXCLUSIVE: THE EXTREME NATURE OF BATS Wins At Arizona Underground Film Festival

Once again the fine folks at PassmoreLab have garnered accolades with their recent S3D work! As you may know already, PassmoreLab recently won Best 3D Feature for IRON DOORS 3D at the 3DFF and also enjoyed PHYSICS OF SURFING winning the Sony / 3D Magazine filmmaking competition.

This time around PassmoreLab has won for their 3D documentary THE EXTREME NATURE OF BATS, which took first place at the Arizona Underground Film Festival.

Steve Glum from PassmoreLab has sent us the exclusive story on this and the press release will not be on the wire until tomorrow!

Here are the details (emphasis is mine):

San Diego, CA (Oct 12, 2010) – San Diego-based 3D Production studio PassmoreLab won first place at the Arizona Underground Film Festival for their just-released documentary “The Extreme Nature of Bats”. The studio took home the top prize in the Documentary Short category.

Shot in Texas, Romania, Belize, Africa and Mexico, the film, which explores the truths, myths and dark legends that have stalked the world’s only flying mammal, closely examines three bat species; the free-tailed bat, the megabat, and the infamous vampire bat. It takes an in-depth look at bats as unique and important animals, but because of fear and misconceptions associated with them throughout history, they are also some of the most misunderstood animals in the world.

The 35-minute documentary short was directed by Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab, and handled all aspects of 3D production out of San Diego.

“I am delighted that the Festival audience embraced this film,” says Passmore. “We went tens of thousands of miles to get these bats, but it is especially humbling that the film was well-received so close to the home of one of our film’s stars – the free-tailed bat. We actually did much of the filming of this particular bat in the Southwest.”

Using RED camera technology, “The Extreme Nature of Bats” took six months to shoot, due largely to the travel required to capture these bats in their natural habitats, in some of the largest bat caves in the world. Production wrapped earlier this year off the coast of Africa, on a primitive island in the Indian Ocean, netting the crew some never-before-seen-footage of bats.

The Annual Arizona Underground Film Festival is for independent filmmakers and is now in its third year, with screenings in both Tucson and Phoenix. It is Arizona's only premier underground cult film festival.

“The film was created for science centers and museums, and is now ready for distribution,” says Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s head of Branding & Distribution. “It’s been an incredible journey and we think audiences will very entertained learning about these amazing creatures.”

PassmoreLab’s “The Extreme Nature of Bats” (www.passmorelab.com/bats) is now available for distribution to Science Centers and Museums.

About PassmoreLab
Passmorelab, the San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production and 2D to 3D content conversion, has the world’s largest library of 3D content available for licensing. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration. State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. Passmorelab’s proprietary technology for 2D to 3D content conversion is known in the industry for quick turnaround times and competitive conversion costs. PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. Additional offices in Russia and the Philippines, www.passmorelab.com, or contact Steve Glum 858.200.5813.

About Arizona Underground Film Festival
The AZ Underground Film Festival is Arizona's only premier underground cult film festival and is non-profit. Their mission is to showcase the work of filmmakers with defiantly independent visions. The founder and festival director is David Pike. http://www.azundergroundfilmfest.com

Keep up the great work guys!!

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Conversion Hits Big Time: First Major Library Being Converted To 3D For $200M!

Some very exciting news in the 2D to 3D conversion business as a major first step has been undertaken toward legacy changeovers in three dimensions. I am not talking about a single project like ALICE IN WONDERLAND, but rather 500 films, TV shows and documentaries will be converted to 3D!

Grizzly Adams is a woodsman during the frontier era who flees into the mountains after he is wrongly accused of murder. While struggling to survive, Adams discovers an orphaned grizzly bear cub whom he takes in and calls Ben. The bear, despite his huge adult size, becomes Adams's closest companion. Adams proves to have an uncanny link to most of the indigenous wildlife of the region, who have no fear of him. In return, he resolves never to harm another animal whenever possible. In the television series, Adams had two human companions, an old trader named Mad Jack the Mountain Man and his mule named "Number Seven", and a native American named Nakoma. Together, they helped various visitors while protecting the wildlife.

Here is the press release (emphasis is mine):
San Diego-based multi-media 3D production studio PassmoreLab announced today that it has signed an agreement with legendary production company Grizzly Adams® Productions has to convert 500 of its feature films, television series, and documentaries to 3D.

According to Charles E. Sellier, CEO of Grizzly Adams Productions, when completed, the estimated seven-year, $200 million project “will create the largest 3D library in the entertainment industry.”

In addition to converting its existing 2D library to 3D, PassmoreLab will convert Grizzly Adams’ new productions to be completed — 18 new feature films and 78 television series episodes — over the seven-year term of the agreement.

Named after its long-running NBC Network TV series The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, Grizzly Adams Productions has been a leading producer of family friendly and faith-based independent movies, documentaries, television specials and series for the past three decades.
David Balsiger, vice-president at Grizzly Adams, notes, “To the best of our knowledge, we’re the first production company to initiate converting a major film library to 3D.”

San Diego-based PassmoreLab is a state of the art multi-media 3D production studio specializing in the conversion of 2D motion pictures into 3D entertainment experiences. The company’s proprietary technology for 2D to 3D video and film conversion is unmatched in the industry, in both turnaround times and conversion costs. Their existing library of 3D content is already considered to be the largest in the world, with hundreds of television shows, films, documentaries, videos and animation titles.

“At the end of the seven-year agreement with PassmoreLab, we project that we will have the largest 3D library available for retail, the most 3D TV programs available for licensing, and, we will have captured major shares of both the family and faith 3D markets,” explains Balsiger. Approximately 20 percent of the Grizzly Adams library is described as faith-based.

According to Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab, his company has arranged funding for the $200 million conversion project and has ramped up capacity to convert up to 100 Grizzly Adams titles per year.

Passmore observes, “Grizzly Adams has completely embraced 3D technology. There are other studios with large libraries, but they face many hurdles to convert even a few titles to 3D. For example, since the industry considers any resulting 3D title as a derivative product, there are contractual restrictions regarding director approvals, talent and music residuals, plus complex financing issues. All of this adds up to a disincentive to convert back list titles into 3D.”

“We own all of our films and television series outright,” explains Balsiger. “Our library is ideal for converting shows and filling the retail pipeline quickly while demand is high and supply is extremely low.”

Passmore adds, “Internationally, there’s every indication that 3D will be the standard from this point forward in movie theaters, on broadcast television, and across all video delivery systems. Our strategy is to be completely ready to take full advantage of that by having a large 3D-ready library available for licensing.”

If there ever was any doubt that 3D is the future of the home video market, those arguments were laid to rest recently when electronics giant, Panasonic, reported that its stock of 3D HDTVs selling at about $3,300 each had completely sold out within days of the products hitting retail outlets.

According to U.K.-based research firm Futuresource Consulting, the portion of U.S. households that will have a 3D television set in four years will rise to 45 percent from four percent this year.

Although box office blockbuster, Avatar, was shot in 3D, converting a 2D film to a 3D film appeals to leading filmmakers. For example, Tim Burton shot the recently released Disney remake of Alice in Wonderland with traditional 2D digital cameras and then converted the footage to 3D.

The masters are already available for the 3D Blu-Ray and VOD versions of The Fabric of Time, Grizzly Adams’ award winning television special about the Shroud of Turin, long believed to be the burial cloth of Christ. This is Grizzly Adams’ first 3D evergreen entry into the faith market which will crossover onto secular retail shelves for Easter sales.

Within the next six weeks, the highly acclaimed feature film, Friends for Life, will be released in 3D. This family friendly movie, complete with wolves and a bad grizzly bear, has received 30 awards for production excellence.

The first new 3D television series for the joint Grizzly Adams-PassmoreLab production pact will be a fifty-two episode series about George Washington, culminating with a feature length theatrical picture.

Among the new 3D feature film projects slated for production over the term of the alliance are two Grizzly Adams family-oriented feature films currently in pre-production: The Super Heroic Life of Edward Hinkleberry; and the newest franchise installment to the Grizzly Adams legend, Grizzly Adams Begins.

Grizzly Adams will oversee all worldwide television broadcast/DVD licensing for the 3D productions. PassmoreLab will take the lead role in theatrical distribution.

I am 100% behind this project!! I grew up watching GRIZZLY ADAMS and to see that whole series converted to 3D will be such a treat. And a new film too! I will be first in line for GRIZZLY ADAMS BEGINS. It is a very unique property they have there - completely family safe to view, a western feel, exciting drama to interest adults, survivalist elements, character development is outstanding and of course nature plays a huge role.
It will definitely be VERY hard to fill the shoes of Grizzly Adams (Dan Haggerty), Mad Jack (Denver Pyle) and Nakoma (Don Shanks) for the new movie - good luck with it guys.

Congratulations to all involved!!

Exclusive: PassmoreLab Completes Principal Photography on New 3D Surfing Film

Jim here. I often admire surfers as doing something that I have always wanted to do but have never tried. I think many of us are in the same boat! What if you could experience what it would be like to surf without getting wet? Enter 3D immersion. PassmoreLab is giving us the exclusive first look at what this project us all about...

Photo: Kyla Langen in Hawaii during production of PHYSICS OF SURFING.

From the release: PassmoreLab, the San Diego-based multi-media 3D production studio, has completed principal photography in the Hawaiian Islands on a new educational 3D surfing film called Physics of Surfing, available to science centers and museums this Spring.

The film, shot on RED cameras in high-definition 3D, and using PassmoreLabʼs proprietary 3D rigs and stereo synthesis conversion, follows two professional female surfers as they surf Hawaii’s North Shore and famous beaches along California’s coast, exploring surfing's influence on modern culture while experiencing Mother Nature’s majestic power in the creation of our ocean’s waves.

PassmoreLab’s passion for science-based adventure content, coupled with the studio’s willingness to travel to far-off destinations to tell nature’s astounding stories, is evident in Physics of Surfing, and is also revealed in the incredible cinematography of their two new forthcoming Digital 3D films – The Extreme Nature of Bats and MicroWorlds – due to be released this spring.

It is Greg Passmore’s penchant for challenging locations and rugged production that sets Physics of Surfing apart from other surfing films. As the newest addition to the rich history of surf cinema, Physics of Surfing showcases magnificent scenery and spectacular surfing action, while illustrating the principles of physics, as well as surfing’s spirit, history and culture.

Photo: Director Greg Passmore shooting 3D during production of Physics of Surfing in Hawaii.

“Locations have their own unique conditions, and we have become very comfortable shooting in demanding environments,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab and director of the film. “To get the completely immersive 3D surfing experience that I was looking for in this film, we had to go where the waves were and then become really inventive to get the shots.”

Pro Surfers Julie Cox and Kyla Langen, the two featured surfers in the film, are both longtime surfing competitors and aficionados. Cox, a talented longboarder who has competed in contests around the globe, consistently places in the top 10 of international events held in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Langen has surfed professionally in over twenty countries and works with the Cousteau Foundation's CELP program as a youth instructor. Both women are also surf coaches.

Photo: A complicated underwater shot as a wave breaks over a surfer during the filming of Physics of Surfing.

Unlike other surfing documentaries, Physics of Surfing is an educational film that uncovers the physical science of ocean waves and the art of surfing. In this captivating presentation, the filmmakers explore how energy moves through water, building and combining its force, traveling thousands of miles over the course of weeks until the ocean floor underneath disrupts the wave’s formation and causes it to pitch up and collapse. The film also investigates the science behind various surfing styles and how surfers instinctively address such notions of gravity and buoyancy while using the energy of motion to ride waves.

Audiences will experience the exhilaration of surfing, while learning how surfers play with nature's purest form of energy and power. They will even see how the modern technology of surfboard design affects a board’s performance on the wave.

Photo: Helicopter hover shot of the Hawaiian pipeline during the filming of Physics of Surfing.

The musical legacy of surfing is also a rich and exciting element of surf culture and Physics of Surfing honors this with a truly inspired soundtrack. Produced by Dusty Watson, it includes tracks from instrumental surf-rock mainstays Slacktone and Southern California's legendary skate-punk band Agent Orange. Since the late 70s, Agent Orange has had an enormous influence on the skate-punk/surf-rock scene and Slacktone are widely regarded as the greatest exponents of the genre. Rounding out the musical lineup is punk supergroup Osaka Popstar - the standard bearers of old-school punk in the 21st century - featuring members of the Ramones, the Misfits, and Black Flag.

PassmoreLab’s Physics of Surfing (http://www.physicsofsurfing.com) is scheduled for release to Science Centers and Museums in April.

About PassmoreLab
PassmoreLab, the “World’s Largest 3D Content Provider”, is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration http://www.passmorelab.com/PL2minTRAILER.mov. State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. For more information, visit www.passmorelab.com.

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Exclusive: EXTREME NATURE OF BATS Science Film Wraps Production!

Jim here. PassmoreLab sent us these exclusive photos and a great update upon their return from wrapping up photography in the Indian Ocean. This is serious work folks. I am impressed with the lengths at which these guys went to obtain the whole story in their latest 3D science film THE EXTREME NATURE OF BATS.

PHOTO: A vampire bat consumes the blood from a cow during production in the remote jungles of Mexico.

The film, which explores the truths, myths and dark legends that have stalked the world’s only flying mammal, closely examines three bat species; the free-tailed bat, the megabat, and the infamous vampire bat.

PassmoreLab’s production team traveled the world to film these bats in their natural habitats in order to tell their remarkable story.

Production began last year in October in a Texas bat cave, where the team filmed a resident population of 12 million Mexican free-tailed bats. From there, the crew traveled to Romania to tackle the myths surrounding bats and Bran Castle (better known as Dracula’s Castle), then backpacked through the jungles of Mexico to film the elusive vampire bat. Finally, after arriving in Africa, the team boarded a boat to a primitive island in the Indian Ocean to film the megabat.

“I took the crew over 42,000 miles to get these bats,” says Passmore. “We were on location in some amazing and amazingly remote places. For instance, the Indian Ocean island was wild, with giant spiders, huge bats, and very difficult terrain. It looked like we had landed in a Jules Verne novel.”

Bats fulfill multiple roles in different parts of the world. For instance, in North America they keep ecosystems in check, yet are symbols of fright; in the Indian Ocean they are a part of the food supply; and in Mexico bats treat animals and humans as a part of their food supply.

Through interpreters and local guides, Passmore began to hear about the legends of his subject matter. “The locals in one remote village in Mexico told us that they can hear the vampire bats making a screaming noise during the nightly cattle hunts.”

To try to capture that on film, the crew had to ditch the jeeps and go in by foot, backpacking for hours to an area where they could film these swarms of vampire bats in the moonlight drinking blood from cattle.
PHOTO: A megabat, clearly awake during the day while roosting in a tree, watches the crew closely.

“It was very still, very quiet, and then all at once…yes, there were screaming noises,” says Passmore. “It was eerie.”

“The Extreme Nature of Bats” is a new, educational 3D science film that chronicles the lives of these unique and interesting animals. Passmore’s objective was to find bat populations in locations where few crews have ever gone before, giving viewers a highly memorable, realistic journey and exposing them to a world they have never seen before.
“I wanted to go deep inside active bat caves and film from the inside out,” says Passmore. “I needed to understand the risks and rewards associated with large bat populations before I could put it onscreen.”

One sequence shows the megabats in the trees and sky, surrounded by the most incredible natural beauty on the edge of an ancient burial ground. And in the middle of all that activity, the local people are catching them in giant nets.

“Apparently, they go well with rice,” continues Passmore. “That just reinforced to me the need to better understand these creatures across cultural contexts,” continues Passmore. “A disease plaguing bats, White Nose Syndrome, is killing off entire bat colonies, and we are unsure why. Hopefully the film can help underscore the importance of these creatures and why we need to protect them.”

PHOTO: The PassmoreLab production crew backpacks across a remote island in the Indian Ocean.

The film now goes into post-production to be ready for rollout to museums and theatres. “We traveled far and wide to tell this story,” says Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s head of Branding & Distribution. “It’s been an incredible expedition and we think audiences worldwide will be thrilled to experience this journey with us.”

PassmoreLab’s “The Extreme Nature of Bats” is scheduled for release to Science Centers and Museums in March, and will be translated into German and Spanish.

About PassmoreLab
PassmoreLab, the “World’s Largest 3D Content Provider”, is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration http://www.passmorelab.com/PL2minTRAILER.mov. State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. For more information, visit www.passmorelab.com.

Be sure to check out this fearless 3D science film. It looks spectacular! And we will learn something important at the same time.

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

MICROWORLDS: The Unseen World Beneath Our Feet In S3D!

Jim here. Here is the world exclusive on PassmoreLab's MICROWORLDS - a stereoscopic 3D look at tiny life that we know is there, but seldom think about. Indeed it can seem quite alien when it is zoomed in! Especially in S3D...

Here is their press release:

PassmoreLab, the San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production and 2D to 3D content conversion, announced today the release of MicroWorlds -- their latest 3D film about the incredibly complex wonders of nature.

MicroWorlds is a live-action 3D educational science film that explores the world of life that goes on, unseen, all around us. From the earthworms in our backyards to the alien beauty of a garden snail, MicroWorlds examines the patterns, cycles, and daily rituals that are repeated on every scale, both in nature and in the lives of all creatures. Examined closely, nature reveals these patterns through the hands of time, the rotation of our planet and the flora and fauna that surround us.

Image: A lady bug pollinates a flower in the 3D film, "Microworlds". Click to zoom.

The film takes an extraordinarily intimate look at these worlds of nature beneath our feet by examining the seemingly invisible domains of four insects -- Earthworms, Ladybugs, Butterflies and Garden Snails -- and tells the amazing stories of the daily routines of these essential creatures and the vital role they play on our planet.

“From the clouds of cream in a coffee cup to the spiral of the galaxies, nature is interconnected,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab, and director of the film. “The film gives viewers a completely immersive 3D experience and a greater appreciation of the symmetry of life and the crucial role different species play in nature.”

Astonishing beautiful and remarkably up close, the film was shot in California with a custom 3D microscopy rig specially designed for the film. High precision stages, state of the art macro lighting and a year of intense shooting yielded never before seen imagery.

“Ladybugs look a little different when they are 30 feet tall on screen and in 3D” smiles Passmore. “The idea was to try to give the audience a completely different perspective of the lives of our four hosts, show them in great detail, and at very, very close range.”

Mixing stereoscopic microscopy, time lapse and some serious bug wrangling, the film shows insects 'up close and personal’. Everything was shot at high def, precisely synchronized and with a broad dynamic range to capture and present a micro-reality to viewers.

Image: A Garden Snail shows his teeth and munches on a leaf in PassmoreLab's 3D film "Microworlds".

“Filming was a challenging and educational experience. In one scene we can very clearly see teeth in a snail’s mouth as it devours a leaf.” Says Passmore. “Seeing a butterfly using its proboscis in a flower is nothing new, but to see it actually draining the contents of a tiny droplet of water from a leaf is quite compelling.”

The film also shows ladybugs going about the business of pollination as well as hunting down their favorite meal – the common aphid. But it also shows much more than just miniature jaws in action. MicroWorlds also shows earthworms, deep in the ground, aerating the soil and actually eating, digesting and excreting the most important natural fertilizer on our planet – worm cast. PassmoreLab also created a complete teacher’s guide full of trivia, games and mind-benders germane to the film. It is a companion piece available for middle-schoolers that want to dig a little deeper into the science of the film after seeing it.

“This movie is uniquely positioned to entertain and educate,” said Steve Glum, Head of Branding and Distribution for PassmoreLab. “We think audiences worldwide – kids and adults -- will be thrilled to see these tiny creatures in 3D.”

2010 will be a busy year for PassmoreLab. The independent studio will also release two additional live-action 3D science and nature-themed productions – ‘The Extreme Nature of Bats’, and ‘Physics of Surfing’ -- as well as rolling out a number of 3D conversions, with the most high-profile title being the 3D conversion of the original 1968 George Romero zombie classic “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” which will see release in the US and Europe starting in March.

Image: A tiny mite hitches a ride on the back of an earthworm in the 3D film "Microworlds".

MicroWorlds will be available in 3D Digital in March. For more on PassmoreLab’s MicroWorlds, please visit www.passmorelab.com/microworlds.

About PassmoreLab
Passmorelab, the “World’s Largest 3D Content Provider”, is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production and 2D to 3D content conversion. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration, click for reel. State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. Passmorelab’s proprietary technology for 2D to 3D video and film conversion is unmatched in the industry, in both turnaround times and conversion costs. PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. For more information, visit www.passmorelab.com.

Looking forward to seeing this!

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Quick Link: ABC News Piece On THE EXTREME NATURE OF BATS

Jim here. Here is a quick link to an ABC News piece featuring the story we had a week ago about PassmoreLab's 3D film THE EXTREME NATURE OF BATS. Should be cool to see the environments in which Greg Passmore and his team had to shoot and the fascinating world bats live in. Check it out.

Look for the movie in March 2010 at IMAX, Science Centers and Museums!

PassmoreLab’s New 3D Film Delves Deep Inside the EXTREME NATURE OF BATS

Jim here. When Greg Passmore, president of San Diego-based 3D Production Studio PassmoreLab recently uttered the words ‘to the bat cave’, he wasn’t referring to atomic batteries to power, turbines to speed, Robin, The Dark Knight or Dracula. But all signs point to his bat cave being every bit as entertaining, creepy and biting.

Passmore was referring to a Texas bat cave where he was filming part of his latest science movie, “The Extreme Nature of Bats”, that has a resident population of 12 million of the little flying fanged mammals. These bats are as important to the surrounding ecosystem – and every single ecosystem in the world for that matter -- as the clean air and water that support them. But as beneficial as they are to nature controlling pests, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, they can often be as deadly. Known carriers of the rabies virus -- which can be fatal to humans and animals -- bats’ dark reputation as nightstalkers is as much fact as it is fiction, and Passmore’s production is traveling the world filming bats in order to tell a balanced truth about them.

Now in production, “The Extreme Nature of Bats” is a new, 35 minute educational science film that will explore the myths and dark legends that have stalked the world's only flying mammal for hundreds of years. Through the wonders of digital 3D technology, audiences will learn that bats are unique and interesting animals; but, because of fear and misconceptions associated with them throughout history, they also are some of the most misunderstood animals in the world.

The film is being shot in various locations around the world and will examine several species of bats, including free-tailed bats, fruit bats, and vampire bats. Texas was chosen as one location because the territory contains some of the largest bat caves in the world, including maternity caves that are winter homes for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats. Other locations are quite exotic, including Africa, chosen for the fruit bat population; Belize, chosen to illustrate ancient Mayan ceremonial practices and primitive bat cave etchings; Romania, to further illuminate the myths surrounding Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle); and the jungles of Mexico, to film the infamous vampire bats.

Only three of the world’s approximate 1,000 bat species are vampire bats that drink the blood of other animals -- and occasionally humans. These rare species are only found in isolated parts of Central and South America. Once a vampire bat locates a host, such as a sleeping mammal, it lands and stealthily approaches it from the ground.

“Vampire bats are highly-evolved hunters. They have specialized thermoreceptors which help them locate areas where its preyʼs blood flows close to the skin. Their front teeth are specialized for cutting and removing skin and their saliva contains an anticoagulant which, when injected, prevents the prey's blood from clotting,” says Greg Passmore. “Often they will return night after night to the same animal, so they simply just have to pull back the scab from previous visits to feed on more blood.”
Passmore’s objective from the start was to take viewers on a highly-memorable, realistic journey and expose them to a world they have never seen before – from deep inside active bat caves filmed from the inside out – giving viewers a realistic understanding of the risks and rewards associated with large bat populations.

“This film is not a tame depiction of bats as cute little cave kittens,” says Passmore. “It’s real -- the good, the bad and the ugly. Millions of bats live in those caves, departing and returning, devouring tons of insects nightly. But they also die there.”

One sequence shows the bats as they die and fall from the roof of the cave into the muck of bat guano below, being quickly consumed by waiting Dermestid beetles and worms.

“That’s not your typical average bat movie fare, and I can attest to the fact that the circle of life inside a bat cave is actually quite bizarre and a little disturbing,” smiles Passmore.

The film will also explore the similarity between humans and bats. Interestingly, bats have the same basic arm and hand bones found in humans and most other mammals. However, the forelimbs of all bats developed as wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of sustained flight.

More than half of America’s bat species are considered in decline or are already listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Wildlife experts agree that ignorance about bats and their habitats has contributed to their demise. It was Passmore’s passion for conservation and edgy story-telling that led to this film.

“I think this is an important film. The world needs to better understand these creatures before they are gone,” continues Passmore. “We are seeing new diseases like White Nose Syndrome that are killing off entire bat colonies, and that is tragic. Our film will hopefully do much for educating people about the importance of these creatures and why we need to protect them.”

There are close to 1,000 species of bats worldwide and they comprise more than one-fifth of all mammals. The film takes a straight-ahead approach to telling the story of the plight and flight of the worlds’ bat population. “The visuals speak for themselves, and I will admit that the storyline can get a little startling at times,” says Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s head of Branding & Distribution. “But sometimes a little shock makes people stop and think, and I believe this film’s relevance fits well with the ever-growing worldwide concern for the planet’s well being.”

PassmoreLab’s “The Extreme Nature of Bats” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ23ZMBcVMg) is scheduled for release to IMAX, Science Centers and Museums in March 2010.

About PassmoreLab
PassmoreLab, the “World’s Largest 3D Content Provider”, is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration http://www.passmorelab.com/PL2minTRAILER.mov. State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment. Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX. PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. For more information, visit www.passmorelab.com.

I am a firm believer in the use of stereoscopic 3D in education. The more synapses we have firing the better and 3D makes it happen! This is one to check out for sure...

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw.