DWA's Katzenberg Developing Another MADAGASCAR, 5 More PANDAS And 2 To 7 More DRAGONS!

I knew that Dreamworks Animation had plans for more iterations in the MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON franchises but rarely do you hear such sweeping predictions as to mention a possible 8 total movies for DRAGON or even 6 movies for PANDA!

Katzenberg tells Empire: "Yeah, there’s probably a fourth (MADAGASCAR) there. Kung Fu Panda actually has 6 chapters to it, and we’ve mapped that out over the years. How To Train Your Dragon is at least three: maybe more, but we know there are a least three chapters to that story. There are actually 8 books."

Obviously the box office has to be there for these predictions to come true. As long as the stories remain top notch and fresh, I am all for it. DWA has come a long way in that regard - so has their technical and creative prowess. Stay tuned!!

Dreamworks Animation Announces HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Sequel For 2013!

Jim here. Dreamworks Animation has announced that the sequel to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON will light up the screens in 2013.

"2010 is off to a strong start, thanks in large part to the performance of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' which – having grossed nearly $375 million to date in worldwide box office – has become DreamWorks Animation's next franchise. We plan to release the sequel theatrically in 2013," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "3D continues to have a tremendous impact on the industry at large and we are now looking forward with great anticipation to bringing 'Shrek Forever After,' the final chapter in our beloved 'Shrek' series and the first in 3D, to audiences across the globe next month."

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON has thus far made $180m domestically and $193m overseas for a total worldwide box office of $373m, and of course the movie was #1 at the box office last weekend.

I knew we were in for a treat with this movie and always thought that it would do KUNG FU PANDA type numbers + the 3D premium. I think the voice acting was bang on and the material perfect for kids AND families of all ages. Keep up the excellent work DWA!!

Rundown of All the S3D Stuff Happening at NAB 2010!

Michael here with a rundown of the S3D stuff happening at NAB in April. The show will be filled with S3D educational sessions and high profile speakers such as Vince Pace, Steve Schklair, Barry Sandrew, Chuck Comisky, Buzz Hays and many more luminaries from all corners of the S3D world.

The Digital Cinema Summit on Saturday and Sunday is entirely dedicated to all aspects of S3D, and on Monday and Tuesday there will be even more sessions, including ones on the makings of Alice in Wonderland, How to Train Your Dragon, and Hubble 3D:

Check out the schedule below:

Digital Cinema Summit - Saturday & Sunday:

Saturday, April 10

Understanding Stereopsis and 3D Image Capture
Saturday, 04/10/2010 8:45am - 9:45am
Room S222

This session will provide a review of how the human visual system perceives depth, and the fundamentals of stereoscopic imaging. In addition, common techniques for live 3D image capture using stereoscopic camera rigs will be explained, including benefits and pitfalls, and a variety of 3D capture tools will be demonstrated. Other topics will include imaging parameters such as the setting of interaxial distance (baseline) and convergence, plus causes of eyestrain in improperly crafted 3D images. Finally, factors such as hyperstereo, divergence and accommodation will be explained and demonstrated.

Speaker(s):

Peter Lude, Senior Technology Executive, Sony Electronics
Steve Schklair, CEO, 3ality Digital Systems LLC.

3D Programming: Lessons Learned
Saturday, 04/10/2010 10:00am - 11:00am
Room S222

Stereoscopic motion imaging is fundamentally different than 2D. To be most effective, the 3D production crew will take a different approach to depth of field, camera positions, zoom moves, intercutting and graphic compositing. In this session, we'll hear from pioneering 3D content producers to learn what factors must be considered in planning high-quality 3D coverage of different program genres.

Moderator(s):

Al Barton, Consultant, Freelance Digital

Panelist(s):

Pierre de Lespinois, Co-Founder, Evergreen Films
Thomas Edwards, VP, Digital Television Testing & Evaluation, FOX

3D Conversion
Saturday, 04/10/2010 11:00am - 12:00pm
Room S222

With the recent announcements of multiple 3DTV channels in U.S., Asia and Europe, will there be enough natively-captured 3D content? Many content producers are investigating if it is feasible to convert existing 2D material to stereoscopic 3D. Others are considering shooting new programs in 2D and then converting to 3D, versus natively-capturing in 3D. Is real-time 3D conversion a viable option or are humans needed to make the creative adjustments to create acceptable 3D images? This panel will discuss various issues related to 3D conversion from the point of view of content producers, distributors and 3D conversion experts.

Moderator(s):

Brad Collar, Vice President, Technology, Warner Bros.

Speaker(s):

Barry Sandrew, Ph.D, Founder and President/COO, Legend3-D, A Legend Films Company
Chris Alexander, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Publicity, Twentieth Century Fox Television
Chris Yewdall, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, DDD USA, Inc.
Warren Littlefield, President, The Littlefield Company

A Case for Quality in Production and Post-Production
Saturday, 04/10/2010 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Room S222

This panel focuses on the creation of high-quality 3D in broadcast, feature film and other production types. Discussion will cover all aspects of production and post-production that relate to the creation of a comfortable stereoscopic viewing experience. It will also include specific areas of the creative side that contribute to the highest quality 3D possible, while minimizing discomfort and eye strain. Demonstrations provided.

Speaker(s):

Buzz Hays, Executive Stereoscopic 3D Producer, 3D Technology Center, Sony Corporation of America

After the Capture: What Other Tools Exist?
Saturday, 04/10/2010 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Room S222

The post-production workflow has to be modified to handle 3-D. What tools exist for editorial, color correction, adjusting depth, placement of overlays/captions/menus? What quality assurance guidelines methods exist for assessing consumer comfort (including children)?

Moderator(s):

Jim Whittlesey, Sr. Vice President, Technology, Deluxe Digital Media

Speaker(s):

Howard Postley, COO/CTO, 3ality Digital Systems LLC
Matthew DeJohn, VP/VFX Producer, In-Three Inc.
Peter Postma, FilmLight
Steve Owen, Director of Worldwide Marketing, Quantel

Stereography and Storytelling
Saturday, 04/10/2010 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Room S222

For many producers, 3D imaging has become an exciting tool to enhance the creative process of story-telling. Given the projects that have been done to date in movies, TV, and games, what can we learn from cinematographers and directors on what really enhances the story-telling and what detracts from the story-telling?

Moderator(s):

Rob Engle, 3-D Visual Effects Supervisor, Sony Pictures Imageworks

Speaker(s):

Chuck Comisky
Eric Kurland, Independent filmmaker/3-D enthusiast, 3-DIY.com

Sunday, April 11

Digital Cinema (including 3D) Roll-out: A Status Report
Sunday, 04/11/2010 8:45am - 9:45am
Room S222

Penetration flattened in 2008/2009 for a variety of reasons. 3D emerged as one of the strongest influencers in continued purchase of digital projectors. This session will assess the expectations and reationale for digital cinema deployment for 2010 and beyond.

(This session recorded for inclusion in the Online Learning Center)

Moderator(s):

Michael Karagosian, Founder, MKPE Consulting LLC

Speaker(s):

Oleg Berezin, Managing Director, Nevafilm JSC
Peter Wilson, Technology Chairman, EDCF, European Digital Cinema Forum

Technical Issues for 3D Digital Cinema
Sunday, 04/11/2010 10:00am - 10:30am
Room S222

While the distribution of the 3-D feature images are standardized, research and experiments continue in the realms of subtitling, windowing, depth ratios, etc. This session will identify what items are suitable for standardized metadata and what their time frames may be for documented standards versus practical field implementations.

(This session recorded for inclusion in the Online Learning Center)

Speaker(s):

Richard Welsh, Director, Digital Cinema Services, Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

Production and Projection Techniques for Immersive Media
Sunday, 04/11/2010 10:30am - 11:00am
Room S222

This talk focuses on new technologies in the areas of multi-view displays and 3-D panorama and explores the possibilities of gaming and cinema growing together in the future. This presentation will provide an overview of research in mini-HD cameras that provide for more complex panoramic 3-D rigs, field recorders able to store more 3-D images, and on-set calibration tools for stereoscopic camera rigs.

Speaker(s):

Siegfried Foessel, Dr. Ing, Frauhofer IIS

3D TV Distribution: Which Platform(s) Will Succeed?
Sunday, 04/11/2010 1:15pm - 2:30pm
Room S222

This is the first of three mini-panels about 3D TV broadcasting and the specific challenges it brings

This first panel will address the options, plans, and strengths for delivery of 3D to the home by terrestrial broadcast, cable, satellite, broadband, and optical media.

Moderator(s):

Patrick Griffis, Senior Director, Technology Strategy, Dolby Laboratories

Speaker(s):

Chris Johns, Chief Engineer, B Sky B
David Broberg, Vice President, Consumer Video Technology, Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
Jim Taylor, Senior VP and Chief Technologist, Sonic Solutions
Mark Richer, President, ATSC, Winner: NAB Engineering Achievement Award - TV
Tony Jasionowski, Senior Group Manager Accessibility, Panasonic Corporation of North America

Can There (Ever) be a Common Worldwide 3D TV Broadcast Standard?
Sunday, 04/11/2010 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Room S222

While cinema delivery is closing in on one standard delivery package this year, challenges abound for other methods of delivery. There are many more challenges in the world of television, where distribution methods and device types are numerous and widely varied.

Moderator(s):

David Wood, Deputy Director, EBU Technical, European Broadcasting Union

Speaker(s):

Ajay Luthra, Vice Chair JVT, Motorola, Inc.
Rick Dean, President, 3-D@Home Consortium
Ted Szypulski, Chair - SMPTE Working Group on 3D Home Master, ESPN, Inc.

Consumer 3D TV Displays: What are the Technical Differences?
Sunday, 04/11/2010 3:15pm - 3:45pm
Room S222

This session will describe the technologies of displays in the market (including legacy CRT), their ability to handle 3D, the various encoding technologies and their applicability to each of the display technologies. This will cover large displays to hand-held.

(This session recorded for inclusion in the Online Learning Center)

Speaker(s):

Peter Putman, Contributing Editor, Pro AV

3D Consumer Experience in the Home: The Interoperability Challenges
Sunday, 04/11/2010 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Room S222

Many "3D-ready" displays were on the floor at CES, and are on their way to stores. What does "3D-ready" mean for the consumer? What efforts are occurring in the Consumer Electronics industry to assure 3D content will play in some 3D form on all 3D-ready displays? What technical or standards barriers need to be overcome to ensure consumer acceptance and the start of significant sales? How will consumers match content, video sources, displays and glasses to get a compelling 3D experience?

This session will answer these questions and more.

(This session recorded for inclusion in the Online Learning Center)

Moderator(s):

Brian Markwalter, VP, Technology and Standards, Consumer Electronics Association

Speaker(s):

Ami Dror, Chief Strategy Officer, XpanD Cinema
Brad Hunt, President, Digital Media Directions, LLC.
Mark Stockfisch, Vice President and CTO, Quantum Data
Steve Venuti, President, HDMI Licensing, LLC

3D 10 Years Hence: 20/20 in 2020?
Sunday, 04/11/2010 4:45pm - 5:30pm
Room S222

What does the time-line look like for the migraion from special purpose glasses to inexpensive (almost disposable) glasses to glassless technologies? What technical or standards barriers need to be overcome to ensure consumer acceptance and the start of significant sales?

Moderator(s):

Hans Hoffmann, Programme Manager EBU Technical, EBU

Speaker(s):

Aljoscha Smolic, Disney Research, Zurich
Dr. Takayuki Ito, Deputy Director-General, NHK Science and Tech Research Lab
Tibor Balogh, CEO/Founder, Holografika Kft

Content Theater - Monday & Tuesday

Monday, April 12

ESPN: Scoring a Field Goal in S3-D Sports
Monday, 04/12/2010 3:00pm - 3:50pm
Room N109

With the wildly successful stereoscopic 3-D telecast of the Ohio State-USC football game, ESPN established itself as the leader in S3D sports production and exhibition. What are the creative and technical lessons that ESPN has learned capturing and distributing sports in S3D? How does S3D impact camera placement, workflows, graphics and the broadcast director and camera operator's job description? Industry pioneer Vince Pace joins ESPN technology and production executives to shine a light on ESPN's latest S3D projects and upcoming initiatives, including the new dedicated network to be launched June 2010.

Speaker(s):
Moderator(s):

Glen Dickson, Senior Editor, Broadcasting & Cable Magazine

Panelist(s):

Anthony Bailey, Vice President, Emerging Technology, ESPN
Vince Pace, CEO, PACE

Speaker(s):

Bob Toms, Vice President, Production Enhancements & Interactive TV, ESPN
Phil Orlins, Coordinating Producer, ESPN 3D & X Games

"Alice in Wonderland": Turning Fantasy into Motion Picture Reality
Monday, 04/12/2010 4:00pm - 4:50pm
Room N109

Journey behind the scenes of the stereoscopic 3D fantasy adventure "Alice in Wonderland," Tim Burton's wildly imaginative twist on Lewis Carroll's classic writings. Get an in-depth picture of the creative, production and postproduction processes, including the design of the film's poetic, hyper-real look and its use of S3D to accentuate the story. Understand the challenges of shooting for synthetic environments and realizing hybrid live action/CG characters of wildly varying heights and proportions. A rare glimpse into the making of one of today's most complex and visually arresting films.
Speaker(s):
Moderator(s):

Carolyn Giardina, Entertainment Industry Journalist, "The Hollywood Reporter," "ICG Magazine"

Panelist(s):

Art Repola, Executive Vice President, Visual Effects and Production, The Walt Disney Company
Corey Turner, Stereographer, Sony Pictures Imageworks
Ken Ralston, Senior Visual Effects Supervisor, Sony Pictures Imageworks
Tom Peitzman, Co-Producer/Visual Effects Producer, Walt Disney Pictures

"How to Train Your Dragon" - A Case Study
Monday, 04/12/2010 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Room N109

A comprehensive and revealing look at how the filmmakers created DreamWorks Animation's beautiful and heartwarming CG animated motion picture.

Speaker(s):
Panelist(s):

Bill Damaschke, Co-President of Production for Feature Animation & President of LiveTheatrical, DreamWorks Animation
Dean DeBlois, Director, “How to Train Your Dragon”, DreamWorks Animation
Gil Zimmerman, Head of Layout, “How to Train Your Dragon”, DreamWorks Animation
Kathy Altieri, Production Designer, “How to Train Your Dragon”, DreamWorks Animation
Robert Holtzman, Nexon America

Tuesday, April 13

"Hubble 3-D": Filmmaking in Outer Space with IMAX Technology Tuesday, 04/13/2010 3:00pm - 3:50pm
Room N109

How did IMAX collaborate with NASA to capture the intergalactic imagery for "Hubble 3-D," the new motion picture about the final mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope? How did director/producer Toni Myers and her crew train the space shuttle Atlantis astronauts to be filmmakers and realize the movie's vision? What was the stereographic 3D capture process and how was the equipment challenged by zero gravity and "daytimes" that lasted only 45 minutes? The "Hubble 3-D" and IMAX teams look at filmmaking in outer space and at the innovations that will power IMAX into the future.

Speaker(s):
Moderator(s):

Perry Hoberman, Research Associate Professor, University of Southern California

Panelist(s):

Brian Bonnick, Executive Vice President of Technology, IMAX Coporation
David Keighley, Executive Vice President, IMAX Corporation
Larry O’Reilly, Executive Vice President of Theater Development, IMAX Corporation
Toni Myers, Director, IMAX Corporation/ “Hubble 3D”

The Twenty-First Century Camera Crew and How it Works
Tuesday, 4/13/2010 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Room N234
Produced in Association with the International Cinematographer's Guild

How do you design a digital camera crew to meet the director's and cinematographer's working style, as well as the production's pipeline needs? How does this lineup vary for a high-end motion picture versus a project destined for HDTV? Why is there a digital imaging technician if the first assistant cameraman/woman knows HD? What are the workflow options for a WYSIWYG production, where what you see is what you get, and how is it different for a project slated for significant digital intermediate color correction? Leading digital filmmakers and crew explain how to configure a twenty-first century camera team and explore the challenges they face capturing, storing and moving digital assets on set.

Andy Romanoff
David Geffner
Jason Clark
Lewis Rothenberg
Steven Poster

Wednesday, April 14

The Business and Technology of Sports Broadcasting: From Mobile Devices to 3-D
Wednesday, 04/14/2010 11:30am - 12:30pm
Room Content Theater

Produced in association with Sports Video Group

Sports broadcasters and leagues played a key part in driving HD adoption. Will the same be true for 3D and mobile video devices? Top executives from networks and leagues discuss how they are gearing up for 3D at home, the business opportunities related to reaching mobile devices like the Apple iPad and phones. What are the challenges both technically and financially? And what do their efforts mean to local stations, cable operators, and digital cinema?

Moderator(s):

Ken Kerschbaumer, Editorial Director, Sports Video Group

Presenter(s):

PETER ANGELL, Director Production, Host Broadcast Services

Panelist(s):

George Hoover, CTO, NEP
Jerry Steinberg, SVP Field Operations, Fox Sports
KEN AAGAARD, EVP of Operations and Production, CBS Sports
Steve Hellmuth, EVP Operations and Technology, NBA Entertainment

I'll hopefully be making it to NAB this year to cover some of this stuff. Everything looks fascinating!

How to Train Your Dragon First Impressions

UPDATE: Paramount and Dreamworks Animation have offered to reshow the film--in its true S3D form--to people who were at my screening.

Michael here. I just got back from a screening of Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon at The Grove in LA, and despite technical issues with the screening I greatly enjoyed the film.

First off, the screening was not in S3D. They handed out Dolby 3D glasses, but there was a mixup and the film was projected only in 2D. I kept waiting for them to fix it, and eventually stepped outside to let the theater employees know. Alas, it turned out that the projectionist thought the film was supposed to be 2D, so no fix was incoming. Funnily enough, at least half of the packed audience kept their glasses on throughout the entire film, apparently not realizing that what they were seeing was not S3D. What this says about general audience education regarding S3D is slightly troubling.

Secondly, the film went black and the sound would cut out for 20 seconds or so a few times throughout the film.

But the movie was charming, funny, and at times possessed a real lyrical beauty. The sequence where the hero, Hiccup, rides his dragon for the first time with his quasi-romantic interest gave me chills--I felt like I was soaring through the skies with them. It's different from the banshee flying sequence from Avatar, but is similarly awe inspiring. The CG is incredible throughout the film, especially the Vikings with their knotted beards and fur lined outfits.

But, most importantly, the movie has a real soul to it. I cared about Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless (which has an awesome design), and wanted the Vikings to see the error of their dragon-fighting ways. I also wanted a dragon of my own. The film is, on a fundamental level, about the relationship between a boy and his amazing, super-special pet. In fact, this type of dragon is legendary in the Viking lore, as it has never been glimpsed. The "taming" sequences between Toothless and Hiccup are a joy to behold, especially for those of us who have owned pets.

The film is probably the darkest of the Dreamworks CG animated films in both the production design and plot: the story revolves around the fact that Vikings and dragons have been killing each other for years. It also shows the consequences of battle; for instance, in a character who is missing an arm and a leg. And the final confrontation is very intense, with lives on the line throughout. The story itself is also mature, dealing with the relationship between Hiccup and his dragon-killing Viking father who wants him to follow in his footsteps, but has only been dissappointed in his son thus far. The story is also a coming of age tale, showing Hiccup's growth as he learns to stand by what he believes is right.

The movie has many funny moments. Thankfully all of the laughs in the film come from the plot and the characters, not cheap gags or pop-culture references.

My only criticism of the film is that what turns out to be the "bad guy" is not given enough explanation. I was hoping to learn more about this creature. But the battle with it does make for a thrilling action sequence.

I missed about 10 minutes of the film while trying to get them to turn on the 3D, but I was so caught up in the story that I watched the rest of the movie in 2D anyway instead of holding out for a pristine viewing experience, just to see what would happen. This, in my opinion, is the mark of a successful film. I look forward to seeing this again (Dreamworks has offered to show it in its true S3D form), this time in gorgeous S3D.

Must Watch: New HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Trailer!

Jim here. It's looking good!! Love this new trailer from Dreamworks Animation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. I can imagine how good the 3D will be in some of those scenes :-)

Have a look!



It has a lot of potential don't you think? I think DWA has delivered the goods! HTTYD opens March 26.

MUST WATCH: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Featurette!

Jim here. Dreamworks Animation is letting us see many of the different types of dragons that will be populating HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in their newly released featurette on "Dragon Training".

Of course this is only a featurette so don't expect top notch graphics as I am sure they are using all their processing power on their feature film!

It is actually quite clever to give us this look now as it was quite confusing to some to see many different types of dragons in the trailers. Interesting to think that there are many breeds! With different strengths and weaknesses!! Watch on...

New HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Poster

Jim here. Got a new HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON poster from Dreamworks Animation. Nothing too earth shattering about it, but the coloring is nice.

It is interesting that we will see different shapes and sizes of dragons in this thing. I love the comedic opportunities this film presents and can't wait to see it!

Trailer #2: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Jim here. Another fascinating look at the HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON world from Dreamworks Animation. Take note of their background work - it is really starting to pay dividends for them. I suspect their characters will evolve into photo real one of these days but for now I say nice job.

Sure, I am a big Pixar fan - but DWA puts out some great stuff too. KUNG FU PANDA was awesome (just missed being 3D too). I think HTTYD will be in the same vein and well worth the look - so have another look see - this time it is Trailer B:



Look for HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in 3D theaters worldwide on March 26, 2010.

New IMAX 3D Poster: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Jim here. The fine individuals at CHUD have secured the first IMAX poster for Dreamworks Animation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. To see the full resolution poster click on through to CHUD...

HTTYD is set to take off March 26, 2010.

Not bad. I have a feeling this will be one of their bigger hits...

MUST WATCH: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Trailer!!

Jim here. Dreamworks Animation has unveiled its first trailer for next year's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and for the most part, ROCKS. Awesome first look at what to expect!

Note that the dragon in the trailer is NOT fully grown :-) Let me know what you think!!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON will hit theaters near you March 26, 2010.

New Poster: Dreamworks Animation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Jim here. Got a new poster for you for Dreamworks Animation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Personally I have been looking forward to this one more than MONSTERS VS. ALIENS simply because the world really should have dragons, you know? It is one of the better fantastical creatures ever invented - right up there with vampires.

Just click on the poster to enlarge.

Not much to say about the poster other than we can certainly see the brand of humor that is going to be used - quite a few physical jokes. I would like to see the dragons in this S3D animation stepped up a bit from our nicely done BEOWULF dragon at the tail end of that movie.
I expect the 3D in HTTYD to be spectacular simply because aerial battles (and submerged battles for that matter) are well suited for the format. Objects hovering at different distances really set off the effect - no comin' at ya's required - although I am sure some will be :-)

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON opens in stereoscopic 3D on March 26th, 2010. From the advance sketches I have seen, I think the imagery and characters will be awesome. Sorry can't post these again - DWA asked me to remove them some time ago. Stay tuned for more info!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Teaser!!

Jim here. Have a quick look at the new HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON teaser before Dreamworks Animation asks me to pull it down. Not much is seen, but it gets the blood pumping a bit :-)

HTTYD is due in theaters March 26, 2010 in glorious 3D and uses the vocal talents of Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson, and America Ferrera.

Based on Cressida Cowell's first novel, this comedy adventure follows a Viking teenager named Hiccup. Knowing that his offbeat sense of humor doesn't satisfy his tribe chief father, he seizes the chance to prove he has what it takes to be a fighter when he is included in Dragon Training. But when he encounters an injured dragon, his world is flipped upside down. What started out as his one shot to prove himself turns into an opportunity to set a new course for the future of the entire tribe.

New Image From Dreamworks Animation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Jim here. Dreamworks Animation has just released a new photo from their upcoming HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and it looks impressive.

HTTYD is an adventure comedy set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell. The story centers around a Viking teenager, who lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. Initiation is coming, and this is his one chance to prove his worthiness to his tribe and father. But when he encounters, and ultimately befriends, an injured dragon, his world is turned upside down.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is slated for release in 3D theaters on March 26th, 2010. Also - check out there official movie site here.

I am really looking forward to this one as dragons are a favorite of mine in the fantasy genre. Loved the final dragon battle scenes in BEOWULF and I am STILL a sucker for DRAGONSLAYER. HTTYD is looking great so far!

How to Train Your Dragon Image

Michael here.  After seeing the wonderful Monsters Vs. Aliens this past Sunday, I can't wait for How to Train Your Dragon, Dreamworks' second 3D film.  The story sounds great and the art design looks fantastic.  Here's the plot description:

Meet Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, heir of the Viking chiefdom, but a boy with one very big problem: a hero he is not. "How to Train Your Dragon' is the riotous story of Hiccup's quest to hunt down the fiercest dragon, bring it into submission, and—hopefully—pass his initiation. Instead, he ends up with the smallest, most ornery dragon—it's even toothless! Thus begins the hijinx of the world's most lovable, unlikely hero and a most reluctant "beast." Packed with energetic drawings and plenty of action, this boisterous tale is just right for fantasy fans or anyone with a spirit of adventure. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell.

How to Train Your Dragon flies into 3D theaters March 26, 2010

source: animatoons via comingsoon.net

Quick Post: Aja's "Piranha 3D" Pushed To 2010

According to Bloody Disgusting, Dimension Films has confirmed my suspicion that Aja's PIRANHA 3D has to be moved due to it's late production start this year.

No surprise there right? WRONG. The date that Dimension has given for the release is March 19, 2010 - only 2 weeks after Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND (March 5). Not only that, but Dreamworks Animation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON opens just a week later (March 26th)!

Obviously there are some serious scheduling conflicts present that will have to be worked out. Hopefully by 2010 there will be enough theaters to hold two 3D movies concurrently, but with HTTYD opening a week later? Impossible, even in the best case scenario.

Let's keep our eyes on who blinks first...

Dreamworks Animation's "How To Train Your Dragon": Potential Animation Style And Character Attire

** SAME DAY UPDATE: The blogger contacted me right away and asked to remove the images and I am complying 'cause I love Dreamworks Animation that much! Sorry if you missed it! I recommend subscribing to ensure you get the posts ASAP...

Jim here. Just came across some images from a blogger (name withheld - don't want to get her in any trouble - tho I don't think this would count) who is working on "How To Train Your Dragon" (HTTYD), a 3D animation from Dreamworks Animation. She is quite talented it seems.

In fact, she took the time to draw and color a couple of her co-workers in what seems to be HTTYD attire (hint - very viking!) - I have seen other concept images of work in progress (here and here) on this particular 3D animation and let me say that it looks awesome. I think it is safe to say that we are getting a taste of what the characters will be wearing and perhaps animation style from these images.

MarketSaw's Project Status:
Release Date - March 26th, 2010
Voices - Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel and Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Director - Peter Hastings
Producer - Bonnie Arnold
Story - Based on the book by Cressida Cowell
Storyline - "Comic adventure is set in a mythical world and centers on a scrawny teenage Viking who must capture and subdue a wild dragon"

Oh and I guess DWA is not going for complete authenticity here as Vikings did NOT wear horned helmets - at best it would give their enemies a suitable grip while slitting throats! Not a good thing during those times I am sure... But, the imagery is awesome of course!

Dreamworks Animation's "How To Train Your Dragon" 3D Cast Revealed...

Variety reports that Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel and Christopher Mintz-Plasse will lend their voices to the much anticipated animation from Dreamworks: "How To Train Your Dragon" 3D.

Peter Hastings is directing and Bonnie Arnold is producing.

"Comic adventure is set in a mythical world and centers on a scrawny teenage Viking who must capture and subdue a wild dragon. Story is based on the book by Cressida Cowell.

Project marks the second film the studio will produce in Ultimate 3-D; the first is "Monsters vs. Aliens." "Dragon" is slated for a domestic release on March 26, 2010."

Check out other exclusive sneak peaks at concept artwork here and here.

Additional "How To Train Your Dragon" Images!

Update: Images removed at the request of Dreamworks Animation. I am complying.

...and as I promised in my last post - here are even more images from one of MarketSaw's trusted sources for "How To Train Your Dragon" 3D: (Click to expand images)
Very, very interesting... What do you guys make of these pics? Awesome stuff huh?

Sneak Peak At "How To Train Your Dragon": Insider Creative Images

Update: Images removed at the request of Dreamworks Animation. I am complying.

Some exciting photos breaking right now! A well known source to MarketSaw sent me these "How To Train Your Dragon" (HTTYD) photos / drawings and said that they are from someone who was actually creating them. HTTYD is a 3D animation from Dreamworks that is pegged for release November 20th, 2009. Awesome insight into the thinking that is going into this huge production and the images show a massive amount of imagination. SPOILERS HERE - You may not want to view these photos. Your call!!! (Click images to expand)

I have more of these images too - enjoy!!! 3D animation at its best...

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Aubrey Blaze Piranha 3D: Production To Begin In January 2008 for a Fall 2009 Release

StereoVision is ramping up their 3D movie production schedule and tops on their list is "Audrey Blaze Piranha" (ABP). ABP is a "creature" movie designed to be in-your-face entertainment with piranhas literally jumping off the screen at you.

StereoVision Entertainment is producing 3D movies designed to occupy the now rapidly expanding network of 3D theaters in between the major studio's tentpole (or major) releases.

The film will start production in Puerto Rico in January 2008 for a fall 2009 release.

Well ABP had better be an early fall release as there is a hard stop with Robert Zemeckis' "A Christmas Carol" scaring up holiday excitement on November 6th, 2009 and Dreamworks Animations release of "How To Train Your Dragon" hitting 3D screens November 20th, 2009. Fox's "Ice Age 3" (July 1st, 2009) should be wrapping up their 3D theater run well before early fall.

To me, piranhas seem like an awesome way to scare the crap out of people - I can envision plenty of ways to keep an audience on their toes throughout the duration of the movie! I just hope that it does not go too overboard with the "coming-at-ya" effects. That whole twist on 3D COULD be overdone and I don't want to see that happen. Directors like James Cameron will NOT be over doing these effects as he relies on his story, character development, overall cinematography and realistic CGI to achieve his goals. Goals that audiences love I might add. Let's hope for artistic creativity and not gimmicks. Ok, now that I have said my piece - good luck with the production Stereo Vision! The timing is perfect.

For a full listing of all 3D movies rumored, planned, in production or in theaters - click here.