Jeffrey Katzenberg Keynote Podcast! (3D Summit)

Michael here.  Jeffrey Katzenberg very passionately and convincingly laid out the case for 3-D in his keynote at the 3D Entertainment Summit.  His analysis of the digital and 3-D screen rollout (he keeps a daily updated tally) bodes very well for the future of 3-D.  Some very interesting numbers and predictions.

Listen to Katzenberg's talk below:

He also treated the audience to an extended scene from Monsters Vs. Aliens (the same that was shown back at ShoWest back in March--check out a detailed description of this footage here.)   The quality of the stereo visuals in this scene was incredible, and was a marked improvement over past 3-D CG animated releases in effectively utilizing 3-D to make the viewer feel like part of the battle.  Needless to say, Monsters vs. Aliens will in many ways be the true debut of "ground up" 3-D animated film, in which the movie is designed for 3-D from script and storyboards all the way to the final sound mix and color timing.

James Cameron and Vince Pace to Speak at 3D Entertainment Summit

Michael here.  James Cameron and Vince Pace are scheduled to headline presentations at the 3D Entertainment Summit, to be held December 1-2 in Los Angeles.

Cameron and Pace join a speaker lineup that includes Jeffrey Katzenberg, Journey 3-D helmer Eric Brevig, Real D CEO Michael Lewis, Fox Sports Television Group CEO David Hill, Sony Pictures Imageworks Senior Producer Buzz Hays, Disney Pictures President of Distribution Chuck Viane, and Paramount President of Distribution Jim Tharp.

That's an impressive lineup!  If anyone can impress upon the attendees the myriad business opportunites to be found in 3-D, it's this group.

The 3-D Entertainment Summit describes itself as: "this year's most crucial educational and networking event for developing business strategies to harness the explosion in 3D entertainment."  

Check out the event website at http://www.3d-summit.com for registration information, schedules, and more.   

Hard Core Dreamworks Vs. Quad Core Intel

Jim here. Today saw the announcement of a very interesting partnership: Intel and Dreamworks Animation! They have come up with a new brand called "InTru 3D" and announced that MONSTERS VS. ALIENS would brandish the logo for the launch next spring.
Here is an excerpt taken from the Reuters story:

Renee James, head of Intel's software and solutions business, told Reuters that Intel's contribution to the 3-D partnership technology came through acquisitions of start-up companies, with more innovations from its stand-alone graphics chip due in 2009, code-named Larrabee.

"The two of us will be working together to generate new computer animation from the ground up," James said.

Already, DreamWorks Animation has announced plans to replace its existing computing hardware with those using Intel microprocessors and other technology for its large computer-animation operations.

"The quality and creativity of where Intel is headed is light years ahead of what we've seen anybody else doing," Katzenberg said.

Looks like some new kick ass 3D graphics hardware is coming our way! These partnerships are exactly what the industry needs to take us from where we are now to the future - 3D in all mediums, television, PCs, gaming, the Internet, smartphones, etc. You have gotta love how darn proactive Katzenberg is with 3D. God love him.

Quick Post: Industry's First 3D Entertainment Summit Announced

Bob Dowling former Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of the Hollywood Reporter and President of the Bob Dowling Group based in Los Angeles and Unicomm, LLC a Connecticut based leading event management company announced today the creation of the 3D Entertainment SummitTM. Focused entirely on 3D film, video gaming and home entertainment markets, 3D Entertainment Summit is the industry's first business event exclusively designed to address both the long and short term business strategies affecting this emerging marketplace. The event is scheduled for December 1-2, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

As an increasing number of new major motion pictures are released in 3D, many of the top studios and prestigious filmmakers have not only embraced this technology but have committed to incorporating 3D as part of their artistic and long-term economic plans.

Jeffery Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer and President of Dreamworks Animation Inc. will be introducing the event and providing opening comments to event attendees.

"The next generation of 3D represents a dazzling new innovation in filmmaking and film going. What our filmmakers are able to create using these new state of the art digital tools is absolutely amazing, "stated Mr. Katzenberg. "To date there have been two great revolutions in movies, from silent film to talkies and from black and white to color. The next revolution arrives in 2009 when movies go from 2D to 3D."

The 3-D Entertainment Summit is an exclusive business event dedicated to the promotion and education of 3D technology, marketing and distribution. It's the one place where individuals and organizations will find out who stands to gain or lose from the success of the 3D entertainment revolution.

"The 3D Entertainment Summit is this year's most crucial educational and networking event for developing business strategies to harness the explosion in 3D entertainment," added Bob Dowling.

The purpose of the summit is two-fold. First attendees from all facets of the industry will come to gain insight, education and a vision of how things will evolve, what strategies they can implore to leverage this opportunity, and how the creation, marketing and distribution supply chain will coalesce to feed 3D demand. Of equal importance, a highly successful Sponsorship program has been created so that pioneering companies who are in the forefront of this technology can continue to gain market awareness and most importantly educate the relevant stakeholders in the entertainment and motion picture theater industry about their products.

"3D entertainment continues to make a fundamental impact in the entertainment industry, from conception to production, from directing to distribution," added John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, LLC a leading event management and production organization. "More than any other technology, 3D is about to change everything."

The 3D Entertainment Summit brings the most prominent filmmakers, studio executives, media, financial analysts, associations and industry stakeholders together in one place at one time, all focused and ready to learn how this technology needs to be part of their long-term business plans.

Highlighting the event will be a sophisticated three track conference program featuring over 20 sessions and over 50 speakers all exclusively focused on 3D and geared to deliver leading insights, market direction and business strategies.

The events unique format will include breakout forums covering strategic business issues in Technology, Content Production / Post Production and Playback and Distribution.

Attendees will learn from the experts in informative sessions covering topics such as:

* 3D Filming-Art or Technology,
* Consumer Demand How much more will they pay?
* Production hurdles What do I need to buy and how much more am I going to spend?
* Winning in the Theater How and what technology will Theater Owners adopt?
* Is 3D a FAD or is it here to stay?
* Technology where do you bet and how do you win?
* Will the Studios lead the pack?
* Blue Ray On Demand, when will 3D hit the home?
* Animation and 3D: Where is the future going and who is leading the pack?
* Will 3D win over Wall Street: Where is the 3D market, and just how big is it?
* 3D & Gaming How professional cinema influences the gaming industry.

To enhance industry interaction the event's organizers have developed a unique showcase area of the event to allow technology and service vendors to meet with industry stakeholders to discuss business issues, demonstrate products and build partnerships. Key sponsors will highlight 3D technology providing brief viewing shorts prior to general sessions.

For more information, please visit the event's website at www.3d-Summit.com

About Bob Dowling and The Bob Dowling Group:
For the last 17 years through 2007, Bob Dowling was editor-in-chief and publisher of The Hollywood Reporter and president of the VNU Business Media Film and Performing Arts Group.

During Dowling's tenure, The Reporter launched numerous new products, including the HollywoodReporter.com Web site, e-mail edition, weekly edition, THR East, Literary Hollywood, Festival de Cannes dailies and the Oscar Screening Guide, as well as many annual events such as the Women in Entertainment Power 100 stand-alone issue and its related breakfast event, the Next Generation ranking of prominent young executives, the Film and TV Music Conference and the reorganized Key Art Awards.

Dowling recently started his own information and consulting firm, the Bob Dowling Group, to serve clients looking to navigate the converging worlds of entertainment and technology, with the 3D Entertainment Summit as a lead project.


Sounds promising! Look for this event to build momentum in the coming months... Here is the contact info:

Contact: Jack Whitton
Executive Director
3D Entertainment Summit
Unicomm, LLC
203-878-2577 ex 102
jwhitton 3d-summit com
www.3d-summit.com

Quick Post: Madagascar 3D and Kung Fu Panda 3D On Their Way!

Jeffrey Katzenberg said Wednesday that we can expect an announcement within the next two months about a stereoscopic 3D sequel to the smash hit KUNG FU PANDA which has amassed an amazing $560 million worldwide this year.

Further, Katzenberg said that we will see at least one more sequel for MADAGASCAR (the original made $530 million worldwide) and of course that movie will also be in 3D as Dreamworks Animation is already on record as commiting all future tentpoles in 3D.

I knew these announcements would be coming but it is nice to see the official statements getting lined up. These movies will own the box office in 3D - those Dreamworks guys are working magic! Can't wait to see Monsters vs. Aliens next spring...

Source: THR

Katzenberg Confirms What MarketSaw Already Knows: George Lucas To Re-release Star Wars I - VI in 3D!

Jim here. Comingsoon.net spoke with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the 22nd and lo and behold the cat is out of the bag from someone who ought to know: George Lucas is re-releasing STAR WARS Episodes I through VI in stereoscopic 3D! Well, we already knew this - since at least April of last year. Furthermore, I have a source within the Lucas camp that has told me that he will not release the franchise in 3D until there are at least 5000 screens to handle the medium. Now is the time to start the conversions because RealD alone has commitments for 5500 3D screens. This is awesome news to the die hard Star Wars fans who will get to see yet another reworking of the franchise.

I've got my feelers out on this one again to get further information about the details surrounding this dealio. Who is doing the conversions? What is the cost to do this - I mean per MINUTE even? Will he take advantage of the reworking to insert more CGI using today's more advanced technologies? Etc.

I would like to see him pump them up a bit from the originals. But that is just me. They will look AWESOME in 3D.

Regal Entertainment Group And Real D: Agreement To Expand 1500 3D Screens

Hang on guys - we are in for a ride! The theaters are starting to come on board!

This is awesome news in light of the recent turmoil over the speed at which 3D conversion agreements were happening. This should pave the way for more agreements shortly in my estimation. C'mon Cinemark and AMC!

The additional 1500 3D screens under the Regal banner will bring Real D's 3D screen total to over 3500 once the Digital Cinema Implementation partnership has been put in place.

Here is some very important industry validation of this HUGE event:

“I believe this partnership between Regal Entertainment Group and RealD marks a defining moment for the greatest transformation in movie-going in 70 years," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "The future of cinema comes to theaters in 2009, when audiences for the first time can enjoy the extraordinary new innovations in 3D filmmaking and exhibition. Prepare to be immersed in the world of movies like never before.”

Chuck Viane, president, Distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, said, “We're thrilled that Regal Entertainment is now working in partnership with RealD to significantly increase the number of 3D venues and bring exciting state-of-the-art 3D experiences to moviegoers in most major markets. Disney has been a pioneer in producing groundbreaking 3D motion pictures, and has an ambitious slate of projects starting with the November release of our newest animated feature, ‘Bolt.’ Moviegoers have enthusiastically demonstrated their preference for quality 3D entertainment, and we join our friends at Regal and RealD in making the theatrical experience as exciting and enjoyable as possible.”

Bruce Snyder, president, Domestic Distribution, Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, stated, “With ‘Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” and James Cameron’s, ‘Avatar’ both being released in the not so distant future in the 3D format, we at Fox clearly believe in the 3D process as the next great thing in the movie-going experience. We are currently deep into the negotiation with DCIP to keep the digitalization of theaters moving forward. And we are thrilled that RealD and Regal have joined together to make 3D viewing a reality on a nationwide basis.”

Now is that AWESOME or what? We now have the theaters in action!! 3D is on the way baby!! Can you tell I am typing a bit faster? :-)

ABOUT Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) is the largest motion picture exhibitor in the world. The Company's theatre circuit, comprising Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Theatres, operates 6,763 screens in 551 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Regal operates theatres in all of the top 33 and 44 of the top 50 U.S. designated market areas. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company's theatre circuit not only provide its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience, but is also an exceptional platform to realize economies of scale in theatre operations. Additional information is available on the Company's Web site at www.REGmovies.com.

About RealD 3D: RealD 3D is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD's next-generation technology, deployed across the world's largest 3D platform in 24 countries, provides a stunningly realistic and immersive experience beyond the usual concepts of 3D cinema. The impact of 3D upon today's moviemaking has been compared to the advent of color film when once there was only black and white. Beyond cinema, RealD 3D is the worldwide inventor of and pioneer in key stereoscopic technologies, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. Organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing, and more use RealD’s mission-critical 3-D visualization technologies. RealD was named to Fast Company’s “Fast 50” list of Most Innovative Companies in 2008. For more information, visit www.reald.com.

Where The Hell Are Regal, Cinemark And AMC? Katzenberg Voicing 3D Concerns

In a recent interview by Variety with Jeff Katzenberg, JK expressed his displeasure with the big three theater chains namely Regal, Cinemark and AMC:

"In the last 30 days, things have not progressed as well as I had hoped, expected and, quite frankly, been committed to, by all the parties involved," Katzenberg said in response to an analyst's question. "It's ongoing as we speak literally now, but in terms of getting the big three (exhibitors: Regal, Cinemark and AMC) on board and actively moving forward, I feel as though things have dragged along, and it's been pretty disappointing."

I understand that budgeting for capital improvements can be tricky at best for these massive organizations, however if commitments have been made - and they have - then why the hell aren't they acting much more fluidly?

The theater chains don't stand to gain much more, if any, revenue from moving to digital projection. HOWEVER - digital projection is required for today's 3D technology (Real D, Dolby) where they can and WILL profit substantially through increased ticket prices; up to 50% more in some cases.

To ease the burden of moving to digital - even if they did not convert to 3D - the studios will pay a "Virtual Print Fee" to the theater chains because the studios save money by not having to print film reels and then distribute the very heavy canisters.

This isn't something that just recently surfaced either. John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theater Owners uncovered the slow moving theaters at NAB 2008 when he said "If the studios want this to happen in time for 2009, the deals have to be struck, and they have to be struck right now". They still haven't responded with the action required!

To be honest, the comments made by Fithian would have held much more water if he hadn't blamed Steven Spielberg for much of this inaction. As I posted earlier - that's ridiculous.

So where are we? Well let's see - we have:

1. The big three animation studios going fully 3D from now on - Pixar, Dreamworks and Disney have all committed to their future movies being 3D.
2. Massive budget 3D movies in production: Avatar for one with a $250m wallet (my projection).
3. Proven audience acceptance of 3D: "Beowulf" and Hannah Montana's concert movie both exceeded expectations. Even with increased ticket prices, the experience reigned supreme.
4. Overwhelming studio and directorial response to 3D: All major studios have 3D projects (see 3D movie list) - in FACT there are over 50 3D projects lined up to 2012 - and count James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, George Lucas, Tim Burton, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Soderbergh, Robert Rodriguez, and even upstart directors like Thomas Jane, as converts.
5. COMMITMENTS to roll out digital screens and 3D conversions over and above the existing ~1000 screens (See 3D theater list).

So, ummm - why the hell are the theater chains dragging their feet? Wake up and butter your toast guys; the time is NOW.

I invite representatives from those theater chains to get in touch with me via the "Contact Me" form below to present their side of things - until then, I am very disappointed as well. It's not just the studio executives you are letting down here guys - its the fans. Word is out.

Hint: Don't Go Toe To Toe With James Cameron's "Avatar"

Just ask Jeffrey Katzenberg: He had to move "Monsters vs. Aliens" to avoid a 3D screening conflict on Memorial Day 2009 with James Cameron's "Avatar". Simple lesson - this is James Cameron and his long awaited comeback to feature movies; accept it and you will be ok. If not, well...

Now we have M. Night Shyamalamadingdong losing the word "Avatar" from his previous title: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" to cancel the confusion that has existed for over a year between the two movies. "The Last Airbender"'s storyline revolves around a young hero who has the ability to manipulate the elements and stop a ruthless nation from destroying the three other nations. But it ain't 3D so I am done with it... :-) I really haven't liked anything from him since "Unbreakable" anyway.

Source: Variety

Dreamworks Animation To House A 3D Studio In Bangalore, India

Dreamworks Animation (DWA) will be locating their third studio in Bangalore, India. Before selecting India, DWA looked at Japan and South Korea but liked the alliance opportunities with Thomson who recently bought controlling interest in Paprikaas Animation Studios of Bangalore. They have about 250 employees currently and are looking to double that to 500 over the next year and a half.

This will be the only DWA studio outside of the US. In fact the only DWA studio outside of the US West Coast.

The decision reflects the growing 3D animation movement and the anticipated demand that is forecast for DWA's forthcoming 3D projects. I can't wait to see the results. While it is sad to see jobs leave North America for overseas, it reflects a stronger balance sheet to use these Asian resources. Kudos to Katzenberg for making this happen - it really should improve the profitability of his upcoming tentpoles.

Source: IndianTelevision.com

3D In The New Hollywood: Mega Executives Meet At Sundance - New Movie Clips!

Update (Jan 10th): Attendees and panelists will be viewing an exclusive first glimpse of Thomas Jane's "The Dark Country" - 3 minutes of glorious 3D. Of course the premiere of U23D is taking place at Sundance as well. More info when I get it!

The big cheese are all getting together in one very large 3D enchilada. Sundance. I first posted on this meeting back on November 22nd, 2007 and promised I would update you with particulars. Well it has expanded and now there is going to be a huge gathering of the three dimensional types at the Festival, Sunday January 20th at 11:30PM at the Prospector Theater.

The panelists include - get this - Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. As I have said before, it doesn't get any better than that. Well, if Peter Jackson were there... Ok, it could be better. But not much!

Some of the other names that are going to be there include: Vince Pace, Jed Weintraub, Steve Schklair, Phil McNally, Catherine Owens and Ray Zone.

There is going to be an AWESOME lineup of 3D movie clips from the various movies in 3D production right now. I am awaiting confirmation before I post these, but wow!

As always, I will update ASAP. The event is ticketed however - may be a completely closed house.

Ice Age 3 Officially in Digital 3D !

20th Century Fox announced that "Ice Age 3" will indeed be made in Digital 3D. After pushing Avatar (James Cameron's 3D epic) back to Christmas 2009, Fox is releasing "Ice Age 3" in 3D on July 1st, 2009 to help fill Avatar's void at the 3D theaters. This is the same date as was originally planned for the 2D release.

Seems kinda back door-ish to me. Have Dreamworks Animation move their 3D sure-to-be-hit "Monsters vs. Aliens" to Easter to avoid "Avatar" and then release their animation tentpole close to Avatar's summer window. Voila. A nice 3D theater reservation system you got there. A side benefit of the assumed production delays over on Avatar.

I would like to hear what Jeff Katzenberg has to say about these recent developments!

Regardless of the controversy surrounding the launch date - I am really looking forward to this 3dpic. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah and Dennis Leary are all back to lend their voices! Another romp in the really retro.

Source: Variety

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Spielberg, Katzenberg & Cameron: 3D Forum in January 2008

Looks like we have more to look forward to in January of the new year than just U2's new 3D movie.

Spielberg, Katzenberg & Cameron (It doesn't get any bigger than that) are hosting a forum for filmmakers about the potential of 3D and further opportunities that exist in January, 2008.

I expect the forum to be full of surprises and potential announcements of rumored and future projects. Pragmatically, there will be discussion about how it is impossible for pirates to camcorder a 3D movie and how that alone will save the industry boatloads of cash. Gaming tie-ins, theater conversion rates, higher ticket prices, etc will be the talk of the table.

I love how the big guys stick together even though there are obviously competitive juices flowing (remember Katzenberg sliding back the release date of Monsters vs. Aliens due to Cameron's insistance of a Memorial Day release of Avatar?). This goes to show you that while business is business, a united front is needed to effect change and change we are definitely seeing. For the better I might add.

I will have updates for you from this forum as I receive them!

Dreamworks: Shrek Goes Fourth in 3D for 2010

Jeffrey Katzenberg yesterday said that the fourth movie in the Shrek franchise will be released in the 2010 slate of movies. May 21st, 2010 to be precise. Previously Mr. Katzenberg had promised that all future tentpoles (major summer releases) of Dreamworks Animation from 2009 and on will be in 3D. Sooooo, through transitivity Mr. Katzenberg announced that the movie "Shrek Goes Fourth" will indeed be in 3D. All of this on the heels of the announcement that "Shrek the Third" raked in $793 million worldwide thus far - and the DVD is not even out yet (slated for Nov. 13th).

Shrek Goes Fourth in 3D!

Monsters vs. Aliens vs. The Easter Bunny?

In a surprise move for Dreamworks Animation, Jeffrey Katzenberg announced today that they are moving the launch of Monsters vs. Aliens back to March 27, 2009 to further widen the gap between the opening nights of it and James Cameron's Avatar. Surprising because it is the first time in DWA's history that they have not launched a major movie in the summer. Both movies are of course in 3D and with only 6000-8000 screens being able to handle the technology in 2009, the pie had better be split up.

"In 2009, summer begins on March 29," stated Katzenberg.

I personally don't blame them. Avatar is going to be huge and it makes no sense to lose screens to that behemoth of a movie. Read more about their showdown here.

Cinema Expo: Digital 3D Will Be Massive!

From Variety.com:

Not a day goes by at Cinema Expo without a Hollywood honcho beating the drum for 3-D. Monday it was an effervescent Jeffrey Katzenberg. Tuesday it was James Cameron. In a taped message building excitement for 2009 Fox release "Avatar," Cameron urged Euro bookers to "be ready with digital projection that is 3-D enabled," so auds can enjoy "the massive spectacle combined with intimate character" that is "Avatar."

...looking for this video on YouTube - no luck yet! Stay tuned.

Avatar vs. Monsters vs. Aliens - 2009 !

Be prepared for battle. Memorial Day weekend, 2009 is desperately wanted by both James Cameron's Avatar (20th Century Fox) and Jeffrey Katzenberg's Monsters vs. Aliens. BOTH are 3D and there will only be 5 to 6 thousand theaters built by then (only 700 today). That is a problem. They both want awesome opening weekend box office takes, and have laid down their gauntlets.


Click the image to enlarge.

There is little doubt both of these films will be spectacular as I have already pointed out in earlier posts (Avatar). But I would wager that Avatar will do better as the effects involve humans and not cartoons. I am staggered by the technology that Cameron is employing in his production.

Recently, production companies have needed to solidify their toehold for a release date as far out as possible as the opening weekend stakes are high (up to 25% of total revenue) - and this is further complicated by the fact that theater owners need to spend an average of $40,000 to upgrade their existing equipment to the new, theater experience savior, 3D Digital.

With many homes now outfitted with their own theaters, many people are simply choosing to stay home as new releases are released quickly to DVD nowadays. Something needs to excite them to come back to the cinema. 3D is it ! Believe me, you will be so enthralled by the new technology that many of you will be watching Avatar over and over again just for the experience.

And - someone is going to make a lot of money selling those 3D glasses. Not those 50 year old blue and red ones, but the new polarized ones (if you have been to an Imax 3D movie, you know what I mean). I am going to want to own my own set and not worry about using a properly cleansed set from a theater. I will buy my own.

If that wasn't enough conflict for ya -- Don't forget Steven Spielberg is releasing Interstellar in the summer of 2009 as well (putting Kip Thorne's theories to work). And then there is that little video game movie coming out... ahh what was it? Oh yeah: GEARS OF WAR. Yes sir, 2009 is going to be a heck of a summer.