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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More interviews to come!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More interviews to come!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the official announcement (emphasis is mine):

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the storyline for the movie:

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

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

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

9 out of 10 Stars.

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

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

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

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

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

Hit the jump to view the clips...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIFE OF PI hits theaters on November 21.

Stunning New Images From Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

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

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

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

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

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Source: Indiewire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the trailer! Enjoy...




LIFE OF PI opens on November 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIFE OF PI opens on November 21.

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

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

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


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

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

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

Source: CriterionCast