PROMETHEUS Setting Box Office Records Already! *AND* Learn About The Awesome Tech Behind The Movie!!

Of course it is going to do well at the box office, you can take that for granted. But just how well will it do? From the first indicators - VERY well. PROMETHEUS has eclipsed AVATAR and HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 in pre-sales at the BFI IMAX theater in London. That means that over 30,000 people have bought advance tickets to the tune of $737,588 from ONE theater.

BFI had booked 18,287 tickets after just one week of sales ($474,687) which set a new high for them in pre-sales, and now the records just keep falling to PROMETHEUS as time rolls along toward its release date.

Here's the storyline for the movie:

Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. 

Can this ONE theater hit $1 million in pre-sales before the release of the movie on June 8th? Sure is nice to think so.

*AND*

PROMETHEUS has over 1400 3D visual effects shots. They used software programs like Autodesk's Maya (3D animation), Pixar's Renderman (ray-traced scenes), Adobe AfterEffects (for well, after effects!) and The Foundry's NUKE (compositing) to name several.

Ten different VFX companies tackled the work, though Moving Picture Company garnered the most. To me, this is very exciting. I have often found various effects houses to have their "brand" all over their work - like in TRANSFORMERS I found ILM to have ample superiority over hard edged robots and buildings while a company like Weta Digital has the finest control over rounded creatures like humans and faces in particular. Combine them and you have one heckuva effects movie. It's exciting to me to see another visual effects house getting the bulk of the work because we may see things we've never seen before! Not that these guys haven't been around for awhile - they have. They've worked and are working on movies like CLASH OF THE TITANS, SKYFALL, SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL, WORLD WAR Z, 47 RONIN, LIFE OF PI, etc. But let's face it, they were chosen as the led effects shops over ILM and Weta and it should look slightly different and exciting. I saw things in TITANS for example that blew my mind! Can't wait!!

Ridley Scott used Red Epic cameras on 3ality Technica Atom rigs. He had four mounted rigs (with the same configurations) and one steadicam for the bulk of the shoot. The consistent configurations of the mounted rigs eased editing a great deal.

The cameras were all connected to 3ality's Stereo Image Processors (SIPs) for the recording of all the data bursting forth from those VERY high resolution cameras. The SIPs also helped maintain speedy transitions when lens needed to be changed or cameras realigned. The technology goes further by offering advice on the fly to the filmmakers on convergence (creating a single image from two different camera image angles converged on the same point in space), interaxial (the distance between the two camera's lenses - like our eyes) settings and any alerts.

These settings are EXTREMELY important for a comfortable viewing experience. The settings must be correct during transitions or it will be quite jarring to the audience. Those SIPs track these configurations and help eliminate any transition issues.

The PROMETHEUS team actually shot far more resolution than what was necessary for the final 2K product. In fact they shot at 5K and 120 frames per second! They used the extra space surrounding the final viewable product to assist in eliminating edge artifacts (as shown in the image).

The idea and thrust behind the PROMETHEUS technology was to get the 3D workflow as close to 2D and from the sound of this fine report that was accomplished. 3ality Technica's tech allows for the same number of 3D setups in a shooting day as 2D. There is no real excuse now in saying that 3D is slower because you are setting up 2 cameras, not 1. There is no longer an excuse that the 3D cameras and rigs are too big - they aren't now!

The new technology here eliminates these things from the equation and gives time back to the filmmaker to be as creative as they can be and not worry about the optics. PROMETHEUS is set to fully enjoy the reaction from audiences worldwide on what they have accomplished.

I fully endorse the write up that Electronic Design did on this. Check it out.

Sources: THR | ElectronicDesign

TWO More Featurettes For PROMETHEUS!!

It isn't going to stop guys! More to tantalize you about the upcoming return to the ALIEN universe by Ridley Scott. We have two more PROMETHEUS featurettes for you, one focusing on 3D and shooting the movie and the second featuring actor Logan Marshall-Green.

I'm going to say that there are spoilers in these because I can't be sure how much you have seen individually at this point and what you haven't seen. If you watch them - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Love the behind the scenes looks with the 3ality Technica rigs and Red Epic cameras in the first featurette. You can tell that the visuals in this movie are going to be probably the best ever captured thus far just based on technology advances alone. We are in for a serious, serious treat here as we are with THE HOBBIT and THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN.

Gotta love this statement heard in the second featurette from Marshall-Green: "There's gonna be a lot of expectations... We're going to meet all those expectations." Wow. Powerful statement indeed. I'm getting a Tom hardy vibe from Marshall-Green a bit, are you?

Here's the movie's storyline:
Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

Check out all of our coverage of PROMETHEUS right here. The movie opens on June 8.

Watch: Cool Behind The Scenes Clips From PIRANHA 3DD Featuring The Hoff And Gary Busey!

Behind the scenes!! Love these. Check out these two B roll clips from PIRANHA 3DD featuring David Hasselhoff and Gary Busey.

Look at those wonderful RED cameras in 3D configuration! Things of beauty...

Here's the movie's storyline:
Having awoken from their spring break extravaganza at Lake Victoria, the swarm heads upstream where they look to make a meal out of Big Wet, a local water park where when it comes to fun, nobody does it wetter! Though they came to get wet, get loaded and get some, the staff and patrons get more than they bargained for when they must face the fiercest, most bloodthirsty piranhas yet. Lead by the strong-willed, studious Maddy and her friends, Barry and Kyle, the trio must dive in and take on these man-eating creatures using every ounce of their being…but can they be stopped? Shot in 3-D and feauturing Esquire Magazine’s “2011 Sexiest Woman Alive,” Katrina Bowden and the return of Christopher Lloyd, Paul Scheer and Ving Rhames alongside fresh bait Gary Busey and David Hasselhoff, the film that took an $80 Million bite out of the box office is back for more…only this time it has double the terror and double the D! 



Look for PIRANHA 3DD on June 1. 

via /Film

3D Geek Alert: RED Has A Laser 3D Projector Coming - For Both Theater AND The Home!

Yes, those same crazy guys who have released the 5K Red Epics now have RED Laser Projectors on their roadmap! Now that means it is still might be quite some time from having them ship (Jannard says "sooner rather than later"), but still - judging by the comments that Jim Jannard posted on his RedUser forums - we will be in for a treat when they do hit the market.

I will go on to describe what I know about laser tech later on in the post, but to whet your appetities, here are the quotes:

Stephen Pizzo- Co-Founder of Element Technica and now partner of 3ality Technica: "After watching a demo of RED's laser projector I've been struggling to find a way to describe it. Comparing it to traditional professional systems is completely inadequate. I have never witnessed 3D that was as bright or brighter as the best 2D projections until now. It generated the best color, best dynamic range and best images I have ever seen in 3D or even 2D. When I learned we were watching at 1/4 of its total resolution I was speechless. It was so clean and so vibrant the only thing I can compare it to is Cibachrome. That's it, a giant moving Cibachrome!"

Mark L. Pederson- OffHollywood: "Aldey & I got treated to a sneak peak yesterday and we could not stop watching. You have to see it to believe it. I have NEVER seen better projection - from any projector - at any price point. I can't stop thinking about it. It was beyond stunning."

And Jannard went further to say: "We have a very narrow target.... shoot 5K, post to 4K, deliver with REDray and display with the new RED projector, 2D and 3D. Easy stuff to understand."

Moreover it is as I suspected - these projectors will be PASSIVE. So I am assuming the polarization is being done at the light source. Laser's are perfect for doing that. Laser TVs will use a similar approach to 3D. No heavy glasses any more at home and you can rest assured you will have a full HD experience at a minimum.

Further, when images are projected with conventional systems they also project the color black which actually does not turn out as such of course, more like a dark grey. With this new type of scanning laser system, the blacks ARE black because there is simply no color at all sent to the screen! And to the best of my knowledge there are no lenses in these systems whatsoever so no degradation of the image and amazing contrast.

And finally, a true solution to not projecting 3D bright enough. We can all assume that the pricepoint will be significantly lower than the competition I would wager - especially since we are talking about a home theater version too. Man I hope this all comes to fruition - AND SOON! More when I get it.

To check out all of our 3D Laser technology stories, click here.

Thanks for the heads up Mark!!

James Cameron Buys FIFTY (50) RED Epics!!

Wow. Nice round number! Wish I had ONE of them :-) Jim Jannard has announced over on his REDUser boards that James Cameron has bought 50 RED Epic-M Cameras.

Sooooo... the obvious question is: Are they for AVATAR 2? We'll find out soon enough. It is interesting though because of the recent Cameron-Pace Group announcement of working closely with ARRI. Of course, there is no reason why they have to stop with only the European camera company though. The RED Epics have been getting rave reviews lately over in Peter Jackson's HOBBIT camp.

It was only a matter of time though. The RED Epics are taking the world by storm with their 5K and 3D friendly capabilities (THE HOBBIT, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, PROMETHEUS, CONTAGION to name a few) and their small form factor. This is exceptionally good news for the competitive camera landscape and shows you the power of what is (somewhat) available for independent filmmakers too.

Source: RedUser

Thanks for the heads up Mark!

Good News: SILENT HILL's Original Cast Returning For Sequel! New Production Photo...

Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell and Deborah Kara Unger will be returning to the SILENT HILL movie franchise! David Films and super producer Don Carmody have announced that SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D (which is shooting right now) will enjoy the return of these actors along with new additions Adelaide Clemens and Kit Harington.

The RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE production team will also be behind SH:R3D - so yes, that means native 3D! This time though, they are using Red cameras in 3D configuration rather than the Fusion 3D system.

Here is the official press release (emphasis is mine):
Davis Films producer Samuel Hadida and Don Carmody announced today that the stars of Silent Hill, Radha Mitchell (The Crazies, Surrogates), Sean Bean (HBO’s upcoming series Game of Thrones, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Lord of the Rings), and Deborah Kara Unger (Shake Hands with the Devil, 88 Minutes) will return to join Adelaide Clemens (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Vampire, Camilla Dickinson, Wasted on the Young, Mad Max: Fury Road) and Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) on Silent Hill: Revelation 3D.

Filming in Toronto, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is based on a screenplay by director Michael Bassett (Solomon Kane, Deathwatch), who is joined by cinematographer Maxime Alexandre (The Crazies, Mirrors, The Hills Have Eyes), production designer Alicia Keywan (The Haunting in Connecticut, Messengers,), costume designer Wendy Partridge (Silent Hill, Hellboy, Underworld) and edited by Michele Conroy (Vincenzo Natali’s Splice).

International sales are being handled by Lionsgate.

Bassett said: “It wouldn’t be the same without some of the original Silent Hill cast. Sean, Radha and Deborah’s return will certainly thrill fans of the franchise and compliment Revelations stars Adelaide and Kit.”

Alexandre added: “With the most advanced technology available, in particular the lighter, smaller and more flexible 3D Red Epic, we are able to take audiences deeper in the world of Silent Hill than they ever dreamed possible. Devotees will finally be able to enter this realm along side of Heather, Vincent, Harry and Rose and experience the psychological horror and the fear of the unknown with them.”

Hadida and Carmody most recently produced Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D starring Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, and Wentworth Miller. Past collaborations include Resident Evil: Apocalypse and the earlier Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is based on the acclaimed survival horror videogame franchise by KONAMI and is the sequel to Hadida and Carmody’s earlier Silent Hill directed by Christophe Gans.

For years, Heather Mason (Clemens) and her father have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by terrifying nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she’s not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her in Silent Hill forever.

Should be interesting to see how they mesh the old with the new characters! Can't wait for this one.

More EPIC News! Red Epic Cameras To Be Used For Ridley Scott's ALIEN Prequels!

Wow. The RED EPIC digital camera has come a long way in the past couple of months! How is this for a lineup of blockbuster movies that will be utilizing the camera:

- THE HOBBIT - Peter Jackson
- SPIDER-MAN - Marc Webb

And now...
- ALIEN PREQUELS - Ridley Scott!

According to Jim Jannard, founder of RED, this is what cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (ON STRANGER TIDES, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, EAGLE EYE, CRIMSON TIDE) said recently: "In my opinion, the new Red Epic camera is about to revolutionize all spectrums of the film industry. I am going to use Epics in my new project directed by Ridley Scott. I am amazed with the quality of the image and the fact that you can shoot 5k at 120fps without compromising resolution, and most of all the size of the camera. Combined with the Element Technica Atom 3d rig, we will be able to shoot a 3d movie with the flexibility of a conventional cinema camera. I don't see anything that comes close to it at the moment. I can't even imagine the potential Epic will have on the big blockbuster industry as well as independent cinema."

That, my friends, is a resounding endorsement! We are seeing another mini revolution taking place here within the 3D industry - RED EPICS!! More when I get it... Thanks Mark!

CONFIRMED! As We Suspected SPIDER-MAN Is Being Shot In 3D With RED EPICS!

YES!! First Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT and now Marc Webb's SPIDER-MAN reboot! Jim Jannard (founder of RED) confirmed the rumor that we posted yesterday from SPIDER-MAN's cinematographer's John Schwartzman that the webslinger will be swinging in front of RED EPICs!!

Further 3ality Digital 3D rigs will be used on SPIDER-MAN as well!

Said Jim Jannard: "About all I can acknowledge is that Spider-man is being shot on EPICs in 3D. The rumors were correct." Later he commented on the breadth of Schwartzman's options for cameras (including the ARRI Alexa): "John tested EVERY camera before making his selection..."

Here is what Schwartzman had to say on the reduser boards afterwards: "Today was Epic, Monday December 6 marks the first day the Red Epic camera was used to shoot a major studio motion picture. I can say for certainty the camera does exist and boy is it ready for primetime, as a matter of fact it's a true game changer. We shot in 3D with 4 Epics mounted on 2 3ality TS-5 rigs today, we did 22 set ups, including running high speed and the images look stunning! I do believe the sensor is iso 800 minus 1 stop for the mirror in daylight and iso 640 in tungsten light but that is really for every dp to determine for themselves, Brook Willard and I figured 640 tungsten but that's just a number. For the first time in digital cinematography, small size doesn't come with a resolution penalty, as a matter of fact there isn't a higher resolution camera available other than IMAX, and this one weighs 5lbs with an ultra prime on it, suddenly 3D isn't a 100lb beast! We had the cameras on dollies and a libra head today and we flew the 3D rig like it was an Arri 435. You guys told me you could do it in September and here we are today, Congratulations.

I am lighting by eye except that I've had to re-train myself to work at lower light levels because the camera is so sensitive. The images we made today were stunning, rich beautiful color and the resolution of a vistavision camera all in a package the size of a Hasselblad 501. We are shooting 2.40 at 5K, there wasn't a hiccup from the cameras all day, the data was flawless, and there was a lot of it. I can tell you without these cameras it would be impossible to move a 3D rig in the ways that THIS story demands, if Jim and the crew hadn't made these cameras available to us I don't think we could have shot this movie the way our director envisioned it in 3D. Guys you've trusted me to take these out on their maiden voyage and I can tell you that after today I won't let you down. I will have the members of my team, most of whom are familiar to the REDUSER site post about things about sub-menu's and stuff my camera assistants won't let me touch. I would like to thank Nate, Brook, Michael, and Deanan as well as my regular camera crew for an unbelievable first day, and Brook thanks for the Tiff's they look amazing!

Mazel Tov RED!

How's THAT for a ringing endorsement guys? We are truly at a crossroads here folks. These EPIC cameras are within the reach of many cinematographers out there financially and from the mouth of a lion: "a true game changer".

Now that we will have Hobbits and Peter Parker gracing S3D screens courtesy of RED - what's next? :-)

Special congratulations to 3ality Digital for their 3D rig selection for SPIDER-MAN! Couldn't be in better hands.

Image via Sanjin Jukic
3ality Digital is a sponsor of MarketSaw

3D Geek Alert: Photo Of A Working RED EPIC 3D RIG!!

WOW. Look at how small and maneuverable the new RED EPIC 3D set up from Element Technica is! It weighs in at just about 45 lbs and could be even less if you use EPIC-X batteries instead of the dual RED brick batteries.

If you are familiar with 3D cameras, then you know one of the major challenges is to get around the bulkiness and have flexibility to use the same camera setup for many more shots. With mirror rigs such as this one, weight comes into play a great deal. Mirror rigs are excellent for closeups because you have complete flexibility with your interocular distance settings (distance between lenses). However an issue with beam splitters is about a stop loss in light. With the EPIC however, you have high ISO to make up that difference! Looks like the best of all worlds - and looks stunning.

Of course there is also a fine alternative 3D rig for the EPIC from 3ality Digital.

You are seeing the new RED shoulder mount and handles as well.

Capabilites? How about two Epic cameras with 5K resolution for each eye!

Order a couple of EPICs if you want to stay ahead of the pack...

RED Day: February 13 In LA - EPIC and Scarlet Cameras To Be Unveiled!

Jim here. You wanted more RED cameras? You got 'em.

Jim Jannard's RED company will be launching Red Day to unveil the new EPIC and Scarlet cameras to the world! It is to take place on February 13 in Los Angeles. New accessories will also be on hand. I will have more details up asap.

They will also be showing off content shot from the new Mysterium-X sensor in the RED ONE 4K camera (already available) and screened with the new Sony 4K projector - all native resolution.

The EPIC (5K to 28K) and Scarlet (3K to 6K @ 120fps - 150fps burst) have been delayed somewhat (they were expected in 2009) but are HIGHLY anticipated. Why? Low resolution to dollar cost. They also use a modular system that is supposedly flexible enough to allow multiple configurations for different shooting environments - INCLUDING Stereoscopic 3D. :-) They inherit the affordability that is practically a mission statement for the RED company. Nothing like affordable, yet well made cameras to kick start the S3D revolution.

I have been waiting for this for some time now! RED is really pushing the whole digital cinematography industry forward - look at that top end resolution of 28K! It will be a while until theater projectors can handle so much information, but we will see it someday. The more important thing to me is the 3D configuration that will now be available.

I am impressed with the list of movies that have been made with RED cameras since I started watching them! They now count: THE LOVELY BONES, DISTRICT 9, GAMER, THE INFORMANT!, THE BOOK OF ELI, KNOWING, MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D, JUMPER, CHE, BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, ANTI-CHRIST, ANGELS & DEMONS and TV shows such as ER and SOUTHLAND.

Their tech is proven and affordable. Makes me want to jump in too. Hmmmm... Is it time to unleash my projects under development?

HD EXPO Wrap Up:

Got a great update via Toolfarm from Michele Yamazaki on the HD EXPO and how things wrapped up Wednesday of this week in Burbank:

"Wednesday's panels featured an acquisition to post workflow with RED, featuring Ted Schilowitz and a cadre of cinematographers, producers and post experts, and featuring never-seen-before footage. Also on Wednesday, American Cinema Editors presented "See What's Coming - Meet the Editors of The Hottest New and Upcoming Releases," a panel discussion featuring top editors Paul Hirsch, ACE, Nancy Richardson, ACE, Terilyn Shropshire, ACE, and Myron Kerstein, moderated by Carolyn Giardina. On Thursday, HD EXPO launched the Second Annual 3D Day, a highly anticipated series of screenings and expert discussions about 3D. The panels took a hard look at 3D in its current state but kept an eye towards the future, as the technology barrels into the workflow and into the public consciousness. Industry leader Vince Pace ("Avatar," "Journey to the Center of the Earth," "U2 3D"), led two panels focusing on 3D. "Myth Busting 3D: Stop the Myths. Hear the Truth.", which featured director Eric Brevig, ("Journey to the Center of the Earth"), Doug Merrifield, ("Hannah Montana"), Glen McPherson, ASC, ("Final Destination 4"), Phil Orlins, (ESPN), and Eric Torres ("Final Destination 4"), explored and explained the facts and in some cases the fiction of 3D production. Pace also took the audience through a first hand -discussion of the exciting and challenging deployment of Sports in 3D. 3D screenings accompanied the panels. Peter Anderson, ASC was joined by Doug Bankston from American Cinematographer in a One-on-One conversation exploring Anderson's extensive 3D experience including "U2 3D," and a number of groundbreaking 3D public space projects."

Man I wish I had been able to attend this year's event! Next time!! (Guess I shouldn't jinx it with the Terrence Howard / War Machine hex! - Bring back Terrence Marvel! - Nothing against Cheadle though... ok enough already!)

Red To Release the Scarlet "Pocket Professional" Camera!

WHOA! I am still reeling from Red being able to use their Red One cameras in 3D configuration, but now comes word from their corporate forums that they are coming out with a "Pocket Professional" camera code named Scarlet!

Red's CEO, Jim Jannard posted on their forums this nugget:

The name is... - Reduser.net via kwout

What does this mean? Well if it is as industry redefining as their Red One Camera (4K resolution at 60 frames per second @ less than $18k), then perhaps more common folk can walk around with a Red camera on their person grabbing unheard of portable HD everywhere! I can't imagine right now what kind of resolution it will have, but I have got some feelings developing... Hope they are accurate! (Ok I can - 2K resolution, but its a guess!)

You have gotta love how Red has captured the imaginations of many people and it seems as though they are just beginning! It reminds me of the earlier iterations of Apple's iPod and how they eventually just took everything over. Red may very have the video capture equivalent of the iPod here in our midst.

Can't wait to see the final product of the various RED projects going on right now from Steven Soderburgh.

Link: www.red.com

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