3D Entertainment Summit – Day 1: Opening Remarks and Keynote Presentations

Tim here with news from the 4^th Annual 3DEntertainment Summit (9/20/11-9/22/11) where the first day proved to be a great success. Today James Cameron and Vince Pace are featured keynote speakers while Jeffrey Katzenberg will be receiving the 3D Visionary Award. The theme of the conference is “3D is the future now. Don’t get left behind.”

The first day started out with opening remarks from Bob Dowling,Co-Producer and Conference Chairperson of the 3D Entertainment Summit. He thankedthe sponsors of the event, which included Variety, ESPN 3D, RealD, MasterImage, and many others. He pointed out that conversions are getting better and that Lion King 3D is an example, especially with its box office success, and that we have to see the performance of Star Wars and Titanic next year. Also the big directors Spielberg, Scorsese, and Coppola, all have movies coming out soon in 3D.

Next to speak was Charlotte Jones of IHS Screen Digest who had a Keynote/Power Point presentation in 3D. There are 30,000 3D screens globally accounting for 64% of the international box office and 17 million 3DTV’s sets. The total revenue for the entertainment industry is $320 billion, and that encompasses all sorts of forms of media from theatrical movies, television programs, mobile devices,etc. All of which 3D is in the prime position to take a position in each market. North America accounts for 43% of the digital screens worldwide, and 3D is key for the international upgrade to digital. The top 3D territories are China,France, UK, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Spain, and Japan, and China is emerging as a key battleground. Western Europe is leading drive for 3D feature production internationally, and the leading producers are the UK, France, Spain, and there’s also Australia alongside the European giants. Jones says that the international 3D box office is set for a record year. For the split between domestic and international grosses the average split is 67.5%.

There’s an average of 3.1 new 3D releases per month, and that number is increasing steadily. On the technology watch she said that increasing light levels and higher frame rates are what we need to keep our eyes on. The greatest issue with higher frame rates is that not all the digital projectors currently in theaters are capable of showing up to 48 fps.

Jones lead into the 3DTV discussion by mentioning that there are 30 dedicated 3D channels, and France has the highest number, while on the downside Comcast has less than 40 3D movies in its catalog. She claimed that the 2012 Olympics should be a watershed for live 3D broadcast before handing off to Helen Davies (IHS Screen Digest head of video). Davies pointed out that by the end of 2011 65% of US households that are already 3D capable will be 3D ready, with 48% internationally. By 2015 she predicted that 47% of the 137 million 3DTV’s will be passive. Capable means having a 3DTV alone while ready means having the total package of a 3DTV plus a 3D source (like a 3D Blu-ray player or 3D cable/satellite) and of course the 3D glasses.

Davies covered the Blu-ray 3D market, and said that there will be 100 Blu-ray 3D titles by 2011’s year end, which was later upped to 110 by John Revie of Samsung Electronics. Davies informed us that the Blu-ray’s adoption has been slower in the international market than the US, but attributed it to the economy. She talked about gaming devices being the next driving force for 3D in the home, with PCs, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo 3DS. However, the adoption is slower than expected with 3D PC gaming remaining a niche. She said that 3D cellphones are in their early days and are early prototypes with little 3D mobile content. Davies said that Apple needs to join, but “we’re not holding our breath.”

Closing the early presentations John Revie talked about what Samsung is doing to push the envelope. He said, “Life is in 3D. Entertainment should be as well.” 3D is gaining momentum and Samsung has sold 3 million units this year with 88% of consumers rating the 3D picture quality positively.

Samsung has developed new 1 oz. Ultra-Light Weight 3D shutter glasses, which I got to try out at the expo part of the conference. They’re amazing and really make shutter glasses comparable to passive glasses in comfort. Revie also said that by 2012 the active shutter glasses standards would be adapted.

Industry's First S3D Gaming Conference Announced!

Jim here. It was bound to happen and it has: The 3D Entertainment Summit has announced the spin off conference aimed directly at stereoscopic 3D gamers - the 3D Gaming Summit.

The 3D gaming conference will be held April 21-22, 2010 at the Hilton Universal City in Los Angeles.

"It is clear games have driven entertainment for the last many decades. Interactive entertainment is both more challenging and more satisfying. The advent of stereoscopic 3D only amplifies the intensity and immersion in the actual experience," said Bob Dowling, Conference Chair. "When stereoscopic 3D is in the consumer's home through 3D enabled television the game industry will again take a significant leap forward."

For more information about speaking submissions, exhibiting, and sponsor opportunities: www.3dgamingsummit.com or contact: Sharon Pierce, Executive Director at 203-878-2577, x104 or spierce@3d-summit.com

About 3D Entertainment Summit:
The 3D Entertainment Summit is the first industry event focused on the business of 3D. The Summit's purpose is to educate entertainment executives about content, creation, production, and distribution and cover all 3D mediums including film, exhibition, live broadcasting and home entertainment. Attendees learn how 3D relates to business practices by hearing from a dynamic group of leading experts on 3D who provide actionable, non-hyped, real and responsible information. The 2009 Summit assembled an estimated 500+ executives from a cross-section of the Entertainment industry including: Film, Television, Gaming, Content, Creation and Distribution.

Quick Post: 2009 3D Entertainment Summit Details Announced

Michael here.  The first 3D Entertainment Summit was a resounding success, and brought such speakers as James Cameron and Jeffrey Katzenberg among many other notables in the stereoscopic 3D field.

The details for the 2009 Summit have just been released.  See the press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3D Entertainment Summit Announces 2009 Show Dates September 16-17th at Universal City Hilton, Universal City California

Two-Day Conference Will Focus on the Business of 3D

MILFORD, CT, February 2, 2009, -- Unicomm LLC, and Bob Dowling, Former Editor in Chief and Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, announced today the date and location for the second annual 3D Entertainment SummitTM will be September 16-17, 2009 at the Universal City Hilton in Universal City, California.

The 2009 3D Entertainment Summit will accommodate more attendees as it moves to a larger space designated for keynotes and panel discussions, film presentations and larger exhibitor area. In addition, the two-day summit will include a state-of-the-art 3D digital cinema system for special 3D studio sneak previews and full feature presentations.

“The 2008 3D Entertainment Summit was a tremendous success and we are forecasting an increase in attendees for 2009 as the 3D industry continues to grow at a steady pace,” said Bob Dowling. “With a large number of 3D films scheduled for 2009, the first ever 3D commercial that ran this past weekend and an episode of NBC’s ‘Chuck’ slated to run tonight, 3D has truly gone mainstream. When we meet again in September, we’ll review predictions made at last year’s show and discuss new 3D milestones and trend predictions for 2010.”

The 3D Entertainment Summit contains a mix of general sessions and panel sessions presented by a host of industry experts and executives. The highly interactive, discussion-driven environment will allow entertainment professionals to gain practical insight into 3D technology, market size, adoption rates, creative and production strategies, talent and licensing issues gaining a better sense of how 3D relates to their future.

The 2008 show featured more than more than 400 leading members of the 3D industry ecosystem and press from U.S., Canada, France, United Kingdom and Japan, with presenters including keynotes from Jeffrey Katzenberg, Mark Zoradi, Eric Brevig and Charlotte Huggins, David Hill, James Cameron and Vince Pace as well as exclusive studio presentations and rare 3D film sneak previews. The Summit also included more than 30 corporate and media sponsors including RealD, 3ality, Avid, Dolby, Sony, IMAX, PACE, NEC, Virtual Images, Panasonic, Variety and The Los Angeles Times.

For more information about speaking submissions, exhibiting, and sponsor opportunities, visit www.3d-summit.com.

Also be sure to check out MarketSaw's updated list of 2009 3D-related Expos, Shows and Conferences.

Amazing 103 inch Panasonic 3D Plasma HDTV! (3D Summit)

Michael here. Panasonic's 103 inch 1080P 3D plasma is simply incredible, a huge leap in quality over the other 3D HDTV's I have seen.

I got to see it at the 3D Entertainment Summit in a special demonstration room, where an assortment of 3D content, including footage from the Beijing Olympics, was shown in a mini-theater style setting.

The main difference between this 3DTV and others (besides the size) is that this set displays 3D in full 1080P resolution--not the interlaced, half-the-vertical-resolution-at-a-time resolution of many other 3DTV's. Add to this the fact that it is a plasma (much brighter and crisper picture than the 3D DLP televisions), and you've got an incredibly eye popping image. The vibrance, clarity, and depth of the 3D was absolutely as good as any I have seen in a theater, sans IMAX.

Although this 103 inch model will almost certainly be prohibitively expensive for the non-wealthy for many years (and according to the Panasonic rep, it isn't even for sale to the public yet), I think it's very likely we could see a smaller (50 inch range) version for a few thousand within a few years time.

A cool factoid about this TV: James Cameron is using it to edit Avatar.

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 / Vince Pace Keynote Panel Podcast! (3D Summit)

Hi - Michael here with audio of the full keynote discussion between James Cameron, Vince Pace, and 3D Entertainment Conference Chairman Bob Dowling.

I apologize for the audio quality--there was a good amount of speaker reverb and traffic noise in the conference room.  I'll try to get some better recording equipment for next time, too.

Listen below for Cameron and Pace's thoughts on Avatar, the current state of 3-D, and predictions for the future:

Alice in Wonderland Concept Art Shown! (3D-Summit)

Michael here.  During Walt Disney Motion Picture Group President Mark Zoradi's keynote presentation he showed some concept artwork from Alice in Wonderland...and let me tell you, young kids will have nightmares for months after seeing this movie.  Heck, I probably will too.

The design style is dark and gothic, exaggerated and stylized, worlds away from the picture on the left.  The Cheshire Cat, as large as a bear and with crazy eyes and a huge, Joker-like widened smile, looks like he would eat you.  Tweedledum and Tweedledee are enormous, stunted bald giants. Huge, twisted mushrooms cover the landscape.  The Queen of Hearts is scary and has a large head topped with fiery red hair.

We only got a tease of the Mad Hatter, as he is depicted in silhouette from behind while seated at the tea table.  But I'm sure he'll be awesome to behold with Johnny Depp driving his performance.

To give you an idea of how the concept art interprets the Alice characters and world, take a look at this Mario fanart:

Big, thick characters.  Dangerous undertones.  And an oddly real-world underpinning to the art style, despite the craziness.

I can't wait to see more from Alice in Wonderland.  Hopefully we won't have to wait until Avatar for the first trailer, although Avatar would of course be the perfect place to show it.

MarketSaw Exclusive: James Cameron Talks Avatar Trailer!!! (3D-Summit)

UPDATE: I talked to Vince Pace, and he confirmed that the pictures of the reels (including the one on the left) are fake.  He has never heard of them, and he said he'd be in the position to know if something was going around. Also, he seconded Cameron's comment that Monsters Vs. Aliens would likely have the teaser / trailer. Oh, and Vince also said that the 3-D Avatar footage he has seen has completely blown him away in a way he has never been before....and this coming from someone who pretty much invented modern 3-D.  Vince's enthusiasm and hype level for what is coming with Avatar was infectious.  Look for more from Vince and PACE here at MarketSaw soon!

Hey everyone, Michael here.  I just got to the pressroom after briefly speaking to James Cameron after his keynote with Vince Pace here at the 3D Entertainment Summit.

There was no footage of any kind shown during the discussion, but Cameron did shed some light on when we starving fans might get the first, long-awaited glimpse of the sure to be awe-inspiring Avatar.  Here's a summary of what he told me:

1. Cameron has quite a few lengthy scenes from various parts of the film completed, but he said that he simply does not have enough finished material from throughout the film to cut a representative teaser.

2. He has not spoken with Fox much regarding trailer placement, but sees many options over Spring / Summer 2009 in terms of 3-D movies in front of which the trailer could play.

3.  When I mentioned Monsters Vs. Aliens as a possible trailer destination, he said that it was definitely possible we could see the trailer in front of that.

4. He emphasized that people will definitely know the movie is coming, and that he has challenged Fox to market this groundbreaking film in appropriately groundbreaking ways.

5.  When I told him how humongous and fervent the fansbase anticipating this film already is, and how we've been pining for the smallest morsel of information since before he had even chosen Avatar as his next project, he emphasized that whatever we expect it to be, it is sure to be something completely different.

Many thanks to Jim for taking the time to say hello and chat.  I'll have more on his presentation with Vince soon.

Image of James Cameron at 3D Entertainment Summit courtesy of Meant to be Seen

I will be speaking to Vince Pace later today, so look out for that!

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.   

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