The Next FRIDAY THE 13TH Will Be 3D!

Yes! Finally we will have a modern 3D FRIDAY THE 13TH and I can't wait to see big ol' Jason in three dimensions! The thing is, it really is no holds barred with horror in 3D. You can do anything you want and get away with it so I'm expecting some jarring moments of things flying out to hit the audience, but also scenes drawing us into the screen as well. Not headaches mind you - just awesome creative stuff. Hopefully it's all done in native 3D too - I'll update you on that when I can.

Apparently David Bruckner (VHS, THE SIGNAL) has been tapped to direct the movie - awaiting confirmation.

Of course there was a 3D release in the franchise back in the early '80's shot in the same format as JAWS 3D (Arrivision over/under - thanks for heads up Mike). Looking forward to seeing it made with modern tech!

FRIDAY THE 13TH 3D will slice into theaters November 13, 2015 - which, of course, is a Friday :-)

Fancy Yourself A Writer? Like GI Joe? Then Check This Out !

If you haven't heard about Kindle Worlds yet and you're a writer, it's time you did.

Here's how it works: Kindle Worlds is a publication submission platform where you choose a licensed World, read the Content Guidelines for that World, write your story, upload that story, create a cover using free images or your own image, and accept a publishing contract with Amazon Publishing. It’s simple and it’s fast. Every Kindle Worlds story will be featured on Amazon.com and Kindle devices and apps.

But here's the kicker: Amazon just came to an agreement with Hasbro for the G.I. Joe universe!

Amazon and Hasbro shaking hands on this allows writers to publish their own fiction and earn royalties using established characters such as Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander and Zartan.

Amazon is throwing serious licensing fees at intellectual property owners to allow this to take place. GI Joe? Veronica Mars? Harbinger? Gossip Girl? The Vampire Diaries? Ravenswood? Something for almost everyone.

I'm most interested in G.I. Joe myself. Might even give it a go! I love the Snake Eyes character. I'd have to get deeper into the lore but I really enjoy the movies, especially the last one (G.I. JOE: RETALIATION) in 3D.

AVATAR Sequels Slated For 2016, 2017 And 2018! Cameron Enlists New Writers!! *BUT* Are They Really All Sequels??

...And then there was four! Of course there has been hints and conjecture about having 3 sequels before and now that's been confirmed with James Cameron's AVATAR sequels 2, 3 and 4 being officially announced by Fox -AND- we also have the slated release dates for said movies: December 2016, December 2017 and December 2018 (yes, blockbuster 2015 actually took a step backwards today!).

BUT will they all be sequels? Part of the "hints" that have been dropped have included James Cameron himself back in September of last year when he said: "Because when we drop in, even in the first film in AVATAR 1, as it will be known in the future, we’re dropping into a process that’s 35 years into a whole colonization. That will complete an arc and if that leads into more, we’ll start - not imitating STAR WARS, but it’s a logical thing to do because we’ll have completed the thematic arc by the end of (AVATAR 3). The only thing left to do is go back to see what it was like on those first expeditions and create some new characters that then become legacy characters in later films. It’s a plan."

"I have an idea for a fourth. I haven’t really put pen to paper on it, but basically it goes back to the early expeditions of Pandora, and kind of what went wrong with the humans and the Na’vi and what that was like to be an explorer and living in that world."

So as a fan of the AVATAR universe, don't always believe what is being reported without digging a bit further. This is still conjecture but I have my sources on it. I'll let you know when I find out.

All three massive movies will be shot at the same time alluding to a massive budget green light from the studio. It seems like a no-brainer after the original is the reigning king of the box time office at almost $2.8 billion, but make no mistake - it takes guts to pull a trigger this size.

But the chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos of Fox voiced nothing but confidence: "We at the studio have no higher priority, and can feel no greater joy, than enabling Jim to continue and expand his vision of the world of Avatar. The growing breadth and scale of Jim Cameron’s plans for his magnificent fantasy worlds continue to amaze us all."

"The growing breadth and scale of Jim Cameron’s plans for his magnificent fantasy worlds continue to amaze us all." That warrants repeating!

To emphasize the increased scope of the franchise and the workload that must be completed before production begins next year, Cameron has hired some writers to assist in the undertaking, and the countdown IS ON.

Writers Josh Friedman (WAR OF THE WORLDS), Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) and Shane Salerno (SAVAGES) have all been tapped by the maestro of it all, Cameron.

Says Cameron: "Building upon the world we created with Avatar has been a rare and incredibly rewarding experience. In writing the new films, I’ve come to realize that Avatar’s world, story and characters have become even richer than I anticipated, and it became apparent that two films would not be enough to capture everything I wanted to put on screen. And to help me continue to expand this universe, I’m pleased to bring aboard Amanda, Rick, Shane and Josh — all writers I’ve long admired –­ to join me in completing the films screenplays."

So where does this leave us? It's interesting and still very much speculative. Will there be a prequel as Cameron has said in the recent past. Are the writers all working on the movies or are they branching off to help build the universe further - case in point, the AVATAR novel that Cameron was said to be working on. I could go on, but the only real answers here is the commitment to dates, the number of movies and the budget green-light on these projects which could and probably will top $1 billion to get made.

Stay tuned for more info. I've got my ears to the same ground that dropped us huge bits of info for the original! Can't wait to hear more...

Sources: THR | Deadline

Jon M Chu Will Helm G.I. JOE 3!

I happen to be a fan of Jon M. Chu's work so I'm so glad he has be attached to follow up his great directorial effort with G.I. JOE: RETALIATION ($350m worldwide box office). He has an amazing eye for action and blending meaning with said action. Great choice.

G.I. Joe 3 will be a better movie because of Chu. Further we know that the franchise will continue with 3D and look to expand upon it! Think of those actions scenes shot with 3D in mind from the get-go.

More info when I get it! Snake Eyes rules. That is all.

Source: Deadline

YES!!! Middle-earth Fans Rejoice - Peter Jackson Announces A Third HOBBIT Movie! UPDATE: Confirmed 3D!!

What a beautiful day today made complete with the knowledge that Peter Jackson and his team have succeeded in presenting a compelling third movie in THE HOBBIT series of films to the studios!

Yes, Jackson has officially announced the news via his Facebook page and THE HOBBIT is now a trilogy to compliment THE LORD OF THE RINGS (LOTR) threesome. 

Jackson and his team will be using the appendices that were part of Tolkien's THE RETURN OF THE KING and there's plenty of action to be explored to lead us elegantly to THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. Namely (from the pen of Jackson himself), "the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Wizard Gandalf, the Dwarves of Erebor, the rise of the Necromancer, and the Battle of Dol Guldur." And I know there are AMPLE stories of Aragorn here! The tales of Strider (as he was known to the Hobbits) as he fights with his Rangers of the North, the Dunedain, against the dark forces. The Tolkien books further mention that Aragorn had watched over the the Shire borderlands, so we are bound to see his character develop leading into LOTR, I'm hoping. REALLY hoping.

Jackson did not mention that it will be 3D and shot in 48 frames per second, but clearly to maintain the consistency of THE HOBBIT it surely will happen. **SAME DAY UPDATE: Yes, it will happen! Confirmed by the official press release.

Those six movies are sure to look handsome on my movie shelf! Anyone else a wee bit happy about this small bit of news? ;-)

And MANY thanks to the many readers that emailed, texted and commented to me that Jackson made this announcement! I was at an appointment and missed it!

3ALITY TECHNICA Raises The Bar On Smart 3D Production Technology With Helix

PREMIERING AT THIS YEAR’S NAB: THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF 3D PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY WITH A HIGH I.Q.

Intelligent New Systems, Software, Elements Accessories to lead the Show Introducing 3ality Technica’s new HelixTM

April 9, 2012 – Burbank, CA – 3ality TechnicaTM, a world leader in 3D production technology for the motion picture and broadcast industries, will unveil some of its new 3D production technology at this year’s NAB. With the recent acquisition of Element Technica by 3ality Digital, the combined single company, 3ality Technica, is the world leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution of 3D production technology. The company is headquartered in Burbank, California.

The showcase includes the new HelixTM, which is the result of the combined efforts between the former designers and engineers from 3ality Digital and Element Technica. 3ality Technica’s engineering team has combined magnesium, carbon fiber and aluminum into functional, cutting-­-edge art with the Helix. “The Helix has all the precision, automation and refinement of the TS5 with the configurability and user-­friendliness of the Atom,” said Stephen Pizzo, SVP 3ality Technica. “It offers complete functionality when coupled with the Stereo Image ProcessorTM( SIP).” The

Helix was designed from the ground up to take advantage of the new IntelleSuiteTM enhanced control and automation software, making the Helix the most intelligent system of professional 3D camera platforms.

The company will also showcase its proprietary software applications including IntelleCamTM, IntelleCalTM, and IntelleMatteTM. Coupled with 3ality Technica’s sophisticated hardware, these applications fully automate the hardware, giving DPs and live sports broadcasters smart technology that eliminates setup time and production costs.

Also being presented under 3ality Technica’s banner accessories brand, ElementsTM, for the first time as a complete kit will be the Sony PMW-­-F3, designed in partnership with Sony for their F3 2D camera. “As a DP myself, I appreciate what working DPs need in a camera rig. This is everything you need in a single unit. It’s our go-­to solution,” said Mitch Gross, AbelCine Applications Specialist who worked on developing the Sony PMW-­-F3 solution with Stephen Pizzo and the ElementsTM team. The former Element Technica accessories have been rebranded under the Elements brand name from 3ality Technica.

3ality Technica will also showcase the SIP 2100 and its benefits for post-­-production work, which will be demonstrated by editor George Bellias, who has worked on such high profile projects as The Black Eyed Peas (The Beginning) – Paris (2011), Britney Spears Live: The Femme Fatale Tour for EPIX (2011), We Are the World 25 for Haiti (2010), and most recently, Alter Bridge’s “Live At Wembley” (2011). “The SIP 2100TM provides real-­time 2D and 3D analysis that allows us to match color and alignment far more accurately than our eyes can perceive. It isn’t just another tool in my post-­ production tool-­belt—it is the foundation,” said Bellias. Bellias will give attendees a sneak peek at what he does when editing with the SIP 2100 at 3ality Technica’s booth.

NEP Broadcasting will partner with 3ality Technica at this year’s show, providing a Super B unit OB truck completely outfitted with 3ality Technica systems, including the SIP and demonstrating the new software in live situations.

“2012 is coming together as a banner year for 3ality Technica, as we continue the art of perfection and efficiency in our 3D production systems. We are delivering some of the smartest systems the industry has known, which are being utilized by Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers and the world’s leading broadcasters. Our systems are setting new standards in the broadcast industry, saving on production time and cost. These are systems that will remain in a technological leadership position for many years to come. They are ahead of their time and ahead of the competition. In fact, these are systems our competition would like to be building but are only talking about,” said Steve Schklair, CEO of 3ality Technica.

About 3ality Technica

Known as the company who brought the world “U2 3D” in 2007, 3ality Technica is considered the birthplace of the current 3D revolution. Headquartered in Burbank, California, 3ality Technica is the leading innovator, manufacturer, and provider of stereoscopic 3D (S3D) production systems and technology. The company’s product line is comprised of both hardware and software combined to produce the most accurate and advanced image processing systems in the world. These advanced systems are widely used by leading Hollywood filmmakers, the music industry, and by major broadcasters.

2012 will see more 3ality Technica theatrical releases than any other year including the recently released “Underworld 4 Awakenings” and “The Darkest Hour.”

Upcoming Hollywood titles that have utilized 3ality Technica’s advanced S3D image systems include “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Prometheus,” “The Amazing Spider-­-Man,” “Jack the Giant Killer,” and “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” Recognized as the industry leader in providing 3D production development and support on a wide array of projects, 3ality Technica is also noted for its amazingly true-­-to-­-life 3D image capture for artists such as the Black-­-eyed Peas, Britney Spears, and Kenny Chesney.

BSkyB, the world’s leading 3D broadcaster, and the HBS feeds from the FIFA World Cup have based their live event productions on the backbone of 3ality Technica’s technology. Committed to providing true and accurate 3D to the world, 3ality Technica’s international list of broadcast partners includes TV Globo (Brazil), Telegenic (UK), CCTV (China), BTV (Beijing), Topvision (Germany), Sky Sports (UK), and Fuji TV (Japan). To learn more about 3ality Technica, please visit us at NAB 2012, Booth #0E1371. For meetings at NAB, please contact sales@3alitytechnica.com

Very excited to see this new technology in action! Clearly it won't be long before it's seen on set - filmmakers are clamoring for tech like this!!

O.D. Welch Named Chief Operating Officer - CAMERON | PACE GROUP

Veteran Industry Exec Brings Wealth of Experience Growing Media & Entertainment Companies

BURBANK, CA, October 10, 2011 – James Cameron and Vince Pace, Co-Chairmen of CAMERON | PACE Group (CPG) announced today that industry veteran O.D. Welch has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Based out of the company’s Burbank headquarters, Welch will be responsible for leading CPG’s global expansion, focusing on strategic planning and execution, international business development, and worldwide operations of the group.

“O.D. is an exceptional operations executive,” said Vince Pace, Co-Chairman, CAMERON | PACE Group. “Add to that his international business experience, and overall entertainment industry savvy and you can see why he will be key to accelerating our worldwide expansion.”

In his new role, Welch will prepare the company for this expansion by streamlining products and services offerings, adapting overall operations to be easily replicated internationally, and turning CPG’s recent partnership alliances (i.e. ARRI & Grass Valley) into new, and even more efficient 3D production solutions.

“CAMERON | PACE Group envisions a world where 3D is the dominant form of visual media, in which the company is the leader at the intersection of content creation and technology,” said James Cameron, Co-Chairman of CAMERON | PACE Group. “O.D. is a skilled leader and shrewd deal-maker, and is indicative of the caliber of people we seek to help make this vision a reality.”

Prior to joining CAMERON | PACE Group, Welch served as President of Evolve Consulting in Los Angeles where he oversaw strategic and financial advising to the company’s entertainment and media clientele. In addition, he has held roles as Chief Operating Officer, North America for Prime Focus Group, Chief Operating and Financial Officer for the ComputerCafe Group, and President of 525 Studios among others.

As Production Executive on nearly three dozen feature films, Welch’s credits include Iron Man, Speed Racer, Spider Man 3, Pans Labyrinth and King Kong. He is also a member of the Producers Guild of America, the Visual Effects Society and the Hollywood Post Alliance.

According to Welch, “Building, growing and evolving entertainment companies is what I do. Having the opportunity to do this for CPG, the authority in the 3D production space, and partnering with Jim and Vince to realize 3D’s fullest, global potential is a once in a lifetime thing.”

About CAMERON | PACE Group:
CAMERON | PACE Group (CPG) is the industry leader in 3D technologies and production services – from SLATE² SCREEN. Led by co-founders James Cameron and Vince Pace, CPG is advancing the future of 3D through the development of products, solutions and creative tools for use across all media channels. Supporting networks, studios, broadcasters, filmmakers and creative teams globally, the company's unparalleled expertise helps content producers realize the full potential of 3D as a new, immersive and powerful storytelling medium. CPG's easy, efficient and cost-effective 3D solutions have supported productions generating more than $7.5 billion in box office, and have played a key role in 9 concert films, 27 features and more than 140 sports broadcasts worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cameronpace.com

Love watching Hollywood's 3D professional services / equipment companies grow! Quality talent picked up here for CAMERON | PACE...

George Stewart Joins MasterImage 3D as Director of Digital Cinema

I have some industry personnel news for you from MasterImage 3D (emphasis is mine) who continues to grow worldwide and with exceptional talent:

Cinema Industry Veteran Hails from Warner Bros., Walt Disney Studios and AMC Entertainment

Hollywood, CA (December 14, 2010) – 3D technology company MasterImage 3D announced today that veteran cinema industry sales and marketing executive George Stewart has joined the company as director of digital cinema. In this role Stewart will drive MasterImage’s digital 3D systems and brand in the worldwide theatrical marketplace.

Stewart brings twenty years of expertise to MasterImage’s sales and marketing efforts. She joins the company most recently from AMC Entertainment, where she was Vice President of Distributor Relations. Prior to that she was Group Marketing/Sales Director for the Nielsen Company, where she successfully developed and integrated new products, services and strategic partnerships. At The Los Angeles Times, Stewart oversaw the Creative Advertising Group generating record-high revenue and sponsorship through promotions, creative and event programs. She also held senior-level roles at Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros., supervising film and marketing sales and overseeing financials for Warner Bros. Television.

“George’s career has been marked by results,” said Peter Koplik, MasterImage President of Digital Cinema. “She has built a legacy of leading highly productive teams, driving market share, and building brands to support revenue goals. Her experience, skill in cultivating long term relationships and knowledge of the cinema industry is going to be invaluable to us as MasterImage continues to expand our reach.”

About MasterImage 3D LLC
MasterImage 3D LLC is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in 42 countries, MasterImage 3D is a fast-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the clearest, sharpest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company’s auto-stereoscopic display technology enabled one of the world’s first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and its 3D camera ASIC empowers consumers to create and share 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing.

For more information, visit www.MasterImage3D.com.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Cameron to Break Exciting Avatar News in March...

Ok, ok. I am working on just what kind of announcement this will be but the word from inside James Cameron's camp is that this will be HUGE. Cameron plans on revealing some "Avatar" items that will excite us all. In March. Two months away. Don't think I can wait that long so I will set my intrepid spies to work and try to get the juicy details PRONTO.

**SAME DAY UPDATE**
Just got some more details - Cameron has the right to change his mind of course but what is on tap for the time being for release in March is the following:
1. New "Avatar" Poster
2. Character Pics
3. *PERHAPS* some footage
For those who are not aware, Avatar will be released in both 3D and 2D although the emphasis is squarely on 3D. This only makes sense until such time as 3D theaters are ubiquitous. The footage therefore will most likely be 2D. Awesome. But 2D.

Stay tuned for some Hobbit news coming up next.

Can you tell I just spoke with my spies? Exciting isn't it? :-)

Original Photo Courtery of WireImage

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