Drew Goodard Rumored To Be Next Spider-man Writer And Helmer

Sounds like a good plan to me. Multiple websites (Latino-review seems first, but Deadline expresses caution that the deal is not done yet) have stated that Drew Goddard (CLOVERFIELD, WORLD WAR Z, THE MARTIAN) is close to being attached to the next Spider-man franchise movie. Rumor has it that Goddard will be writing and directing. A good choice in my mind.

Marvel's producer extraordinaire Kevin Feige is producing along with Amy Pascal.

The multi-studio deal seems to include a clause that allows much less stress for Sony to frequently push out Spider-man universe projects just to retain rights to the character. Sony also gets Marvel characters in their web-head movies. Marvel gets Spidey in their movies too while (I assume) they keep their original revenue stream from Sony's efforts. All seems well. I hope. 'Cause I want this to last.

More info when we get it!

Whallopin' Websnappers!! Spidey Coming To Marvel Universe in 2017!!

Wow - wouldn't have thought I'd see this day happen any time soon, but here it is and the date will be July 28, 2017!

Yes Sony and Marvel have partnered to bring Peter Parker and Spider-man into Marvel's cinematic universe which means there is a great chance he is destined to join The Avengers as he should.

In the meanwhile Kevin Feige will produce the 2017 iteration of Spider-man along with Amy Pascal (who stepped down as Sony co-chairman). Sony will continue to own the webslinger's rights for distribution, financing and final cut and control.

As this is breaking news - there's not too much to report on, but suffice to say 2017 is looking like another awesome movie year.

Stay tuned for more...

Source: Variety

Check The New Suit For THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

Definitely much better. While I liked the suit in Marc Webb's first web-head effort, this is more along the lines of what I was anticipating all along. A modern slant on the original comic suit. White eyes. Traditional red and blue tones. Perfect. Love it.

More when we get it!

Here's the movie's storyline:
In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, for Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), life is busy – between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), high school graduation can’t come quickly enough. Peter hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away – but that’s a promise he just can’t keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 opens on May 2, 2014.

Source: ComingSoon

See: New IMAX Poster For THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN - Get It Free At Opening Midnight Screening

Click to enlarge

Personally I'm not all that thrilled with this poster. At all. I suppose it might appeal to young kids but to me it is not polished at all.

There's far too much blue in it and quite frankly does not excite me to see it in IMAX. The movie itself excites me to see it in IMAX or large screen RealD, but this poster? No.

Regardless, there it is.

The good news in all of this is that it can be yours for the stunningly low price of free at the midnight IMAX screenings on July 3.

Here's the storyline:
One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

If this poster looks better in person - let me know. But I know I'll be lining up for the midnight screening solely because the movie looks darn good.

Some Marvel Updates Today: THE AVENGERS And THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN **PLUS - Surprise Screenings!

Bit late getting the stories out today due to personal issues, but better a tad tardy than never! :-)

The top echelon of Marvel licenses have updates today namely THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN with a few new clips (via CBM) and THE AVENGERS with a new TV spot.

In addition Marvel is hosting a super early IMAX 3D AVENGERS screening on April 14 for the studio's Facebook readers. Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Houston have already secured a screening and now they are looking for another 5 cities to include - based on "likes" voting. If you want in on this, every vote counts!!

Here's the announcement:

BURBANK, CALIF. (April 2, 2012) — Marvel Studios announced today that “Marvel’s The Avengers” will reward its fans on Facebook for their continued support of the film’s campaign with advance screenings in cities around the world on a first-come-first-served basis. In the U.S. fans will be able to experience the film in stunning IMAX® 3D.

This unprecedented screening event will enable Facebook fans of “Marvel’s The Avengers” in cities that have assembled the most fans on Facebook to win the first access to screenings of the film, weeks before the May 4th release in theatres. This event will kick off on April 14th at 10 a.m PDT with the top five cities in the U.S. with the most fans on Facebook: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston and Miami. The next five cities to garner the most Facebook “Marvel’s The Avengers” fans will be awarded an early screening as well – to be announced shortly on Facebook. Fans can rally for their city to be the chosen location for this special opportunity by going to https://www.facebook.com/avengers for details. International fans should visit their local “Marvel’s The Avengers” Facebook page for more details on how to win a screening in their city.

Participating fans are encouraged to celebrate this movie event by coming to their local screenings dressed in their finest Super Hero costumes inspired by “Marvel’s The Avengers” – the winners of the Best Costume contest will be awarded reserved seats.

“Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime— is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.

In “Marvel’s The Avengers” the world’s greatest Super Heroes assemble when Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) join S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to protect the world from the dangerous and powerful villain, Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

An exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is from Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures, produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Joss Whedon from a story by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon with screenplay by Joss Whedon.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” will be released in the U.S. in 3D and IMAX 3D on May 4, 2012.

Now, lets have a look at those webslinger clips powered by 3ality Technica 3D rigs!








...And THE AVENGERS:



We're getting close now to the release of these spectacular movies - the excitement is palpable! More when I get it...

New AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Photo And Marvel's Next Step At The Movies...

We have a new photo for you from THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker eyeing Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy at their high school.

I'm really looking forward to seeing these dynamic characters together as opposed to the Peter Parker / Mary Jane Watson that has been so prominent with the first three Tobey Maguire movies. You know what? I never really like Dunst in the Watson role at all. So yeah, this should be a step up.

Another thing of interest to me is seeing how Garfield pulls off shrinking in age from 27 to 17! That's quite a feat to do and make it believable.

The Amazing Spider-Man will be released in 3D on July 3, 2012. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel Entertainment production for Columbia Pictures. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Michael Grillo.

And more news from Marvel! They intend to continue development of lesser known comic book properties like ANT-MAN (Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish just finished their script) and DOCTOR STRANGE (script just handed in and they are looking for a director), presumeably with lesser budgets.

From Twitch: Created in 1963 Doctor Strange is the story of an arrogant surgeon who is injured in a car accident and goes on to become the Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel universe. Using his magical powers Strange protects the earth from attacks from other realms.

So is a 2013 release of DOCTOR STRANGE unreasonable to hope for? I think not! Remember Marvel has made a fairly hefty commitment to release movies each and every year. Some years will be better than others like next year obviously with THE AVENGERS manhandling the box office. But 2013 is no slouch already with IRON MAN 3 and THOR 2 slated.

Photo Source: Empire via CBM

An Update From John Schwartzman - DP For THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!

Got an update for you from THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN's Director of Photography, John Schwartzman. Simply said, he is having a love-in with the new RED Epic digital cameras and the 3ality Digital 3D rigs!

Here's what he had to say to the RedUser Forums:
Here in Mahattan for the last 2 weeks of the Amazing Spiderman, since we first started 7 months ago with our beta-tattoo bodies a lot in the world has changed. I speak to many DP's getting ready to use the Epic, most are shooting 3D and using either 3ality or ET rigs. The 3ality rigs have worked really well for us, they have been quick and reliable by 3D standards and after the 2nd week we all fell into a routine which allows us to do 25 set ups a day.

2 weeks ago I color corrected a 8 minute sizzle reel at colorworks cut together by the editors, it had a little bit of everything in it and Brook and I finished out to a 4K 2D DCP, that was turned over to Rob Engel our head stereographer to be made into a 2k 3D DCP. The 4k Epic images are absolutely the highest resolution images I have ever seen, Steve Bowen the colorist, who has lots of digital experience was speechless, the images are gorgeous, dark with no noise, and full of detail. The color tracked really well to the 3D and it looks really great in 3D, I just wish 3D projection would catch up with acquisition. The 2d 4k has 4 times the resolution of the 3d image, when I have done film scans I think the difference between 2k and 4 k scans is there but it is subtle, when originating an image at 4.5k and viewing it at 4k there is nothing subtle about it, sort of like the paint job on Jared's Porsche, it gets your attention.

My RED experience on the Amazing Spiderman has been great and I am looking forward to using this camera to shoot some commercials this summer in 2D. 10 more days to go on first unit and then Collister shoots kanother 2 weeks of 3D plates and we are done.

Don't the RED Epics sound delicious? Great tandem with the 3ality rigs. I agree with John - if we could display 4K in cinemas (and higher frame rates too of course), we would be in for such a treat!

For all of our AMAZING SPIDER-MAN coverage, click here. Thanks for the heads up PetroB!

EXCLUSIVE: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Spy Shot: Uncle Ben's Funeral? Or Captain Stacy's?

**Same Day Update: Just Jared has more set photos right here (via Collider).

Hey guys! Got an exclusive spy shot sent in from MarketSaw reader Rastal of a church scene for the upcoming mega reboot from Sony, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN.

Could this be Uncle Ben's funeral? Or perhaps Captain Stacy's?

Click to enlarge.

That is one big stretch limo out front. Probably the funeral homes courtesy limo, but I suppose it could belong to a well off funeral attendee...

More when we get it!

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Shooting in 3D Using 3ality Digital Systems

Perfect! The folks at 3ality Digital are amazing people and I am so glad to post this news! Exciting times indeed and well deserved.

Here is the official press release (emphasis is mine):

Columbia Pictures’ latest Spider-Man movie in production now using 3ality Digital’s new wireless, handheld TS-5 beamsplitter rig

Burbank, CA – March 10, 2011 – 3ality Digital, world leader in advanced technologies to empower creative digital stereoscopic 3D acquisition, has been chosen to supply its systems for the highly anticipated film THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, which is now in production from Columbia Pictures and will be released on July 3, 2012. Directed by Marc Webb, the film is using 3ality Digital’s new TS-5 wireless and handheld beamsplitter mirror rig.

Award-winning cinematographer John Schwartzman, the film’s director of photography, chose the TS-5 because of its small size and the unrivalled control it gives over the stereoscopic 3D (S3D) image. Schwartzman and the production team held a series of tests using the TS-5 and found it could shoot in 3D but perform at the same speed as in 2D.

Schwartzman said: “We tested virtually every product on the market and chose 3ality Digital because we were impressed by the compact size of the TS-5. You don’t get the unwanted shadowing effects during shots which sometimes appear using other 3D rigs, and the lens changes only take a few minutes. We wanted a rig that would not only deliver the best quality and performance, but also one that wouldn’t delay the production, so we have all the benefits of a S3D picture and we’re shooting to a 2D schedule”.

The latest version of 3ality Digital’s beamsplitter rigs achieves optimum performance without the need for the substantial construction normally associated with S3D facilities. The TS-5 is a much lighter and smaller rig, which operates with a high degree of precision and control. A key benefit for film-makers shooting stereo 3D is its versatility. It can be used for super fast set-ups with lightweight tripods, as well as shoulder mounts for handheld or Steadicam 3D shooting. Unlike other S3D rigs it doesn’t lose coverage and also, because it’s a compact rig, it maintains the actors’ eyeline.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN is the first feature film in production to utilize 3ality Digital’s intelligent, integrated systems.

Steve Schklair, CEO and founder of 3ality Digital, said: “Our systems are designed to enable directors shooting in S3D creative freedom and pixel-perfect accuracy of images, but with the same ease as 2D filming. It is fantastic that 3ality Digital’s rigs are being used for this year’s biggest movie productions.”

Schklair added: “Marc Webb is set to take the Spider-Man movies in a new direction and shooting the picture in S3D will certainly add an exciting element. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished project as I’m sure millions of fans are around the world.”

The Amazing Spider-Man is back on the big screen, for the first time in 3D, on July 3, 2012. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel Entertainment production for Columbia Pictures. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Michael Grillo.

###

About 3ality Digital
3ality Digital develops enabling technologies to power live-action stereoscopic 3D (S3D) entertainment with systems that meet the demanding needs of the commercial motion picture and television business. 3ality Digital’s camera platforms, stereo image processing systems and S3D image scaling technologies are quickly earning a reputation as the “gold standard” for the emerging medium and are rapidly being adapted by broadcasters, production companies, studios and consumer electronics manufacturers. 3ality Digital’s systems are optimized to handle the demands of live S3D broadcast, offering such must-haves as fast set-up, perfectly aligned zooms and accurate imagery right from the camera, enabling 3D production on 2D timelines and reducing the overall impact on the bottom line. For more information, please visit www.3alitydigital.com

3ality Digital is a sponsor of MarketSaw

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Swinging Into Theaters July 3, 2012!!!

Yes! We finally have a name for the Marc Webb reboot of Marvel's SPIDER-MAN! Sony has decided to go with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and they have also launched a website too at www.theamazingspiderman-movie.com.

The movie's release date is July 3, 2012 - and I will definitely be first in line.

That's not all! The photo is the first official image of Andrew Garfield as SPIDER-MAN with his full costume on. Looks darn good if you ask me!

More spidey-info when I get it!

New SPIDER-MAN Set Photos: Webslinging Action!!

The first thought through my mind was: "Why don't they sign this Spider-man stunt guy to do the stage show"! These shots look a heckuva lot of fun. I often wondered where the live action ended and the CG webslinging started in past movies. These photos help get my mind around it.

The first two on set shots for Marc Webb's SPIDER-MAN reboot are from OnLocationVacations (which is a pretty cool site btw). The final two shots are from MarieClaire. There are more shots to see on those links too!

Enjoy!

SPIDER-MAN will swing into theaters July 3, 2012.

First Look At SPIDER-MAN In Action! And A Daily Bugle Van!

**SAME DAY UPDATE - Video Clip Below!!

SPIDER-MAN fans take note! Marc Webb's comic book adaptation and reboot is now shooting in Los Angeles (Grand Ave) and OnLocationVacations got a glimpse of the webhead running in make shift New York streets.

Not a very clear image but personally I am relieved the suit's colors are not as dark as previously shown in the first official Andrew Garfield shot.

The image of the Daily Bugle (the newspaper that Peter Parker is a freelance photographer with) van is tastefully done! Looks very authentic. However, if you go to www.thedailybugle.com you are redirected to a site called WizardWorld LOL.

Stay tuned for more developments for Sony's SPIDER-MAN!!

MUST SEE! First Looks At SPIDER-MAN And CAPTAIN AMERICA!!

WOW. Quite a bit to digest all at once, but here we have two first looks at major Marvel movie super heroes coming out!!

First up is the long anticipated SPIDER-MAN costume as worn by Andrew Garfield. It looks like a really fine leather texture of some sort of exotic creature. Lizard? As in The Lizard? ;-)

Click images to enlarge...

I like the suit. It is different enough to reboot the idea in my mind, yet keeps the aura about it. Keep in mind we don't know if the suit has been through some sort of tribulation prior to this photo - look at Garfield's face! A slash or two on his cheek.

Take note of the two discs attached to his wrists - seems to me to be the webslingers? It looks like he developed these himself (like the classic tales) as opposed to the Sam Raimi biologically formed webs. I am far in favor of Peter Parker inventing them - I was raised watching the original cartoons and it worked then. It'll work now.

For a super high resolution image of the suit check out this link (courtesy of Collider).

SPIDER-MAN opens July 3, 2012.

Next up is the first look at the fully costumed Chris Evans as Captain America!

This shot is courtesy of EntertainmentWeekly. From the site: "...The hero’s main uniform was designed to resemble a tricked-out airman’s jumpsuit, the “A” on the helmet and star on the chest modest in size, the colors muted. It took Evans about 25 minutes to suit up. “He likes to do it all by himself,” explained costume designer Anna Sheppard. “I think it helps him feel like a super hero.”

The HYDRA soliders behind him certainly look menacing! Kind of a cross between WAR MACHINE and SNAKE EYES :-)

I am really enjoying that the suit is believable for the era (cloth / leather mainly) and really has that WWII vibe going. Should be a spectacular movie!!

Captain America opens July 22.

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

Is SPIDER-MAN Going To Be Shot With The New RED EPICs?? And The RED ONE Intercuts Well With Anamorphic Film!!

Very interesting news from the RedUser forums (a user group for the RED camera system) - John Schwartzman (THE GREEN HORNET, PEARL HARBOUR, ARMAGEDDON) commented on how well the RED ONE cameras intercut with film! Then dropped a hint about SPIDER-MAN? Read on!

Schwartzman on the RED ONE MX Camera: "I recently concluded my first shoot using the RED ONE MX camera, or rather a pair of them because I was doing reshoots for a film in 3D that I originally shot on film in 2D using anamorphic lenses. I consider anamorphic film the "gold standard" for cinema. The film was "The Green Hornet" which is currently in the process of being converted to 3D, at the time of the reshoots the option for shooting film and converting the new scenes was not an option due to the time constraints of conversion, the vendors are working 24 hours a day just to do the work they were contracted for and adding to their plate was not an option. The dilemma for me was how was a going to find a digital camera that had enough resolution to intercut with anamorphic film, I tested every system, The Arri Alexa, 12 bit F35, RED ONE MX and anamorphic film at the same time, based on this test I chose the RED ONE MX because it had incredible resolution, both the Alexa and the F35 didn't hold up well in 2:40. 2 weeks ago I finished timing the DI with Stefan Sonnenfeld at Co3, in addition to 2 new scenes, there were 4 scenes in which the RED ONE data was intercut with existing Anamorphic film, I was amazed at how transparent the match was, Stefan did a great job and actually we added grain to the MX data to match the film. I would venture to guess that the only way anyone will be able to tell the difference between the film and the MX data is not in the image quality but in field of view differences between shooting flat vs scope. As a die hard film user I must say I have been blown away by the image quality of the MX, it doesn't have the same dynamic range in the highlights as film but I believe with EPIC and HDRx™ it will."

Schwartzman used 3ality Digital S3D rigs for THE GREEN HORNET.

Schwartzman on the new 5K RED EPIC: "I have been part of a very select group of DP's that have actually shot with the EPIC and I can tell that the 3lb 5K camera is a game changer, end of story, game over, pick your cliche'. I will tell you this I have shot more tests on the EPIC than probably any other DP other than my mate Andrew Lesnie who is doing the "Hobbit", we skype daily about how this camera blows our mutual minds, when you see these image projected at 4K it's like looking a vistavision."

Jim Jannard - founder of RED had this to say about John's statements: "We got in this business to create a worthy film alternative/replacement camera. The fact that John has cut seamlessly between the two is pretty good evidence that we are on the right track."

And for SPIDER-MAN fans, Schwartzman is Director of Photography for the Sony reboot and have this little nugget to say toward the end of his comments: "Thanks for taking me under your wing, I think we are on the cutting edge of doing something amazing together and I think you've got a great eye and even a better bedside manner, the next 6 months are going to be fun!"

Six months as in SPIDER-MAN production? With RED EPICS in stereoscopic 3D formation (ala Peter Jackson)? Oh man, I hope so! We shall soon find out. In the meantime, I dream about the day I can get my hands on one of these cutting edge cameras from RED. Near term it seems like the Canon T2i or even the Panasonic GH2 are more feasible for me.

More when I get it! Thanks for the heads up Mark!

Sally Field And Martin Sheen Could Be Aunt And Uncle In Marc Webb's SPIDER-MAN!

Interesting! You know what? I am on board with these rumors (via THR) if they turn out to be factual. Sally Field is reportedly in early talks to play Aunt May in Marc Webb's upcoming stereoscopic 3D reboot of the SPIDER-MAN franchise. Further, Martin Sheen is close to inking a deal where he plays Uncle Ben.

Obviously we need a strong acting presence from both of these characters, especially Aunt May. Uncle Ben's demise (sorry if you have never watched anything SPIDER-MAN before!) has to be MEMORABLE and MOTIVATING.

As we know already, Emma Stone has jumped into the Gwen Stacy role, Andrew Garfield has landed the deal of a lifetime as Peter Parker and Rhys Ifans will more than likely suit up as Curt Connors / the Lizard which we knew a year ago, though back then it seemed like Dylan Baker was teed up for the role.

So far so good with Marc Webb's efforts. Hopefully these casting rumors turn out to be accurate and that the talent signs on. More when I get it! And no comment on whether MJ will be in the movie or not...

SPIDER-MAN Reboot Has Its Villain: Rhys Ifans As... ???

Sony has let the cat out of the bag - well at least partially. Studio has announced that Rhys Ifans (NOTTING HILL) will be playing the villain in the upcoming 3D reboot of Marvel's SPIDER-MAN.

Ifans lines up beside Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker) and Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) for casting thus far.

Obviously this announcement will trigger a huge jump in Internet banter on just who Ifans will play. My wager? Dr. Curt Connors - the LIZARD. Why? I think Ifans somewhat fits the mold and more importantly, the studio needs to go with a different villain this time around - no Green Goblin, no Sandman, no Doc Ock.

SPIDER-MAN will hit theaters July 3, 2012. Who do you think Ifans will play?

Promo Posters For SPIDER-MAN IN 3D, MEN IN BLACK 3 And ARTHUR CHRISTMAS!

I have three promo posters for you (via Collider), two of which are really only showing us official titles and font - but information so far on these properties has been hard to come by so have a look...

First up is the promo poster for SPIDER-MAN IN 3D - which I believe has already seen the light of day earlier in the year. Can't say enough how pleased I am that one of the best comicbook characters of all time is going S3D!

Oh, and I never liked Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane. Never bought it. So while I would like to see another actress in the role, apparently Mary Jane will not be in this re-imagining of SPIDER-MAN.

The $80 million SPIDER-MAN IN 3D reboot is slated to swing into theaters on July 3, 2012.

--

Next up is ARTHUR CHRISTMAS from Aardman Animations (if they sound familiar it's because they are behind WALLACE AND GROMIT), however ARTHUR CHRISTMAS will not be stop motion but rather a CGI film (Variety).

Should be a rather entertaining movie if they can capture lightning once again as they did with the WALLACE AND GROMIT characters. Sony Pictures Imageworks is also working on the animation with Aardman.

Look for ARTHUR CHRISTMAS in theaters November 11, 2011.

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Finally a look at the promo poster for MEN IN BLACK 3 (the newest title anyway!). This time they are using the "3" as one would cube a number in mathematics.

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are indeed returning for this third iteration of the MIB franchise along with director Barry Sonnenfeld. Josh Brolin will be playing a younger Agent K (TLJ's character).

Supposedly the storyline "has Yaz (Jemaine Clement) traveling back in time to kill K and Agent J has to go to 1969 and team up with a young K in order to stop Yaz from setting off a chain of events that will destroy the world in the future."

I have always liked the premise of the MIB movies, but time travel? I guess time will tell on this one - it must be a great story to have Smith sign up so perhaps I am a little too paranoid about it. Love that it is going 3D though - should look brilliant!

Look for MIB3 on May 25, 2012.

Andrew Garfield Officially Named Peter Parker For Sony's SPIDER-MAN Reboot!

BREAKING: Andrew Garfield (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS) has been officially named the new Peter Parker for the upcoming Sony reboot of the SPIDER-MAN franchise!

What do you make of the decision? Apparently not even he knew about the selection until this afternoon - that is pretty tight security!

Michael Fassbender Taking Up Villainy In SPIDER-MAN 3D?

I don't usually like to post on casting rumors as my thing is mainly the creativity behind projects. However (and this is a big however), this is SPIDER-MAN.

SPIDER-MAN has been and always will be my favorite of all the super heroes. It has resonated with me since the early cartoons on TV - you know the ones that actually shared content with ROCKET ROBIN HOOD (which I think would make a darn good 3D live action adaptation!). So ANY decision made about the project and I am instantly tuned in. Even rumors.

Here is one such rumor (Showbiz 411): Michael Fassbender (INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS) is apparently in the midst of a delicious dilemma. It seems Marvel is after him for two different roles - Young Magneto in X MEN: FIRST CLASS -or- playing a villain in the upcoming SPIDER-MAN reboot (in 3D). As these projects are with different studios (Fox and Columbia respectively) it seems he cannot do both.

I am hoping he bites into the villain role because I love his acting chops and SPIDER-MAN would benefit immensely. I have heard many different opinions on what villain he should play, but as for me I still want The Lizard in this movie. My vote is for Dr. Curt Connors. Who do you think he should play if he indeed does sign on?