I'm Hooked! New MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Trailer Brings Whole New Level Of Fantastic

Wow. I've been reserved about MAD MAX: FURY ROAD since the beginning. The stunts, explosions, grittiness and story elements I'd seen just wasn't cutting it for me. BUT NOW, after this latest trailer? MM:FR is definitely on my must see in theater list.

You see, I've seen many post-apocalyptic movies and many explosion for the sake of explosion movies. I want to see something I haven't seen before. Up until now MM:FR hadn't shown me anything that excited me to any great extent.

But this trailer... Wow. I think they may actually have a half decent storyline and stunts/action that are necessary to move the plot along. It's not just another yawner! At least I hope it's not.

Here's the movie's storyline:
From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary “Mad Max” franchise, comes “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky.

Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.

Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) stars in the title role in “Mad Max: Fury Road”—the fourth in the franchise’s history. Oscar winner Charlize Theron (“Monster,” “Prometheus”) stars as the Imperator, Furiosa. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne (“Mad Max,” “Sleeping Beauty”) as Immortan Joe; and Nathan Jones (“Conan the Barbarian”) as Rictus Erectus. Collectively known as The Wives, Zoë Kravitz (“Divergent”) plays Toast, Riley Keough (“Magic Mike”) is Capable, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) is Splendid, and supermodel Abbey Lee is The Dag, and Courtney Eaton is Fragile. Also featured in the movie are Josh Helman as Slit, Jennifer Hagan as Miss Giddy, and singer/songwriter/performer iOTA as Coma-Doof Warrior.

So have a look at the latest and definitely greatest trailer for MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. It's coming in 3D and it looks MEAN. MM:FR opens on May 15.

YES! Ryan Reynolds Lies Down For First Look At DEADPOOL

As can be expected, Ryan Reynolds absolutely NAILS the first image from DEADPOOL revealing his character's costume (Reynolds tweeted it today). It's very similar if not exact to the costume used in his test footage short.

This is the one comic book hero movie I've been waiting for. Fans have been waiting a long time and have even been insulted somewhat (Deadpool was unfortunately mistreated in X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE) but I think Fox is now firing on all cylinders. The image looks PERFECT.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

DEADPOOL ignites the fires on February 12, 2016. More news when we get it! And it goes without saying - This had better be a 3D release!

Oh YEAH! New TV Spot For Marvel's AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON!

This TV Spot for Marvel's AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is better than many full trailers out there! Very excited to see this movie on the biggest screen possible, in 3D of course.

Some very nice new glimpses of shots we haven't seen before - so if your timid to view more of the movie before it comes out, now would be a good time to stop. I don't have a choice - I've got to watch them!

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON opens on May 1.

SAN ANDREAS Rocks A New Trailer !

Check the latest trailer for Dwayne Johnson's SAN ANDREAS! I'm liking what I'm seeing from an effects point of view and hopefully the story matches that standard. I want as much REALISM as is possible in a disaster movie. You know - fault lines are authentic, fissures form where they are most likely to form, intensity of the quake is portrayed correctly, etc. 

Here's the movie's storyline:
After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning. And when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started.

The action thriller “San Andreas,” from New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures, reunites Dwayne Johnson with director Brad Peyton and producer Beau Flynn, following their collaboration on the global hit “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”

The film also stars Carla Gugino (“Night at the Museum,” TV’s “Entourage”), Alexandra Daddario (“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” TV’s “True Detective”), Ioan Gruffudd (“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”), Archie Panjabi (TV’s “The Good Wife”), Hugo Johnstone-Burt (Australian TV’s “Home and Away”), Art Parkinson (TV’s “Game of Thrones”) and Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”).

“San Andreas” is produced by Beau Flynn (“Hercules,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”). Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Michael Disco, Rob Cowan, Tripp Vinson and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers. The screenplay is by Carlton Cuse, story by Andre Fabrizio and Jeremy Passmore.

SAN ANDREAS rocks theaters on May 29. 

TRON 3 Stepping Up To Shoot This Fall In Vancouver !

Vancouver's VanCity Buzz (reliable news source) is saying that the sequel to Disney's 2010 TRON: LEGACY will begin lensing in the city October 5.

From VanCity: A majority of Tron: Legacy was shot at Canadian Motion Picture Park in Burnaby while some ‘real world’ scenes were filmed at the Shangri-La Vancouver Hotel (ENCOM headquarters), the Lions Gate Bridge (final escape scene) and neighbourhoods in East Vancouver.

It appears that lead Garrett Hedlund and director Joseph Kosinski WILL return according to rumors.

I've lived in Vancouver and LOVE it. I'll update you on locations for TRON 3 as soon as I have them. No word on whether TRON 3 will continue in the fine tradition of TRON: LEGACY's native 3D, which in my mind absolutely demands it.




Source: VanCity

MUST WATCH: Last Trailer For AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON !

Ok, nicely done Marvel! This final trailer for AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON hits the mark on a number of levels including more detail on the background of Ultron and the dynamics within the avengers themselves.

The effects look amazing - so looking forward to seeing these scenes in 3D because it and every successive 3D converted movie from Marvel looks better and better. Knowing that The Avengers represent the keystone of the studio means they will be overly scrutinizing every frame.

Cool end shot too :-)

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON opens on May 1.

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!

We Are Wrapped!! 40 BELOW AND FALLING Enters Post Production!

We're wrapped! Into post we go. What a journey so far and I'm thrilled to be a part of such an awesome movie. I'll be sure to keep you all up to speed on happenings in post production as well and we have some surprises in store for you!

Here's our official press release: 

EDMONTON - That’s a wrap! Filming in Edmonton is officially complete on 12pt Media’s 3D Romantic Adventure/Comedy 40 Below and Falling. The film stars actors Jewel Staite (Firefly, The Killing) and Shawn Roberts (Resident Evil) along with a superb Canadian support cast that includes Cindy Busby, Shaun Johnston, Mark Meer and Hollywood trained grizzly bear Whopper from Innisfail, Alberta.

40 Below and Falling tells the story of Kate Carter (Jewel Staite), a small town school teacher who is moving back to the big city for her wedding. When a blizzard strikes, her flight gets cancelled and the roads are shut down, leaving Kate no choice but to hop on the back of a surly stranger named Redford’s (Shawn Roberts) snowmobile. As they battle the winter elements together and their adventures unfold, Kate slowly starts to question the choice she has made about the man she is set to marry.

The movie was filmed in Edmonton and various locations across Alberta with a custom manufactured beam-splitting rig. This cutting-edge technology allowed the team to effectively shoot in freezing Canadian temperatures with reduced setup times for all of the film's remote locations. The feature is now entering into post-production, utilizing Davinci Resolve, AVID, NUKE and After Effects to meet its quick delivery date at the end of May. The complicated workflow involves over 150TB of data and is being managed in house by 12pt Media.

Executive Producers Darren Arsenault, Corinne Ferguson, Pierre-Andre Rochat, Producer Andrew Scholotiuk, Associate Producer Jim Dorey, along with the crew, are hard at work behind the scenes getting the film ready for its expected release in the fall of 2015. 40 Below and Falling is currently scheduled to be broadcast in Canada in 2D on Super Channel, with an international release being handled by distributor DARO Films out of Monaco.

Produced in association with the Edmonton Film Fund and with the assistance of the Government of Alberta Media Fund and the Canadian Film or Video Tax Credit Program.

Stay up to date on the film’s adventures and get in on some of the behind the scenes action by following 40 Below and Falling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Facebook: 40 Below and Falling 3D
Twitter/Instagram: 40Below3D
www.40belowandfalling.com 

Stay tuned for more!
 

Jason Momoa's AQUAMAN Breaks Surface!

There is only one true King. Unite the seven.

I think this is perfect casting and really amplifies my expectations for BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. Jason Momoa just fits this role. Certainly the character needed presence as with any comic book superhero it can be a stretch to attain suspension of disbelief, but especially for the more marginal heroes and their abilities. Momoa definitely brings presence and the image shows how director Zach Snyder and DC are tackling his costume and weapon of choice.

Brilliant use of tattoos to mimic the traditional Aquaman costume! The tats also bring to mind cultural tattoos from the pacific islands - part of Momoa's heritage (his father is of native Hawaiian descent).

Momoa joins a stellar cast in BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE namely Henry Cavill (Superman), Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luther), Jeremy Irons (Alfred), Amy Adams, Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne.

Aquaman's exposure has been carefully planned and he is expected to have presence in JUSTICE LEAGUE PART ONE (slated for November 17, 2017), AQUAMAN (July 27, 2018) and JUSTICE LEAGUE PART TWO (June 14, 2019).

BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE is slated for a March 25, 2016 release.

TERMINATOR: GENISYS Gets IMAX 3D Release

Click to giganticize

We already knew about TERMINATOR: GENISYS being released in 3D, but now word has dropped that the movie will also see a release in IMAX 3D.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John’s fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.

You can rewatch the TERMINATOR: GENISYS trailer here.

TERMINATOR: GENISYS opens on July 1 in 3D, IMAX 3D and flat.

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

90 Percent Of World's Screens Are Digital - 3D Continues To Dominate Screen Conversions

90 percent of all the world's screens are now digital and marks an obvious important milestone in deployment. Not long ago film dominated the market. How things change.

Furthermore, 73 percent of all screens being converted to digital in 2014 was 3D says IHS Cinema Intelligence of London. That is a hugely significant number because 3D remains extremely significant in overseas markets, especially the soon to be largest market of all - China.

Many fail to realize that the North American market is not the dominate player it used to be. In fact more and more decisions about what gets made and for how much is being made overseas. 3D remains an important component of overseas and especially Asian markets and I am thrilled that the format has been so overwhelmingly received and nurtured there.

The countries topping the list of 3D screens installed were China, USA, Mexico, Russia and Brazil.

Source: IHS Cinema Intelligence via Variety

New Behind The Scenes Shots From 40 BELOW AND FALLING!

Here's a couple more shots from the set of 40 BELOW AND FALLING that I'm producing along with Andrew Scholotiuk, Darren Arsenault, Corinne Ferguson, Pierre-Andre Rochat. The Director is Dylan Pearce who I leave alone now as much as I can as he is obviously focused on delivering his vision in 3D of course and 4K! 

That snowmobile you see in the first shot plays a very key role in the movie and it's cool to see it in the flesh rather than read about it in the script! You can see Shawn Roberts (Redford) behind it with the boom mic extended - a chilly day but rewarding for all.

The second shot is of Jewel Staite (Kate) outfitted in a formal gown. Being shot in Edmonton and it's Northern Alberta region, it's definitely brisk in winter; but as we know and many, many other productions, that country is simply gorgeous. And the story demands it! Can't wait for you to see it.

It's extremely interesting to be a part of the mechanism behind making a movie and this crew is absolutely top notch. And day to day planning is of utmost concern especially with an outdoors winter production. For those of you not in the know, we get daily Call Sheets outlining everything you can imagine from call times to set requirements to locations all methodically laid out and in order. It's wonderful to see it all come together so elegantly.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Starring high in demand Canadian actress Jewel Staite (series regular on Joss Whedon’s hit TV show Firefly and his feature film Serenity, and star of the AMC/Netflix drama series The Killing) and Canadian actor Shawn Roberts (star in the hit movie franchise Resident Evil, co-star in Edge of Darkness, and X-Men) – 40 Below and Falling tells the story of Kate Carter, a teacher from a small, Northern Canadian town, who is moving back to the big city for her wedding. After quitting her job and packing up her life, Kate feels certain that this is the future she has always wanted – that is until her flight gets cancelled by a blizzard and she meets a surly stranger named Redford. With all road travel being suspended, Kate is forced to hop on the back of Redford’s snowmobile and embark on an adventure that will leave her questioning the decision she has made about the man she is set to marry.

For the full boilerplate for the movie, be sure to check it out here. More cool stuff when I can get it for you - stay tuned!

Ang Lee To Tackle BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK In Native 3D 4K HFR!

(Photo) Jim Dorey. 2013.

When Ang Lee tackles a project he gives it his all and in this case the project is Ben Fountain's novel BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK and he is going to shoot it in native 3D 4K and ultra high frame rate.

When I spoke to Ang awhile back he told me that he's excited to work with 3D and having it available to him for projects - and now that we know what his next 3D project will be, my eyes lit up. 

As Lee did with LIFE OF PI, he will be leaping over new technological and creative barriers. To help him do so he's hired one of the best in Demetri Portelli (HUGO, 47 RONIN, THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUS T.S. SPIVET) and his team to handle the stereoscopic 3D. They'll be using Sony F65 cameras and the word is Lee's vision is breathtaking. As if you are really there. Think the D-Day scenes in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN but add in perfect immersive 3D shot in 4K and ultra high frame rate. Of course I'm sure Lee has many more surprises for us! Can't wait for this. 

Here's the storyline courtesy of Variety:
Bravo Company and 19-year-old private Billy Lynn survive a harrowing Iraq battle that is captured by news cameras. They are brought home by the U.S. administration for a promotional tour, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of a Thanksgiving Day football game, all while facing an imminent return to the war. Almost the entire movie takes place during the day of the game, with flashes back to the underlying events and Billy’s heroism. 

This is a filmmaker driven project that is original and you simply know that care will be taken to present it in new and spectacular ways. More info when we get it! 

Source: Variety

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES Eying $1 Billion - Opens To $50m In China!

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES has opened to $49.5m in China which is just about as much as the first Hobbit movie made during it's entire run in the country! Goes to show the recognition that the movie brings now to the Chinese as well as the further development of the theater industry there - especially 3D. With FIVE ARMIES being made in native 3D with world leading 3ality Technica rigs, these box office results underscore what great movie making can achieve.

Peter Jackson's finale to the Hobbit trilogy has raked in $866 million worldwide as of now and as China is it's last major market the echos of the release may be enough to push it to the magic billion dollar mark despite being obviously snubbed by the Academy for Oscars this year. The movie only managed to be nominated for Sound Editing. How it is not at least nominated for Visual Effects is beyond me.

Will THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES hit $1 billion? Will we ever return to Middle-earth again any time soon? I'd dearly love to see some spin offs from these movies - character origins stories, adventures and the like. I doubt the Tolkien estate would allow it, but there would definitely be a huge market for it. Even a bridge movie bringing Legolas together with Strider as described at the end of the movie would be huge.

Can't wait to get the extended trilogy versions on Blu-ray! All the behind the scenes action is what I really enjoy in these boxed sets. Stay tuned for further box office updates!

First Look: Teaser Trailer For FANTASIC FOUR Hits

I think Fox's FANTASTIC FOUR may have finally got it right. They certainly have the right director in Josh Trank (CHRONICLE) and cast with Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Toby Kebbell. Obviously it's hard to get an understanding from just a teaser, but my impression is that the story is having a lot of attention paid to it this time around.

Matthew Vaughn (KICK ASS, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE) is a Producer on this movie as well giving FANTASTIC FOUR a fine pedigree indeed. I think we are finally in for a treat with this franchise.

Here's the storyline:
FANTASTIC FOUR, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

FANTASTIC FOUR opens in theaters August 7, 2015. 

International 3D And Advanced Imaging Society Announces Nominees For 3D Awards

Here's this year's nominations for awards from our friends over at the International 3D and Advanced Imaging Society. There is some amazing productions here - I personally loved DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES and X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. 2014 was a great year for 3D! Very excited to see Jean-Pierre Jeunet being honored here - his THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUS T.S. SPIVET looks amazing.

Here's the press release:

The International 3D and Advanced Imaging Society has announced its top nominated 3D features - Live Action and Animation, as well as the 2D to 3D Conversion categories were voted on by the International 3D Society's members for the 2015 Creative Arts Awards Ceremony to be held January 28th at Warner Bros. Studios.

The top live action nominees include “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (Marvel/Disney), “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (20th Century Fox), “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (20th Century Fox), “Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel/Disney), “Maleficent,” (The Walt Disney Studios), “Noah” (Fox/Paramount), “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Paramount Pictures), “The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Sony Pictures Entertainment), “The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies,” (Warner Bros./New Line), “Transformers: Age of Extinction (Paramount Pictures), and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” (20th Century Fox).

In the animation category, the top nominees include “Big Hero 6” (The Walt Disney Studios), “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (DreamWorks Animation, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” (DreamWorks Animation), “Rio 2” (20th Century Fox Animation), “The Book of Life” (20th Century Fox Animation), “The Boxtrolls” (Laika), “The Lego Movie” (Warner Bros.), “Planes: Fire & Rescue” (Pixar/Disney) and “Penguins of Madagascar”), Fox/DreamWorks Animation)

The nominees for 2D to 3D Conversion include ”300 Rise of an Empire” (Warner Bros.), “Captain America The Winter Soldier” (Marvel/Disney), “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (20th Century Fox), “Godzilla” (Warner Bros.), “Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel/Disney),”Maleficent” (The Walt Disney Studios), “Noah” (Fox/Paramount), “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Paramount Pictures), and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (Sony Pictures Entertainment).

“Many of the leading blockbusters of 2014, were some of the highest grossing 3D films in history, and we are thrilled that this genre of filmmaking has a significant role in film quality and innovation,” said Buzz Hays of the True Image Company and Society Awards Chairman. “These films are visually stunning to watch and are continuously evolving.”

The Society will present its gold Lumiere™ statuettes to winners in 20 categories selected by ballot from 460 of the Society’s professional voting members.

Sky, Atlantic Productions and David Attenborough will receive the Society’s Sir Charles Wheatstone Award for creative excellence in 3D story telling.

Since launching in October 2010, Sky 3D has broken new ground across a range of genres including live music, the arts, sports, movies and natural history, including six landmark projects from Sir David Attenborough with a seventh, Conquest of the Skies, due to premiere on the service this Christmas. Produced by Colossus Productions, a joint venture company formed by Sky and Atlantic Productions, Attenborough’s Sky 3D documentaries have delighted critics and audiences alike, and delivered multiple award wins.

Sir Charles Wheatstone is credited by history as the inventor of modern-day 3D. The Society’s Wheatstone Award has previously been presented to Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Panasonic Hollywood Labs.

The Society’s annual Harold Lloyd Award will be presented to Academy Award Nominee and French Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. 
Jeunet's latest work 'The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet,' starring Helena Bonham Carter, Judy Davis, and Kyle Catlett, was produced in 3D and shot at various locations in Canada and Washington D.C. The film has been released in Europe and the Weinstein Company has acquired North American theatrical release rights.

"Jean-Pierre Jeunet has thrilled us with movies including 'Amélie,' 'The City of Lost Children,' 'Delicatessen,' 'A Very Long Engagement,' and countless others," said Society Awards Chairman Buzz Hays of the True Image Company. "With 'T.S. Spivet,' he has graced us with an extraordinary work of 3D artistry," Hays added.

Harold Lloyd was a keen observer and was deeply influenced by the French filmmakers of his era," stated Suzanne Lloyd, Chairman of Harold Lloyd Entertainment. "As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Harold first stepping in front of the camera, I know he would be thrilled that this award, bearing his name, be presented to an artist of Mr. Jeunet's passion and achievement," added Lloyd.

Confirmed guests to attend thus far include, Sky Productions Head of Non-Scripted, Celia Taylor, Anthony Geffen, President and CEO of Atlantic Productions, Chris deFaria; President, Animation, Digital Production and Visual Effects, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Marvel Studios, James Gunn, Director, "Guardians of the Galaxy.”


More than 150 entries were judged by the Society’s voters for this year’s honors. Submissions were received from all around the world, including: the U.S., China, Japan, Korea, the U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Taiwan.

About The International 3D And Advanced Imaging Society:
The International 3D And Advanced Imaging Society is a community of content creators and professionals whose mission is to develop the arts and technologies of 3D, advanced imaging and its innovators, as well as educate its members and their consumers. With over 60 companies and 1,800 professional members in 20 countries, the Society is open to individuals and organizations active in moving 3D and advanced imaging to an exciting new era of creative achievement and consumer support. For more information please visit: www.International3DSociety.com.

More on the awards as they happen! Stay tuned. Good luck to all!
 

Fox's DEADPOOL Slated To Start Shooting In March

I am a huge Deadpool fan and I've been waiting a long time for this news. Finally we have definitive action on the movie. Hopefully Fox will see the way clear to allow the "merc with a mouth" free reign in doing so - an "R" rating.

They some atonement to make because of how they neutered him in  X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE. Reynolds still managed an awesome scene though as he egresses an elevator and proceeds to wipe the floor with everyone. Deadpool CAN bring a blade to a gunfight and win.

Ryan Reynolds will mask up in his hometown of Vancouver (North Shore Studios) for the production. Suitable as even Wade Wilson (Deadpool's real identity) claims he is Canadian (Marvel NOW Deadpool #3). 

DEADPOOL has a planned February 12, 2016 release. More news when we get it! And it goes without saying - This had better be a 3D release!

Source: Global via Collider

AVATAR Update: Sequels Pushed Back 1 Year - Cameron Buys Giant Studios - Further Insight From Source!!

Cameron in Wellington, NZ - Jan 12, 2014. Peter Jackson in background.

Well I had heard rumors that this was happening, but nothing was solid enough to publish so I let it slide. Now it is official and James Cameron has pushed back the AVATAR sequels 1 year. AVATAR 2 is now slated to screen around Christmas 2017.

So what does this mean? It means the movies are technically complex. It means the stories may not be as complete as previously thought.

So let's talk about it being technically complex. How about complex enough for Cameron to go out and buy Atlanta based Giant Studios? Yes you heard right - Lightstorm Entertainment is going to close down that facility and take their intellectual property in house, including Giant's talented creative team. This is a big deal folks. Giant was a world leader in motion capture technology and this gives Cameron a tremendous sandbox with which to play in - with more autonomy.

Now here's where I have gotten some information from a top source that plugs into this. As you know by now, extensive amounts of AVATAR 2 will be underwater (as of now of course - another year can bring about changes). My source says Cameron will be shooting scenes based on a triage of complexity: The harder scenes will be done first to allow ample time for post-production. That means mo-cap / perf-cap. There is a tremendous amount of mo-cap to be done and this is where Giant's talent comes in. Cameron now has an army of experts at his beck and call. Plus he has consulted with Andy Serkis' The Imaginarium for the use of some advanced techniques. It's all very exciting! However it is also time consuming and thus the delay. Shooting mo-cap for underwater scenes is going to be very tricky and has got to be done right. Better than right - James Cameron right.

Let's talk story. My source says there will be the exploration and magical moments, but there is also the retribution of corporate Earth and Stephen Lang. His words: "It's going to be the most elaborate  production in cinema history, bar none." I believe him. He's one of my top sources and besides - Cameron with an astronomical budget will deliver far and above our expectations, I'm sure. He always has.

I'll have more for you as soon as I can. Some of this is breaking news - other bits are just nicely plugging in now. It is certainly a clearer picture - but too bad for audiences, it'll be another year to wait.

Sources: AP | Variety | Deadline
Photo: AP / Nick Perry

YES! GHOST IN THE SHELL Goes 3D As Well As THE FINEST HOURS and PETE'S DRAGON Remake

The magical crew over at Disney have announced what I had hoped would happen since we started following the project way back when Spielberg had a serious interest - GHOST IN THE SHELL will be released in 3D!

I'm thrilled because not only are we finally seeing movement on the project that has been in limbo for awhile, but it will in fact be 3D. With the recent signing of Scarlett Johansson as the lead and assuming director Rupert Sanders (SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN) stays in place we could see production start in months. The release date is slated for April 14, 2017.

The movie's pedigree is outstanding of course from it's Japanese roots, from writer Laeta Kalogridis being originally involved, and William Wheeler subsequently adapting for the screen.

Here's a brief description of the original story's background:
Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic police thriller dealing with the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi, a member of the covert operations section of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission, Section 9, which specializes in fighting technology-related crime. She may be named after one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and Shirow makes reference to them at the end of the second manga. Although supposedly equal to all other members, Kusanagi fills the leadership role in the team, and is usually referred to as "the Major" due to her past rank in the armed forces. She is capable of superhuman feats, and bionically specialized for her job — her body is almost completely mechanized; only her brain and a segment of her spinal cord are organic.

I would have loved to have seen James Cameron's BATTLE ANGEL go up against GITS, but hey - no one can argue with his attention to AVATAR 2, 3 and 4!

Further, Casey Affleck's THE FINEST HOURS moves to replace THE JUNGLE BOOK (also in 3D) which needs more time on it's visual effects. TJB moves to April 15, 2016. THE FINEST HOURS is a drama centered on the Coast Guard and sails in on October 9.

And finally, Disney's Pete's Dragon remake is slated for release on August 12, 2016 in 3D.

More updates, like native 3D / 3D conversion confirmation when I get it!