Entertainment Technology Center @ USC

[BY NICK DAGER, IndieFilm3D]

The first International Real 3D Contents Technologies Forum opened May 12 in Seoul with great fanfare. Hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency and organized by the Korea Real 3D Contents Producers Association, this forum was held for two days in Seoul and Busan. Many leading manufacturers and 3D experts from America and China were present along with 300 distinguished guests to see the flow of the 3D market as well as its technological development.

Pictured, left to right, Xiaolin Yan, chairman of C3D; Kim Tae-sub, chairman of KDC Group; Christopher Crescitelli, founder of 3DFF.

Before the forum opened, Kim Tae-sub, chairman of KDC and the Korea Real 3D Contents Producers Association delivered a keynote speech. Chairman Kim said, “3D is not new anymore and there are some obstacles to overcome with 3D. In order to develop the industry, I personally think standardization of 3D is needed the most, along with creative storytelling and human respected technologies.” He said that with the integrated standard, Korea, China and America should work together to develop the 3D industry and it is very meaningful that Korea leads the first international solidarity.

Christopher Crescitelli, founder of the 3D Film and Interactive Festival and CEO of the Dream Factory Studio said, “We are here to mandate that you create only high quality and entertaining 3D content that can be enjoyed by all markets and people around the globe.” He continued by saying, “This forum will feature informative and inspirational discussions and explorations into this amazing new 3D industry, which aims to continue its pattern of growth and prosperity for everyone involved in its successful delivery and execution to all platforms.”

Xiaolin Yan, chairman of China 3D Industry Association said, ” Korea, China, and America needs to work closely for 3D content technologies, and he also wished that the forum be crowned with complete success with the 3D content technologies in Korea.”

Meanwhile, the kick off ceremony for Global Real 3D Association carried on. This international solidarity is composed of three countries, Korea, China and America and those three countries are expected to work closely for sharing technical information and establishing a standard in 3D.  Later on, about eight other nations such as, Japan, Germany, and England are expected to join the Global Real 3D Association.

Prominent speakers at the forum included Alex Cho, vice chairman of the Korea Real 3D Contents Producers Association, Hu Bo, president of Shandong Miracle Pictures Canada Longevity Intl. Enterprise Group, Paul Taylor, stereoscopic producer and David Franks, stereographer of Stereo D.

Cho talked about the manufacturing technology and trends of stereoscopic 3D content. He explained all the basic information about producing 3D content and related technology trends. Vice president Cho said, “The standardization on 3D content is urgently needed.” He also strongly suggested that existing filmmakers and writers are required to learn about 3D production technologies for 3D content development.

President Hu Bo, stressed the cooperation between Korea, China and America. “Korea has wonderful hardware, China has a big market, and America, Hollywood has contents. We need to work together for 3D content development.” He continued, “I think Korea has a bright future ahead in 3D content development.” He also suggested to Korea that to produce creative content in many different languages is the key for Korea to develop its 3D industry.

Taylor talked about Overview of 3D Production. The question that people frequently ask to him is “Do you think 3D is going to stick around this time?” His answer is not surprisingly, yes. For so long, 3D was a very lonely business as it comes and goes. However, he thinks it will be different this time due to the financial commitment, which we didn’t have before. “3D should resonate with images and storytelling to create a powerful and immersive feeling unlike any audiences have ever experienced before,” he concluded.

Lastly, Franks had a presentation about stereo 3D editing and post-production. ”I don’t personally think every content will be produced in 3D but, 3D will offer lots of variety and fun to audiences.” He also said that delivering the image realistically and comfortably to the viewers is the key in 3D post-production. For better work, production, editing, visual effects, depth balancing and mastering for deliverables are things to care about.

See the original post here:  http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=526977252&gid=3671&type=member&item=54157079&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbit%2Ely%2Fm2A3tL&urlhash=U4kG&goback=%2Egde_3671_member_54157079

[email from Perry Hoberman]

The SCA Stereo 3D Lab (S3D@USC) is presenting a FREE screening of work at the LA3D Movie Festival’s Student Showcase on Sunday May 15, 2011 at 4pm. This is a unique opportunity to see all of the best STEREO 3D work produced at the School of Cinematic Arts on the Downtown Independent‘s big silver screen, with a state-of-the-art 3D projection system. The program features films, animation, games and more, produced over the past five years by students & faculty at the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ S3D@USC program, including projects by Melissa Bouwman, Perry Hoberman, Miguel Jiron, Andreas Kratky, Paul Shepherd, Lauren Fenton, Michael Annetta, Juli Griffo, Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Amanda Tasse, Ryan Coogler, and many more. Don’t miss it!

MEMO TO: TV Technology Readers

Fewer and fewer people watch TV on TV. They’re watching it on a computer, on a smartphone or on a tablet computer, while they watch Internet or 3D content on TV. The television industry is scrambling to keep up. Content providers want to be everywhere, but they also want to be paid. Video distributors are under pressure to keep extending their platforms and deliver programming anywhere, anytime. It’s the new frontier, and there’s no sheriff.

There are, however, those intrepid explorers on the forefront of Connected and 3DTV, and they’ll be sharing their latest insights at an exclusive event coming up May 24. “Connected TV and 3D: Supplying the Demand” will feature the top people in the industry now engaged with these emerging technologies.

ESPN’s Sean Bratches and Bryan Burns will be on hand to discuss the first 3DTV network launched in the United States, nearing it’s one-year anniversary. Ronald J. Sanders of the Digital Entertainment Group and Warner Home Video will present DEG’s latest survey of more than 3,000 3DTV owners.

Top executives from Samsung, SES, Rovi, TiVo, NueLion, the Consumer Electronics Association the Television Bureau of Advertising and others will cover content deployment for Connected TV, how 3D fits in, and what’s happening in the world of audience measurement to keep up with it all.

Please join me Tuesday, May 24, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel for“ConnectedTV and 3D: Supplying the Demand” for a view of the new frontier.

For more information and to register, click here.

Deborah D. McAdams
Executive Editor 
TV Technology

The link to more information is here: http://www.cfmediaview.com/lp1.aspx?v=6_350668949_20222_4

Wednesday – May 11th- 6pm-9pm

Quick Film Budget speaker series

Guest Q&A: Technicolor 3D’s Dan Birnbaum
Moderated by filmmakers Nolan & Adam Lebovitz
Showbiz Budgeting & Scheduling Software Seminar
With Media Services’ Roger Jones
Showbiz Software Café, 500 S. Sepulveda Blvd, West L.A. CA
Free and open to the public; free parking located in building
Info & RSVP: www.showbizsoftware.com

****

Wednesday – May 11th – 8pm-?
ProjectFresh meeting – Award-winning 3-D shorts
LA 3D Club’s Eric Kurland & Ray Zone introduce recent competition winners
Food truck service at 6:45pm
After-screening rooftop reception
Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA
Advance tickets: $12 ($15 at the door)
Info & tickets: http://projectfresh.eventbrite.com/

****

Friday – May 13th – 8:45am-5pm
3D Advertising Summit
Hands-on presentations on 3D commercials production basics
*John Nicolard (Head of Digital Production, Fotokem)
*Grant Anderson (Stereographer/Instructor, Sony 3D Technology Center)
*Dave Gregory (Independent Filmmaker & Stereographer)
*Alex Lindsey (Lucasfilm & ILM; founder, dvGarage, Pixel Corps and Rebel Unit Media)
*Michael Ching (Owner/Producer/Casting Director of Grantave Productions and Casting)
*Keith Vidger (Sales Support Engineer, Acquisition Systems, Sony Electronics, Inc.)
*Anthony Shafer (Stereoscopic Supervisor and Stereographer, StereoBox)
*Tony McIlwain (VP Sales, Western Region, ScreenVision)
Kerner Group Studios, 90 Windward Way, San Rafael, CA, 94901
Free and open to the public
Info: www.kerner.com or 415/448-2000
RSVP: www.3dAdvertisingSummit.com
Press info: Dan Harary, Asbury PR Agency Inc., Beverly Hills CA
(310) 859-1831

***

Friday thru Monday – May 13th thru 16th – TBA
Chesterfield Stereoscopic Society Convention 2011
3D workshops, demos, exhibitors & screenings from around the world
*8pm-Friday thru Sunday – 3D show screenings
Legacy Chesterfield Hotel, Malkin Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 7UA, United Kingdom
Admission fees vary (day-passes or full festival tickets available)
Info: andrew.hurst@assistpoint.co.uk or 07768-484971
Registration: www.stereoscopicsociety.org.uk

****

Saturday & Sunday – May 14th & 15th – 1pm-10pm
L.A. 3D Club (SCSC) 8th Annual 3D Movie Festival & competition
Saturday, May 14th:
*1pm-3-D Shorts competition #1
*4pm-3-D Shorts competition  #2
*8pm-Feature Screening (TBA)
Sunday, May 15th:
*2pm-3-D Demos and Presentation (Free admission)
*4pm-3D Student Showcase (Free admission)
*7pm-Festival Awards & Screening (Rooftop reception for all attendees)
Additional events TBA
Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA
Admission fees vary; parking fees also charged
Weekend passes: $30 (Discounts for SCSC members & USC students)
Info & RSVP: www.LA3DFest.com

****

Sunday thru Friday – May 15th thru 20th – TBA
Society for Information Display’s Display Week 2011
49th Annual Symposium, Seminar & Exhibition
Engineers, manufacturers, researchers in
Convention of electronic-information-display professionals
Presentations, panels & hundreds of exhibitors
Guest speakers include
*Douglas Trumbull (Showscan)
*Phil McNally (Dreamworks Animation)
*3-D Cinema, co-chaired by Force-friendly, Andrew Woods
L.A. Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles CA
Admission fees vary; individual seminar or full week available
Info & registration: www.sid2011.org/Overview.aspx

****

Friday & Saturday – May 20th & 21st – TBA
2nd Annual New Media Film Festival
3D & new media features, short subjects & filmmakers Q&A
Opening night 3D Gala, with International 3D Society and Producers Guild
Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Boulevard (at Ivar), Hollywood CA
Admission fees vary; 30% discount code (before May 10th): earlybird30
Some networking events are free & open to the public
Competition submissions deadline: May 10th
$5 off any submission, with discount code: NM254
Info & registration: www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com

****

New Contest Harnesses the Power of Social Media; Highlights the Impact of 3D on Consumers’ Lives for Preserving Personal Memories

[Press Release]

First there were 3D movies in theaters, then 3D TV in the home and 3D cameras. Now, for the first time, Sony is giving consumers a chance to have their most meaningful life event filmed in 3D through a social media-driven contest titled “Your Life in Sony 3D.” The grand prize: a 3D video of the winning idea – shot on Sony professional equipment and aired nationally on 3net, the 24/7 3D network recently launched by Sony, Discovery and Imax.

Unveiled May 9 on Sony Electronics’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sonyelectronics, “Your Life in Sony 3D” invites consumers to be active participants in the 3D phenomenon. Entrants can submit a short event description along with a personal photo in any of four categories: Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment, Cause & Community or Life Milestones & Events. After the four-week submission and voting period, the five most voted-on ideas, plus an additional five ideas selected by producers at 3net and Sony, will be chosen. These 10 finalists will then be judged by an expert panel — Buzz Hays, Executive Stereoscopic 3D Producer for Sony’s 3D Technology Center in Los Angeles, and director Scott Stewart (“Priest”) — who will choose the contest winner.

“3D is delivering an entirely new type of entertainment experience that consumers want – whether it’s “Priest” on the big screen or the excitement of the World Cup on TV,” said Stuart Redsun, senior vice president, marketing communications, Sony Electronics. “Now, for the first time, consumers can be fully involved in the 3D process, and get to see their own stories told in 3D.”

“Our goal at 3net is to provide the most compelling and engaging in-home entertainment possible,” said Rod Riegel vice president, marketing and communications, 3net. “We believe that by integrating a unique, user-inspired component, we can demonstrate to consumers the kind of closest-to-real experience that only native 3D can deliver.”

In addition to local and national media exposure, the winner will also receive a hands-on tour of the 3D production truck used for the event, as well as an edited 3D video, a Sony 3D HDTV, 3D Blu-ray player, and 3D personal video cameras. The edited video of the event will air on the 3net channel as well as in Sony stores nationwide. A 2D version will also air on the Sony billboard in Times Square.

The “Your Life in 3D” contest will be promoted through a Facebook ad buy beginning May 13, a 3D promotional spot to air on 3net beginning May 13 as well as in 3D at Sony stores nationwide. A 2D version of the spot will appear on 3net.com and Sony Electronics YouTube channel.  Banner ads will also run on Crackle.com.

Visit www.Facebook.com/SonyElectronics for more details about this contest.

See the original post here:  http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-invites-consumers-to-imagine-their-lives-in-3d-121555603.html

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO and President of DreamWorks Animation SKG
M. Night Shyamalan, Writer-Director
Chris Cookson, President of Sony Pictures Technologies Sony Pictures Entertainment
John Rubey, President, AEG Network LIVE
Bob Dowling, Co-Producer & Conference Chairperson, 3D Entertainment Summit
Neil Stiles, President, Variety
Michael V. Lewis, Chairman/CEO and Co-Founder, RealD
David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; VP, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group
Bryan Burns, Vice President, Strategic Business Planning and Development, ESPN

See more information here:  http://ny.3d-summit.com/Default.aspx?id=8c82bd26-9f9c-4fbf-85d8-7cda2ae6e7e1

In a time when everything is just seems too damn serious, ProjectFresh is excited to take a break from all the social responsibility and team up with the the LA 3-D Club and The Downtown Independent for a teaser night before their upcoming movie festival (May 14th & 15th). We’ll be screening previous years winners as well as hearing a short talk on the history of 3-D cinema. 

ProjectFresh 3-D: A Night of 3-D Cinema & Award Winning Shorts

Wednesday, May 11th | Doors 7pm | Screening 8pm

The Downtown Independent Theater: 251 S. Main St. Los Angeles, CA

$12 Online Pre-Sale / $15 at the Door (if available)

A food truck will be on the premises from 6:45pm | Rooftop Drinks & Discussion Afterward.

* This is an all ages event *

CO-HOST: Eric Kurland, President, Curator, LA 3-D Club

PREVIOUS YEARS AWARD WINNERS WILL BE SCREENED AS WELL AS A PRESENTATION FROM

Ray Zone, 3-D Film Historian and author of the book Stereoscopic Cinema and the Origins of 3-D Film

More information & RSVP here…

[by Stereoscopy News. com]

Dimension 3 program will be rich and various – with a lot of new topics. Addressed to all professionals interested in S3D, multi-views images and augmented reality, Dimension 3 offers an exhibition with more than 70 participants, conferences, a film festival with awards, 3D screenings, and several bars…

We pinpointed some interesting conferences in a flood of various screenings, workshops, events, and more (all dedicated to various aspects of 3D):

Filming live shows in S3D with Josef Klueger (KUK Films), Kommer Kleijn (Lord of the Dance), and more…

Workflow of a S3D feature film by Steve Schklair from 3ality Digital, Olivier Rakoto from Onyx films, and Denys Bruyère from TSF (Wednesday 25 May 2011, 16:30-17:45)

S3D for theme parks: what contents and what opportunities? with François Garnier and Erwin Schmidt, who worked together on Pina3D (Thursday 26 May 2011, 14:30-15:45)

Find all details at the event’s web site.

See the original post here:  http://stereoscopynews.com/hotnews/events/conferences-a-festivals/1492-dimension-3-is-back-from-24-to-26-may-2011-in-paris.html

[By ELSA KESLASSY, Variety]

Coming off a post-recession year, Cannes Market is experiencing a boom in participation and screenings.

Even with a skyrocketing euro — which was trading at $1.44 in mid-April against the dollar — more marketgoers will head to Cannes this year, says market topper Jerome Paillard, who points to a 10% increase in registered attendees compared with 2010 at the same period.

As of April 14, some 7,800 participants and 3,400 companies were registered from 50 countries.

“We’re slightly up on 2008, and we noted that more companies are attending, but outfits are not sending more staff than last year,” says Paillard.

The breakdown in participation is nearly identical to last year. U.S. industryites make up 15% of all marketgoers, France represents 16% and the U.K. represents 11%. Other European countries represent more than one-third of attendees.

The mart, which is making more strides in programming initiatives targeting independent producers, is launching the Producers Workshop, designed to school 180 producers on the ins and outs of Cannes’ film market, and train those who are making their first steps on the international scene. The program will complement the Short Film Corner and the Producers Network, which have become staple business-to-business services.

“Last year we had to turn down people who didn’t have the required experience to participate in the Producers’ Network and we realized there was a big demand for an event which could welcome emerging producers,” explains Paillard.

Kicking off on May 12, the Producers Workshop will host a series of panels and seminars hosted by film professionals. The event will cover international sales, distribution models, talent and agents, among other topics.

Paillard points out that the market’s strategy is to strengthen its matchmaking role and provide producers with more co-production and networking opportunities.

“Distribution models are constantly evolving, but one thing that’s not going to change is the producer’s role,” says Paillard. “Producers will always need to look for mixed-financing options, and be as creative as possible in drawing funds from wherever they can: Co-producers, regional funds, subsidies, tax rebates, soft money, etc.”

For the second year, sales agents and buyers will have access to a catch-up streaming service on Cinando, the confab’s web database.

The service allows participants to watch films after the market ends.

Paillard says sales agents have already submitted more than 1,000 films. With some 50 stereoscopic 3D screenings confirmed as of April 13 (50% up on 2010), the market will boast 14 3D-equipped screens — four more than last year — out of a total 34 screens.

Market unspoolings are also on the rise. As of April 13, 1,300 screenings were confirmed and more than a hundred pending.

“We’re being flooded with demands and it’s proving difficult for us to answer them all,” Paillard says. “I don’t think the market can absorb that much content, but this volume increase is certainly a sign of vitality.”

Another sign of the film market’s recovery is the abundance of sales and distribution outfits being launched, he says.

“I’m amazed to see more and more producers doing distribution, or distributors getting into international sales; and they often thrive by focusing on a niche, maintaining low operating costs and limiting their expenses — they’ll come to Cannes even if they don’t have a stand.”

See the original post here: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118035846

[by  Rachel Cericola, Big Picture Sound . com]

The filmmakers of our future have been out in full force during the 10th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, which is wrapping up this Sunday, May 1. You can check out our resident cinema snob, David Kempler’s reviews of many of this year’s films in our movie reviews section. However, at a little side party, thrown by festival sponsor LG last night, these future film-makers weren’t just representing the future of film, but also showing off their chops with 3D technology.

At LG’s exclusive soiree, 3D short films from students at Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy were showcased on LG Cinema 3D TVs. The idea behind the presentation was to show how future filmmakers can make an impact using 3D.  According to school officials and the students themselves, LG’s sponsorship has proven to be invaluable for these budding young film-makers to experiement and hone their 3D skills.

“Our students and faculty are very pleased to have the rare opportunity to work with the latest in digital film and 3D technology,” said Howard Tullman, CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy. “This experience will give them an edge as they begin their careers outside of the classroom.”

One of the films shown was The Flying Wallendas Highwire Family, which used 3D to display the excitement and tension of a live high-wire performance. Another one, The Universe of 3D, transformed the LG logo into an animated, 3D experience.

“For those of us in the film industry, it’s exciting to see young filmmakers break ground with emerging media like 3D,” says Jon Patricof, Tribeca Enterprises COO. “LG’s relationship with Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy has given these students an opportunity to learn more about a rapidly growing technology in their field, and we’re very happy with their work that is being shared with the broader film community at the Tribeca Film Festival.”

Not only did the experience inspire the Tribeca Flashpoint students; LG says it will pave the way for more 3D content that can be viewed at home. LG also used the opportunity to show off its Cinema 3D HDTVs, which use 3D  technology that’s similar to what’s going on at your local cineplex. Boasting better horizontal viewing angles and brighter screens than active 3D sets (according to LG), the new sets also use inexpensive, passive 3D glasses instead of the more expensive active shutter glasses used by some competitors.

“We hope that our alliance with Tribeca and the Tribeca Flashpoint Academy will inspire more young filmmakers to create 3D content for consumers to enjoy,” said John Weinstock, LG’s VP of marketing. “The 3D films created by these students capture the exciting possibilities of the 3D experience, so it’s only fitting that their debut is on the next-generation 3D TV, LG Cinema 3D.”

LG plans to demo its Cinema 3D HDTVs at other upcoming festivals, as well as various theater venues, including the Chelsea Clearview Cinemas and AMC Lowes Village 7.

See the original post here: http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/LG-and-Tribeca-Flashpoint-Media-Arts-Academy-Show-Student-3D-Shorts-at-Tribeca.shtml