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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Avatar: Director audio/video tracks to run concurrently with Blu-ray DVD

James Cameron has three High Definition camera crews following him around while shooting "Avatar". More specifically, these crews are using technology to outfit a new feature of Blu-ray players that will allow the simultaneous viewing of the main movie AND the director speaking in another box. You may switch from one to the other as being in the foreground and the same applies to the audio. Sweet feature.

There will most likely be a trivia game and/or some simple videogames included on the Avatar Blu-ray DVD when it becomes available. Another thing to keep in mind is that Cameron is a gaming aficionado and may very well want to include a Sony PS3 game in with the DVD set. :-)

Avatar is worth waiting for and Cameron is making sure it is worth owning too.

Interview with John Rupkalvis, CEO of StereoScope International

I had the opportunity to interview John Rupkalvis yesterday - he is currently CEO of StereoScope International, which he founded in 1972, and Vice President of StereoMed, Inc., which he co-founded in 1978. John has an extensive technical and artistic background in the fields of stereographic science and engineering, cinematographic, video, and computer technologies. I asked some pointed questions representing what the public seems to want to know about the 3D industry today - which led to an interesting comment by John about a technology that StereoScope has that will help increase the 3D quality even further than today's standards.


MarketSaw: What can people expect (direction of the 3D industry)?
JR: "Controversy. As usual."
Plenty of controversy exposed right here on MarketSaw - check out this post.

MarketSaw: What format(s) are going to eventually win dominance?
JR: "This has been, and continues to be debated, such as in the SMPTE DC28.40 committee, of which I am a member. Everything from servers, to packages, to luminance, to metadata, etc., etc."
Remember that most 3D movies will be digital in today's world and so that lends itself to computerized management, hence servers and therefore flexibility. Standards are needed to deliver consistent quality and value to the end consumer.

MarketSaw: Will people see an integration of movies with gaming?
JR: "This has happened, and likely will continue."
MarketSaw sees a future where there are publicly generated backgrounds and objects made for within movies - just like developers add levels to games that allow modifications. The kicker is most will probably do the work for free for a simple credit at the end of the film - just like gamer levels. Spreading work among hundreds of developers working for free should speed up special effects as well as make them far more affordable. Taking this a step further - why not bring gaming right into an interactive 3D movie? Theater chairs with gamepads? Hmmm.

MarketSaw: Will we ever get rid of the glasses?
JR: "Stereoscopic systems that do not use glasses, such as barrier grid and lenticular, are known as autostereoscopic. Right now, glasses-based systems are much more cost-effective, and capable of much higher quality results. The Stereocinema in Moscow used an autostereoscopic display for many years, but now has converted to a polarized-glasses system. Glasses are often associated with style and enjoyable activities, such as people wearing sunglasses for driving, outdoor sports, or going to the beach."
The glasses are the only real downside to audiences around the world, but it is really a small downside. The ideal solution of course is to not have to wear them, but until such time as we don't have to - lightweight, no headache glasses are fine with me.

MarketSaw: Who are the players in the industry?
JR: "Most digital cinema releases have been CG (Computer Graphics) by such companies as Disney/Pixar and, more recently, Dreamworks. Live-action productions are being pursued by several, including Steve Schklair's 3ality (not to be confused with 3ality of Israel, a different company), and, of course Cameron/Pace."
I would throw in the smaller players who will fill in the voids left by the bigger studios when their blockbusters have run their course in the 3D theaters, like Adirondack International Pictures and StereoVision Entertainment.

MarketSaw: How do these players differ from one another regarding tech?
JR: "Not that much. Most systems in current use either use beamsplitter-type rigs, or convergent systems with a wider-than-normal stereo base.
Beamsplitter systems are very inefficient, losing nearly 2/3 of the available light. This can be a real problem in stereoscopic systems where depth of field is usually very important. Fuzzy foregrounds and backgrounds result in eyestrain. Convergent (toe-in) systems result in opposed keystone distortion, aggravated by wider-than-normal stereo bases, also resulting in eyestrain.
This is important, as people are not going to go to see 3-D movies if they get headaches from them."
Some complicated systems at work here obviously. The key point here is that these guys know what they are doing and there will be no more of the headache producing blue and red cardboard glasses anymore! :-) I will have more posts later regarding 3D technology to bring folks up to speed!

MarketSaw: Are there developments on the horizon that the mainstream industry has not even looked at yet?
JR: "Yes. The StereoScope lateral-displacement system does not toe-in, yet offers the choice of lateral registration anywhere in the scene. There are no light-losses with this system. There is no eyestrain induced by this system."
Now this sounds very cool. One of the problems that face any 3D production solution is that you are introducing obstacles into the path of light from the scene being shot. Mirrors, lenses and the splitting of light beams into two paths cause light to scatter. Using a dual camera system helps a great deal as does John's solution that he mentions above. The newer digital camera systems help a great deal as they are more compact allowing them to be placed together in a dual arrangement to mimic the human eye.

Look for more 3D industry interviews coming up.

Dreamworks: Shrek Goes Fourth in 3D for 2010

Jeffrey Katzenberg yesterday said that the fourth movie in the Shrek franchise will be released in the 2010 slate of movies. May 21st, 2010 to be precise. Previously Mr. Katzenberg had promised that all future tentpoles (major summer releases) of Dreamworks Animation from 2009 and on will be in 3D. Sooooo, through transitivity Mr. Katzenberg announced that the movie "Shrek Goes Fourth" will indeed be in 3D. All of this on the heels of the announcement that "Shrek the Third" raked in $793 million worldwide thus far - and the DVD is not even out yet (slated for Nov. 13th).

Shrek Goes Fourth in 3D!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Dolby Laboratories EVP Talks 3D

Excellent interview of Tim Partridge, EVP of Products and Technology at Dolby Laboratories here. Not too much new here and a lot of marketing spin, but some great clarification of where Dolby is headed in the 3D theater world.

They are still having some trouble getting over the whole $50 per pair of glasses thing though. That is going to be the albatross around their necks unfortunately. I can see kids purposefully scratching those things before handing them back to the theater operators, espcially if they didn't like the movie. Ouch.

Two Nights Of 3D Technology: Newly Restored "Hondo" Starring John Wayne In 3D

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is presenting an interesting 3D technology discussion as well as a rare screening of John Wayne's 1953 3D movie "Hondo" based on Louis L'Amour's "The Gift of Cochise" on November 6th and 13th respectively.


Personally, I am very curious as to what Chris Condon has to say being the 3D industry pioneer that he is. The rapid changes that are taking place now are making my head spin - so it will be nice to see the viewpoint from someone who has seen it all.


Participants:

Chris Condon - 3D Consultant and Former StereoVision International President

Peter Anderson - 3D Director of Photography and Visual Effects Supervisor

Eric Brevig - Visual Effects Supervisor

Rob Hummel - AMPAS Science & Technology Council Member

Garrett Smith - VP Digital Mastering Operations @ Paramount


Source: Variety

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Exclusive: Stewardesses 3D In A Return Flight!


The highest grossing 3D movie of all time is making a huge comeback. Stewardesses 3D was released in 1969 (and 1971 with an R rating) and went on the rake in $27 million, and that is in 1970 dollars. To top off the windfall, it only cost $100,000 to produce! Chris Condon, who co-produced the original is now teaming with Ed Meyer of Adirondack International Pictures to bring out a remake of the original for 2009 (targeting a window around the release of Avatar).

Casting will include an "A" list of young, established stars and it will be delivered to theaters using Real D technology (my current preferred technology btw).

My take on this is that the movie will generate nostalga for the older crowds yet will bring in the teens with that A-list cast. Moreover, 2009 will be a hotbed of ticket sales as 3D takes the industry by storm with confirmed and in production releases by Dreamworks Animation and James Cameron. As I predicted earlier this year, 2009 will be the turning point for 3D in cinema and frankly, the turning point for cinema itself. Remember the excitement surrounding FM stereo from AM? Digital THX? Color from black & white? Digital 3D will trump them all.

I have added Stewardesses 3-D (2009) to my list of scheduled and rumored upcoming 3D movies.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Exclusive: Avatar Production Delayed Until Mid-November

UPDATED: Oct 25th 2007One of my inside sources close to the Avatar production has just informed me that production segments have been delayed until mid-November. It is uncertain as to why this is occuring - perhaps James Cameron needs to ensure his home and possessions are out of harm's way (Malibu fires)?

This delay throws another wrench into the gears: Michelle Rodriguez. She has to report to jail on Christmas Eve and I am uncertain if this will affect her and her role on Avatar. I would say yes it does affect things. Delays this close to possible strike actions in the new year (contracts expire June 30th) is not a good thing either.
UPDATE: I have received word from Leigh representing Michelle Rodriguez and her official website:
"Avatar has not been delayed till mid-November. They had a 1-day delay. But all is well and they're back to filming. There is no issue on the Michelle front. Everything is just fine.


L."
So it appears that Michelle's segments are indeed continuing, practically on schedule. However, as I originally posted there ARE segments of the movie which ARE delayed until mid-November based on my insider source who is attached to those said segments. Appears that the production has fragmented with parts of it getting priority and others not so much. Sounds like a reasonable approach. I will keep you posted on further developments as always.

Let's hope what needs to get accomplished does. Once it is in Weta's hands for CGI, there is not too much need for writers and actors (save for call backs).

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Breaking: New Photos of Avatar Set in New Zealand



Folks - there is a massive green screen erected in Wellington for James Cameron's Avatar epic as well as production signs up - though not much hint of the "font" being used for titling! They are using containers from the nearby port to support the massive 180 degree outdoor set. The screens appear to be about 30' to 40' high.

Check out the images on this Flickr account.

Will update with more as they appear!

Monday, October 22, 2007

3D In The Home: Passive Polarised Dual Layered LCD Monitor


Home 3D television is getting closer to reality with the new 22" iZ3D. It is a joint technology development from Neurok Optics and Taiwanese LCD maker Chi Mei Optoelectronics. The monitor is quite thick as it contains two LCD panels that will show two slightly different viewpoints of an input. Officially, it is a passive-polarised dual-layered LCD monitor. Cost is around $1500.

I love seeing the rapid development cycles to bring 3D entertainment to the home! I will be bringing you more updates on these technologies as they come to light.

New 3D Movies In The Pipes

Catch up with the most recent announced 3D movie projects:

1. "Coraline" (Focus Features / Laika Entertainment)
Second half of 2008 Release
Stop-motion 3D Animation
Voices: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Ian McShane
Neil Gaiman’s children’s novella adaption. A secret door is uncovered by a young girl leading her to a fantasical world with a "better" outcome for her own life (kind of like who Marty McFly's life is better when he changes history in "Back To The Future"). It will be a stop-motion animation feature in 3D. Apparently the movie is being shot with still, super high resolution 3D cameras (4K). I wonder if they considered using the new Red One 3D system to achieve 4K? But seeing as though it is stop motion to begin with, still cameras are fine and cheaper (even though Red is damn affordable).

2. A Christmas Carol (Pixar / Disney)
Robert Remeckis, Jim Carrey
3D Performance Capture (Cameron / Pace Fusion Technology?)

--

3D Movie Rumors:
Transformers 2 (Paramount)
June 2009
Mark Christiansen, EVP of Operations @ Paramount hinted that it would be cool to see Transformers in 3D - AND the release date is set for June 2009 when some of the new 3D theaters may be opening up. I say may because Avatar is gonna have legs people!

Wall-E (Pixar)
Currently in high security production

For the *full* list of MarketSaw upcoming 3D movies click here.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

James Cameron's Malibu Home In Flames?

A brush fire in Malibu has already taken out a few homes (and a castle) and apparently is threatening James Cameron's home as well. Cameron is in New Zealand shooting the 3D epic "Avatar" and hopefully he has someone local to Malibu to get in there and get any special belongings before the fire consumes it...

Here's hoping he stores his "Avatar", "Battle Angel Alita" and other development material in his offices and not at his house. Godspeed with your home Jim.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Confirmed: Karl Urban is Dr. Leonard McCoy

Reprising DeForest Kelley's Star Trek role as Dr. Leonard McCoy is none other than Karl Urban. Set to be released in 2009 (probably Christmas) the movie (the eleventh in the series) is to predate the original TV series and throw the eventual Enterprise crew members into some Academy adventures together.

After weeks of rumours, Paramount Pictures finally confirmed them.

While I am fairly sure it will not be a 3D movie, I am damn excited by how this movie is shaping up. Great casting so far in my mind. Abrams is having fun I can tell!

I wonder if they will write in the script how McCoy got so damn scared of the transporters - something NASTY no doubt like half a head in a floor materializing or something... :-) "I'm a doctor Jim - not a magician!!!"

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Avatar Begins Production In New Zealand

The Dominion Post of New Zealand reports that James Cameron's Avatar has started production in Wellington today (errr tomorrow in New Zealand - Oct 17th). They had 80 stunt people in camo practicing maneuvers at a secret location.

They still have a month of shooting at Weta with some preliminary work completed in Hawaii. Wish I were a fly on the wall of that set!

View the Scar 3D Trailer !

Brace yourself. Scar 3D is coming soon to a 3D theater near you...
Warning: Graphic scenes may not be suitable for all. Viewer discretion is advised.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Dolby: Early 3D Theater Adopters Announced

Dolby Laboratories Inc. have today announced that many theater chains have stepped up to the plate to install their technology with an eye towards the "Beowulf" November 16th launch date which is of course in 3D. Here is there press release:

POST UPDATE: Check out my Oct 9th post update regarding pricing for the Dolby 3D vs. Real D theater technology.


Exhibitors Worldwide Select Dolby 3D Digital Cinema

Dolby Expands Global Footprint of Digital 3D Technology

ShowEast 2007

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At ShowEast today, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) announced a diverse array of exhibitors from both large and independent chains have selected Dolby® 3D Digital Cinema technology to deploy on screens worldwide. This marks a significant step in Dolbys strategy to grow its digital 3D global footprint.

A number of key exhibitors will be installing the first Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems in locations throughout the world, including Carousel Cinemas, Cinema City, Cinetopia, Cobb Theatres, Kerasotes Theatres, Malco Theatres, Marcus Theatres, Maya Cinemas, Megaplex Theatres, Starlight Cinemas, Sundance Cinemas, Warren Theatres, Kinepolis Group of Belgium, and Supercines of Ecuador. Dolby plans to continue installing its solution on additional screens in time for Paramount Pictures Beowulf, opening in several territories beginning November 16, 2007.

With the approaching release of Beowulf, Dolby is committed to installing as many Dolby 3D systems as possible, said Tim Partridge, Executive Vice President, Products and Technology, Dolby Laboratories. The response from exhibitors around the world has been very promising. We are delighted that Dolby is offering new technology to theaters that is highly valued by cinemagoers and continues to enhance the moviegoing experience.

Dolbys unique 3D solution offers exhibitors an easy-to-implement and cost-effective solution:

  • The Dolby 3D technology utilizes standard white screens already in auditoriums, so exhibitors dont have the added costs nor the image-quality compromise associated with the use of a silver screen, delivering a great 3D experience from every seat in the auditorium.
  • The Dolby 3D Digital Cinema system supports both 3D and 2D presentations, without the need for dedicated 3D auditoriums, by adding a retractable color filter wheel accessory to the digital projector.
  • Exhibitors can move a 3D movie to additional auditoriums equipped with Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems later in the run using the standard screens.

The Dolby 3D solution gives Malco flexibility in our theatre to present both 3D and 2D digital movies, and we are thrilled to have it installed in time for Beowulf, said Mike Thomson, Vice President, Engineering, Malco Theatres. Malco experienced tremendous success with the Dolby 3D beta trial back in March. We believe that digital 3D movies are going to bring new patrons to our theatres, and we are excited to have Dolby provide us with the latest technology to meet this growing consumer demand.

The Dolby 3D Digital Light ProcessingTM (DLP®) projector retrofit kit includes an easily installed full-spectrum color filter wheel based on technology licensed from INFITEC that provides realistic color and extremely sharp images. The kit also includes a Dolby DFC100 Digital Filter Controller that automatically synchronizes the filter wheel with 3D digital content as it is projected.

Sold separately, the Dolby 3D glasses are extremely durable, lightweight, high-performance devices designed to be used hundreds of times. Initially, 3D glasses will be reusable, eliminating the need to reorder glasses and minimizing environmental impact. Because they are reusable, the expected per-ticket cost of the glasses is well below the current cost of disposable 3D glasses.

The Dolby 3D Digital Cinema solution is currently shipping.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) develops and delivers products and technologies that make the entertainment experience more realistic and immersive. For more than four decades, Dolby has been at the forefront of defining high-quality audio and surround sound in cinema, broadcast, home audio systems, cars, DVDs, headphones, games, televisions, and personal computers. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance, features, reliability, and capabilities of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema; the potential benefits and cost savings that studios, exhibitors, and audiences may derive from Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems; the number and location of screens that Dolby will install Dolby 3D Digital Systems prior to the release of Beowulf; the expected per-ticket cost of the Dolby 3D glasses; the expectation that Dolby will offer disposable 3D glasses; and the anticipated market acceptance of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems, are "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. The following important factors, without limitation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: risks that Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems may not perform as anticipated; risks that the adoption and installation of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema, as well as the timing of such adoption and installation, by exhibitors may not occur as expected; risks associated with building market acceptance of and demand for digital cinema and 3D digital cinema in general, and for Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems in particular, by filmmakers, studios, cinema operators, and audiences; competition risks for digital and 3D theatre technologies; rapid changes in technical requirements for movie theatrical playback technologies specifically and entertainment technologies for movies in general; risks associated with developing proprietary technologies and products based on "open standards"; risks associated with the health of the motion picture industry in general; risks associated with developing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with industry participants; and other risks detailed in Dolby's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the risks identified under the section captioned "Risk Factors" in its most recent Periodic Report on Form 10-Q or 10-K. Dolby disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Digital Light Processing and DLP are trademarks of Texas Instruments. S07/18836 DLB-G

Contacts

Dolby Laboratories
Joshua Gershman, 415-645-5611
joshua.gershman@dolby.com
or
mPRm Public Relations
Megan Kellett, 323-933-3399
mkellett@mprm.com

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Avatar Star Barred?

I don't normally post on anything to do with casting, or the antics of movie casts on or off the set.

But quite frankly I have had it with actors who blatantly disregard the law. I am speaking of Michelle Rodriguez. A talented actor with screen presence - but not too much presence of mind apparently.

For those who don't know, she was caught for DUI and punished with a slap on the wrist - community service. Rather than do it though, she forged her court documents to show that she did her service when in fact she did not. When she admitted as much in court, they were not impressed. She now has 180 days in the slammer and a further 30 days of road clean-up duty.

Is this thing on? Hello? I was really looking forward to seeing the "Avatar" cast as originally laid out by Cameron, but c'mon. I would not be surprised if she is yanked very soon. There is a pending strike coming up as well and I am sure Cameron wants to get all the shooting and most pickups completed before and if that happens to focus on the effects.

If she had simply done her service and owed up to making a mistake which we are all capable of, then full steam ahead baby. I am not sure if there is a possibility of time off for good behavior - but heck, who can count on even that?

5 Million 3D Glasses To Be Distributed for Live Halloween TV Event !

Well normally I would not post anything about daytime television unless, of course, it was being shown in three dimensions right? Brace yourself. That omnipresent personality - Regis - and sidekick Kelly are hosting the first daytime 3D broadcast in history, "Live's 3D Halloween Spectacular" this month.

Walgreens will be distributing the 5 million requisite 3D glasses all over the U.S. Grab a pair, take the day off if you are working and enjoy!

BTW - If you have not noticed yet, I have provided a widget below highlighting some very well done LOTR masks and costumes you or your kids may be into. Check it out.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

C|Net Has An Excellent Technology Primer on 3D Equipment...

Sometimes there is an article posted that challenges the 3D depths to which I would go and this is one of them. Excellent content and comparison journalism here between the new Dolby 3D technology and the current mainstay, Real D. Check out this outstanding review on C|Net News.

For the record I welcome the Dolby camp into the foray, but still lean toward the Real D solution due to the MUCH cheaper glasses (a huge component in the acceptability of the 3D technology) which in turn lends itself to branded, personable, take home 3D glasses. I do not want to wear someone else's glasses even if they have been "washed".

I believe we are first generation with this new technology and further developments will bring a balance between pragmatic needs and the consumer's fickleness. Stay tuned for more details soon on the technology from various camps, including the Cameron/Pace Fusion System in use for "Avatar".

POST UPDATE: Theaters considering the options have to weigh several concerns, among them financial. Dolby 3D sells its equipment for about $18,500, whereas Real D rents it for about $20,000 a year. But Dolby 3D's complicated glasses cost about $50 each to 50 cents for Real D's disposable plastic ones. Dolby 3D can use ordinary white movie screens, but not necessarily the largest ones; Real D needs special $5,500 silver screens to be installed but can use larger ones, permitting more audience members to watch a single screening.
Source C|Net News

Friday, October 05, 2007

Is Bob Swayed? Jackson Directed "The Hobbit" Soon To Be Announced


Is Bob Shaye swayed? As posted earlier, I believe Peter Jackson will soon be announced as the director of "The Hobbit". I have heard from an internal source that a very generous percentage sharing deal with New Line is in the works concurrently with ongoing litigation between the two parties. Further, and here is the kicker: In return for the deal, the litigation that is pending between Jackson and New Line will be withdrawn. It all hinges on continued good faith dialogue between everyone involved.

Entertainment Weekly echoes my findings as well although they stop short of saying the litigation will be dropped. "There has been a détente,” says one insider. There is now the beginning of a discourse between Peter Jackson and New Line that’s running parallel to the litigation proceedings."

I suspect that the deal will be even more lucrative than what is expected for someone of Peter Jackson's stature to help him forget about the litigation. Hey whatever works. Just. Get. Him. Directing.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Great Concept: Open Source 3D Movies !

What a great idea: The Blender Foundation has set up another go at an open source movie (short) after their initial success with "Elephant's Dream". This time the effort is known as "Peach" and it will be a 3D animated short film. Looks tremendously cool. The idea is to bring out talented 3D animators and programmers to Amsterdam from now until April 2008 - all expenses are covered by the sponsors: Airfare, accommodations, meals and top notch studio space. The city itself would be a huge attraction of course. The Blender Foundation and these developers in the community are the financiers and they are also offering a pre-order for the DVD on their website.

From the Peach website: "the movie itself and all of the production files will be published under the Creative Commons, free to be reused and for everyone to learn from. More importantly, the team is going to challenge Blender itself to the max, inspiring the entire development community to prove Blender is ready for feature quality 3D cartoons. Special attention will be paid to fur editing and rendering, and animating cartoonish characters."

Here's what they have been up to until now:


  • June 16: Public call for portfolio submissions

  • June 26: Closing date for submitting portfolios

  • June 30: Announcement team (+ define spares)

  • July 1-15: decisions on team roles, concept, how to get script, contracts, payment details

  • August 3-12: Siggraph, San Diego

  • August 17: Final decision on project duration and team size

  • August 20-24: Preproduction workshop. With script writer, with a script! Final contracts signed with all team members

  • Sept 1: Final Script
...and here's what their schedule looks like in Amsterdam (click to enlarge):


It looks like they are going to have tons of fun and who knows - maybe this will become a very viable way to make feature length 3D movies. The idea is intriguing to say the least. It has many of the overtones that a James Cameron movie may have in the future with a community of programmers designing environments and creatures for integration into CGI movies; complete with their credits at the end. If revenue sharing was part of the plan, then the sky is the limit. I am really looking forward to buying the "Peach" DVD and seeing the result. Best of luck to the team.

Links: Peach Main Site Pre-order their DVD (and get your name in the credits!)

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Is Indiana Jones 4 cursed?

Just wondering. I mean last week Tyler Nelson, an extra on the Indy set spilled the beans and divulged confidential information to his hometown newspaper (which subsequently removed it) about the details of the movie (Search for a crystal skull in South America, etc). This broke a signed agreement NOT to give out those details.

And now this week a massive theft. Computers, photos and sensitive information has been stolen from the set and little is being said about it while the investigation continues.

I am starting to think that maybe there are somethings that shouldn't be touched, like the Ark Of The Covenant, The Holy Grail and perhaps tired old trilogies. I just hope no one gets hurt during the production. Seems out of control if you ask me. Interesting, but out of control.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Tintin 3D Trilogy to be penned by Steven Moffat

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have found their writer. Steven Moffat of Dr. Who (the most recent version) and Jekyll (both of the BBC) is challenged with the task of coming up with three adventures for Herge for both directors and a third that is yet to be announced. I am quite thrilled with the prospect of having a fresh new children's character introduced to this generation and while at the same time entertaining the masses with a great storyline and the fact that it will be in performance captured digital 3D (most likely the same tech as used in James Cameron's Avatar which is also using Weta). I will be in just about the same awe as my daughter and son while we watch these motion pictures unfold.

Peter Jackson has said that Weta will make the characters photo realistic and NOT cartoonish. Throwing them into a 3D world completes the effect. I can't wait.

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