Are You Experienced? BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK Premiere's October 14th

Yes, I say "experienced" because Ang Lee's BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK will be something you've never seen before and sets the stage for "the new platinum standard" of modern stereoscopic 3D. This is a game changer and a world's first.

It's not just 3D anymore guys. It's 4K 3D shot at 120 frames per second! From everything I've heard, this is THE way to experience the format. I've seen 3D shot/shown at 48 and 60 frames per second created by James Cameron, but never 120. Apparently, all aspects of the alleged "soap opera" effect disappear at 120 - something I have yet to see.

But the real trick is going to be for the masses to see it in 4K3D @ 120. Most cinemas can go to a maximum of 60 fps, not 120. There will have to be major capital investment by theater owners (new projectors!) in the future to be able to screen movies like BILLY LYNN in the premium format, and I certainly appeal to them to do so earlier rather than later, but it's a foregone conclusion that it won't be anytime soon.

If you will be in New York after the premiere, apparently the theater that is being used for the New York Film Festival premiere of the movie (AMC  Lincoln Square) will keep the dual laser projectors in place for the theatrical run. So there's that.

From FSLC (Film Society Lincoln Center): Lee’s stunning adaptation of Ben Fountain’s novel is the story of an Iraq war hero (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who comes home with his fellow members of Bravo Company for a victory tour. This culminates in a halftime show at a Thanksgiving Day football game—a high-intensity media extravaganza summoning memories of the trauma of losing his beloved sergeant in a firefight. Lee’s brave, heartbreaking film goes right to the heart of a great division that haunts this country: between the ideal image of things as they should be and the ongoing reality of things as they are. With a brilliant supporting cast, including Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund with Vin Diesel and Steve Martin.

I know most of the 3D team behind this movie personally and trust me - these guys are at the top of the game, starting with the Stereographer / Stereo Supervisor, Demetri Portelli and Production Systems Supervisor (2D, 3D, All Digital Workflow), Ben Gervais along with 3D Systems Technicians, Brian Cassar and Sandra Lombardi. The team also set up a 3D digital lab and entire DI lab in Ang's office which housed Nathan Shields (Toronto), Daniel George (Toronto), Michael Buck (LA) and Derek Schweickart (LA) who also did LIFE OF PI with Ang.

Production Systems Supervisor Ben Gervais was quoted (Variety) talking about the audiences thus far: "Test subjects that have seen some footage have commented that 40 minutes after seeing battle footage, they're still shaking." Really underscores their accomplishment!

Stereographer Demetri Portelli used Stereotec lightweight rigs with F65 cameras and of course Master Prime lenses (same as he did on LIFE OF PI, 47 RONIN, TS SPIVET). He and Gervais manufactured their own mirrors specifically for this project and they modified the fiber cable on set workflow, to suit the needs of production. They used Panavision Woodland Hills for prep and accessories. The key element was building a complete 4K stereo DI in Ang's office watching 120 FPS which was only made possible by Baselight (a Filmlight color grading system which they also used on HUGO).

Says Portelli: "It is also the first film graded at 120/4K/3D on Christie projectors with the digital master being projected at 28 foot lamberts! As (audiences) will see during the 12 minutes at IBC, and then the whole experience at New York Film Festival - our huge thanks to Christie projectors for their support in getting these images on the screen."

I've talked to Ang Lee as well specifically about 3D and future plans - as usual he's humble, yet obviously an extremely gifted filmmaker. Lee will also receive the IBC International Honor For Excellence (International Broadcasting Convention) next month in Amsterdam.

We are in good hands here. I can't wait to be wowed. My anticipation is through the roof for this movie and I've got to find some way of seeing it in 4K3D @ 120 fps.

NYC road trip anyone? :-)

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

ACTION! Our 40 BELOW AND FALLING 3D Started Lensing Today - In Native 3D 4K!

AND we're underway shooting in Edmonton! Can't wait to bring you up to speed as it happens. I'm so very excited about this special movie and getting you -in close- and behind the scenes with Jewel Staite, Shawn Roberts and our great crew. I'll have more shortly, but for now - we are rolling!

Here's our official press release today:

The cameras are now rolling in Edmonton on the set of 12pt Media’s 3D Romantic Adventure/Comedy 40 Below and Falling. The film will be shot in native 3D using custom built side-by-side and beam-splitting rigs. This new cutting-edge technology has been adapted to effectively shoot in freezing Canadian temperatures and can be easily transported to many different locations – including the Rocky Mountains.

‘We’re able to tap into whole new markets with 4K 3D, and being set in the mountains means we will be able to explore the environment in a way never seen before’, says Producer Andrew Scholotiuk.

The cast and crew will be shooting across Alberta and all around Edmonton under the guidance of Director Dylan Pearce. Joining lead actors Jewel Staite (Firefly) and Shawn Roberts (Resident Evil) are superb Canadian actors Shaun Johnston (Heartland), Cindy Busby (Heartland), Mark Meer, Francis Damberger, Stephanie Wolfe, Janice Ryan, Sevinn Joshee, Mark Labelle, Howie Miller, Mark Kandborg, Belinda Cornish, Reamonn Joshee, Christopher Craddock, Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, Darren Arsenault, Samuel Marty, Ashley Barlow, Tom Edwards, Adrian Young  and Whopper the Bear.

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.

With an exciting team of producers at the helm - Executive Producers Darren Arsenault, Corinne Ferguson, Pierre-Andre Rochat, Producer Andrew Scholotiuk and Associate Producer Jim Dorey - the film is off to a great start. 40 Below and Falling is currently scheduled to be broadcast in Canada on Super Channel in the fall of 2015, with an international release being handled by distributor DARO Films out of Monaco.

Join us on our filming adventures by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Vine and Instagram.

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

For all media requests and inquiries please contact:

Mika Lirette at info@12ptmedia.com

Much more coming soon!

Romantic Comedy 40 BELOW AND FALLING Shooting In Native 3D 4K - Yours Truly A Producer!

I am so very excited to finally announce that I am a producer on our soon to be shot romantic comedy 40 BELOW AND FALLING 3D starring Jewel Staite (FIREFLY, SERENITY, THE KILLING) and Shawn Roberts (RESIDENT EVIL, X-MEN and EDGE OF DARKNESS). I'm working with an outstanding team of individuals led by Executive Producer Darren Arsenault, Producer Andrew Scholotiuk; and Director Dylan Pearce - this is definitely a movie you'll want to see.

Our stereographer Dylan Reade has done amazing work with IMAX (HUBBLE 3D, UNDER THE SEA 3D, JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC) and I'm looking forward to see the magic that he and Pierce will create in the Canadian west.

Casting Jewel Staite as Kate and Shawn Roberts as Redford is a perfect combination for the story - their personas that you've seen thus far in their careers amplify the characters in 40 BELOW.

40 BELOW AND FALLING is going into principal photography this month in gorgeous native 3D and in 4K on location in stunning Alberta, Canada.

Be sure to check out our website 40belowandfalling.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Here's our official boilerplate:
It’s not the latest Canadian weather forecast, but the title of the newest feature film being brought to you by innovative production company 12pt Media. Directed by Dylan Pearce, the Romantic Adventure/Comedy will be unique to its genre, being one of the first ever to be shot in both 2D and 3D. Whether or not you’re a fan of heavy snowfalls, this feature film will leave you falling in love with winter.

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.

The movie will capture the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, small town Alberta, and the city of Edmonton, all with groundbreaking 3D 4K technology brought to life by production company 12pt media. 12pt Media is a new company run by – Producer Andrew Scholotiuk, Executive Producer Darren Arsenault, and Director Dylan Pearce. Previous works include the Canadian and international hits I Think I Do and Baby Blues.

40 Below and Falling is also produced in association with the Edmonton Film Fund, The Alberta Media Fund and The Canadian Film or Video Tax Production Credit Program and Associate Producer Jim Dorey - host of the online 3D site MarketSaw.com. The film is currently scheduled to be broadcast in Canada on Super Channel in the fall of 2015, with an international release being handled by distributor DARO Films out of Monaco.

Stay tuned for more exciting news as winter unfolds on our set of 40 Below and Falling! Rest assured I will have some very interesting interviews, behind the scenes videos, clips and more.

Sony Announces First 4K, Passive 3D TV: 1080P For Each Eye!

**Editor's Note: Welcome Adam Shear! Adam attends SUNY Oswego in upstate NY where he studies broadcasting and mass communication. He has contributed to LevelSave.com and TripTronicTech.com and I'm excited to have him aboard.

Adam here. After an impressive showing of 4K projection technology at CES, Sony has finally announced its first ever 4K television. 4K, also called Ultra High Definition, has four times a greater picture than 1080p HD.

The Sony XBR-84X900 will be 84 inches and capable of displaying native 4K content. This Ultra High Definition set is also Sony's first TV to use passive 3D technology. Because there are more pixels, you can finally get a full 1080p picture in each eye. It also has virtual 5.1 surround sound built in to the speakers.

While there is no native 4K content available now, it could come soon in the form of digital content stored on hard drives.  In a brochure I received from Sony at CES, it was explained that Blu ray disc players can be upgraded to play native 4K, the same way in which upgrades were needed to play Blu ray 3D content.   

Select Sony stores will have the XBR-84X900 on display starting September 6 with it releasing sometime in the near future, I would guess in the next six months to a year. 

I'm really glad to finally see a 4K TV from Sony.  At CES this past year, I attended their 4K Experience which showed off not just native 4K content, but also 1080p content up-scaled to 4K.  I was really impressed.  It also makes perfect sense for Sony to move to passive 3D.  Now that users can get a full 3D HD picture, there really isn't a need to buy a $100 pair of battery powered glasses.  It's just easier to get a $10 pair of glasses with no technology inside of them.  It might take a few years for 4K to really catch on, but 4K will really enhance the home theater experience, even more so than 1080p HDTVs currently have.