3D Film Factory Introduces New Motorized 3D Bullet Camera Rig

Just got an email from Karl Kozak, owner of 3D Film Factory of San Diego and they have a new version of their 3D Bullet Rig that now brings in motorization. As an aspiring 3D filmmaker myself with Phobia Films, I thought that this press release would be of interest to many looking for a budget native 3D rig. Have a look (emphasis is mine):

3D Film Factory Introduces New Motorized 3D Bullet Camera Rig To Adjust Inter-Occular and Convergence Remotely

Hollywood, CA – The latest version of the 3D Bullet Rig now offers complete remote control (motorization) of the Inter-occular and convergence settings.  The newest Bullet Rig is now the most affordable, motorized 3D system available.

This latest version utilizes small Heden or Presten servo motors to remotely control BOTH the inter-occular (0”-3.5”) and convergence (0°-3°) remotely.  Of course, manual control is still an option was well.

"We’ve used the rig on a five month 3D feature.  It’s India’s most ambitious 3D project to date and stars some of their biggest stars.  We shot with two Epics", said veteran stereographer Keith Driver.  "The crew was initially on a larger much more expensive system, but believe it or not, it moved too slow, cost a fortune.  They weren’t getting the set-ups.  They switched to the Bullet Rig and the set-ups were almost doubled.  It’s a fast, light rig.  Because it’s inexpensive, some stereographers dismiss it - because they’ve never used it."

Priced at a fraction of other professional 3D rigs (under $7K), this compact beam-splitter rig is the most affordable, professional solution for location, reality, or feature 3D filmmaking.  Its’ list of features surpasses that of other more expensive rigs.  The Bullet rig incorporates a solid rail system that supports greater weight loads.  The rig also features adjustable handles, shoulder mount, tripod mount and works seamlessly with  EasyRig, Steadicam, or just handheld.

Weighing approx. 15 lbs. (5.8 kgs.) the Bullet Rig accommodates the Red Epic, Canon DSLR 5D, 7D, XF105, XF305, Sony F3, EX3’s, HDCP1, X5U, Z1U, Panasonic AF100, HPX250, Blackmagic, and many other professional HD cameras.

About the 3D Film Factory
Established in 2008 by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the 3D Film Factory has been the worldwide leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs and real-time 3D monitoring solutions.  In addition we provide a host of 3D production services worldwide including, stereographers ‘for hire’, 3D camera rig rental, 3D viewing systems, and 3D post, as well as intensive 3D training workshops.  Former clients include ESPN, NASA, Disney, HD Cinema, Pinewood Studios and Discovery.   For more information visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Disney Releases First Look Of Angelina Jolie As MALEFICENT

Click to enlarge

Here's the first look at Angelina Jolie as MALEFICENT in Disney's tale of the villain from SLEEPING BEAUTY. It actually looks like this movie could be fun for all ages!

I can see why the project was selected by Jolie - it's original, yet based on a classic tale and with it brings the best of both worlds. Just about as close to a win-win as you can get. 

Here's the official press release:
The Walt Disney Studios announced today that production began Wednesday, June 13th, on MALEFICENT starring Academy Award®–winning actress Angelina Jolie.

Directed by two-time Oscar®-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (AVATAR, ALICE IN WONDERLAND), in his directorial debut, and produced by Joe Roth, MALEFICENT is written by Linda Woolverton (THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith and Palak Patel.

Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9), Elle Fanning (SUPER 8), Sam Riley (ON THE ROAD), Imelda Staunton (VERA DRAKE), Miranda Richardson (THE HOURS), Juno Temple (ATONEMENT) and Lesley Manville (SECRETS AND LIES).

This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic SLEEPING BEAUTY. The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.

Behind-the-scenes talent includes Academy Award®–winning cinematographer Dean Semler (DANCES WITH WOLVES, IN THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY), production designer Gary Freeman (SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, THE BOURNE SUPREMACY), two-time Oscar® nominated costume designer Anna B. Sheppard (SCHINDLER'S LIST, THE PIANIST) and seven-time Academy Award–winning makeup artist Rick Baker (PLANET OF THE APES, MEN IN BLACK). 

MALEFICENT is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D. 

STAR TREK 2 To Boldly Go IMAX 3D...

Some great news today from IMAX and Paramount stating that my favorite (and possibly yours) sci-fi franchise of all time is going IMAX 3D. We've known for awhile now that STAR TREK 2 will be a 3D conversion, but it's nice to have it all tied up in an official fashion.

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

LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2012 -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Paramount Pictures Corporation, a unit of Viacom Inc., today announced that the sequel to J.J. Abrams' 2009 blockbuster Star Trek, will be released in the immersive IMAX® 3D format on May 17, 2013. The film represents the second feature in the ground-breaking franchise to be released in IMAX following Star Trek, which grossed more than $375 million at the worldwide box office.

Following on the heels of Paramount Pictures' and Bad Robot's 2011 hit, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the filmmakers have once again taken full advantage of the IMAX® camera as well as the clarity and scope that The IMAX Experience® provides in order to transport fans into this 23rd century world. Several key sections of the film that feature big action set pieces have been captured with IMAX cameras, which has become an integral tool for visionary filmmakers to tell their amazing stories.

Exclusively in IMAX, sequences shot with the extremely high-resolution cameras will expand to fill the entire screen and further immerse the audience in the vast dimension and adventure of this highly-anticipated follow-up. Directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Damon Lindelof (Prometheus), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (Transformers, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek) the sequel follows another chapter of the USS Enterprise crew's exploration into the unknown. Returning to their posts on the Enterprise are Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, and Bruce Greenwood. They are joined by new cast members Peter Weller and Alice Eve.

"We were so thrilled with the creative results of shooting IMAX for Mission: Impossible that we jumped at the chance to use the format for Star Trek. All expectations were exceeded -- the action and resolution is insane at this scale. We cannot wait for audiences to see the crew of the Enterprise in a way they never have before," said J.J. Abrams. 

"J.J. and the filmmaking team behind the Star Trek franchise are once again working to give audiences one of the best film going experiences available today," said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures. "Following the great success of the first film in the newly revived franchise, the sequel to Star Trek will no doubt be among the top choices for moviegoers next summer."

"We are extremely proud to be continuing our successful partnership with Paramount Pictures, J.J., Bryan Burk, Bad Robot and the entire Star Trek team through this iconic franchise that has the perfect DNA for IMAX fans," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.

The IMAX release of the Star Trek sequel will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment and technology companies, specializing in the creation and delivery of premium, awe-inspiring entertainment experiences. With a growing suite of cutting-edge motion picture and sound technologies, and a globally recognized entertainment brand, IMAX is singularly situated at the convergence of the entertainment industry, innovation and the digital media world. The industry's top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and as such, the IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe. The Company's new digital projection and sound systems - combined with a growing blockbuster film slate - are fueling the rapid expansion of the IMAX network in established markets such as North America, Western Europe, and Japan, as well as emerging markets such as China and Russia. IMAX deliver the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX®, IMAX 3D®, and IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-Mastering) technologies. IMAX DMR enables virtually any motion picture to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience®.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of March 31, 2012, there were 643 IMAX theatres (510 commercial multiplex, 20 commercial destination and 113 institutional) in 52 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience® and The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

The Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot Production Will Be Released Worldwide in IMAX Theatres on May 17, 2013.

Click here to access all of our STAR TREK 2 coverage!

Source: IMAX

RealD and HNA Group Agree to Install 3D Technology on 500 Cinema Screens Across China

Congratulations HNA Group and RealD! China is indeed ramping up with 3D!!

BEIJING & LOS ANGELES, May 31, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- RealD Inc., a leading global licensor of 3D technologies, and leading diversified services and integrated operations company, HNA Group, announced today an agreement to install RealD 3D technology on up to 500 cinema screens across HNA's newly formed cinema circuit, HNA Vigor Film Investment. Installations of RealD 3D technology have already begun.

"Going to a 3D movie has become a very popular form of entertainment in China. To cope with the increasing demand, Vigor plans to install RealD 3D on 500 screens in the next five years," said Guo Wei Chen, General Manager of HNA Group. "Brightness is an important factor in ensuring a good cinema viewing experience and RealD delivers crisp, life-like 3D images with its cutting edge technology."

"HNA's entry into the cinema market is an exciting development for China and one RealD is honored to be a part of," said Edman Chan, RealD's General Manager of Greater China, Southeast Asia and Korea for Cinema. "Together, we will create the lifelike and immersive visual experience for the viewing audience that has become synonymous with RealD 3D." 

RealD 3D is currently available on approximately 650 cinema screens in China with future commitments for approximately 1,250 additional installations for a total of approximately 1,900 screens in the territory.

Globally, RealD is the world's most widely used 3D cinema technology with approximately 20,200 screens equipped with RealD 3D (as of March 23, 2012) by approximately 900 exhibitors in 68 countries around the world.


About RealD Inc.

RealD is a leading global licensor of 3D technologies. RealD's extensive intellectual property portfolio is used in applications that enable a premium 3D viewing experience in the theater, the home and elsewhere. RealD licenses its RealD Cinema Systems to motion picture exhibitors that show 3D motion pictures and alternative 3D content. RealD also provides its RealD Display, active and passive eyewear, and RealD Format technologies to consumer electronics manufacturers and content producers and distributors to enable the delivery and viewing of 3D content. RealD's cutting-edge 3D technologies have been used for applications such as piloting the Mars Rover.

RealD was founded in 2003 and has offices in Beverly Hills, California; Boulder, Colorado; London, United Kingdom; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong; and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit our website at www.reald.com .

About HNA Vigor Film Investment (Beijing) Co., Ltd.,

HNA Vigor Film Investment (Beijing) Co., Ltd., situated beside the well-known Beijing 798 Art Zone, as a key subsidiary of HNA Xinahua Culture Holding Group Co.,Ltd., owned by HNA Group (one of China's Top 500 enterprises), exclusively enjoys the unique artistic and cultural atmosphere and possesses an innovative business philosophy and strong business developing capability. Being an excellent integrated producer focusing on content creation, creative design and in-flight media, Vigor is determined to be, through its business of film & TV investment and cinema building, the best integrator in China's film & TV industry chain and the leader in developing culture, relying on HNA Group's superiority over domestic aviation, airports, hotels, clubs, tourism, financial and securities, real estates and freight. By adhering to the innovation of pattern and technology, and the combination of industry and financing, Vigor is dedicated to achieving HNA Group's culture ideal and spiritual pursuit of being a world-class enterprise and world-class brand.

Cautionary note on forward-looking statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements, including but not limited to: statements concerning the anticipated rollout of RealD 3D technology across the HNA Group circuit and the growth of the 3D cinema industry in China. These statements are based on RealD's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside RealD's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. RealD's annual and quarterly reports include a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may cause that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

RealD undertakes no obligation to update publicly the information contained in this press release, or any forward-looking statements, to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.