On Safari with SA Tourism
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 (11:58 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure claims to be the ultimate wildlife cinematic experience, putting viewers in the passenger seat of a South African safari featuring Africa's Big Five. The New York premiere was a sellout and in three months it has been viewed by one and a half million Europeans, Australians and Americans. The Agency for Advertising and Marketing played an instrumental role in the production of the movie for their client, SA Tourism, alongside nWave Pictures. The Agency's group creative director, Meirion Griffiths, says: "This production smashes the traditional boundaries of what advertising agencies believe they should be delivering for their clients. "Wild Safari is an incredible 3D production produced for SA Tourism by some of the top filmmakers and producers in the world. As far as international brand exposure, this production takes South Africa to new heights as a top tourist destination. Sadly though, it's unlikely that this will be seen in South Africa as 3D Imax technology is not yet available locally." Cheryl Carolus, Chief Executive of Tourism, says: "Wild Safari forms an integral part of Tourism's strategy to promote South Africa as a leading tourist destination. Of the research done in the US, only Kenya, Botswana and Tanzania were mentioned when it came to the safari experience - South Africa did not feature." Filming on location in South Africa - Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, Madikwe and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park - took almost three months, an incredibly quick turnaround time. Griffiths says: "Wild Safari 3D is the first large format film to capture wildlife with stereoscopic photography, placing the viewer in an open-air vehicle travelling through diverse South African game reserves and face-to-face encounters with charging elephants, elusive leopards and hungry lions. "In addition to the 3D cinematography Wild Safari 3D features advanced satellite imaging techniques sourced from three satellites, providing a bird's eye view of South Africa from space. Thousands of miles are travelled in the space of a few seconds." The film is currently number 26 in the Variety Top 30 Box Office Film Charts.To date 60 licenses have been sold to 3D Imax theatres across the world. According to Ben Stassen, it is the first time in his 20-year career that he had pre-sold an Imax movie, particularly a destination film. Wild Safari 3D was produced, written and directed by Ben Stassen, executive produced by Robert Paltiel and Meirion Griffiths, produced by Charlotte Huggins and Caroline Van Iseghem (CGI/Digital) and director of photography was Sean MacLeod Phillips.

	New Book on 3-D Moviemakers from Ray Zone
3D-News Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2005 (11:14 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
3-D Filmmakers: Conversations with Creators of Stereoscopic Motion Pictures By Ray Zone Scarecrow Press ISBN 0-8108-5437-6 (paperback), $35.00 Although numerous books about conventional filmmaking exist, none has solely addressed the challenges and production requirements of making stereoscopic motion pictures. Until now. Stereographer and film historian, Ray Zone, presents the insights of twenty-one professionals who have worked in this specialized field. In this unique collection of interviews, Zone explores the art and craft of 3-D filmmaking with producers, screenwriters, directors, and cinematographers. The interviews range from a discussion with Arch Oboler - producer of Bwana Devil, the 1952 feature that triggered the "boom" of 3-D films - to producers and cinematographers who have worked with single-strip 3-D film production in the 1970s and '80s, 3-D films in theme parks, current IMAX films, and the new and still evolving format of digital 3-D cinema. These interviews provide an unprecedented look at the unique challenges of producing stereoscopic motion pictures. Over five decades of this unique medium are covered, and will interest aspiring filmmakers, stereo photography enthusiasts, cinema buffs, devotees of popular culture, and film historians. About The Author Ray Zone is a widely published author and speaker whose articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, American Cinematographer, and The Hollywood Reporter. A 3-D film producer and an award-winning 3-D artist and photographer, Zone has produced or published over 130 3-D comic books and created stereoscopic images for more than two decades. The book can be purchased through http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0810854376/stereocomtheworl Table of Contents: Introduction 1 Arch Oboler 2 Chris Condon 3 Lenny Lipton 4 Steve Gibson 5 Arnold Herr 6 Murray Lerner 7 Paul Ryan 8 Isidore Mankofsky 9 Sean Phillips 10 Howard Hall 11 Toni Myers 12 Brian Duffy 13 Martin Mueller 14 James Neihouse 15 Simon Wincer 16 Stephen Low 17 Hugh Murrary 18 James Cameron 19 Vince Pace 20 Ben Stassen 21 Steve Schklair Index About the Author

	Ripley's runs aground on Panama City Beach
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 (23:55 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Work has begun on a new Ripley's Believe it or Not! museum and a Ripley's Moving Theater in Panama City Beach in Florida, US. The three-storey building has been designed to resemble a 1950s luxury cruise liner run aground on the beach, complete with two 75ft tall smokestacks, a 94ft tall mast and three huge, rotating propellers. "These two new attractions in Panama City Beach are part of our growth plan that encompasses the globe," said CEO of Ripley Entertainment, Bob Masterson. "We are always looking for destinations that are a top draw." While the museum will contain hundreds of strange and unusual oddities – such as an 11ft tall matchstick model of the Eiffel Tower – the moving theatre is a simulation ride. Guests will sit in individual seats which react to the action on screen, while wearing 3D glasses and experiencing wind, water and other elements. The complex is set to open in the spring, 2006. Details at http://www.ripleyspanamacitybeach.com.

	'Composites, Conversions & Favorites' at the 3D Center of Art and Photography
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 (17:12 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Using both photographic and computer skills, David Allen presents award-winning "Composites, Conversions & Favorites" in the 3D Center gallery. Back by popular demand in the stereo theatre is "Unseen Ellis Island: Island of Hope, Island of Tears". Photographed by Gary Schacker and Sheldon Aronowitz, this then-and-now look at Ellis Island captures images of the decay of an era. Shown hourly. The 3D Center also houses a collection of antique and contemporary stereo cameras, viewers and other devices. Information panels and interactive displays explain the phenomenon of 3D vision. The Center's collection of stereocards are available for viewing and the reference library is open to visitors. There are daily 3D slide projections. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 1 pm until 5 pm. Open First Thursday from 4pm until 9 pm. Admission by donation. 1928 NW Lovejoy, Portland/Oregon, USA. Tel.: 1 (503) 227-6667, Web: http://www.3dcenter.us.

	The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection in November
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 (12:07 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
New Line Home Entertainment have announced the Region 1 DVD release of The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection for 15th November 2005. Having appeared in more than 200 films and widely considered to be one of cinema's most respected comic geniuses, Harold Lloyd was one of Hollywood's first true movie stars. Now, entertainment enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy the work of the man who inspired generations of acting greats with The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection from New Line Home Entertainment. Digitally remastered, restored and rescored, the three-volume, seven-disc DVD collection includes 15 feature films, 10 shorts and a bonus disc containing a treasure chest of extras including Harold Lloyd's home movies, star tributes, photo galleries, all-new interviews and featurettes, and a 3D bonus photo disc with a pair of 3D anaglyph glasses. The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection will be available at a $89.95 SRP.

	Viking Systems Inc. Expands Sales of 3D Vision Systems into Key International Markets
3D-News Posted: Monday, August 15, 2005 (23:22 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Viking Systems Inc., a manufacturer of three dimensional laparoscopic vision systems for use in minimally invasive surgery, today announced the expansion of its reach into the global market through a series of international distribution partnerships. With the addition of Italy, Germany (including Ukraine and Russia), Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, India and the United Arab Emirates to Viking's distributorships, the company's EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System is positioned to provide 3D vision in minimally invasive and complex surgical procedures on an international scale. "In order to expand our product offering in a unique way, we acquired from Viking Systems exclusive rights for Italian distribution of the 3Di system," said Bruno Chini, General Manager of Endomedica S.R.L., one of Viking's new distribution partners and a leading supplier of endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical equipment in Italy. "We strongly believe that it is an important innovation in laparoscopy because, unlike most other systems, it creates a view of the operating field from a Head Mounted Display instead of a classical monitor. More importantly, the image is in 3D, a feature that is in great demand, but unavailable in other products." The company's flagship product, the EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System offers laparoscopic surgeons three-dimensional vision, on-demand access to existing clinical images and patient information through Infomatix®, and complete freedom of movement while remaining directly engaged with the patient. Each member of the surgical team has access to high-resolution, stereoscopic images delivered within their natural line of sight, which creates an immersive surgical environment providing MIS surgeons with improved vision quality and the sense of open surgery. "As minimally-invasive surgery becomes progressively more dependent on high quality visualization, surgeons around the world are learning that 3D-visualization alleviates difficulties traditionally encountered when performing complex procedures," said Lonna J. Williams, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for Viking Systems. "While we've enjoyed a strong reception for this technology domestically, we are now experiencing the demand internationally. Through existing and new distributor partnerships, we intend to be on the forefront of providing 3D vision technology to emerging and high-growth international markets."

	ETI Launches 3D Digital Cinema In Europe
3D-News Posted: Monday, August 15, 2005 (23:18 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
X6D is a fully immersive, participatory 3D digital cinema Xperience, complete with motion, special effects and personal interactivity with Xtrodinary content. This revolution is coming soon to a theatre near you. The Cinema Xperience will never be the same. Kolosej, a fast growing European entertainment company, has announced plans to roll out the first multi-dimensional cinema Xperience, evoking physical and sensorial reactions from the audience, which provides the most advanced solution for multiplex auditoriums and free standing theatres. X6D is a joint venture led by Kolosej, with Edwards Technologies, Inc. (U.S), which provides the large format stereoscopic digital projection system, incorporating the clearest and brightest picture with a state-of-the-art sound system, and with Cinema Park Network (EU). Cinema Park offers the first ever Smart Moving Seats with dual motion capacity and built in effects such as a personal scent system and a cordless interactive system. This system enables each viewer to influence the movie and take part in a variety of interactive games. The special content is catered for various markets. "X6D is the future of cinema exhibition", says Sergej Racman, CEO of Kolosej entertainment group. "X6D transforms the cinema complex into the most technologically advanced in the world. X6D presents all various types of movies in an unique total sensory cinema format. Just imagine watching the movie "Shrek", and being able to ride with him on his horse with the Smart Seats, feel the wind and rain during a storm or even smell the flowers along the ride. Cinema just doesn't get any better, and we can offer it to all our visitors. It's something they can't experience at home or at any other cinemas." The first several X6D locations will open in Europe before the end of 2005. "With the Cinema Park's content, the complex will be operational nearly 24/7", says Ori Yardeni, the creator of the International Cinema Park Network. The X6D offers exceptional content to 4 major markets: Special new edutainment presentations (25 - 120 minutes) in the mornings for school children; State-of-the-art large format movies in digital version (20-45 minutes) in the afternoons for families and the younger generation; Blockbusters in digital versions (90-120 minutes) during the evenings for movie lovers; Unique multi sensory musical cinema experiences (45 - 90 minutes) for late night crowd. No matter what the movie, X6D's Smart Seats with 14 special effects options can be synchronized to the action, creating added value to every movie experience. Special features of X6D include: Digital large format 3D projectors that suit screens up to 18 meters wide; Smart moving seats with effects; motion, scent, ticklers, wind, rain, tornado, bat and more; Interactive system that enables the audience to influence the progress of the experience and to play a variety of interactive games; State-of-the-art lighting system that is programmed individually for each show; Multi-channel sound system; A combination of digitally-controlled cranes that enable the reformation of the theatre as part of the Xperience. Being an exhibitor Kolosej is well aware of the operational constraints of multiplex owners worldwide. Therefore X6D was developed to: Provide PR and marketing impact; Differentiate exhibitors from their competition; Increase the number of hours of utilization; Increase attendance levels; Increase average ticket price; Provide niche market penetration; Provide a variety of content for school programs, corporate programs, education (including large format content), and commercial films. Combining the best in digital 3D technology, theme-park special effects and exceptional content, X6D is a cinema experience beyond anything seen before. Exhibitors are now able to affordably adapt X6D to any auditorium or multiplex environment with minimal operational expense.

	Animazoo's Gypsy Reincarnates The Ancient Dead
3D-News Posted: Monday, August 15, 2005 (15:25 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Animazoo are proud to aid a team of leading experts in unearthing secrets from Italy's ancient heritage and bringing to life historical characters from the Imperial Roman age. The Virtual Rome Project, the result of a three year research project between the University of Salerno's VR lab, archeologists and anthropologists, uses measurements of ancient remains to make digital reconstructions of classical Roman bodies and faces. The project will result in a short "edutainment" movie using stereoscopic high-res visualization on a parabolic large screen. Typical scenes and characters from the period will be animated in real time, by Animazoo's state-of-the-art GypsyGyro-18 motion capture system and Alias MoCap 6. "With the GypsyGyro-18 we hope to achieve more lifelike results and much greater freedom…" said Stefano Ricciardi, Researcher at the University's Department of Maths and Information. "I was co-owner of a small development team in the videogame industry so had experience of some of the most famous mocap systems. I didn't find them easy to work with so was really interested in wireless gyroscopic technology for this project" he continued. The skull from one woman, who has been recreated, is thought to belong to a slave girl. She, among others, will feature in the movie alongside a gladiator fighting in the Coliseum. The ancient remains, found near Pompeii close to the site of the Vesuvium eruption of 79 AD, were unearthed some years ago during expansion works on the local highway. It is hoped the project will be on show in Rome next Spring.

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