3D Yet Again
OK, I promise that this
will be the last 3D post for a while. Since I left
this subject six weeks ago, the world has gone cuckoo
about 3D filmmaking and whether it should even exist.
1) Should any films at all be exhibited in 3D?
It’s a moot question. Scorsese is shooting his next film in 3D. Studios are making more money based on increased ticket prices. Electronics manufacturers are ramping up 3D TV. Lots of loot at stake and there are very few naysayers. In fact, some scripts are perfect for the format. And if the filmmakers have high integrity, and plan and shoot with a 3D workflow, then let technology be unleashed! Should most films be made in this format? No.
Roger Ebert v. James Cameron. Is there a middle ground? Will there be a victor or a draw?
2) If so, what kind of films should be shown/made in 3D? Are some genres more amenable than others?
Some animated, some science fiction and fantasy, some horror, some comedy...the key modifier is some. Storytelling must rule all decisions. Is the film more dramatic, funnier, more suspenseful if 3D is employed? I even buy that some films could simply “look cooler,” mostly in the CGI realm. Shots of things coming out at you or flying through clouds or over water are fine when used occasionally in already gimmicky films. Otherwise, let’s use 3D to enhance reality and draw us into a world and story that stands on its own. Just as music and sound mixing transport us to either a more realistic representation of our environment or a fantastical world we had never heard of before, 3D should work hand in hand with the other key elements of the film to boost the artistic intent of the director.
3) Should 3D films always be shot in 3D and taking 3D production standards into account? Or is it alright to convert a 2D film into 3D during post?
Yes, prep, shoot, and post in 3D! Not only does this process ensure that the finished product will not look awful, it forces the filmmakers to think about their intent in using 3D. Plan what you are going to enhance/feature using 3D. How will the story change using this format? Are script changes needed? Are we using the right DP, Production Designer, etc.? Exactly what workflow makes sense, rather than simply being expeditious?
All this said, I do believe that on rare occasion there might be the perfect project for post production conversion. It also depends on the capability of the post house performing the conversion....I wager there are at least 10 today and more by year’s end. Like all filmmaking, there are some that are cheaper, faster, lower quality. Studios, producers--if you want people to keep attending 3D screenings, use the best quality houses for post conversion. And use very sparingly.
4) What are the economic ramifications of 3D popularity? Is there an impact besides higher BO and increased studio revenues?
The obvious answer is higher revenue and possibly greater profits for the studios and other key players. To be realistic, it’s a complex equation. There are increased costs during prep, production, and post, depending on how you create the final 3D film. Exhibitors must spend in order to retrofit/build/enhance their facilities.
Since some theater capacity is being cannibalized by 3D conversions, 2D films have fewer screens to be shown on. Dramatic/indie/adult films especially are/will be impacted.
5) Should editors and editorial teams be studying 3D workflows? What resources are out there? When should we get involved in the 3D production/post process?
This question gets a separate blog entry. Lots to serve up. Stay tuned. Or DVR me.
Top questions:
1) Should any films at all be exhibited in 3D?
It’s a moot question. Scorsese is shooting his next film in 3D. Studios are making more money based on increased ticket prices. Electronics manufacturers are ramping up 3D TV. Lots of loot at stake and there are very few naysayers. In fact, some scripts are perfect for the format. And if the filmmakers have high integrity, and plan and shoot with a 3D workflow, then let technology be unleashed! Should most films be made in this format? No.
Roger Ebert v. James Cameron. Is there a middle ground? Will there be a victor or a draw?
2) If so, what kind of films should be shown/made in 3D? Are some genres more amenable than others?
Some animated, some science fiction and fantasy, some horror, some comedy...the key modifier is some. Storytelling must rule all decisions. Is the film more dramatic, funnier, more suspenseful if 3D is employed? I even buy that some films could simply “look cooler,” mostly in the CGI realm. Shots of things coming out at you or flying through clouds or over water are fine when used occasionally in already gimmicky films. Otherwise, let’s use 3D to enhance reality and draw us into a world and story that stands on its own. Just as music and sound mixing transport us to either a more realistic representation of our environment or a fantastical world we had never heard of before, 3D should work hand in hand with the other key elements of the film to boost the artistic intent of the director.
3) Should 3D films always be shot in 3D and taking 3D production standards into account? Or is it alright to convert a 2D film into 3D during post?
Yes, prep, shoot, and post in 3D! Not only does this process ensure that the finished product will not look awful, it forces the filmmakers to think about their intent in using 3D. Plan what you are going to enhance/feature using 3D. How will the story change using this format? Are script changes needed? Are we using the right DP, Production Designer, etc.? Exactly what workflow makes sense, rather than simply being expeditious?
All this said, I do believe that on rare occasion there might be the perfect project for post production conversion. It also depends on the capability of the post house performing the conversion....I wager there are at least 10 today and more by year’s end. Like all filmmaking, there are some that are cheaper, faster, lower quality. Studios, producers--if you want people to keep attending 3D screenings, use the best quality houses for post conversion. And use very sparingly.
4) What are the economic ramifications of 3D popularity? Is there an impact besides higher BO and increased studio revenues?
The obvious answer is higher revenue and possibly greater profits for the studios and other key players. To be realistic, it’s a complex equation. There are increased costs during prep, production, and post, depending on how you create the final 3D film. Exhibitors must spend in order to retrofit/build/enhance their facilities.
Since some theater capacity is being cannibalized by 3D conversions, 2D films have fewer screens to be shown on. Dramatic/indie/adult films especially are/will be impacted.
5) Should editors and editorial teams be studying 3D workflows? What resources are out there? When should we get involved in the 3D production/post process?
This question gets a separate blog entry. Lots to serve up. Stay tuned. Or DVR me.
Of interest:
- “Making 3D is easy, but making good 3D is hard.”
- “Bad 3D will sour consumers on the experience.”
- Jeffrey Katzenberg regarding quality.
- No glasses needed. Quality, cost probably not there yet, but once it is...
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