3DFLIC Presents ‘When and Why Should I consider 2D to 3D Conversion?’
A conversation and debate – and webcast
York University, March 26, 2013, 1:30PM EDT (GMT -4)
Toronto’s 3D Film Innovation Consortium (3DFLIC) presents top industry experts and scientists on March 26, 2013 at 1:30 PM (EDT) discussing and debating the hottest topic in contemporary Stereo-3D cinema: “When and Why Should I consider 2D to 3D Conversion?” This intimate forum will provide a unique opportunity students, professionals and academics to learn from and interact with leaders and pioneers in the world of stereoscopic filmmaking and scientists and engineers developing the next generation of 3D filmmaking techniques.
The recent success of stereoscopic-3D Cinema has been enabled by the latest advancements in digital imaging technology. ‘Native’ stereo-3D capture has become increasingly easier and more familiar to the filmmaking community; but so has the economic, technical and artistic viability of converting new or existing 2D to 3D.
The discussion on whether to prefer “native capture” or “conversion” has been a key debate in 3D-Cinema’s contemporary existence. Today, with the vast availability of 3D projection screens, the discussion is as relevant to the filmmaker as ever: Should I shoot a shot or entire film native 3D? Should I convert from 2D? Should I shoot in 2D aiming to convert to 3D? What are my options? What do options mean? What does 2D to 3D Conversion involve?
Hugh Murray and Paul Judkins of IMAX; James Elder of York University and Carlos Vazquez of Canada’s Communications Research Centre (CRC); Roy Anthony of Christie Digital Inc., Rob Burton of Arc Productions Inc., James Stewart of Geneva Films and Eric Deren of Dzignlight Studios present and discuss these matters at Toronto’s York University on March 26, 2013.
For colleagues unable to be present due to travel and distance considerations the workshop is also going to be webcasted, live, in 2D/HD.
Program
13:30 Welcome notes
13:40 Conversion 101: What is 2D to 3D Conversion and what it entails
Presenters:
Hugh Murray, Senior VP, Film Production, IMAX Filmed Entertainment
Paul Judkins, Technical Director, Film Projects, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.
14:20 Automation in Conversion: how far can software go?
Presenters:
Dr. James Elder, Professor, Departments of Psychology and Computer Science & Engineering, York University.
Dr. Carlos Vazquez, Research Scientist, Communications Research Centre, / Industry Canada
15:00 Q&A with H. Murray, P. Judkins, J. Elder, C. Vazquez
15:10 Coffee break
15:30 2D to 3D Conversion as a creative choice and challenge
Presenter:
Eric Deren, Stereoscopic Consultant and Supervisor for:
Titanic (Head of Studio: Dzignlight Studios – 3D version 2012),
Legends of Valhlalla: Thor (Stereoscopic Consultant) 2011,
Gnomeo & Juliet (Stereoscopic Supervisor) 2005
16:00 Debate discussion: To Convert, or not to Convert?
Presenters:
Rob Burton, VP Technology, Arc Productions Ltd
Roy Anthony, Senior Solutions Architect, Christie Digital Inc.
James Stewart, Film Director, Geneva Films.
Eric Deren, Stereoscopic Consultant and Supervisor
Topics to be discussed
Overview of the cost and process of 2D to 3D Conversion.
New technologies for lower cost/ time.
How far can automation go?
When is it not worth shooting native?
What kind of shots are not amenable to conversion?
Difficult shots and unworkable shots: fixing the unfixable.
Post nightmares: when is it better to convert from one eye?
Shooting with the aim to convert.
Existing content and multiview.
Live action approaches and issues.
Converting S3D (i.e. to multiview).
Future proofing for multiview and 2D-3D conversion.
Economics/timelines and the future: Economics of conversion for low budget/independent (tools for the independent filmmaker).
Converting mid-budget feature films.