An in-depth session comparing and contrasting the two approaches to stereoscopic 3-D visual effects--creating the effects in stereo or completing the FX in a traditional 2-D pipeline and transforming them, after the fact, into 3-D -- will be one of the highlights at the annual SMPTE 2008: Tech Conference & Expo. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH used both approaches, but produced most of the work in 3-D from the outset. The upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer produced Disney film, G-FORCE, is using the 2-D to 3-D approach, working with In-Three and Sony Pictures Imageworks.
Panelists will analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each technique, compare the end-result footage, and share their experience on the set and in CG. Speaking will be: Ed Marsh (VFX Supervisor, JOURNEY), Paul Martin Smith (editor, JOURNEY), David Seigle (G-FORCE, In-Three); Rob Engle (G-FORCE, Sony Pictures Imageworks) and Tim Sassoon (U2 3D, president, Sassoon Film Design).
The session, Stereoscopic 3D Production -- Comparing Methodologies, will take place at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel on Wednesday, October 29, 9:30-12 p.m. The chair is Lenny Lipton, CTO, RealD.
Another highlight will be "Performance Capture: Imaging Digitally, Directing Virtually, Filmmaking in the 21st Century" at 3:30 and 5 p.m. on October 27.
speakers Kevin Cushing, Giant Studios (AVATAR, THE INCREDIBLE HULK), Patrick Davenport, Image Metrics (THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, GRAND THEFT AUTO IV), Dr. Paul Debevec, USC Institute for Creative Technologies, (HANCOCK, SPIDER-MAN 3) and Kerry Shea, Jim Henson's Creature Shop (SID THE SCIENCE KID) will speak, moderated by Remington Scott, Sony Pictures Imageworks (WATCHMEN, BEOWULF).
A handful of directors are now capturing and recording performances into computer environments ‹humans, props, backgrounds and all--and directing them virtually, both in real-time on film sets and in post production. What Peter Jackson began on the LORD OF THE RINGS motion picture trilogy and Robert Zemeckis on POLAR EXPRESS, is being taken to new, uncharted territories, thanks to the technology and services provided by our presenters. Hear how our panelists turn what happens on set into a digital world, and how they arm filmmakers with the ability to direct both living beings and puppets virtually. Get behind the scenes of the future of entertainment creation.
Registration is at: www.smpte2008.org/register.
