Spin VFX has purchased a site license for The Foundry’s Katana and will now be using the software on all its future projects. Spin VFX is the first mid-sized studio to purchase Katana. The company has integrated the Foundry’s software both during look development for asset creation and then again as the lighting tool at the end of the pipe. Spin VFX did many of the effects on Breaking Dawn Part 1.
Legend3D has introduced Stereo Works a new business division dedicated to collaborating with entertainment studios to create stereo images for feature films. Stereo Works supports Legend3D's 3D conversion portfolio by leveraging the company's propriety technologies to address a variety of stereoscopic issues faced by today's studios. By adapting Legend3D's existing asset control platform and efficient workflow systems Stereo Works offers film studios and VFX teams an experienced partner to provide precise post-production stereo imaging services.
The 90-year-old Manor Theatre in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania has chosen Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection technology for its transition to digital. The cinema originally built in the 1920s is a landmark building for the local community and was given its last significant upgrade by owner Rick Stern in 1992. Stern and his daughter decided that now is the time for a reincarnation of the theatre and have converted its four screens to Sony Digital Cinema 4K technology with one screen capable of 3D.
Sony Pictures and Berlin’s O2 World held host to the German premiere of Men in Black III last night with the film screened using state-of-the-art Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection systems. A total of 6 819 viewers attended the German premiere at the multi-functional O2 World in Germany last night making it the largest 3D movie screening ever done. Sony Pictures Releasing is now a Guinness World Record holder. The set-up in the arena comprised an array of four Sony 4K SRX-R320 projecting left eye and right eye 3D images simultaneously onto a giant 25.9m x 14m screen.
Zecotek Photonics has announced that the European Patent Office has issued a Notice of Allowance and the Eurasian Patent Office has issued a Notification on Readiness to Grant a Eurasian Patent for the 3D/2D switchable optical imaging system for its glasses-free 3D auto-stereoscopic display system. The European Notice of Allowance and the Eurasian Notification on Readiness add to the other global patents including U.S.
Testronic Labs has announced that its File-Based QC Lab has implemented a Veristream testing tool designed by Deluxe Digital Studios. “Studios are actively exploring solutions that incorporate highly developed automated tools to improve production efficiency ” says Seth Hallen CEO of Testronic. “To that end we have been working with Deluxe Digital Studios to support this development and to implement their toolsets into our workflows.
By Valentina I. Valentini West Coast Correrspondent “Of late 3D has been imposed upon filmmakers by the studios ” said Jon Landau at during the Titanic to 3D panel at NAB. “And that’s where it’s gone awry – 3D needs to be a creative choice coming from the filmmakers.
Animation studio Laika has purchased a site licence of Katana from The Foundry and plans to fully implement the software on its next feature film production. Laika is the world-renowned animation studio behind the Academy Award-nominated Coraline (2009) the first stop-motion feature film to be conceived and photographed in stereoscopic 3D and forthcoming release ParaNorman (in 3D in select theatres this summer). Laika’s decision to purchase a site licence comes as the VFX team looks for ways to better manage the consistency of lighting and handle increasingly complex shots.
Located in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas features two traditional auditoriums and six with boothless projection systems seating up to 74 guests 3D and surround sound technologies reserved seating options and high back reclining leather chairs for the ultimate in viewing comfort. Designed and installed by Christie Managed Services as part of a complete customized solution the boothless systems free up space for an additional row of seating that would normally have been taken up by the projection booths.
