Thursday, 1 December 2016
Sunday, 27 November 2016
Draft Catalogue
SSRP Catalogue
Films:
Item 1: Avatar (2009) James Cameron
Avatar is the highest grossing film of all time and part of this is down to the groundbreaking 3D technology which hadn't been seen in films before. In my topic I want to discuss how 3D viewing has changed over the years, and Avatar acted as the main turning point for the recent wave of 3D filmmaking. Many of the breathtaking scenes and settings throughout the film are perfect examples to most people of where this technology is suitable to use. As the most famous 3D film of our time, this was an obvious choice for my topic.
Item 2: Ghostbusters (2016) Paul Feig
I want a real focus on recent 3D films and Ghostbusters is perfect example of a film using the latest technologies to add another dimension. 3D conversion is a controversial money saving process which is being used more and more, and was used throughout the filming of Ghostbusters. I want to question whether this process immersed spectators in a beloved franchise or just acted as a new way of making money for the producer.
Item 3: Sharkboy & Lavagirl (2005) Robert Rodriguez
Sharkboy and Lavagirl was one of the first films released on DVD with red and blue anaglyph glasses. This simple technology is now looked back on as a gimmick, and one which reduces the quality of films. The film is aimed at children and 3D was a big part of its release, with many scenes utilising the effect through props flying out of the screen at spectators. This is a perfect example of 3D which excited audiences with its originality at release, but was soon copied by other films and became old very soon. This film will also tie in to my arguments over whether 3D technology is appropriate for children or not.
Questionnaire:
Item 4: Survey Monkey- 3D Films Survey
I ran an online survey for a fortnight which looked at many topics in the world of 3D films, to discover how relevant the technology still is. A wide variety of ages were asked about their 3D viewing patterns and their hopes for the future of 3D. The diversity in their answers helps me immensely in my project, as I have a greater understanding of what the future could look like for this disputable technique of filmmaking. One key point in many answers was the need for glasses free 3D technology in cinemas.
Internet:
Item 5: Guardian article - 3D movie screen that doesn't need glasses
Lee, B. (2016a) Researchers develop 3D movie screen that doesn’t need glasses. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/26/researchers-develop-3d-movie-screen-doesnt-need-glasses-mit
This article ties in directly to my survey, where many people claimed that glasses free technology would be enough to get them watching 3D films again. This article highlights the research which has been undertaken to bring the industry closer to exhibiting glasses free 3D on a larger scale than ever before. I want to focus on current 3D films in my project, and where they could be going next.
Item 6: Cinemablend article - 3D Jason Bourne Asia Disaster
Libbey, D. (2016) Chinese audiences hate the version of Jason Bourne they received, find out why. Available at: http://www.cinemablend.com/news/1549709/chinese-audiences-hate-the-version-of-jason-bourne-they-received-find-out-why
From this website, I can gain insight into 3D technology being used in other parts of the world. This 3D release of Jason Bourne is a clear example of a producer having a lack of confidence in the film's 3D by not releasing this version in the rest of the world, yet trying to generate extra profits in China with a quick conversion. The release left spectators feeling nauseous due to a third dimension on top of a franchise already renowned for turbulent handheld camerawork.
Item 7: The Mirror - 3D can double children concentration powers
Landi, M. (2016) Watching films in 3D can DOUBLE children’s concentration powers, study claims. Available at: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/watching-films-3d-can-double-9001222
This article contrasts the views expressed by much of the media, stating that 3D films can make children more intelligent after watching them. This has extreme relevance to my topic as I am searching for the benefits of 3D to spectators and reasons why people could be willing to spend extra money on a 3D cinema ticket.
Item 8: Business Insider - Here's When 3D Movies Work, When They Don't, And What The Future Holds
Lubin, G. (2014) Here’s when 3D movies work, when they don’t, and what the future holds. Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/are-3d-movies-worth-it-2014-7?IR=T
A business insider reporter interviews a 3D film expert in the article, who expresses views on where 3D is appropriate and where it should be left out. His well researched and unbiased views give greta insight into the production of 3D and where it is really beneficial to spectators. He lists my focus film, Avatar, as one of the best films for fully utilising 3D.
Videos:
Item 9: James Cameron on 3D
Staff, T. (2014) James Cameron on 3D: From the Mariana trench to ‘Avatar’ (video). Available at: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/video-james-cameron-3d-avatar-689495
This in depth interview shows James Cameron discussing specifically the 3D technology used in his filmmaking. The focus of the conversation is my focus film Avatar, where he claims “I was probably too conservative on Avatar, and I’m going to open up my depth more on the Avatar sequels." This reiterates one theme of my topic where I will explore the future of 3D films and how this key 3D autuer will use it next.
Books:
Item 10: Mark Kermode - The Good, the Bad and the Multiplex
Kermode, M. (2012) The good, the bad and the multiplex: What’s wrong with modern movies? London: Trafalgar Square
Kermode is one of the most trusted and bold film critics in the UK, who has written this book with one whole chapter on 3D. He describes his hatred for the technology and is a firm believer that it is just another way of making money for large conglomerates. This book will play a key role in my research project because he summarises many of the arguments against 3D and will provide balance in my investigation.
Item 11: Richard Rickitt - Special Effects: The History and Technique
Rickitt, R. and Harryhausen, R. (2007) Special Effects: The History and Technique. New York, NY: Crown Publishing Group
This book discusses how and when 3D technologies became available to a wide audience. It explains the changes 3D went through in decades like the 1950's where the use of the technology was questionable due to the red and blue glasses which were required at the time. This helps my project by investigating the practicality and benefits of 3D though the years.
This book discusses how and when 3D technologies became available to a wide audience. It explains the changes 3D went through in decades like the 1950's where the use of the technology was questionable due to the red and blue glasses which were required at the time. This helps my project by investigating the practicality and benefits of 3D though the years.
Item 12: Bruce Kawin - How Movies Work
Kawin, B.F. (1987) How movies work. New York: Collier Macmillan.
This book has been an essential part of my small scale research project as it provides an insight into the history of 3D films and how we got to the modern edition of the technology. Bruce Kawin goes into detail about the facts within the 3D world as well as exploring his own views on where the added dimension is appropriate and where it is just in novelty.
Magazines:
Item 13: Empire magazine - Blue planet
Dyer, J. (2010) ‘Blue Planet’, Empire (January), pp. 116–120
The report on Avatar in this magazine demonstrates the buildup to the blockbuster, showing extreme confidence that the 3D film would be a success by releasing 16 minutes of the film early. Cameron claims to enjoy both the positive and negative feedback given to him as it acts as further publicity for the film, and could urge more spectators to see the full release in 3D. This has relevance to my investigation as I would like to understand how Avatar became so successful and changed 3D films forever.
Thursday, 24 November 2016
Robert Rodriguez 3D
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/07/30/robert_rodriguez_spy_kids_3d_game_over_interview.shtml
In this interview after Spy Kids-3D's release, Robert Rodriguez discussed 3D and where it's appropriate.
In this interview after Spy Kids-3D's release, Robert Rodriguez discussed 3D and where it's appropriate.
Why did you choose to make this latest Spy Kids film in 3D?
I thought why not? They re-released "House of Wax" on 3D
when I was a kid, and it was just a whole different experience seeing
the movie. I remember hearing the audience scream because things seemed
to be coming out of the screen and I wanted to give that to kids who'd
never gotten that experience before. There really hadn't been a family
movie made which everyone could go see that utilised this technology.
There have been some dodgy efforts in 3D before though. It requires the right story to really make it work doesn't it?
I thought if you took the idea of 3D and made it part of
the story, you could do something different. Instead of throwing things
at the audience occasionally, you could use it to pull the audience into
the screen. We go to the cinema to be transported into the movie, but
usually you're left sitting there looking at the screen as a spectator.
Here, when the character puts on his glasses, the audience puts on their
glasses too and they're in that world with them. That's as close to a
virtual reality experience as you can get.
Thursday, 17 November 2016
Script
Presentation
Script
Projector: Title: The importance of contemporary
3D films
Projector: My Investigation with survey
statistics
Presenter:
Why
are cinemagoers so divided in their views on 3D, which is demonstrated by a
questionnaire I took, with 45% of people going at least a year without spending
extra cash on a 3D cinema ticket? (Item
4) In this small scale research project, I have been exploring the
importance and relevance of 3D films in the modern film marketplace, and where
it could be going next. There has been a recent dip in 3D box office sales, as
seen in a 2014 BFI chart with a decline in 3D revenue every year since 2010.
Could these sales ever heighten again with new ways of watching 3D?
Projector: Avatar
Presenter:
What
do you associate with James Cameron’s Avatar? Some might say ground-breaking
special effects or fascinating creatures, but many would also think of 3D. Of
those I surveyed (Item 4), 70% have
watched Avatar in 3D, demonstrating the huge ticket sales it received, which
has made it the highest grossing film of all time. I believe this wouldn’t be
the case without the breakthrough in 3D and motion capture technologies which
caused audiences to flock to their nearest multiplex and spend extra cash on a
3D ticket. I have analysed some of the key scenes in Avatar to explore how
Cameron has used this technology to generate depth on both sides of the screen
to immerse spectators.
Clip
1: Avatar- Jake’s
first exploration
Spectators
are introduced into the outside world parallel to Jake, with the journey over
showing Pandora’s landscape and creatures, which immerses spectators in a 3D
flight. When the avatar group touches down, the plants, trees, insects and monkey like
creatures (Prolemuris) go way back and in front of the screen to emphasise
depth unseen in other films, which gives an idea of what it’s like to really be
there. 3D emphasises how much danger the group is in and shows how close they are to
Jake as he points his gun, which is especially threatening due to way it comes
out of screen.
The introduction to this vast setting in 3D makes us worry more as we see Jake
wander off and explore, as we have seen the scale of some of these creatures in
3D. The monsters which then follow are incredibly intimidating as shown through
low angles to instil a sense of superiority and terror which are aided by the 3D depth to show how large and deadly they
are. The chase is more intense thanks to 3D which immerses us in the action along with tracking shots to make it out as if we are alongside Jake.
Clip
2: Avatar- Mountain
Banshee flight
After Jake finds his own Mountain Banshee, a type of flying creature on Pandora, Neytiri joins him for a flight. The 3D used adds depth to the flight which emphasises the emotions he is feeling, showing both nerves and excitement as he soars high above the ground as shown by the depth in 3D with extreme high angle tracking shots used. These shots include fast movements through the air to generate a feeling of flight for spectators. This immersion is intensified through the use of 3D, as we see their excitement extra close up, with their faces coming out of the screen to show every detail of their expressions.
This close up with an added dimension also allows spectators to begin understanding the feelings Jake and Neytiri have for each other, as we can see clearly the way they look into each others eyes in a loving way whilst flying. In this case, this technology makes it possible to grasp a greater understanding of the characters and their surroundings.
Clip 3: Avatar- Tree
destruction
When the
humans are invading the N’avi’s main habitat of a massive tree, 3D helps to
position spectators to empathise with them. This surprising narrative twist of
spectators being against the human race is heightened through 3D as we see
destruction and debris close up, making us feel like we are in this position of
being fired at, often shown at low angles of the human aircrafts making the
missiles feel as though they're aimed at us. We also feel a greater
intimidation in shots such as the close up of Miles as he gives these
horrendous orders.
POV shots
are used within these shots with high frequency cutting to make us feel part of
this devastation and chaos the humans have inflicted on the N’avi. 3D then
enriches the scale of the giant tree as it collapses slowly, with ELS’s of
human aircraft shown next to it in comparison, with the 3D effect greatly
emphasising the level of cruelty as the humans destroy this essential part of
the N’avi’s massive home.
Projector: Avatar Analysis
As seen in these clips, 3D plays a fundamental role in immersing spectators into the complex narrative and spectacular settings in Avatar. But with 3D film sales going downhill soon after, was Avatar's 3D just a gimmick released at the right time, or did it really have an impact on the way we can understand and enjoy recent and upcoming films? The director seems to believe in the latter, as in an interview with Creative Summit (Item TBC) Cameron discussed the issues of producing Avatar at a time when "no 3D film had reached that length" of 3 hours, so he admits to being "slightly too conservative on Avatar" in terms of the depth of 3D used. This suggests that he is willing to go further on the Avatar sequels, as he claims "now we know good stereo is good stereo, and you can watch it indefinitely". Cameron is still building the Avatar franchise around the idea of using 3D, later stating in the interview that he's "going to open up (his) depth more on the Avatar sequels".
Projector: Ghostbusters
-Analysis-
-Director Interview-
Projector: The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
-Analysis-
Projector: Avatar Analysis
As seen in these clips, 3D plays a fundamental role in immersing spectators into the complex narrative and spectacular settings in Avatar. But with 3D film sales going downhill soon after, was Avatar's 3D just a gimmick released at the right time, or did it really have an impact on the way we can understand and enjoy recent and upcoming films? The director seems to believe in the latter, as in an interview with Creative Summit (Item TBC) Cameron discussed the issues of producing Avatar at a time when "no 3D film had reached that length" of 3 hours, so he admits to being "slightly too conservative on Avatar" in terms of the depth of 3D used. This suggests that he is willing to go further on the Avatar sequels, as he claims "now we know good stereo is good stereo, and you can watch it indefinitely". Cameron is still building the Avatar franchise around the idea of using 3D, later stating in the interview that he's "going to open up (his) depth more on the Avatar sequels".
Projector: Ghostbusters
-Analysis-
-Director Interview-
Projector: The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
-Analysis-
3D films released in North America in recent years
https://www.statista.com/statistics/243303/number-of-3d-films-released-in-north-america/
This demonstrates a steady stream of 3D films in the past 5 years, but could be argued that more conversions have taken place as these years have gone by.
This demonstrates a steady stream of 3D films in the past 5 years, but could be argued that more conversions have taken place as these years have gone by.
Avatar analysis
Key scene 1:
Jake’s first outing outside base
Spectators are introduced into the outside world parallel to him, with the journey over showing Pandora’s landscape and creatures, which immerses spectators in a 3D flight. When the avatar group lands, plants, trees, insects and monkey like creatures (Prolemuris) go way back and in front of the screen to emphasise depth unseen in other films, gives an idea of what it’s like to really be there. 3D emphasises how much danger they’re in and shows how close they are to Jake as he points his gun which is especially threatening due to way it comes out of screen.
The clear introduction to this setting through 3D makes us worry more as we see Jake wander off and explore, as we have seen the scale of some of these creatures in 3D. The monsters which then follow are incredibly intimidating as shown through low angles which are aided by the 3D depth to show how large and deadly they are. The chase is more intense thanks to 3D which immerses us in the chase along with tracking shots to make it out as if we are alongside Jake.
Key scene 2:
Jake’s first flight
After Jake finds his own Mountain Banshee, a type of flying creature on Pandora, Neytiri joins him for a flight. The 3D used adds depth to the flight which emphasises the emotions he is feeling, showing both nerves and excitement as he soars high above the ground as shown by the depth in 3D with extreme high angle tracking shots used. These shots include fast movements through the air to generate a feeling of flight for spectators. This immersion is intensified through the use of 3D, as we see their excitement extra close up, with their faces coming out of the screen to show every detail of their expressions.
This close up with another dimension also allows spectators to begin understanding the feelings Jake and Neytiri have for each other, as we can see clearly the way they look into each others eyes in a loving way whilst flying. In this case, this technology makes it possible to grasp a greater understanding of the characters and their surroundings.
Key scene 3:
Tree destruction
When the humans are invading the N’avi’s main habitat of a massive tree, 3D helps to position spectators to empathise with them. This surprising narrative twist of spectators being against the human race is heightened through 3D as we see destruction and debris close up, making us feel like we are in this position of being fired at, often shown at low angles of the human aircrafts making the missiles feel as though they're aimed at us. We also feel a greater intimidation in shots such as the close up of Miles as he gives these horrendous orders.
POV shots are used within these shots with high frequency cutting to make us feel part of this devastation and chaos the humans have inflicted on the N’avi. 3D then enriches the scale of the giant tree as it collapses slowly, with ELS’s of human aircraft shown next to it in comparison, with the 3D effect greatly emphasising the level of cruelty as the humans destroy this essential part of the N’avi’s massive home.
Huffington Post 3D survey
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/joe-twyman/3d-films-survey-shows-bri_b_977421.html
This 2011 survey will work well in contrasting some of the statistics found in my 2016 questionnaire, whilst complimenting the negative views many people still hold towards 3D.
This 2011 survey will work well in contrasting some of the statistics found in my 2016 questionnaire, whilst complimenting the negative views many people still hold towards 3D.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
3D films can improve children's concentration
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/watching-films-3d-can-double-9001222
"Watching a 3D movie can more than double the concentration powers and cognitive processing of children, new research claims.
A study by visual technology firm RealD and led by child psychologist Dr Richard Woolfson and associate lecturer at Goldsmiths Patrick Fagan suggests that children aged between seven and 14 experienced twice the cognitive processing speed and performed better in testing after watching 20 minutes of a 3D film."
As well as the entertainment factor of 3D, there are also many issues surrounding how it may affect audience's health. This is a demonstration of how it could actually improve people's concentration, contrary to many reports of headaches caused by 3D.
"Watching a 3D movie can more than double the concentration powers and cognitive processing of children, new research claims.
A study by visual technology firm RealD and led by child psychologist Dr Richard Woolfson and associate lecturer at Goldsmiths Patrick Fagan suggests that children aged between seven and 14 experienced twice the cognitive processing speed and performed better in testing after watching 20 minutes of a 3D film."
As well as the entertainment factor of 3D, there are also many issues surrounding how it may affect audience's health. This is a demonstration of how it could actually improve people's concentration, contrary to many reports of headaches caused by 3D.
James Cameron 3D Creative Summit Interview
In this twenty minute interview with the Avatar and Titanic director, James Cameron was asked for his view on where 3D stands in today's ever changing media industry.
Cameron discussed the future of 3D films, and he feels it's still a growing industry and he has potential to do more with his upcoming Avatar sequels now that he has seen the first Avatar proving a great success in 3D, with the technology aiding it to become the highest grossing film ever.
“I was probably too conservative on Avatar, and I’m going to open up my depth more on the Avatar sequels," he said.
“In my defense, I thought I might be making a three-hour movie,” he added, noting that at the time the film was in production, no 3D film had yet reached that length. “Now we know good stereo is good stereo, and you can watch it indefinitely.”
This interview is incredibly useful for my project, with James Cameron being a pioneer of 3D technology and as the director of my focus film. His discussions into sequels are directly related to my focus film, so show where he sees similar films going in the future. Cameron clearly believes that 3D still has a place in the film industry, and wants it to get bigger and better for spectators.
Cameron discussed the future of 3D films, and he feels it's still a growing industry and he has potential to do more with his upcoming Avatar sequels now that he has seen the first Avatar proving a great success in 3D, with the technology aiding it to become the highest grossing film ever.
“I was probably too conservative on Avatar, and I’m going to open up my depth more on the Avatar sequels," he said.
“In my defense, I thought I might be making a three-hour movie,” he added, noting that at the time the film was in production, no 3D film had yet reached that length. “Now we know good stereo is good stereo, and you can watch it indefinitely.”
This interview is incredibly useful for my project, with James Cameron being a pioneer of 3D technology and as the director of my focus film. His discussions into sequels are directly related to my focus film, so show where he sees similar films going in the future. Cameron clearly believes that 3D still has a place in the film industry, and wants it to get bigger and better for spectators.
Thursday, 13 October 2016
Avatar flight scene analysis
Avatar flight scene analysis
This scene is a pivotal point in the film in many ways, with spectators being aligned with Jake as he is at a key stage in his mental transformation into one of the Pandora inhabitants- the N'avi. James Cameron's use of 3D in this scene helps to reinforce many of the key themes and issues taking place, as well as creating a more immersive experience for spectators.
Jake is flying a mountain banshee for the first time, and these are creatures which must form a connection to their pilots in order to fly. This connection signifies the relationship Jake is forming between himself and Pandora's inhabitants, as well as the place itself. The 3D used helps spectators to empathise with Jake, and gain a deeper understanding of his connection, as we can view the creatures and the world in the same way that he does; in 3D. Many extreme long shots are used with low frequency cuts to allow us to get an insight into his exploration of the world, for the first time that he can navigate above it and see its many complex structures. The settings are unearthly and spectacular, and we see the enormity of the different aspects through extreme long shots and an infinity shot to show how microscopic the birds appear against the stunning landscapes. This proportion is emphasised through 3D, with Jake and Neytiri appearing to be at a similar depth to the setting around them, despite flying well in front of it. This effect of depth helps demonstrate the exact sizes of the elements of scenery in comparison to the characters. The scale of Pandora's wildlife and architecture is shown in detail at this point to foreshadow it's power, and to make spectators begin questioning whether the humans will be successful when trying to take over large parts of it.
The relationship between Jake and Neytiri begins to really blossom in this scene, with close ups used to show their facial expressions and body language whilst flying and enjoying each others company. 3D brings their faces in front of the screen at these points, giving spectators an even closer and more immersive view of their expressions as they both begin conveying emotions of love and joy as they look into each others eyes. Eyeline match aids the 3D to create a greater connection between the two, with a POV from Jake's perspective showing Neytiri looking lovingly as she slightly giggles. This aligns spectators with Jake, as we see her exactly how he would in 3D, and as he starts to question where his allegiance lies- with humans or with the N'avi? Neytiri's joyful expressions demonstrate how happy she is with his determination and learning about how to become one of them.
Monday, 10 October 2016
Survey Results
My survey has now closed after 12 days of collecting diverse views on 3D films. 64 people took part in the survey, giving me a wide range of results to use in my SSRP. These results will allow me to get a good idea of how important 3D films are to cinema goers in 2016, and what could be done to improve the experience.
Q1: When did you last watch a 3D feature film?
This initial question allowed me to gauge how involved my survey participants are in 3D film, and I was glad to see that there was a good variety of people who have been watching them recently (55% within the last year) and those who haven't at all/for over a year (45%).
Q2: What would make you choose to buy a 3D cinema ticket for a film over a 2D one?
Those taking part in the survey were asked to write about why they might choose a 3D cinema ticket, and I received a wide range of answers, from some saying the effects and genre would sway them, to others claiming that nothing could make them buy a 3D cinema ticket. The general consensus seemed to be that people would spend the extra cash on a 3D film "If the film seems suited to 3D and special effects" or if the film is an "action packed blockbuster".
Q3: Have you watched any of the following films in 3D? If so, rate the effectiveness of the 3D used.
This question was mainly to test the relevance of my focus films, and whether there was a range of opinions about the 3D involved in them. This was so important as I needed to know that there were many elements I could research within these films, such as why people think the 3D in Avatar "improved the experience" for them.
Q5: On a scale of 1-10, how much would you like to see 3D technology being used more in the Film/TV industries?
The responses to this question show the clear divide within audiences when it comes to 3D, with an average response of 5. This demonstrates the way that some people would love to see 3D grow in the industry, whilst others would rather see it die out. I believe this shows a typical range of interest in 3D for 2016, and this number may have been higher in 2009/2010 when the technology was still new and perhaps excited people more.
Q6: How has your 3D film viewing changed over recent years?
Out of those who appear to watch 3D films, the majority claim that they "used to watch more 3D films". This consolidates many of my arguments within my SSRP, where I explore the novelty factor of 3D when it was reintroduced at the end of the 00's, and whether this has worn off for many people. It seems as though people were once excited by releases like Avatar 3D in 2009, with a massive 69% of my interviewees having watched it. As the highest grossing film in history, James Cameron clearly struck the 3D film market at the right time with the right film, as he got many people interested in 3D.
Q1: When did you last watch a 3D feature film?
This initial question allowed me to gauge how involved my survey participants are in 3D film, and I was glad to see that there was a good variety of people who have been watching them recently (55% within the last year) and those who haven't at all/for over a year (45%).
Q2: What would make you choose to buy a 3D cinema ticket for a film over a 2D one?
Those taking part in the survey were asked to write about why they might choose a 3D cinema ticket, and I received a wide range of answers, from some saying the effects and genre would sway them, to others claiming that nothing could make them buy a 3D cinema ticket. The general consensus seemed to be that people would spend the extra cash on a 3D film "If the film seems suited to 3D and special effects" or if the film is an "action packed blockbuster".
Q3: Have you watched any of the following films in 3D? If so, rate the effectiveness of the 3D used.
This question was mainly to test the relevance of my focus films, and whether there was a range of opinions about the 3D involved in them. This was so important as I needed to know that there were many elements I could research within these films, such as why people think the 3D in Avatar "improved the experience" for them.
Q4: Would you be more likely to watch a 3D film if it didn't require the use of glasses?
Participants showed a clear view on this question, with only 11% of people ruling out the idea that the 3D film experience could be improved with glasses free technologies. This question is so important as this is one key area I would like to explore in my investigation, as it seems as though a breakthrough in glasses free 3D screens could make people far more likely to go back to watching 3D films.
Q5: On a scale of 1-10, how much would you like to see 3D technology being used more in the Film/TV industries?
The responses to this question show the clear divide within audiences when it comes to 3D, with an average response of 5. This demonstrates the way that some people would love to see 3D grow in the industry, whilst others would rather see it die out. I believe this shows a typical range of interest in 3D for 2016, and this number may have been higher in 2009/2010 when the technology was still new and perhaps excited people more.
Q6: How has your 3D film viewing changed over recent years?
Out of those who appear to watch 3D films, the majority claim that they "used to watch more 3D films". This consolidates many of my arguments within my SSRP, where I explore the novelty factor of 3D when it was reintroduced at the end of the 00's, and whether this has worn off for many people. It seems as though people were once excited by releases like Avatar 3D in 2009, with a massive 69% of my interviewees having watched it. As the highest grossing film in history, James Cameron clearly struck the 3D film market at the right time with the right film, as he got many people interested in 3D.
Q7: Finally, please explain the change (if any) of your 3D cinema viewing over recent years.
The last question asked people to explain this trend, and it has become apparent that people have started to feel that the negative sides of 3D like the glasses and headaches it can cause often outweighs the positives of what was once an exciting prospect.
Thursday, 6 October 2016
Jason Bourne 3D disaster
http://www.cinemablend.com/news/1549709/chinese-audiences-hate-the-version-of-jason-bourne-they-received-find-out-why
"China has become a massive box office for western films, so it's not surprising to hear that a studio might make an exclusive version of a movie, just for them. However, they probably shouldn't have bothered. While Chinese movie-going audiences love 3D movies, it seems that seeing Jason Bourne in that format may not have been the best choice, as it's making people sick."
This online article documents very recent occurrences in the 3D film world, with the latest film in the Bourne franchise getting a 3D release just for some Asian markets. With the technology becoming more popular in this part of the world, Universal attempted to jump at the opportunity to make some extra money out of this market. What followed seems to have been a very rushed and thoughtless 3D conversion of the film, which was originally shot in 2D. With the recognizable handheld fight scenes playing as much part in Jason Bourne as the other films in the franchise, you may think the producers may just keep 3D technology well away from these already turbulent films. The 3D version of the film ended up making people feel so sick that Universal eventually had to pledge to "begin to work with theaters to get more 2D screenings available."
"When China allows western movies to make the jump overseas the nation actually requires that a certain percentage of them be 3D. It was likely for this reason that Universal went to the added expense of doing post-production 3D work on Jason Bourne just for China."
"China has become a massive box office for western films, so it's not surprising to hear that a studio might make an exclusive version of a movie, just for them. However, they probably shouldn't have bothered. While Chinese movie-going audiences love 3D movies, it seems that seeing Jason Bourne in that format may not have been the best choice, as it's making people sick."
This online article documents very recent occurrences in the 3D film world, with the latest film in the Bourne franchise getting a 3D release just for some Asian markets. With the technology becoming more popular in this part of the world, Universal attempted to jump at the opportunity to make some extra money out of this market. What followed seems to have been a very rushed and thoughtless 3D conversion of the film, which was originally shot in 2D. With the recognizable handheld fight scenes playing as much part in Jason Bourne as the other films in the franchise, you may think the producers may just keep 3D technology well away from these already turbulent films. The 3D version of the film ended up making people feel so sick that Universal eventually had to pledge to "begin to work with theaters to get more 2D screenings available."
"When China allows western movies to make the jump overseas the nation actually requires that a certain percentage of them be 3D. It was likely for this reason that Universal went to the added expense of doing post-production 3D work on Jason Bourne just for China."
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Questionnaire
I have created an online questionnaire about 3D films for people to carry out, which I will share on social media and to other college students to receive responses from a variety of age ranges. This will allow me to receive many views on 3D films to help with my SSRP.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MJC5XXY
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MJC5XXY
3D cinema screen without the need for glasses
This Guardian article tells us that researchers have now developed technology that allows audiences to watch 3D films without the need to wear any kind of glasses. Unlike other glasses free devices coming available, limited to one person using them at a time, this screen would allow many people to be viewing 3D at once. A YouTube video has been released to explain the technology it uses:
This breakthrough could eradicate the problem many people have with 3D, and create a more fluid and clear viewing experience. Many people claim to have experienced headaches and other problems through the use of 3D glasses. Dr. Roger Phelps, a VSP Vision Care doctor in Ojai, California claimed many people experience problems with these various types of glasses. "I really enjoyed watching Avatar in 3D, but some of my patients did express fatigue or had a headache after seeing it," he said. "Some even said they felt nauseous during the movie." This article highlights the impact of 3D entertainment on your eyes, also explaining how "Children are using devices much, much earlier in life" nowadays. "The younger the child, the less mature their visual system and the less capable they are to handle visual stress in general." This report highlights the dangers of excessive exposure to digital imagery for children, which is often only worsened by 3D technology as it has potential to put an additional strain on spectators eyes. Could this 'Cinema 3D' glasses free technology be the answer to some of these problems?
The health issue of children watching 3D films poses a question about why 3D children's films are so successful at the box office, and whether enough precautions are taken to keep children's eyes as healthy as possible.
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
Avatar key sequences initial analysis
Key scene 1:
Jake’s first outing outside base
Spectators are introduced into the outside world parallel to him, with the journey over showing Pandora’s landscape and creatures, which immerses spectators in a 3D flight. When the avatar group lands, plants, trees, insects and monkey like creatures (Prolemuris) go way back and in front of the screen to emphasise depth unseen in other films, gives an idea of what it’s like to really be there. 3D emphasises how much danger they’re in and shows how close they are to Jake as he points his gun which is especially threatening due to way it comes out of screen. 
The clear introduction to this setting through 3D makes us worry more as we see Jake wander off and explore, as we have seen the scale of some of these creatures in 3D. The monsters which then follow are incredibly intimidating as shown through low angles which are aided by the 3D depth to show how large and deadly they are. The chase is more intense thanks to 3D which immerses us in the chase along with tracking shots to make it out as if we are alongside Jake.
Key scene 2:
Jake’s first flight
After Jake finds his own Mountain Banshee, a type of flying creature on Pandora, Neytiri joins him for a flight. The 3D used adds depth to the flight which emphasises the emotions he is feeling, showing both nerves and excitement as he soars high above the ground as shown by the depth in 3D with extreme high angle tracking shots used. These shots include fast movements through the air to generate a feeling of flight for spectators. This immersion is intensified through the use of 3D, as we see their excitement extra close up, with their faces coming out of the screen to show every detail of their expressions.
This close up with another dimension also allows spectators to begin understanding the feelings Jake and Neytiri have for each other, as we can see clearly the way they look into each others eyes in a loving way whilst flying. In this case, this technology makes it possible to grasp a greater understanding of the characters and their surroundings.
Key scene 3:
Tree destruction
When the humans are invading the N’avi’s main habitat of a massive tree, 3D helps to position spectators to empathise with them. This surprising narrative twist of spectators being against the human race is heightened through 3D as we see destruction and debris close up, making us feel like we are in this position of being fired at, often shown at low angles of the human aircrafts making the missiles feel as though they're aimed at us. We also feel a greater intimidation in shots such as the close up of Miles as he gives these horrendous orders.
POV shots are used within these shots with high frequency cutting to make us feel part of this devastation and chaos the humans have inflicted on the N’avi. 3D then enriches the scale of the giant tree as it collapses slowly, with ELS’s of human aircraft shown next to it in comparison, with the 3D effect greatly emphasising the level of cruelty as the humans destroy this essential part of the N’avi’s massive home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)