London —Feb 22, 2008
Digital 3D will spark revolution in cinema that could be comparable to the introduction of colour Digital 3D screens in the UK set to increase tenfold by 2012
To ensure that the UK film industry is at the forefront of the 3D revolution, the UK Film Council has today organised an expert masterclass for hundreds of filmmakers in a central London cinema to give them the low-down on the latest 3D technology which is set to transform movie-making.
The masterclass coincides with today’s release of U2 3D and will give film professionals and students the chance to learn about the challenges and opportunities of designing, filming editing and distributing a 3D film. In a unique opportunity, they will hear from U2 3D’s filmmakers - producers Jon Shapiro and John Modell, director Catherine Owens and visual effects supervisor David Franks.
Pete Buckingham, Head of Distribution and Exhibition at the UK Film Council said:
“3D offers filmmakers the biggest opportunity since colour was first introduced more than 100 years ago. We want to make sure that British filmmakers grab this opportunity with both hands and take full advantage of it - the demand for 3D films will be huge in the future and the UK should be a big part of it. U2 3D is in a class of its own and it’s fantastic that the filmmakers have agreed to share their experience of making this unique film with others.”
Today’s event will be attended by a wide variety of film professionals from all over the UK including producers, directors, writers, line producers, production managers, production designers, cinematographers, editors, distributors and film students. Extracts from the masterclass will be available to download from www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk and www.myfilms.com .
U2 3D is the world’s first ever live-action film, independently shot, produced, and exhibited in digital 3D. It was shot in South America during the band’s Vertigo tour and puts the viewer at the centre of a live U2 stadium concert from the comfort of their cinema seat. The film is being distributed by Revolver Entertainment.
In addition, the UK Film Council’s Prints & Advertising Fund has backed the release of U2 3D with £150,000 of Lottery cash so that it can be seen by more UK film fans. This support enables the film to be shown on double the amount of cinema screens up from 30 to 62. An additional 80 35mm trailer prints will also be released and the media campaign will include radio advertising.
