PassmoreLab, the San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production and 2D to 3D content conversion, announced today the release of MicroWorlds-- their latest 3D film about the incredibly complex wonders of nature.
MicroWorlds is a live-action 3D educational science film that explores the world of life that goes on, unseen, all around us. From the earthworms in our backyards to the alien beauty of a garden snail, MicroWorlds examines the patterns, cycles, and daily rituals that are repeated on every scale, both in nature and in the lives of all creatures. Examined closely, nature reveals these patterns through the hands of time, the rotation of our planet and the flora and fauna that surround us.
The film takes an extraordinarily intimate look at these worlds of nature beneath our feet by examining the seemingly invisible domains of four insects -- Earthworms, Ladybugs, Butterflies and Garden Snails -- and tells the amazing stories of the daily routines of these essential creatures and the vital role they play on our planet.
“From the clouds of cream in a coffee cup to the spiral of the galaxies, nature is interconnected,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab, and director of the film. “The film gives viewers a completely immersive 3D experience and a greater appreciation of the symmetry of life and the crucial role different species play in nature.”
Astonishing beautiful and remarkably up close, the film was shot in California with a custom 3D microscopy rig specially designed for the film. High precision stages, state of the art macro lighting and a year of intense shooting yielded never before seen imagery.
“Ladybugs look a little different when they are 30 feet tall on screen and in 3D” smiles Passmore. “The idea was to try to give the audience a completely different perspective of the lives of our four hosts, show them in great detail, and at very, very close range.”
Mixing stereoscopic microscopy, time lapse and some serious bug wrangling, the film shows insects 'up close and personal’. Everything was shot at high def, precisely synchronized and with a broad dynamic range to capture and present a micro-reality to viewers.
“Filming was a challenging and educational experience. In one scene we can very clearly see teeth in a snail’s mouth as it devours a leaf.” Says Passmore. “Seeing a butterfly using its proboscis in a flower is nothing new, but to see it actually draining the contents of a tiny droplet of water from a leaf is quite compelling.”
The film also shows ladybugs going about the business of pollination as well as hunting down their favorite meal – the common aphid. But it also shows much more than just miniature jaws in action. MicroWorlds also shows earthworms, deep in the ground, aerating the soil and actually eating, digesting and excreting the most important natural fertilizer on our planet – worm cast. PassmoreLab also created a complete teacher’s guide full of trivia, games and mind-benders germane to the film. It is a companion piece available for middle-schoolers that want to dig a little deeper into the science of the film after seeing it.
“This movie is uniquely positioned to entertain and educate,” said Steve Glum, Head of Branding and Distribution for PassmoreLab. “We think audiences worldwide – kids and adults -- will be thrilled to see these tiny creatures in 3D.”
2010 will be a busy year for PassmoreLab. The independent studio will also release two additional live-action 3D science and nature-themed productions – ‘The Extreme Nature of Bats’, and ‘Physics of Surfing’ -- as well as rolling out a number of 3D conversions, with the most high-profile title being the 3D conversion of the original 1968 George Romero zombie classic “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” which will see release in the US and Europe starting in March.
