RED approved for Discovery/IMAX/Sony 3D Network

[Mark L. Pederson]

OFFHOLLYWOOD just wrapped the very first full episode of a television series shot in 3D for the new Discovery/IMAX/Sony 3D Network that launches in Jan. 2011.

There have been tons to tests and experiments for the forthcoming network - but we are the very first to shoot an entire episode in 3D.

Previously - RED was not approved by Discovery as a shooting format - which has more to do with how they archive material - see this thread -

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=44827

We campaigned hard to use RED as our A-cameras - because we knew we couldn't get everything they wanted without shooting RED. After a bunch of conference calls - and some Offhollywood "RED cheerleading" - RED is now an approved format for shooting 3D for the new 3D network - the network is a joint venture between Discovery, IMAX and Sony.

From the new Tech Specifications for Discovery 3D:

"PHOTOGRAPHED:
Aspect Ratio - 16:9
Shooting Format – Primary shooting on the Red Camera (approved) to R3D and secondary shooting on SI-2K Mini cameras to 2K S1 Cineform Raw
Standard (resolution / scanning method / frame rate) – 4K, 2K / progressive/23.98"

The series we shot was called THE HAUNTED - it's a paranormal show on Animal Planet - produced by Picture Shack Entertainment.

OFFHOLLYWOOD provided the entire camera and 3D crew - all equipment - 3D workflow and post finishing. We are aggressively expanding our "3D initiative" - offering a total "turn key" solution(s) for clients who want to shoot and deliver 3D. Look for some crazy announcements in the new few months.

OFFHOLLYWOOD exclusively uses Element Technica 3D rigs - we used a Quasar w/RED cameras and one of the very first full production units of the Neutron rig w/SI2K cameras for jib and hand-held shots on this show.

Fall should be rather .... EPIC.

[Mark L. Pederson]

I'm super proud of my team - 12 hours days and tons of great footage! It's all about the team ....

[MikeHedge]

so awesome Mark and team!

[Jon B.]

Thanks for sharing and congrats!

[Kwan Khan]

Congratulation

[Sanjin Jukic]

Congrats Mark!

[David Battistella]

Advancing the cause. Sharing the news.

Always appreciated Mark.

Congratulations.

David

[Peter Majtan]

You've just made my day Mark! Hopefully I will make Your's later on this year... (wink)

Cheers,

Peter

[David Mullen ASC]

So how did you solve the archival issue for Discovery?

[Mark L. Pederson]

So how did you solve the archival issue for Discovery?

They are going to take R3Ds from us - but there are still many internal conversations happening. I can not speak for Discovery - but my understanding from my conversations is that they have a proprietary file based archival system that is about to transition to LTO5 - and although it does not currently support storing R3Ds - they have many requests from producers around that world that want to shoot on RED. My impression is that because they are moving their system LTO5 at the same time as the 3D Network is about to launch - it's not a bad time to implement new changes to their system - there is a new GM for the 3D Network - and everyone seems very open-minded to moving with the new technologies.

Anyone paying attention understands that when Tattoo ends and EPICs ships in numbers - the whole 3D game changes - and it's gonna be all R3Ds ... big fat 5K R3Ds ....

[Tom Lowe]

Awesome, Mark. Staying out in front of the pack as usual.

[Omar Saad]

Mark, congratulations! This is so awesome! Can't wait to see the show. Is Offhollywood going to be shooting multiple episodes for this show or was this a one off?

Cheers,

Omar

[Mark L. Pederson]

Mark, congratulations! This is so awesome! Can't wait to see the show. Is Offhollywood going to be shooting multiple episodes for this show or was this a one off?

Cheers,

Omar

Fingers crossed on another 10 episodes - this was not a pilot - but rather a show already on the air (Animal Planet) in 2D - we shoot 3D - and the 2D version heads to Animal Planet and 3D version is for the new 3D network.

We are in talks for several other shows and prepping to pitch our own to the network as well.

[Mark L. Pederson]

Awesome, Mark. Staying out in front of the pack as usual.

The thing I have learned is that 3D is actually easy to do. HOWEVER ... to make "good 3D" - and not spend a zillion hours in post - you need to know and understand a lot of stuff. You need to "get it".

And a lot of it - you really can't get from a book. You need to shoot it. Look at it in post with no adjustments - see what happens when you make post adjustments, etc. - see what happens when you edit it a specific way, etc. (kinda like filmmaking in general, right?)

Having a camera rental dept. with 3D rigs and having a 3D enabled post facility - under one roof - really offers us a significant advantage in learning and proving out theories. Our guys can shoot tests - practice - schedule a 3D DI - sometimes on the very same day - and sit in our Dolby 3D theatre and work with the footage they have shot.

I think it's critical for 3D crew to see the results of what they are doing in post - and this is not something many get to do - we are lucky - because our business model is exactly that - front end (cameras & techs) to back end (post & delivery) - and 3D is a perfect example of a format that does rely heavily on front and back end.