24fps, 48fps or 60fps for a Blue Chip Natual History Feature

[Pawel Achtel]

I need opinions and suggestions.

I'm doing a spec on a feature-length blue chip natural history film. It is shot on Epics and distributed in stereo 3D. The budget is about $5-$6m, so not huge, but adequate for an independant feature of this type. However, it does not allow for 22 different distribution grades and formats.
I want the smoothest, silkiest and the most "video-looking" experience.

Peter Jackson is shooting Hobbit at 48fps and 270 degree shutter. He intends to distribute in 24 and 48 fps. Great!
James Cameron is tossing between 48 fps and 60 fps for his 3D features. Not sure of the shutter speeds. Fantastic!

Currently, the DCI standard does not allow for either 48 fps or 60 fps for 3D. Of course, either 60 fps and 48 fps can be easily down-converted to 24 fps for theatrical distribution, but that's not going to achieve the look that I'm after.

Also, shooting 3D in 5k and 6k at 60 fps would produce considerable amount of data - all backed up at remote locations often without mains power.

So, the question is:

Should I shoot at 48 fps or 60 fps? 180, 270 or 360 degree shutter?

What are the current and future DCI standards likely to support? Mr. Cameron? Anyone?

[Yousuf Abbasi]

I'd go with 48fps with 270 degree shutter.

Since 270 degs is already very "video-smooth," I think combining with 60fps would be too video. I think 48fps would compliment the 270 degree shutter nicely, maybe even "silky" like you say.

[Blair S. Paulsen]

I have thought about this quite a bit and even shot some tests. The toughest part of testing is setting up 48fps playback scenarios so I still have unanswered questions.

IAC, I do agree that 48fps, 270° shutter is a logical choice. Should look decent at 24fps playback rate where the "effective 135° shutter" exhibits more typical motion blur characteristics to mitigate potential judder issues. Only a 1/2 stop exposure penalty rather than a full stop. IMO 48fps support on DCI servers and other playback systems will come sooner than 60fps, especially for resolutions over 1080x1920, so the value of a 48fps master might be realized sooner than a 60fps version.

Sounds like a great project, break a leg!

Cheers - #19