35mm Film Solutions

35mm 3D FramesStereomedia can provide your production with 35mm dual camera rigs or single camera packages in 35mm or 65mm. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, depending upon the requirements of your project and budget constraints. Double camera systems can be configured side-by-side or using mirror boxes. Single camera methods use special lenses that place both left and right images one over the other, separated by a septum. We can offer your choice of two 65mm systems, one uses twin-anamorphic lenses to squeeze left and right images side-by-side and another configures the images one over the other just as with the 35mm method. When maximum cinematic quality in a compact camera package is required, our single strip 35 mm lens system is the way to go. Our system has decades of dependable history in feature film and ride show filmmaking. Film Telecine transfers to digital HD are straightforward; and edge numbers are automatically converted to SMPTE time code.

Standard Def Digital Video Cameras

Our standard definition cameras are great for productions that will be displayed in smaller venues, smaller monitors, or for web and computer displays. We have available a large selection of systems from the very small for medical work, to fully outfitted rigs for broadcast work, with full zoom control, that will work handheld, on dollies, cranes or on Steadicam.

What is Stereo3D and how is it different from "3D"?

Stereoscopic (Stereo3D) describes an image which has all of the dimensional attributes as in the "real world". A stereoscopic image requires two eyes to view it, as each eye is provided with a slightly different perspective of the same object(s). The slightly differing perspective views are combined by the brain into a single, true stereoscopic image. A 3D camera has two lenses, one for each eye's perspective.

Today, 3D is a term which is also used to describe computer generated graphics having the appearance of possessing three dimensional perspectives. Two eyes are not required for viewing 3D computer graphics--though 3D computer graphics can be generated in stereoscopic views, for a full depth perception effect for use in your 3D Stereo production. The term 3D was first coined by newspaper ad men in the 1950's and used to describe the three-dimensional movies Hollywood was turning out. By abbreviating three-dimensional to 3-D, there was more room for the hype and photos.

What's the big difference between 3D production and standard video production?

Differences are usually limited to 3D photographic technique and some of the equipment used. Techniques include camera placement for best 3D effect, camera movement to emphasize the dimensional attributes and directing the foreground to background relationships.

Sometimes more light is required because most of the subjects making up the scene must all be in focus (3D doesn't work as well when some subjects are out of focus).

Does a S3D production cost twice as much as a standard 2D video?

No!

Naturally, costs vary with each project, however, the cost difference is rarely more than 20% below-the-line. The added cost is for some specialized equipment and personnel. Also, 3D takes a little more time to produce because there is an additional optical axis to consider.

"X" represents horizontal, "Y" represents vertical and the "Z" axis represents the depth. It's the "Z" axis that produces the dramatic off-screen effects.

What kind of special equipment is required to produce Stereo3D?

The primary difference is the 3D camera itself and specialized capture and monitoring equipment. (all supplied by Stereomedia).

Audio, grip, lighting and most production support equipment remains the same as for any flat production.

Can a standard 2D video be made from a Stereo3D video?

Yes!

3DHD digital production records two separate left and right signals. Each of these are standard 2D and 3D is achieved when both signals are combined.

Therefore, 2D and 3D versions are created simultaneously.

What are some of the ways Stereo3D video can be viewed?

There are two basic formats: active & passive.

Both require a device to be used between the viewer and what is being viewed.

Generally speaking, digital 3D may be viewed in four ways:

    1.)    Disneyland-type polarized glasses are used when projected onto a large screen,

    2.)    Viewing on standard home TV monitors or computer screens may require LCD eyewear.

    3.)    Head-mounted display hardware (HMD's),

    4.)    Autostereoscopic displays require no glasses to view the Stereo3D effect.

See the "Display Methods" page for additional details.

What do I need to present Stereo3D video to an audience?

Watching a Stereo3D presentation is always an event, regardless of where its presented and the more control the presenter has over the environment, the better chances of a successful presentation. The best method is determined by the size of the audience.

One-on-one presentations often require only a darkened room, VCR and a standard television set (some restrictions apply). Since polarized glasses will not work with television monitors, 3D would be viewed using liquid-crystal shutter glasses. Two basic types of LC shutter glasses are available: tethered glasses that plug into to a small decoder box, or wireless using a small infrared "transmitter".

Projecting Stereo3D video to small and large groups can be done in a variety of ways, and both examples use simple, inexpensive polarized glasses. For audiences of 8-25, there are small, table-top 3D projectors. More powerful versions for larger groups, up to 2,000 people or more. Both rear-projection and front-projection techniques are available.

We have assisted many customers with the "display" portion of the medium. Projected single or twin, on standard and multi-scan monitors using both active and passive glasses. There are a number of techniques and some special electronics needed for certain types of displays. See the "Display Methods" page for details.

Can a standard video be "converted" to a Stereo3D video?

Yes, although it's quite expensive, very labor intensive and the effect is often not as dramatic as true 3D. Stereomedia is able to "process" and convert existing 2D footage into Stereo3D through the use of sophisticated computer programs and conversion techniques developed by us. Computer animations are the easiest to recreate as Stereo3D, if the producer has access to the original 3D models and animation files. We generally prefer files created with 3D Studio Max or can be converted to Studio Max format.

What about 3D HDTV?

High Definition 3D has finally come of age.

Theatrical 3D has finally found a place in the world scene. Currently there are over 5,000 3D theaters worldwide and are growing at a rate of more than 1,000 per week. All of the major electronics companies are now producing 3D-ready television sets and monitors which offers the home viewer the same options as theater goers.

Although 3D rigs and cameras are still being developed, along with digital workflows, and because production techniques offer producers a standard 2D version simultaneously, HD3D has finally become a practical option.

Sometimes a more cost effective and practical way to shoot HD3D is using 3D 35mm film cameras and transfer to HD for excellent results. The same projection considerations apply as almost all digital projectors now are HD capable.

Is Stereo3D post-production different from standard 2D?

In some areas... yes.

However, offline editing decisions can be handled easily using Final Cut and Avid. Online can be a little more complex and may require far more sophisticated handling.

Stereomedia is familiar with most post-production problems and has developed quick solutions to solve them.

Click here to learn more about Stereomedia's 3D Post Production capabilities can offer your project.

Is special videotape used to produce or duplicate 3D video?

Not at all! Standard video tape is used with standard NTSC video recorders; HD tape is used with High Def recorders. DigiBeta, DV Cam, DV Pro, HDCam, etc. The difference is with the cameras and the way the video is recorded. Playback can include standard: VHS, Mini-DV, DVD, Blu-Ray etc, or directly from hard drives and other digital media.

What is the Stereographer's role and why are they importaint to the production?

The Stereographer is an indispensable member of the 3D production team and no 3D production should be without one.

They have mathematical or intuitive knowledge of the 3D process. In particular, the interactive relationship between Convergence, Interaxial and focal length. Often Stereographers use a spreadsheet to determine where an object will appear on the Z Axis given the focal length of lens, distance of object from camera, amount of Camera Convergence, amount of Camera Interaxial and the theatre geometry.

Stereomedia always provides an experienced Stereographer with it's production packages.

• Working with the DoP in prep to help make informed decisions about cameras, lenses, rigs and formats.
• Working with the Director to help make informed decisions regarding blocking and framing.
• Working with the post-production facility to develop a stereoscopic post pipeline that best matches their technology to the process.
• For a feature film, constructing a depth-script that follows the emotion and arc of the characters and story (if your production is into that sort of thing).
• In prep and on set, offering suggestions and information to help create the most appropriate stereoscopic depth for the story.
• On set, working with the VFX Supervisor to account for elements that will be added later in the VFX process.
• On set, making decisions on every shot to best achieve the goal of the depth script while minimizing or completely removing the need for intensive post fixes.
• Guaranteeing the capture of comfortable and effective S3D for the intended final deliverable.
• In post, assist with the depth-grading and finishing process.