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Friday, March 29, 2013

Nothing Moves Like Jaeger! Check All Five Giants From Del Toro's PACIFIC RIM!!

Here they all are - the defense of the Earth lies in the hands of these 5 Jaegers and the pilots that run them! I am simply thrilled at what I am seeing coming from Guillermo del Toro's production of PACIFIC RIM. So far, it's the perfect popcorn movie for me! I'm just going to let myself go and be engulfed in all this thing's majesty.

Bring it on Guillermo!!

Here's the movie's storyline:
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

PACIFIC RIM opens on July 12.

Photos via Collider


Nothing Much Flatter Than Paper - Except When It's A 3D Masterpiece! James Stewart And Beatrice Coron Bring You DAILY BATTLES

Check out the trailer and TED talk about the new 3D work from James Stewart (Geneva Film Co.) and artist Beatrice Coron. Both are masters at what they do and combined make for a spectacular show!

Here's the press release:
A trailblazer in leveraging the immersive power of 3D storytelling, Canada's James Stewart brings a new dimension to Béatrice Coron''s breathtaking, 61-panel papercut masterwork of medieval life. An art film about a work of art, BÉATRICE CORON''S DAILY BATTLES tells its story in an abstract montage created in Stereoscopic 3D. With each medieval scene, we enter a tale of struggle, battle and trickery representing the challenges of life. The canvas that Coron and director Stewart have expressed in stunning 3D allows the viewer to transcend the traditional film narrative and fall into a world where non-linear abstraction is the only way out.

Using animation, sound, light and shadows, and a sprinkling of humour, Stewart renders each scene of Coron''s 2D cutouts in true 3D splendor, depicting a new aspect of the medieval world. Together, these vignettes make up the layers of a complex society where good and evil co-exist, illustrating the daily battles of life through the ages. There is always a dragon to slay, a baby to comfort, a kingdom to be won, or a meal to be prepared.

"We are honoured to have our world premiere at the TED Conference in such a great environment of artists, thinkers, educators and activists," said James Stewart. "I first met Béatrice at the 2011 TED Conference and was immediately captivated by the potential for depth in her traditionally flat artwork. Working with Béatrice to re-imagine her work with lighting and immersive 3D has been a joy. DAILY BATTLES is a film we''re all very proud of."

About James Stewart and Geneva Film Co.
James Stewart is an award-winning director and the founder of the Geneva Film Co. in Toronto, Canada. Through his production company, Stewart has produced over 30 projects in digital 3D, including cinema commercials, concerts, stop-motion and CG animation. He is a director, storyteller, artist, digital innovator and multi-platform visual designer whose work ranges from mobile to giant screen, from motion graphics to stereoscopic 3D installations. Recent spots include Samsung, Toyota, Lexus, Sprint, JCPenney.

Recent projects include the stop-motion film FOXED!, the experimental short BÉATRICE CORON''S DAILY BATTLES in collaboration with NYC based French artist Béatrice Coron, Werner Herzog''s CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS, ONTARIO 4D for the Vancouver Olympics, and live 3D concert films of the Montreux Jazz Festival and Kylie Minogue. In 2012, he produced the world''s first gesture-controlled 3D cinema game for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S3.

A sought-after director, artist and expert on 3D, Stewart is a five-time speaker at The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. He is represented in the US by TateUSA.
Geneva Film Co. can be found on the web at www.genevafilmco.com/3d. Twitter: @jamesstewart3D

About Béatrice Coron
NYC Artist Béatrice Coron creates intricate worlds with scissors and paper, speaking through "the language of silhouettes." Born and raised in France, Coron''s work includes illustration, book arts, fine art and public art. She cuts her characteristic silhouette designs in paper and Tyvek, and creates works in stone, glass, metal, rubber, stained glass and digital media. Her work has been purchased by major museum collections, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Walker Art Center and The Getty. Her public art can be seen in subways, airports, sports facilities, and other venues.
Béatrice Coron can be found on the web at: www.beatricecoron.com/



Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Must Watch: Two New Trailers For THE WOLVERINE!

Here we go! Two new trailers for THE WOLVERINE, one international and one domestic. Both are worth watching.

Some answers are given to why we are seeing Wolverine travel to Japan and it looks like it didn't take long for him to get into action over there.


I'm actually quite disappointed that it seems that a really cool bar brawl was interrupted just before embarking on that trip. Oh well, that seen with the high speed train will make due, absolutely. But enough chatter - I don't want to talk too much about it before you see it!

Here's the storyline for the movie:

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine, the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before.





I like how they are setting this up - clearly Logan has his work cut out for him if he can't heal!

THE WOLVERINE opens July 26. Click here for all of our WOLVERINE coverage.

Monday, March 25, 2013

MMA Fans Rejoice: GSP Will Be In CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER!

Georges St-Pierre (GSP), the French Canadian and current UFC welterweight champion will be in Marvel's CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER according to Latino-review - who have an excellent track record with Marvel scoops. So I believe it. They also confirm that Robert Redford has been cast as "Pierce".

Back to GSP - He will be playing a bad guy known as Batroc the Leaper:

Batroc has no superhuman abilities, but is in peak physical condition in every respect. He is an Olympic-level weightlifter and has extraordinary agility and reflexes. His leg muscles are particularly well-developed which enables him to leap great distances with the strength of an Olympic athlete. He is an expert hand-to-hand combatant and specializes in savate (French-style kickboxing). He is also a skilled military tactician, having formerly been in the French Foreign Legion.

Batroc is an experienced thief and smuggler, who also speaks French and English. Although, as a mercenary, he does not hesitate to perform any number of criminal acts for his clients, Batroc has, by his own rights, a strong sense of honor, and he will turn against any client whom he feels has unfairly deceived him into committing crimes to which he might not otherwise have agreed.

Once, Batroc came into conflict with Captain America when he believed he was dying from the breakdown of the Super Soldier serum. Batroc, moved by the Captain’s sense of “honor,” declared that he would concede defeat and grant Cap’s desire. Cap wished that just one of his former enemies would turn away from his life of crime. Genuinely moved, Batroc declared he would do this. However, Batroc soon returned to his mercenary/criminal activities.

So, GSP is in the movies now! He certainly has the physique to play an action character, no doubt - but does he have the acting chops? We'll soon find out! More when I get it.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER opens on April 4, 2014.


Whoa! New Spoiler Filled TV Spots From IRON MAN 3

Ok well only one has massive spoilers in it. The second one below. Watch yourself - you have been warned. We WILL discuss this in the comments section, so don't read those either if you want a pristine viewing experience of IRON MAN 3.

Paramount has released two TV spots for us to play, replay, pause and screencap, and they're GREAT! The first one has nothing to give you other than some new visual treats, but TV spot number 2 has got spoilers, one that I may wish I had back. In fact, I know I would have rather not known this piece of info.

By the way Kevin Feige himself has claimed that the final battle sequence in IRON MAN 3 is bigger than the one in THE AVENGERS if you can believe that. Remember that this movie is the first of Marvel's appointed "Phase 2" movies.

Says Feige: "... I showed the film to Joss Whedon, who is our writer-director of Avengers and who is currently working on Avengers 2, and he saw the finale of this and he goes, now what am I supposed to do? What am I going to do in Avengers 2?"

Anyway, here are the two new spots - watch them, or not, but beware of spoilers in the second!


WARNING SPOILERS BELOW!


So what did you think? Did you watch the second one too and if so did you catch the spoiler? If you didn't here it is - just highlight the area below with your cursor. Just be aware that you may regret it:

Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts is wearing the suit defending Tony Stark. She in fact dons the suit when Stark's house is blown to smithereens and she herself has claimed that she will be taking part in the giant final battle scenes (so she doesn't die early on in the film - if at all).

End spoilers. IRON MAN 3 opens on May 3.

Embed via Rope of Silicon

New WORLD WAR Z Trailer Drops!

Oh man - this looks good! This is exactly what I am looking for in a zombie movie as running zombies really get under my skin. The anger really adds to the tension to me. The scenes all look really well thought out and nothing is missing in the special effects either. Enjoy the trailer!

And knowing that Corey Turner is involved, the 3D is going to be spectacular in this thing!

Here's the movie's storyline:
The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (played by Brad Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

WORLD WAR Z opens on June 21.

Cool Trailer Teaser For THE WOLVERINE And Two New Posters!

James Mangold's THE WOLVERINE just released a cool new teaser via Twitter for his upcoming trailer which will be dropping on Wednesday.

It looks action packed as you would expect from a Marvel movie and it does whet the appetite for what's coming.

As far as the posters go, I think it'll be intriguing to see Wolverine in Japan - I haven't read the comics for the character so I will be walking in fresh. The last poster seems to me to be a flashback to the old martial art movie posters - what do you think?

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine, the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before.



THE WOLVERINE opens on July 26. Bring it on!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG LIVE EVENT


Hey all, Tim here with some thoughts on what I got to see today from THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG Live Event Preview that happened at 3 PM EST. The Live Event was hosted by Peter Jackson for about an hour, and it included some a sneak peek of the film plus some behind the scenes. For those of you who were unable to catch the event it will was recorded and will be rebroadcast for you to watch at your own leisure starting March 27th and will be available until May 24th as the fine text says "Content may not be available after 5/24/13."

What did we see? Well in case there are those of you out there who want to remain spoiler free I will put the spoilerish stuff up in a block that you'll have to highlight in order to read. However, for the non-spoilerish stuff here are my thoughts and some interesting information divulged in during the event:
It started with Peter Jackson and James Nesbitt giving a tour of their post-production facility, including the mo-cap room, editing rooms, and the concept art on the walls. Jackson took questions sent in ahead of time via Twitter, with some video questions that were required to be submitted by March 19th, and answered some live questions coming off Twitter. A lot of Behind the Scenes footage was shown from the film, and with that some incomplete shots right out of the editing room. These shots gave us our first looks at some new characters in the film including Luke Evans (Bard), Evangeline Lilly (Tauriel), Stephen Fry (Master of Laketown), and the returning character Legolas played by Orlando Bloom. There was also a special guest appearance by Stephen Colbert, who asked Peter a question regarding the movie. Peter in return had a question for him. Jackson showed a bit of the editing process by showing multiple takes of Martin Freeman (Bilbo) delivering a line. He showed which takes they chose in an edited sequence, which included a neat intro to Bard.
Now for the spoiler stuff. Highlight the white block below to read:

SPOILERS... There was a full scene shown between Gandalf (Ian McKellan) and Radagast (Sylvester McCoy) where they investigate the tombs of Dol Godur. It starts with Gandalf investigating by himself and then jumping at the appearance of Radagast. They converse for a bit as we see the expense of the tombs. This would have been a scene in the first movie before it was moved to the second with the decision to have three movies.
Some of the BTS footage that showed possible spoiler stuff was exchanges between Legolas and his father Thanduil (Lee Pace), Tauriel and Legolas fighting orcs, the barrel riding scenes, Bard running around Laketown, etc. There was a lot of footage that went by fast and require a second watching. However, Laketown and the Elven Kingdom of Mirkwood should be great sets. We also saw a small bit of Bilbo in the Lonely Mountain wading through mounds of gold... but no Smaug.
END SPOILERS. Breath easy, and relax. Jackson revealed that we can expect a trailer in the Summer. I know that seems so far away, but it's so that they can complete effects shots.

And that was the special live event preview held by Jackson and team. If you didn't get a chance to see it, and aren't afraid of spoilers, I suggest you check it out when it hits the public web on the 27th. THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG hits theaters December 13, 2013!

DWA Seeing The Bright Lights Of 3D Crood Oil Getting Refined! THE CROODS Own Number 1

Wow. Dreamworks Animation's (DWA) THE CROODS is really clubbing the competition this weekend! The family friendly movie is enjoying a massive reaction from fans on its first weekend of release, as OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL slips slightly to third at the box office. Still the two 3D movies are doing remarkably well.

In fact the only other 2013 opening weekend that has been better than OZ was THE CROODS; a great one-two punch for 3D so far this year.

What's up next? How about a little flick starring Bruce Willis, The Rock and Channing Tatum: G.I. JOE: RETALIATION in stunning 3D on March 28.

Here are the top five movies this weekend:
1. THE CROODS - $44,700,000 ($44,700,000 / $107,316,000)
2. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN - $30,500,000 ($30,500,000 / $30,500,000)
3. OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL - $22,031,000 ($177, 559,000 / $356,359,000)
4. THE CALL - $8,700,000 ($30,904,000 / $30,904,000)
5. ADMISSION - $6,446,000 ($6,446,000 / $6,446,000)

Stat Source: Box Office Mojo

Must See: New Poster For WORLD WAR Z - New Trailer Tonight!!

An impressive new poster for Brad Pitt's WORLD WAR Z illustrates the incredible strength and dexterity of these new zombies - things aren't looking good for humanity.

Also, a new trailer for WORLD WAR Z hits tonight.

Here's the movie's storyline:
The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (played by Brad Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself.

WORLD WAR Z opens on June 21.


Thursday, March 21, 2013

New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS International Trailer And Poster!

Hey Star Trek fans, we've got a couple of great new marketing items for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS that you should enjoy - one is a new poster pictured at left. Half of what is interesting about the poster is where it came from. It was part of Paramount's viral marketing as they secretly inserted a bit.ly web link in a freeze frame (pictured right) from the new international trailer (below).

The second marketing piece is a new international trailer and it introduces many new scenes - have a look at bottom...

You have to love what Benedict Cumberbatch is bringing to this motion picture. He just oozes credibility and amps up suspension of disbelief so well. Perfect casting for WHOEVER he is.

"I am better."
"At what?"
"Everything."

Click to enlarge
Here's the movie's storyline:
In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 15th in IMAX and the 17th in wide release.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Must See: New IRON MAN 3 Poster!

Click to enlarge
Love this new poster for the upcoming IMAX release of IRON MAN 3. The skin of Tony Stark's armor has been peeled off! But most of all, it's those sparks that really make the poster ;-)

Everyone is looking to the right of the camera - except for Paltrow who has her eye caught by something else entirely. What is she looking at? Perhaps her hubby is a tad upset with her proximity to RDJ? Coldplay buddy. Coldplay.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Marvel’s IRON MAN 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

IRON MAN 3 opens on May 3.

Source: IMAX

Monday, March 18, 2013

Movie Review: OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL - 9 Stars

Click to enlarge
I thoroughly enjoyed OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, much more than I thought I would. You know, James Franco either works or he doesn't work there is little in between and thank goodness he works very well as Raimi's wizard. A good choice in fact. I thought the casting in general was quite well done.

Here's the official storyline:
When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

The 3D is amazing. Right up there with LIFE OF PI, HUGO, THE HOBBIT and AVATAR. Sam Raimi and 3ality Technica sent it soaring. The moment I saw the first trailer with the black and white small screen and the blowing flames I knew that we had the potential of something very good here for 3D. When you use extra black space on the edges it allows you to overplay the 3D when needed - like the flames. And when he widened the shot and brought in color as the balloon emerged from the tornado - pure magic. No wonder Disney was all over this.

I loved, loved Danny Elfman's score throughout this! He deserves to be commended.


Click to enlarge
OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL currently sits with $280 million in worldwide box office only 10 days into release. Another 3D blockbuster to say the least.

You really should go see this movie if you haven't already. And bring your family if you have young ones. The finale is especially fun and had me smiling ear to ear. A wonderful story, spectacular scenery and immersion and a satisfying conclusion. Easily 9 stars. Enjoy!


Exclusive: AVATAR 2 And 3 Update From A Source *AND* A James Cameron Update!

Let's start with the tantalizing email I received from one of my AVATAR sources about what we can generally expect from AVATAR 2: Water. I'll just let you read his info below, but it's pretty much right on track with what my expectations have been all along. Then we'll go over Cameron's recent interview talking AVATAR...

Here's my source's email (emphasis is mine):

"Jim is probably going to kill himself making this, no I'm not joking. This is going to be the very definition of ambitious film making. The jump will be like Terminator 2 Judgement Day was to The Terminator.

All you need to know is... water. Lots of water. Lots of things in the water. A key component, but by no means the only one. Those who loved the first, will be equally amazed at what they haven't seen. The lengths to which R and D are going, is monumental, but that is just an one aspect, this is pushing on all cylinders. Avatar was just an introduction to a world and an idea, going forward will be where the world is explored and explained, but perhaps not the only one. Which brings challenges in itself, worlds are unique. Not everything in that universe will be so beautiful and picturesque. That is a key word I think, universe.

We always picture ourselves as the invaded, but never the invaders in cinema. If you take a look at the real world, that may not be such a realistic stance, if we were capable of it, we most likely would put profit and resources over planetary systems and ecosystems. We do it here on Earth all the time, and just look at the results.

James Cameron is a genius, I hate that word, but there is no other word to really describe him.

You all need to start getting excited, because I'm telling you, He'll be back."

So the real news here is the source confirmation that water is heavily involved, the AVATAR universe is about to open up and Cameron is not slowing down in the research and development areas of his work. So of course I'm thinking 48 or 60 frames per second, some cool new performance capture technology and perhaps having Cameron himself strapped high above the volume shooting his scenes! Why do I say that? His company, Cameron Pace Group shot CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLD'S AWAY where he did actually strap himself in a harness 80 feet off the ground for some shots. I could very easily see a harness being used for 360 wraparound shots that involve actors swimming underwater. Says Cameron: "Put me in a body harness with a camera and I'm fine. Free rock climbing, however, is something you will never see me do. Ever!"

Here's what Cameron had to say about AVATAR 2 and 3 recently while publicizing the disc release of WORLDS AWAY 3D:

Can you give us some scoop about your upcoming little film called "Avatar 2"
Cameron: "Oh believe me, it's not that little! It's not exactly a little, intimate drama. I'm working on 'Avatar 2' and 'Avatar 3.' I was talking the other day with Peter Jackson and said, 'You had it easy dude. You had the books when you did the second and third 'Lord of the Rings.' I have to create my own books in my head and extract a script from it. I'm deep into it and I'm living in Pandora right now. There is that start up torque where you feel it's coming to you. Then you build up momentum. That's when it gets fun. The characters talk and it's writing itself. I'm almost there right now. It's building fast."

Click to enlarge
Tell us a little bit about your life. For example, what is your writing process? 
Cameron: "As a writer, I need isolation. I'm calling you from New Zealand right now where I'm writing on a little farm. When you live in a special world like Pandora, you have to live in that world."

Do you ever feel the pressure of topping yourself? And do you have a release date you can share with us for "Avatar 2 and 3?"
Cameron: "Pressure, no. It's a little daunting because sequels are always tricky. You have to be surprising and stay ahead of audience anticipation. At the same time, you have to massage their feet with things that they know and love about the first film. I've walked that line in the past, so I'm not too worried about it. At the same time, I definitely have to deliver the goods…As for a release date that will be determined by when I get the script out. No pressure!"

Stay tuned for more! I've got my ears to the ground on this and I'm begging for a concept board shot as soon as I can get it! :-)

Cameron Interview Source: Play Goes Strong via Bleeding Cool




Thursday, March 14, 2013

JURASSIC PARK 4 Has Its Director!

Universal today announced that Colin Trevorrow will be directing JURASSIC PARK 4 which is also being executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Trevorrow opened eyes with his SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED and its outstanding character development / story.

Here's the press release:
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA, March 14, 2013 — Colin Trevorrow has signed on to direct Jurassic Park 4, the highly-anticipated fourth installment of the blockbuster franchise that has grossed $1.9 billion at worldwide box office since the first film was released in 1993.

The Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment production will be produced by Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley with Steven Spielberg as Executive Producer. The script was written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planet of the Apes).

Trevorrow directed Safety Not Guaranteed for FilmDistrict and Big Beach Films starring Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass and Jake Johnson. The critically-acclaimed film debuted at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival where screenwriter Derek Connolly won the prestigious Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. The film also won Best First Screenplay at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards, where Trevorrow was nominated for Best First Feature.

On a related note, JURASSIC PARK 3D opens on April 5.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Drexel University to Be First East Coast University to Have a Student 3D Short

Hey all, Tim here with news coming out of my Alma Mater Drexel University! Drexel University is a school in Philadelphia, PA and Sal Sciortino (writer, director, producer) is going to make his senior thesis film Crane the first stereoscopic 3D student film done on the east coast! This is exciting news personally for me because of the years I spent sharing news stories and talking with faculty & students about 3D. It's great to see a young student pushing forward with the first stereoscopic production to come out of the school. It also helps bring the 3D medium to education throughout the continental United States.

A short synopsis about the this ambitious short film:

Crane is an action-packed film that deals with the life of former secret agent, John Crane. He has classified information and has been hiding from his old agency, the agency has had enough. They kidnapped John's wife, and he is hell bent on finding her. With the help of his friend (and current operative) Jamaal, John traverses the city to locate his wife. Unfortunately, finding his wife will be no simple task – the agency keeps her well hidden, they have a ton of agents standing in John's way. Luckily for John, he's a rugged man with phenomenal fighting skills, and he will let no one stand in the way of finding his wife.

The action scenes in this movie will be done with full cooperation of the city of Philadelphia, who will assist in closing down roads in order for shooting to take place! Sal comes from a background full of experience to make this possible.

Sal Sciortino is currently a senior at Drexel University. During his time in school he has worked on countless projects. Sal spent 9-months in Los Angeles gaining production experience and working for companies such as Bad Robot Productions and Toy Box Entertainment. His love for film began when he was in the eighth grade. Sal learned countless programs and techniques through self-drive, and has been improving his skills ever since.

The short film will be shot using Drexel's own 3D Film Factory beamsplitter rig, and a pair of Sony EX-3's. However, there are a few items that Sal and his crew are going to have to rent in order to make this happen in the best possible stereo 3D. As Drexel doesn't have an on set 3D Monitor of their own the production will need some money in order to rent one, along with a bit more 3D gear. That's why Sal has launched a Kick Starter Campaign to help raise funding for the project. Below is a video from the shooting studio of Drexel Film & Video with Sal explaining the Kick Starter campaign and a bit about the film:

HIT THE JUMP FOR THE VIDEO AND MORE INFO:

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Spielberg Hopes TINTIN 2 Will Release In 2015

We have been waiting for some sort of confirmation of the release year for the TINTIN sequel that will be directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Steven Spielberg. Well the later just confirmed that 2015 still is the date that everyone is aiming for and hopefully they can swing that.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN went on to make $374 million worldwide so one can see why a sequel is in the works. Clearly the overseas market is the driver here with that box office totaling almost $300 million itself.

Here's what Spielberg had to say:
"Peter Jackson is directing the next one, I’m producing. We have a script and we’re going to start performance capture probably at the end of this year. Don’t hold me to it, but we’re hoping the film will come out around Christmas-time in 2015. We know which books we’re making, we can’t share that now but we’re combining two books which were always intended to be combined by Herge."

Can't wait to hear about the first details of the followup. Which books do you think they will be using? Good question! 

Source: Indiatimes via The Film Stage

Saturday, March 09, 2013

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Teaser #3

Well here's something you CAN watch and not get spoiled very much as opposed to yesterday's fiasco. Here we've got the third teaser for J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS which does introduce some new elements to us. In particular is a new scene featuring Kirk and Spock in spaceflight that looks like a very cool moment in the film. Oh and an interesting conversation between Pike and Kirk as well...

Here's the storyline for the movie:

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.


STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17. 




Friday, March 08, 2013

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Spoilers And Opening Date For The UK Is One Week Early

Let's get the non-spoiler item out of the way first. J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will be opening a week earlier in the UK than in North America with the UK enjoying a May 9 launch (all formats according to Simon Pegg) and across the pond in the US and Canada, a May 17 date (May 15 in IMAX).

Now let's get something straight about these spoilers. I'm against them. I'm literally against reading them and - get this - I haven't. I am blind copying and pasting this info for those of you who do want to be spoiled for this much anticipated movie. I can't bring myself to read it because I am a die hard Trekkie and I refuse to not see this thing in a pristine form.

SO. If you don't mind being spoiled - these are MASSIVE spoilers by the way - then read on. I know they're massive by the reception it's getting. Whoever wrote this in Brazil broke many a cardinal rule in doing so and he should be banned from the web. Can't stop it now - it's on the Internet and with a life of its own.

**SPOILERS AHEAD** Read at your own risk. This is YOUR decision NOT mine to read this. Know that now. I HAVE NOT and will not read it. 

Hit the jump for more...

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Yes! MUST WATCH: New IRON MAN 3 Trailer - Hulkbuster!!

Here we go. Marvel at it's best. Finally a bigger reveal on IRON MAN 3 and it's looking GOOD. More Mandarin. More Potts. More Stark. More Hulkbuster!

Shane Black is also relieving many fears about his ability to handle a big budget tentpole - nothing wrong with this thing so far.

Even Mandarin's accent is growing on me: "I'm gonna offer a choice - do you want an empty life or a meaningful death?"

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel’s IRON MAN 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark / Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Enjoy!! IRON MAN 3 opens on May 3.




Monday, March 04, 2013

The University Of Texas At Austin Starting UT3D - A Comprehensive 3D Production Program!

I met Wayne Miller of SD Entertainment at the 3D Experience in New York a couple of years ago as he was one of the participants on my 3D Filmmakers Panel that I moderated. He has an amazing vision of where 3D is going and has contributed a great deal to the success that 3D has enjoyed thus far. I was quite excited when Wayne let me know about this new program: Read on!

Here is the press release (emphasis is mine):

Radio-Television-Film Receives $2 Million to Create Nation’s First 3-D Production Program

The Department of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin has received a $2.17 million grant from the Moody Foundation to create “UT3D,” the first comprehensive 3-D production curriculum in the country.

Don Howard, associate professor and production area head in the Department of Radio-Television-Film, will serve as director of the program, which will offer classes to undergraduates beginning in the fall of 2013. Radio-Television-Film graduate Wayne Miller (B.A.,’77), executive producer at the leading Los Angeles-based 3-D film, television and new media studio SD Entertainment, helped envision the program and will help ensure its sustainability as co-chair of the advisory council.

“3-D content and technology are headed for a revolution across all platforms,” Miller said. “It’s imperative to share this new tool kit with future filmmakers so they have the training and experience for the jobs of the future. By providing students an understanding of 3-D technology and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, The University of Texas at Austin is bound to become the leader in 3-D education.” 

The Moody Foundation grant will be given over a five-year period. Classes will be taught at the Belo Center for New Media and the ACL Live at the Moody Theater in downtown Austin — the recording studio for the PBS television show “Austin City Limits” — where students will use the studio’s 3-D production and performance facility.

“We’re delighted to support UT3D,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation. “The Moody Foundation’s focus on educating the youth of Texas is consistent with funding the establishment of the UT3D curriculum. Students will also gain first-hand experience in 3-D production at the Moody Theater to start their real-world training, and when they graduate, they'll be ahead in the growing medium of 3-D.”

In addition to receiving leadership from current Radio-Television-Film faculty members, UT3D will draw upon industry professionals — directors, technicians, producers and executives — to mentor students, including the executives and production team from SD Entertainment.

Students will produce a range of 3-D content — including plays, sports, documentaries and narrative pieces — and explore recent 3-D innovations, such as “glasses-free” 3-D for television, tablets, cellphones and small display devices.

UT3D was also made possible by Tim McClure, GSD and M Advertising co-founder and College of Communication advisory council member, who provided guidance on the creation of the program and will continue to connect the college with industry partners.

“This grant represents an overwhelming investment in the College of Communication and Central Texas by the Moody Foundation, a long-time supporter of education and the arts,” said Roderick P. Hart, dean of the College of Communication. “The college is also grateful to its community and industry partners and UT3D Director Don Howard, who will prepare our students for the burgeoning 3-D industry.”

The Moody Foundation is a charitable organization that makes grants primarily in Austin and Dallas, with an emphasis on education, social services, children’s needs and community development. The Moody Foundation was created by Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Moody Jr. to benefit in perpetuity present and future generations of Texans.

Best of luck with this endeavor to all those involved! MarketSaw will always support the education and fostering of passion in the 3D space and this new program is a huge step in the right direction!

Friday, March 01, 2013

R.I.P.D. Confirmed As A 3D Conversion!

The upcoming actioner R.I.P.D. starring Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Bacon has been confirmed as being a 3D conversion by Universal.

The movie stems from a group of dead cops who form the "Rest In Peace Department". Ryan Reynolds is a "just died" cop who partners with Jeff Bridges. Kevin Bacon will be the villain and judging by some spy shots, (highlight sentence after to read spoiler): he will also turn into some sort of CGI enhanced "thing". Who knows what that will be.

Our 3D movie list for this year has just hit 40. Not bad at all! We'll have more 3D movie announcements once they are made public by the studios.

R.I.P.D. hits theaters on June 28.

Image source: Zimbio

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