James Cameron’s Titanic 3D in April 2012

And yes, James Cameron is probably the best person when it comes to three dimensional world, since he’s already preparing 2012 release for the 3D version of Titanic, which will coincide with the “100 year anniversary of the sailing of the ship.”

Yeah, we are talking about Titanic! Nobody should be surprised with this date, because, let us remind you Cameron has previously stated that Fox is targeting Spring 2012 release for the 3D version, to coincide with the “100 year anniversary of the sailing of the ship“.

We all remember this epic romantic story whith Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio quite well, don’t we?

The huge ship RMS Titanic started its journey on April 10, 1912 from Southampton, England. On April 14, 1912, the ship sank after striking a massive iceberg, and only 706 people survived while 1,517 people lost their lives due to the lack of lifeboats. 

Rose DeWitt Bukator, one of the survivors of that tragedy, explained the whole story of sinking of the ship Titanic and also elaborated on her romantic experiences with an artist called Jack Dawson.

And now, some numbers! Titanic movie, of course, was made on a budget of $200m making it the most expensive movie made until that date, but the box office takings of $1.8bn justified the money spent for Twentieth Century Fox & Paramount

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So, before we all start with our negative comments on that conversion-thing, let’s just repeat that intended month of release is nearly two years away, so it’s not just about the historical timing, it’s about some serious "3D work“ as well.

No Glasses 3-D, Alioscopy Showcases

San Diego, Calif. — September 3, 2009 — Alioscopy USA, a 3D visualization technology provider, today announced it will join Autodesk, Inc. in Amsterdam, Netherlands for IBC 2009 (September 11-15, 2009). Located at the Autodesk booth (RAI Amsterdam Booth 7.D21), Alioscopy will showcase finished autostereoscopic 3D content playing on a proprietary HD LCD display, and will outline how artists and technical directors (TDs) can use various editions of Autodesk® Media & Entertainment software to create and composite autostereoscopic 3D computer generated content for play-back on Alioscopy LCD displays.

The autostereoscopic market is taking off, driven by the renaissance of stereoscopic 3D motion pictures and the emerging stereoscopic 3D broadcast market. As the leader of "no-glasses" autostereoscopic 3D technology, Alioscopy is building a community of 3D artists to address the industry demand for Alioscopy-ready content and templates. Alioscopy invites this year?s IBC 2009 attendees to come to the Autodesk booth at the RAI Amsterdam to experience ?no-glasses? 3D, learn about the steps required to create multi-view Alioscopy-ready content, and get information on how to join the growing Alioscopy community.

Industries ideal for Alioscopy digital signage display solutions include: retail, hospitality, medical visualization, serious games and 3D games, casinos and gaming, theatre lobbies, trade shows and exhibitions, concerts and events.

"We're excited to bring Alioscopy technology to IBC 2009 with Autodesk, and present the next way stereoscopic 3D entertainment, digital signage and visualizations will be created and viewed without glasses," said Philippe Roche, CEO of Alioscopy USA. With the dizzying growth and popularity of 3D stereo films, we are witnessing an unprecedented interest in stereoscopic 3D. Using Autodesk 3D content creation software and compositing tools with Alioscopy technology and hardware, 3D artists and compositors will be able realize vast new business-to-business (B2B) opportunities in new markets," added Roche.

Members of the Press: To schedule a press briefing with Alioscopy during IBC 2009, please contact Kevin G Clark at +1 (514) 754-0343, or plan to visit Alioscopy at the Autodesk booth during regular IBC show hours (Hall 7, Booth # D21). Visit the Alioscopy website at: http://www.alioscopyusa.com/.

About Alioscopy
Alioscopy USA, based in San Diego, CA, is a leading developer of a wide range of 3D technology solutions that represent one of the most significant leaps forward in autostereoscopic 3D display technology currently available. The company holds worldwide patents on a unique technology that delivers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience, without the aid of glasses or other device, which helps to solidify messaging, boost brand recognition and garner immediate and memorable attention. The open access software workflow can be created and applied to an LCD display, and adapted to many industries and applications, including but not restricted to: media and entertainment, mobile communications, games, laptops, kiosks, digital signage, automotive, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), medical, government and military.

About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Clusters Launching - Advanced Diploma in Visual Effects for Film

Our Story 

Welcome to Clusters School of Digital Arts, an environment where committed individuals can develop their creative and technical skills in order to participate in, and contribute to, a viable film and production industry around the globe.

Clusters specialize in teaching on Visual effects for film and entertainment.

Learning to be a visual effects artist isn't something that we can be taught from a book. Here at clusters you learn-by-doing, through a combination of hands-on experience and guest tutors who are experts in their fields, and sufficient behind theory to backup the practical applications. You gain experience in film theories, in digital composting, Rotoscopy, Tracking, Camera Match moves, in lighting, camerawork and Green Screen shots.

We welcome people with flair and dedication and a passionate commitment to Visual effects and entertainment industry, people who are the future of the film industry in India and beyond. We know the industry is impulsive, creative and challenging, so we provide you with the training and support to fulfill your aspirations

The Curriculum

The curriculum is designed for 12 modules, each of which covers a specific aspect of visual effects in film production. These modules are taught in an integrated way where several modules may be under way at any one time. This allows mentors to better mirror the process and pipeline of visual effects and also allows the flexibility to accommodate availability of visiting lectures and the ability to take advantage of production opportunities as they arise.

The course is delivered through both Studio Learning and project-based learning. Students have the opening to analysis theory on a range of handy projects. During the year students will work together to make a number of VFX short films including at least one Special effect shot and one short visual effects film. These films are generally screened at the course commencement ceremony.

As the course progresses students will be given assistance to select the areas of the industry in which they wish to seek out employment and will have opening to work in these specific areas on student productions. From the year’s work, students will be able to compile a show reel, which should showcase these areas.

Course structure

Clusters School aims to practice students in a realistic and handy way to take up a profession in the visual effects or Film industry. To that end, the guiding principles and practices of the School mirror existing industry standards, and aim to reproduce as strongly as possible the workplace environment.

Each Months student are issued with a call-sheet which outlines the Month’s programme and requirements. Students are expected to be in attendance at the School from 9.00 Am until 4.45pm each weekday and to attend for extended hours if required.

The course is hands-on and practical. Teaching is project-based. Students make a range of individual projects that may include music videos, documentaries and short digital dramatic films. The focus of the year is the production short films.

Application process

There are up to 50 seats available for Visual effects for film course. Once we receive your application we will review it and determine whether you would be on a shortlist. If you are, we will request that you attend an interview. If you are not selected for an interview we will inform you promptly.

We will be looking for a level of commitment and passion about the film industry and an understanding that hard work rather than glamour is at the heart of the business.

Students wishing to apply must complete an application form. This may be submitted by e-mail or in hard-copy.

International students will need to apply for a student visa. Details are available from the Indian Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at  http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/

Location and Facilities

Clusters School of Digital art is now at Trivandrum, India, in a purpose-designed facility. It is close to the Asia Largest Technology Park and several local production companies. The building is spacious, with Several Labs and a large production office, and a studio and 30-seat cinema. There is also a library with essential resource material including an expanding DVD classics collection and many Indian and International short films.

Students have access to the premises on a 24-hour basis (with permission) in order to replicate the workplace atmosphere. This enables efficient use of the equipment and other resources, particularly during production.

The resources of the School, Includes studio space, equipment, archival and reference materials, post-production facilities and creative expertise are available to assist in meeting the demands of the curriculum.

Equipment

Clusters School of Digital Arts provides a range of technical equipment to facilitate production and post-production in both film and digital media. The school uses a range of digital cameras, both handicams and HD Cameras

Students edit on Final Cut Pro and also have the opportunity to use Green screen facility during the Film Intensive segment of the course. Sound post-production is carried out in the Pro Tools suite.

Our Objectives

Clusters School of Digital Arts objectives are

·         Meet the demand for visual effects artist by training those wishing to make a career in film and television

·         ensure that new entrants into the industry are adequately and realistically prepared to follow a career path

·         Ensure that industry-based standards are established and maintained.

We aim to turn out the Compositors, Visual effects artist, animators, VFX Supervisors and technical crews of the future; graduates who are well prepared to make a career in film and/or television.

Prime Focus VFX Adds Sparkle to New Moon - November 25th, 2009, 09:34 AM

Prime Focus VFX, formerly Frantic Films VFX, has completed 175 visual effects shots for the Summit Entertainment release, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” directed by Chris Weitz. Prime Focus contributed a majority of the film’s most frequently featured visual effects, including CG water, atmospherics, CG matte painting and environment work, and the “Diamond Skin” effect on Edward and the other vampire characters. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is based on the popular series of novels by Stephenie Meyer.

Prime Focus’ newly expanded Vancouver studio, which has become the VFX hub for the company’s North American operations, handled the bulk of the work on “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which was shot on location in British Columbia. Key effects included creating apparitions of the Edward Cullen character and custom designing the “Diamond Edward” effect, whereby Cullen’s skin sparkles when coming into contact with sunlight.

Director Chris Weitz and his Visual Effects Producer Susan MacLeod tasked Prime Focus with evolving this signature Diamond Skin effect so that Edward’s skin refracted light as if diamonds were embedded under his skin.

The Prime Focus team, led by Visual Effects Supervisor Eric Pascarelli, went through extensive look development to achieve this effect, and used as its inspiration Greek Thassos marble, a very white, translucent material with flecks that reflect light very efficiently. The team even had a slab at the office for the CG artists to use as reference.

Prime Focus’ Vancouver studio also collaborated with its Digital Matte Painting department in Los Angeles (headed by Ken Nakada) on recreating the movie’s Forks High School, as well as craggy cliffs overlooking the ocean and other 100-percent CG environments depicting the movie’s Washington State locale. Prime Focus also contributed CG water for multiple scenes and two elaborate time passage sequences featuring the Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) character in complicated multipart motion control shots.

For the cliff scenes, Nakada and his team designed the entire landscape using several locations in Vancouver’s Whytecliff Park as reference material. The team also provided on-set VFX supervision for MacLeod and Weitz on a greenscreen shoot at Vancouver Film Studios of a stuntman jumping 70 feet off a tower as a camera rig does a 270-degree tilt, following him from the top of the cliff until he hits water. Additionally, Prime Focus created several digital doubles and did face replacement for the actors jumping off the cliff.

Overall, a team of 45 across Prime Focus Vancouver and Los Angeles were brought onto “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” Prime Focus’ key software packages included Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Mudbox for 3D modeling, eyeon Fusion for compositing, Prime Focus Software’s Krakatoa for particle rendering, Prime Focus Software’s Flood and Flood: Surf for fluid simulation.

About Prime Focus

Prime Focus is a global Visual Entertainment Services group that provides creative and technical services to the film, broadcast, commercials, gaming, internet and media industries. The group offers a genuine end-to-end solution from pre-production to final delivery - including previsualisation, equipment hire, visual effects, video and audio post-production, digital intermediate, digital asset management and distribution.

Prime Focus employs more than 1200 people with state-of-the-art facilities throughout the key markets of North America, the UK and India. Using its ‘worldsourcing’ business model, Prime Focus provides a network that combines global cost advantages, resources and talent pool with strong relationships and a deep understanding of the local markets.

RELATED LINKS:

www.primefocusworld.com

www.newmoonthemovie.com/worldoftwilight