Carrie Wootten

“Our work at Vision3 has shown that 3D can be used creatively and intelligently as a narrative tool to help bring the story to life. We look forward to sharing best practice and driving future innovation at this important conference.” Chris Parks, Vision3, Stereographer Pirates of the Caribbean IV.

Avatar blazed a trail for 3D, kicking off a new era of stereoscopy for film and broadcasting. By 2014, approximately 24% of UK households will have a 3D television. BSkyB are leading the way in UK broadcasting, launching the first UK 3D channel in October. With cinema audience figures on the decline, film distributors are desperate to charge a 3D premium on tickets.

“3D is here to stay but there are some serious concerns both technical and creative from filmmakers, broadcasters and audiences. This emerging area is an opportunity for the UK to take the lead in film and broadcast” says James Uren, Co-Director of 3DStorytelling Conference.

“We need 3D to go beyond being just a gimmick, we need to embed depth in our narratives. This conference is all about how to enhance our content with 3D. It’s a bit like when film moved to colour – at first, everything was gaudy technicolor, now we use colour grading as a storytelling tool”.

All these issues will be addressed at the first ever 3D Storytelling Conference http://www.3dstorytelling.co.uk led by Industry experts on 6-7 Jan 2011 at Ravensbourne’s purpose built facility. They are based just a stone’s throw from the entrance to the O2 with cutting edge broadcast technology, including multi-camera HD studio, tapeless post-production suites, audio recording studio and a 3D applied research lab.

The conference will host seminars, panels and hands-on workshops run by industry leaders in 3D, including Chris Parks and Andy Milns. It is also being supported by leading companies such as Prime Focus, Framestore, Envy, Mytherapy, Inition, Vision3, Principal Large Format and BSkyB 3D. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund has enabled this conference to be free to industry professionals.

The aim of the conference is to unravel the mystery of 3D and show how to create great stereoscopic content across all aspects of the storytelling process, from pre-production through to post, engineering and delivery.

"3D without storytelling leaves 3D a soulless gimmick. This is a timely and important conference and I am honoured to have been asked to chair the wrap up session at the end of day 2." Phil Streather, PLF.

For more information about the conference visit www.3dstorytelling.co.uk.

About the author

Carrie Wootten (c.wootten@rave.ac.uk) manages Ravensbourne’s ‘Commercialising Digital Technology’ programme at Ravensbourne, which is funded through the European Regional Development Fund. It is through this programme that Ravensbourne has developed and produced the 3D Storytelling Conference www.3dstorytelling.co.uk.

About Ravensbourne

Ravensbourne http://www.rave.ac.uk is a world-class digital destination developing talented individuals and leading-edge businesses through learning, skills, applied research, enterprise and innovation. It is a university sector college innovating in digital media and design, with a vocationally focused portfolio of courses, spanning fashion, television and broadcasting, interactive product design, architecture and environment design, graphic design, animation, moving image, music production for media and sound design.

Relevant links

www.3dstorytelling.co.uk

www.rave.ac.uk

www.putyourbusinessforward.co.uk