Research document conclusions

Stereoscopic3D has a number of factors that must be addressed differently compared to 2D productions. This can lead to higher production costs and create unpleasant viewing experiences for audiences. However, when done correctly, the vast majority of society is embracing the new 3D revolution with open arms and are thoroughly excited as to where the technology is potentially heading. Production companies are aware of this. Therefore, the increased budget and potential limitations of 3D have become justifiable through the success stereoscopic3D has received such as box office revenue. That’s certainly not to say 2D production is going to be dead and buried anytime soon though. Even if 3D technology is improving rapidly, there is still a long way for it to go. Miller (2012) supports this stating not only does a film’s content have to be produced correctly but “Hollywood must also correct the technological aspects of 3D as well”.

Different types of 3D. Anaglyph, passive (Cinema 3D), active (shutter glasses), glasses free, head mounted 
screen parallax

camera movement
3D rig set-ups
Camera set up
higher production costs

convergence

divergence

edge violation

3D sound for film

Binaural sound design

5

A telephone interview was undertaken with a Sky F1 editor. His rob role is to edit any crash scenes in time for replay to the audience. After conducting research on post-converted 3D, it got me thinking as to obviously being unable to do this in time for live coverage, what aspects must be altered for live 3D.

Between 28th February and 3rd March 2013, Sky filmed and broadcasted live the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona test in 3D. They used 12 3D cameras strategically placed around the race course. Jamie described an enormous limitation for shooting live 3D is the inability to review what you have shot before broadcast. When on a film set, directors can playback their shots to make sure it all looks ok i.e. no lens glare, colour balance difference etc. however, shooting live goes straight to the audience before this can be checked. He described this problem in terms of the on board cameras located on the F1 cars. Because of the cars moving so fast paced as well as hitting bumps in the road etc, it would be very diffcult for the cameras to stay aligned, as well as F1 health and safety regulations not being met.

Shots have to be re thought. F1 coverage generally has a lot of high angled arial shots. This has to be removed for 3D as the long distance cause the 3D to lose perspective and flattens.

When asked about if live coverage of 3D will take off, he stated he believes it will but only if glasses free 3D becomes more technically advanced as well as consumer affordable. 

Research shows that if 3D is to grow in this current era then glasses free is certainly going to be the way. Toshiba have designed a glasses free TV available in retail stores such as John Lewis. However, priced at just under £4000, consumers are unlikely to be buying them in bulk anytime soon. In two years to come though, when prices have dropped it's going to be a very popular television for the home.

4b

01:08

This artefact was to test the reliability and effectiveness of post 3D conversion opposed to filming for a 3D film.

Footage was used from one of the cameras used to create the fixed side by side set up. Using a post 3D conversion editor, it was converted into a 3D anaglyph film. Focus groups were then asked to view the two clips and to discuss their opinions.

3 small  groups (each including four people, 2 girls and 2 boys) were used

 group 1 watched only the side by side rig setup.

 group 2 watched only the converging set up.

 group 3 watched both clips.

This group set up was to test if by watching one clip could affect the persons judgement of the other.

http://youtu.be/Rd4mh4PI8zw?t=4s 

Production was simple in terms of manipulating the images in a post converter. However, the 3D result was by no means as effective as the clips filmed for 3D. Participants commented how the depth of 3D was extremely minimal. This was a result I expected, made during the conversion. In order to create a substantial amount screen depth, ghosting becomes almost unbearable.

Group 3 expressed their preference for non-converted Anaglyph due to the reasons stated above.