Third Magazine

Education in 3D – A key to 3D’s sustainability

Posted on 23. Nov, 2009 by The James in Industry, Movie Releases

Last night on 60-Minutes the staying power of 3D was brought during a piece on James Cameron’s, Avatar.  At Third Magazine we’ve been discussing a lot of key factors that will affect the ability of the 3D to remain a part of mainstream technology and Hollywood action movies are only the tip of the iceberg.  We’ve often mentioned that, not only does the 3D have to cross film genres to shed it’s reputation as a trendy gimmick, but it also has to transcend the boundaries of entertainment and provide practical uses in a variety of industries.  Education is one such market that can help solidify 3D as a mainstream media form.

In a previous article, we discussed 3D currently being used in the operating room and as a possible method of teaching students in the medical field.  In an older article from Campus Technology, Chris Chinnock, founder of Insight Media, discusses the  applications of 3D in an academic setting and discusses the current pros and cons of viewing methods.  But what about more accessible educational content for a mainstream audience, those of us not involved in high-end academia?

Currently there are several science centers and museums around the world equipped with 3D projectors.  One company that is working to provide content for those theaters is San Diego based production company, PassmoreLab.  PassmoreLab’s film, Microworlds is slated to be released next month in science centers throughout the U.S.  Microworlds is a “30-minute film that explores the world goes on, unseen, all around us.”  PassmoreLab’s documentaries provide science expertise married with intense visual artistry in modern 3D.  Microworlds is only the beginning.  Greg Passmore, the owner of PassmoreLab, appeared on Nightline a few weeks ago discussing another science documentary they are currently shooting about bats.  And from what we’ve been told, there are many more interesting 3D productions in the works.  PassmoreLab also produced an instructional DVD on shooting in stereoscopic 3D called Shooting 3D (which we hope to review soon).

This sort of genre-crossing and industry-crossing type of production is the key to keeping 3D an active part of modern media.  We hope that more production companies and filmmakers will follow suit and begin creating a variety of content that is entertaining and educational.  With more 3D rigs becoming affordable, this is a distinct possibility.  The strength of the 3D market is definitely increasing and hopefully will soon be part of mainstream life outside of just entertainment.