in 3D!

Malika Lim, Adam Walters, and Jack McKee all met up outside the FAU building in Fort Lauderdale, Nov 08, to film this 3D test. With two Sony HDR-FX1's locked down side by side, we tried a number of different types of shots. Some worked, some didn't. My general advice for those looking to shoot in 3D is: DON'T. It's fucking hard! Assuming that didn't dissuade you, here's some tips:

There's a reason Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron are shooting 3D on Green Screen: it's easier to composite the elements without ghosting. With the formula (stereo base * focal length = distance to nearest object), nothing could be closer than 2 meters. There are some shots where this works well, but ocasionally you want to shoot something a bit more close. So, you converge the lenses. This works great, except now anything that's more than two meters away starts to ghost. See how it might be easier to composite these elements separately using actors on a green screen? Also, none of these shots worked without at least a little re-alignment in post. You'll see we always slate shots, so we can synch up left and right takes.

The main reason not to make a 3D film is not the added difficulty on set, but limited screening options. We tried polarized projection, which for some reason didn't work (the polarizer filters blocked all light except that of the DLP projectors). Field-Sequential also didn't work, because the box I got was on the fritz. Anaglyph "works," but not particularly well, as you can see here. Anaglyph is the only option for wide distribution. I recommend a Field-Sequential system ($60), though the main drawbacks are that you viewers need the box and glasses, and you can't screen to a large audience because the glasses are $20 each.

P.S. Be sure to watch this in HD.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Anaglyph
• 3D
• Steroscopic
• Test

[Adam4000000]

Oh well. Let me know if you change your mind and want to try 3D again.

[thejackmckee]

I definitely want to do it again. I had a great time working with you, and I think it would be a much more efficient workflow if we shot background plates in 3D and then actors on a green screen in 3D. Much easier to composite and know what we're getting. Of course, I haven't yet written a film that could be done on a green screen, so time will tell...

[thejackmckee]

Agreed. Anaglyph never worked. 3D is going to get a lot better in the coming decade. Think: full color and no glasses.

[emogirltanya]

can barely see it...

i tried xD

[SolarEXtract]

I wonder how well your videos would work with the new Colorcode 3D system that uses amber/violet glasses.

[oooSuShiLovERooo]

is that a nerf big bad bow?