The Briefing Room

Stereo3D pioneer orders fourth Quantel Stereo3D system for “On-Set Lab”

Stereo3D production and post production company, Pace HD, has purchased a Quantel Sid Stereo3D workstation. The new system, which joins PACE’s existing three Stereo3D-equipped Quantel Pablo color correction and DI systems, is part of a new initiative to provide ‘Slate to Screen’ services on 3D productions. It will initially be employed on location in New Zealand as part of the OnSetLab workflow, providing interactive 3D control for the DP and Director during dailies on the forthcoming Warner Brothers movie ‘Yogi Bear’. The system duplicates the successful services being provided in Toronto for the production of ‘Resident Evil; Afterlife’.

“Stereo3D depends on quality – no compromises,” said Vince Pace, PACE CEO. “The secret of producing successful Stereo3D is in simply having a great team – that means experience, quality engineering, quality personnel and quality equipment such as the Quantel Sid and Pablo.”

PACE’s ‘Slate to Screen’ initiative, which Pace describes as “a paradigm shift for rental”, is aimed at making the whole process of Stereo3D production more cost and time-efficient, while also ensuring that the best possible Stereo3D results are achieved. “Yes ‘Slate to Screen’ is of course designed to help us grow our business,” confessed Pace, “but it will do it by ensuring that more good 3D gets on screen, which is good for everyone. There’s a difference between 3D and 3D entertainment. It’s not a dimension – it’s realism, and that’s the secret sauce PACE brings to projects,” Pace added. “If we get involved from day one right through the production and post production process, we can ensure that the style of shooting creates a great viewing experience for the viewer.

“When we first started, there was no one who believed we could show two hours of 3D without hurting the brain. Now 3D has taken off in a big way in the movie theatre and the broadcast industry is charging towards it as well.” For example, in September, Pace worked on the Ohio State/USC College football game for ESPN, which was telecast live to a number of movie theatres. “It was a live shoot and went down great with the audience. We also took a Quantel Pablo with us and it proved to be very useful for producing promos and trailers on the spot,” Pace concludes.