First “Avatar.” Now “Alice in Wonderland.” Next up, “How to Train Your Dragon,” and scores of others on the way for movie fans willing to pay a bit more for that total immersion experience.
But for a growing number of people, the 3-D revolution also means a paycheck.
The credit goes, in large part, to “Avatar,” the world’s biggest grossing movie. This phenomenal blockbuster isn’t just wowing audiences and winning awards. “Avatar” has turbo-charged the comeback of 3-D technology– and that’s generating jobs. Paul Dergarabebian of Hollywood.com says this specialty area of the film industry is creating work for people with a specific skill set to bring this vision to audiences.
Last year, 14 3-D features were released, banking over a billion dollars. This year will see 22 movies, including “Shrek” and “Harry Potter” sequels. But it takes more than glasses to bring these films to life. Special equipment is needed throughout the process, like rigs capable of holding two cameras, instead of one. Dergarabebian says the revolution requires engineers and technicians – people who know how to develop the cameras, the technology, the software everything that’s going to drive this from a technical point of view.
Among those making the most of this explosion: JDSU, a Northern California company manufacturing the next-generation 3-D specs, and hiring dozens of workers to refine the special optics, improve the frames, and make this viewing experience even better.
In these tough economic times, 3-D technology is kind of like the hero in a feel good movie— exciting audiences, creating jobs, and helping an entire industry.