Panasonic’s 3D broadcast solutions are being put to the test, capturing the world’s biggest waves for Storm Surfers 3D - a breakthrough feature film set for international release in early 2012. 

The 3D broadcast solutions will be integral in bringing the project to the big screen around the world, implementing a Panasonic AG-3DA1E 3D broadcast camera and a Panasonic BT-3DL2550E 25-inch professional quality 3D LCD monitor for field use.

Storm Surfers 3D follows big-wave surfer Ross Clarke-Jones and two-time surfing World Champion Tom Carroll as they work with surf-forecaster Ben Matson to track weather systems, hunt down waves and surf the most dangerous breaks around Australia and across the globe.

Storm Surfers 3D stereographer, Rob Morton, said: “We are thrilled with Panasonic’s generous support of this unique and exciting project. The speed, flexibility and reliability of the AG-3DA1E provides us with the ultimate all-in-one 3D solution we need to capture all the excitement and action as we follow these surfers in their quest for the world’s most awe-inspiring surf.”

“We have also been impressed with the ability of the solution to pick up and quickly dial in 3D parameters – it definitely gives us great bang for our buck!”

The AG-3DA1E has played a key role in capturing the project’s ‘hero shots', having been used on the back of the jet-ski and also from boats close to the surf.

Additionally, the 3D monitors have been implemented both in field and in the editing suite for alignment and volumetric viewing.

According to Mathew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager for Broadcast, Panasonic Australia, global demand for 3D content is rapidly increasing, and Australian cinematographers are looking for a 3D solution that enables them to develop content quickly and affordably. 

“Traditional 3D camera rigs are great but they are just too big and cumbersome to easily be taken out on a boat or jetski – the AG-3DA1E offers high-quality 3D footage and flexibility for shooting on the fly that is ideal for this type of filming,” he said.

By integrating the lenses, camera head and a dual memory card recorder into a single, lightweight body, Panasonic’s AG-3DA1E 3D broadcast camera allows handheld style shooting ideal for projects such as documentaries and live events. Together with the BT-3DL2550, the equipment provided by Panasonic helped the Storm Surfers 3D crew capture fast-paced action in stunning picture quality.

The Panasonic products are part of Storm Surfers “3D Toolbox”. The AG-3DA1E cameras are being used in conjunction with Nanoflash recorders so that full 1920 x 1080 images with 4:2:2 colour space can be recorded while keeping the system lightweight and portable.

Storm Surfers also use two traditional 3D rigs. One uses commonly available HD cameras with Fujinon lenses in a side-by-side configuration and the second rig uses smaller Silicon Imaging cameras in a customised beamsplitter. Go-Pro cameras are used on the surf boards for that in-close action. Filming is now underway across West Australia, Tasmania, Sydney and the New South Wales South Coast.

Storm Surfers 3D will be cut into a 90 minute feature film and released in theatres across Australia, New Zealand and Europe. In addition to the theatrical feature, Storm Surfers 3D will also be released as a four part series in the US and UK. Both the feature film and series are scheduled to be released in early 2012, with a subsequent 2D version planned for international broadcasting.

By Press Release

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