Skillset/Sky 3D Training Programme a Success
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Phil Streather, CEO of PLF, ran the course over three days. The opening day, held at BAFTA on Tuesday 25th January, was attended by a wide range of film and television producers, directors, executives and technicians, all of whom had access to a conference, trade show and screening of How To Train Your Dragon.
The following two technical days were held at Twickenham Studios, where 35 selected technicians participated in a range of workshops, with extensive equipment and expertise available. They were able to work on a purpose built set with different stereographers, using a range of rigs and cameras (provided by On Sight and Telegenic) and then process and view footage using Mistika and Iridas postproduction tools. A fully integrated 3D cinema was also created on the stage at Twickenham so that participants could get a real sense of how their work looked on a big screen.
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The keynote speaker, Phil McNally, stereoscopic supervisor from DreamWorks acknowledged that he has ‘been involved with all kinds of training, workshops and events for stereoscopy for years now, but I haven’t ever seen anything quite like what we have had here for the last three days. This really has been the best 3D training to have taken place so far, anywhere in the world.’
Funded by the Skillset Film Skills Fund and by Sky, the course received high levels of support from the industry, including On Sight, Mistika, Telegenic, RealD, Mytherapy, Panalux and Twickenham Studios. Guest speakers included Jim Spencer (MD Paradise FX, Europe), Marc Samuleson (Producer, TT 3D) Ken Schafer (President, FrameForge), Nick Brown (stereographer, 3ality), Adam May (Producer Vision3) and Phil McNally (Stereoscopic Supervisor DreamWorks).
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Neil Peplow, Director of Film, Skillset, said, ‘It was an extraordinary event - I’ve never felt so much creative excitement in one room before. Truly world class. Skillset is very proud to have supported this training as part of the UK Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future 2.’
Nick Brown, 3ality, agreed stating ‘this really is the best 3D training I have ever been involved with anywhere.’
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Phil Streather, the course creator and “master of ceremonies”, “My job was to bring together a world class team of practicing experts and to provide the best equipment possible for the attendees to work with. From the reaction to the Programme it seems my black book did not disappoint! I am delighted by the response and want to thank Skillset and Sky for such a unique opportunity.
Helen Johnson, Talking Point producer of the course admitted that ‘it was always going to be extremely ambitious, but I think we managed to live up to our expectations. It was an incredible opportunity for the participants, all of whom learnt far more than they anticipated, in the very best situation they could.’
One participant, an established feature film camera operator, explained that he, “felt truly privileged to have been selected to attend - when you see all this kit, the best systems in the world, all in one place, with some of the most talented 3D experts all on hand to talk you through anything you want, you realise how totally amazing it is. ‘
About Principal Large Format (PLF)
Principal Large Format (PLF) was founded in 1998 by present CEO Phil Streather. PLF is a production company dedicated to developing and producing award winning 3D Giant Screen (IMAX) features, 3D Theatrical Documentary features and 3D TV.
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About Skillset
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media, with responsibility for 60 per cent of the UK Creative Industries. This comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion and textiles. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenges by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
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About Talking Point
Talking Point is an established provider of training programmes and consultancy for the film and television industries. Run by Helen Johnson, recent programmes include Weapons on Set (with the Production Guild) and Behind the Lens (with the Christine Blundell Make Up Academy and British Society of Cinematographers)