FotoKem invested in a new Pablo 4K for stereoscopic work, bringing its total to three Pablo systems for digital-intermediate processing. The post house plans to use Stereoscopic 3D for color correction, editing and layer adjustments on 3D productions for large screens, and expects more studio 3D productions.
Quantel first demonstrated its Stereoscopic 3D software publicly at IBC in Amsterdam. It allows stereoscopic images to be processed in real time, so operators can see results while working. Earlier 3D correction workflows required inaccurate monitor representations or an external playout center for accurate review. FotoKem technical director Bill Schulz said the studio tested the available systems and found Quantel’s software performed best.
Stereoscopic 3D processes two synchronized HD, 2K or 4K data streams without rendering and plays them out in real time. Editing operates at speeds comparable to 2D material, while operators can make frame-by-frame adjustments and view the stereoscopic result. The system is designed to correct sharpness, color and motion differences between the left- and right-eye images.
“The software provides faster review of color corrections and 3D effects,” Schulz said. “We can even check whether the perspectives for both eye positions align exactly or require further adjustment.” FotoKem DI colorist Walter Volpetto said the workflow was substantially faster because operators previously viewed only one eye at a time and often had to restart work after finding errors.
Quantel’s Stereoscopic 3D software integrates into FotoKem’s existing DI workflow. The facility also uses Quantel’s Genetic Engineering infrastructure and storage system to handle the storage requirements of 3D projects. Volpetto said the facility could retain its established workflows while adding the new systems it needed.
Digital 3D cinema was returning to theaters after earlier attempts. Quantel sales vice president Eric Thome said postproduction facilities needed interactive tools for creative stereoscopic image work as studios increased 3D production.
