An overwhelming turnout of industry professionals at SIRT's 3D production event was an indication of the significance that SIRT plays as a training centre within the region's screen-based industries.
Leading industry associations and guilds in Ontario have established a provincial training organization that will ensure that Ontario’s production and post-production crews are state of the art in their use of new cameras, 3D processes, virtual production, and other technologies and workflows. Led by FilmOntario, and camera guild I.A.T.S.E 667, Directors Guild of Canada – Ontario, and ACTRA – Toronto, this is an industry-wide initiative in partnership with SIRT. Start-up funding comes from the Ontario Media Development Corporation's Partnerships Fund. The industry partners recognize that with end-to-end digital workflow, complete integration of technologies requires that the people working with the equipment must also constantly be upgraded and engaged in collaborative training. Over 175 production and postproduction personnel gathered at the SIRT Centre stage on the Pinewood Toronto Studios lot earlier this week for a series of presentations about stereoscopic 3D production. The presentations focused on the specifics of 3D workflow for broadcast, reality and documentary programs, and also included a special presentation by Ontario stereographer Demetri Portelli (Hugo) on the creative and technical aspects of 3D production and post. Other presenters included Dianne Woods of 3reedom Digital/DJ Woods, stereographer Brent Robinson (Silent Hill Revelation), Bill White of 3D Camera Company, and 3D IMAX producer Jonathan Barker (SK Films).
On the weekend before the industry-wide presentation SIRT and I.A.T.S.E 667 hosted a hands-on 3D camera rig prep workshop for IATSE 667 first and second assistant cameras, and convergence pullers. Under the guidance of stereographers Brent Robinson, Jeff Packer and Jasper Vrakking, attendees learned the basics of building, setting up and shooting 3D using rigs commonly used for broadcast, reality and documentaries. On hand were six different 3D rigs, provided by DJ Woods, 3D Camera Company and Panavision (including Pulsar and Quasar rigs, Freestyle Evolution, Dark Country, Kerner).
