James Cameron behind the camera...
© N/A
James Cameron Updates on AVATAR
By: Jarrod SarafinDate: Thursday, August 07, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter
James Cameron's next sci-fi epic has been in development for quite sometime and the director has had plenty of time to fine tune the technology that he wanted for this upcoming mix of CG animation and live-action. In the latest update on Avatar, Cameron has sat down with The Hollywood Reporter and discussed that technology and what fans can expect with his next sci-fi film.
Slated to open Dec. 18, 2009, the production already has been in the works for 2 1/2 years. When completed, Cameron expects "Avatar" to be about 60% CG animation, based on characters created using a newly developed performance capture-based process, and 40% live action, with a lot of VFX in the imagery.
"It is the most challenging film I've ever made," Cameron said.
Still, the innovative filmmaker and digital 3-D pioneer and champion has never shifted his emphasis from storytelling.
"You have to make a good film that would be a good film under any circumstances," he said. "You have to put the narrative first. The reality is no matter how many (3-D) screens we get, you are still going to have a large number of people -- possibly the majority of people -- who see the film in a 2-D environment."
The live-action principal photography for "Avatar" was shot in New Zealand last fall and winter using the Fusion 3-D camera system. Cameron first used the Fusion to make his 2003 Imax 3-D film "Ghosts of the Abyss"; he and "Ghosts" director of photography Vince Pace invented the camera system for the project.
Now, Fusion camera systems are available for rental via Burbank-based 3-D provider Pace, through which president Vince Pace and Cameron continue to innovate and develop the technology. The system already has made its mark, having been used on such pioneering live-action digital 3-D titles as "Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
Said Pace: "The systems themselves, in my opinion, can handle any creative challenge. We've learned a lot since shooting 'Ghosts of the Abyss.' "
With "Avatar's" principal photography completed, Cameron is focused on CG production. The helmer said his team has completed the performance capture (sometimes referred to as motion capture) of the actors and is in the post process of performance capture 3-D.
To read more, click here.
The film will star Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Peter Mensah, Laz Alonso, Wes Studi, Stephen Lang and Matt Gerald.
Plot Summary: "Avatar" tells the story of an ex-Marine, thrust unwillingly into an effort to settle and exploit an exotic planet rich in bio-diversity, who eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival.
More From Mania
James Cameron finds Jesus?
The return of James Cameron
(Thursday, January 22, 2004)
Untitled James Cameron/freediving project
(Sunday, August 10, 2003)
James Cameron Crows ...
(Wednesday, March 5, 2003)
Star Man The James Cameron Interview
(Wednesday, November 27, 2002)
See more related content
