Only one-in-10 of digital screens is adequate for 3D screenings, claims pioneering 3D film-maker Ben Stassen.
Stassen is CEO of Brussels-based nWave which has been behing a series of successful IMAX projects and this year released 3D animation Fly Me To The Moon.
But although he claims 3D is the 'second revolution in the history of the cinema after sound,' he told delegates to the Screen International Digital Cinema conference in London that the potential growth is now in danger.
He believes that 3D only works when it is not a gimmick but an immersive experience but the screens currently being installed are not up to the task of showing the films.
'The screens must be floor to ceiling so that audiences can be oblivious to their surroundings,' he warns, 'but most are not and as soon as you have to look up to see the picture the effect is lost.'
Stassen also fears that too many films now being shot supposedly in 3D are basically 2D films with 'gimmicky effects.'
'Like the 50s, people will get tired of that very quickly.' Instead, it is important that film-makers develop skills specific to this new medium.
Exhibitor Graham Spurling, principal director of Spurling Group Cinemas said 3D was so far a hit with consumers in his Irish chain.
But he agreed that there was a need for the right project for the medium but said audiences will soon get used to the format and won't be interested in gimmicks.
'What 3D can offer really is the depth of field not things shooting out of the screen.'
But he was confident that the final success of 3D would come down to straightforward economics.
'We (as exhibitors) just want good movies that will make money. A dog is a dog is a dog.'
Stassen is CEO of Brussels-based nWave which has been behing a series of successful IMAX projects and this year released 3D animation Fly Me To The Moon.
But although he claims 3D is the 'second revolution in the history of the cinema after sound,' he told delegates to the Screen International Digital Cinema conference in London that the potential growth is now in danger.
He believes that 3D only works when it is not a gimmick but an immersive experience but the screens currently being installed are not up to the task of showing the films.
'The screens must be floor to ceiling so that audiences can be oblivious to their surroundings,' he warns, 'but most are not and as soon as you have to look up to see the picture the effect is lost.'
Stassen also fears that too many films now being shot supposedly in 3D are basically 2D films with 'gimmicky effects.'
'Like the 50s, people will get tired of that very quickly.' Instead, it is important that film-makers develop skills specific to this new medium.
Exhibitor Graham Spurling, principal director of Spurling Group Cinemas said 3D was so far a hit with consumers in his Irish chain.
But he agreed that there was a need for the right project for the medium but said audiences will soon get used to the format and won't be interested in gimmicks.
'What 3D can offer really is the depth of field not things shooting out of the screen.'
But he was confident that the final success of 3D would come down to straightforward economics.
'We (as exhibitors) just want good movies that will make money. A dog is a dog is a dog.'
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