If there was any doubt about the future of 3D filmmaking, Avatar, a film produced by SCA alum Jon Landau, proved that the technology is here to stay. This summer, six finalists were chosen to take a class using the state-of-the-art technology through the 2011 DIRECTV n3D Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic. Among the six, three were graduates of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

“In 3D filmmaking, there are technical concerns to stay aware of when filming that would never be an issue in 2D,” said finalist and SCA alum Kevin Brownridge. “For instance, negative space and edge violations are two terms a 3D filmmaker should understand before shooting in this format. If someone has a practical understanding of these principles, they're already ahead of the game.”

The finalists include SCA alumni Brownridge, Vanessa Newell and Monica Sender.

“We believe that 3D film making requires specific production values and we are honored to be contributing both our 3D Master Class and our Technicolor Certifi3D service to ensure the highest quality experience for the end consumer,” said Gary Donnan, executive vice president – Strategy, Technology, & Research at Technicolor.

Over the next couple of months, the six finalists will be allowed to select up to two members of their production team to attend Technicolor’s renowned 3D Master Class and experience hands-on training from Panasonic on its 3D camera at DirecTV’s Los Angeles Broadcast Center.

“We are really proud of our alumni who are always reaching out for interesting opportunities,” said Associate Dean and Head of Student Industry Relations Larry Auerbach. “This contest is definitely a fantastic opportunity and USC is wildly represented with three films out of six.”

All of the films will be included in a 3D broadcast special, which will feature the “making of” the short films. The special, along with the films themselves, will air on n3D.

If there was any doubt about the future of 3D filmmaking, Avatar, a film produced by SCA alum Jon Landau, proved that the technology is here to stay. This summer, six finalists were chosen to take a class using the state-of-the-art technology through the 2011 DIRECTV n3D Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic. Among the six, three were graduates of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.