The Best Director

Chapter 298 I like 3D

After Wang Yang and Robert Zemeckis exchanged warm greetings, the two sat down in chairs and began to talk. "District 9" is one of the pioneers of motion capture technology, and "Firefly", which has a huge investment, also has amazing technology. As expected, it is normal for the owner of the Flame Group, Magic Yang, to occupy a chair; and the guest who left the other chair is George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars" and an industrial leader who came to the interview room last. Light Magic Boss.

In fact, in terms of technology and experience, Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, and Peter Jackson are not inferior to the three present, but the selling point of this interview is inevitably "USC Three Musketeers" Meaning: 59-year-old George Lucas, with 100 million North American box office, ranked sixth; 51-year-old Robert Zemeckis, 3rd with 100 million North American box office; 24-year-old Wang Yangyi, 2nd North American box office .

The movie tickets sold by the three can easily go around the equator of the earth, two Oscars for best director, four nominations, and countless trophies and titles... These three guys are the USC director system They are all representatives of the film industry, and they are all quite enthusiastic about film technology, so today's topic is actually the three big names of USC. Of course, the 24-year-old Wang Yang has not yet graduated.

But everyone knows that Miracle Yang's rampant way of growing up, the experience he gained, and the training he got are all better than "graduating from college-graduate school-independent film-mainstream film", "graduating from college-advertising, MV- Independent films-mainstream films" and so on are much more powerful. The foundation is built in the academy, but some things are produced in practice. Just like the 20-year-old USC dropout Ron Howard, who has a box office of 100 million in North America, ranking fifth.

""The Polar Express" is the first im-3d feature film with performance capture technology; "Star Wars Episode 3" was shot with Sony's d-digital movie camera, and "Firefly" will use im cameras, more and more Multi-film production uses motion capture technology, digital shooting, and now there are digital cinemas around the world... What do you think of these new technologies? Is this an improvement, and it is possible to eliminate the digital mode of traditional production mode?"

Looking at the three great directors, Karen Chenault, an interview reporter of The Hollywood Reporter, who was sitting on the opposite chair, asked. Her face was full of joy at this time. This interview will be a masterpiece! It's rare to see these three guys sitting around discussing conversations and answering questions, even though the interview will also include promotions for their new films.

According to the order in which she mentioned the movie titles, Robert Zemeckis, who was in the middle in the front and dressed in a brown leather coat, smiled first and replied: "These technologies are very interesting. They can help you break through some boundaries. For example, performance capture technology, which is better than motion The capture is more advanced. We put an infrared photosensitive spot on Tom Hanks' face. The infrared camera feeds his facial performance into the computer, and then uses the computer to create animation images. This gives us more options to shoot. , depth and freedom of parameters.”

He couldn't help being a little excited as he said,

Looking at George Lucas and Wang Yang who were listening carefully, he said, "Do you believe it? Tom Hanks has played 6 roles by himself, the train conductor, the homeless man, Santa Claus, the little boy... Their imagery is different, but their body movements, their facial expressions are all derived from Tom Hanks, everything is so lifelike. Without new technology, it would not be possible."

"I am a person who very, very much advocates the digital revolution." George Lucas, who took the words, stated his position at the beginning. The father has already turned white. He said: "The promotion of digital shooting and digital projection is imperative. , This is a bit like going from black and white to color, from silent to sound, from film to digital, I am very happy to see the development of digital technology, I really wish I could wake up and have a home, a home... a digital cinema."

Under the smiles of several people, George Lucas laughed a few times, spread his hands and said: "You can see the difference in special effects between "Star Wars" and "Star Wars Episode 1", I agree with Zemeckis, the technology Breaking the boundaries! Many ideas and screen shots could not be realized ten or twenty years ago, but they can be realized now. This is definitely progress! The higher the technology, the more capable filmmakers are to make good movies."

"Yang, what do you think?" Karen Chenault looked at Wang Yang. Compared with the old-fashioned Robert Zemeckis and George Lucas, this handsome young director actually had a kind of "shock" "The feeling; the idol school director and the great director have the same thing in that they both wear wedding rings.

As if knowing what she was thinking, Wang Yang raised his left hand and replied with hand movements: "It must be an improvement. In the short term, the shooting effect and viewing effect brought by digital technology may be far inferior to film, but it Saving costs is not just about making more money for theaters and film companies. Under this emerging production model, more people will get more opportunities. In the long run, it is not surprising that digital replaces film .”

Both Zemeckis and George Lucas agreed, and Wang Yang continued: "But it can't be done in a day and a week. Promoting digitalization requires the efforts and progress of all parties, and it will take some time. These new technologies bring Needless to say, the benefits of movies, I think there is no need to resist or deliberately pursue, it depends on whether you are interested or not, and whether your movie needs it. Any technical means are not the core of the movie, but to better express and realize the story and characters , creativity, if the arrival of the digital model means a better and cooler experience, why not? As long as the storyteller continues to tell the story, the movie is still a movie."

"Hmm!" Karen Chenault couldn't help nodding. This young director, who is more than twice as old as Zemeckis and Lucas, speaks clearly and in cadence. As the last respondent, he has a summary. "Stage fright", amazing! She sighed, and then asked: "It seems that motion capture and performance capture are the trend of the future. Some actors are worried, will that eliminate performers? Or they can't see their faces on the screen?"

"Haha, that's a complete misunderstanding!" Zemeckis shook his head suddenly, explaining the performance capture he built: "All the movements and expressions are from live performances, and we just capture, create and use the data." Karen Chenor But Te has a question: "What about the material library? When a company has enough material data, can the directors directly face a computer to complete the film?"

Zemeckis, Lucas, and Wang Yang all laughed at the same time and nodded again. Karen Chenault also smiled doubtfully. Zemeckis smiled and said: "It is indeed possible. That is called 'virtual shooting'. Not only the actors, but also the scenes and props are synthesized by computer, which provides more shooting angles and realizes some impossible camera movements. I know that "The Matrix" "Use this kind of technology. But even with virtual shooting, the actors will not be eliminated. If you want to worry about this, then cartoon animation and animation also provide the same threat."

"Every actor's temperament and performance characteristics are different. People like to see real people and real faces." George Lucas went on to say, "I am the same way. How revolutionary digital technology is, that will never change."

Seeing what Lucas said, looking at Karen Chenault, Wang Yang expressed his point of view with a smile: "But you can have more realistic and realistic aliens, Gorilla King Kong, "Planet of the Apes"... The actors playing these roles really can’t see their faces on the screen, and neither can the director.” The two directors and Karen couldn’t help laughing, and Wang Yang spread his hands: “This is part of filmmaking, thank them. Actually capturing Not only will technology not eliminate actors, but it can help them have more beautiful and broader performances, and it can also realize more of the director's ideas, which is a very good change of the times."

"It seems that these digital technologies are beneficial and harmless, and can better realize your movie dreams and sci-fi dreams." Karen Chenault changed her tone, such as asking with a narrow smile: "What do you think of your next movie? Works? Mr. Lucas, Jan, I hear you're going to have a fight."

The achievements of these three great directors in sci-fi movies are not trivial. If a movie fan walked in suddenly, he might faint from excitement immediately.

In the "Back to the Future" series and the "Star Wars" series, no one dares to deny the status of Master Zemeckis and Master Lucas; however, Magic Young, who has made the least achievements so far, won the Oscar Director Award and was praised as a "sci-fi movie." The future of the future", he did not escape fear, the media and the public know that "Firefly" is his self-declaration, master or epiphyllum.

"Hehe!" Hearing the so-called fight, George Lucas laughed indifferently. He didn't despise this young junior, but he didn't need it. He wasn't "afraid of Miracle Yang" as provocatively said by some media. Why be afraid? Lucas smiled and said: "Young is incredible, but I have no intention of competing with him. "Revenge of the Sith" is my last "Star Wars". I only hope to give fans a complete explanation. Then I have no regrets."

Wang Yang also smiled nonchalantly. Regardless of the box office, the two films cannot be compared at will. He himself grew up under the influence of "" and won, surpassed? He only knows that he definitely has a heart to create a new sci-fi classic. An end also has a beginning! He replied: ""Revenge of the Sith" brought us a lot of positive pressure from role models. "Firefly" needs to do a lot of things, but fortunately we are all ready."

""The Polar Express" is an im-3d movie." It was Zemeckis' turn to answer, and his voice was quite proud: "3d is a very interesting thing, and im-3d is even more fun. When you are in front of an im giant It is an unparalleled movie-watching experience. I really hope that when "The Polar Express" is released this year, everyone can go into the 3D theater and im theater to try it." Wang Yang couldn't help but sip. He pursed his lips.

Karen Chenault seemed to understand and nodded. Although she hadn't seen 3D movies or IM short films, she smiled and said, "You are all solid technologists. What do you think of 3D and IM-3D? They will be the trend Mr. Lucas, Jan, will you make 3D and im-3D movies in the future?"

"The trend of the trend! I believe that one day soon, everyone will wear 3D glasses to watch movies." Robert Zemeckis is very firm, just because he has tried it himself, incomparable is not touting himself, there is no reason for good things Not popular. He said: "After "The Polar Express", I will continue to explore digital technology, capture technology, and launch more new works."

George Lucas had a hearty smile on his face, and said frankly: "Actually, I haven't fully figured out what 3D is, haha! I will try it if I have a chance, and I am willing to try all new technologies."

"Yes, 3d and im-3d will be the trend." Wang Yang nodded lightly, so that Karen Chenault felt that this was his polite answer, but no one knows the terrifying power of 3d better than him, Robert -Zemeckis doesn't know, George Lucas doesn't know, James Cameron doesn't know, Warner Bros. who made "The Polar Express" doesn't know, neither does Century Fox who made "Avatar"...

In the relevant materials of the future film and television library, James Cameron said in an interview: "The box office of "Avatar" has far exceeded our expected level. We only hoped to obtain a profit margin of about 100% at the beginning. If not, the global box office is far less than 100 million U.S. dollars."

Far less than 100 million? What was the final box office result? It was out of control and received 2.8 billion US dollars worldwide. Generally speaking, the profit margin of a high-production-cost movie is around 10%, but the profit brought by "Avatar" with the idea of ​​"losing money" is far more than 10%. Bring in the highest expectations of profit.

2.8 billion, is it because the movie itself is too good? Is it because of 3D camera, motion capture, facial expression capture, virtual shooting, IM and other technologies? No, maybe in a few years, no one remembers The Polar Express, only Avatar, because the timing is the most important part.

The right time, the right place, and the harmony of people. The most deadly reason why the "Avatar" storm cannot be formed now is not that 3D cameras and other technologies are backward, but that theaters and theaters cannot cooperate. Now there are only digital theaters in the world. 75, less than a hundred! Even if it is excellent, what can it do? "Avatar" in 9 years, in North America alone, the 3D screen is close to home, the IM giant screen is close to the block, and there are countless digital theaters...

Undoubtedly, before the release of "Avatar", Fox Corporation increased the speed of updating equipment in major theaters around the world, but without a basic opportunity, everything is empty talk. These fundamentals cannot be decided by one or two people. Equipment technicians, equipment manufacturers, The theater chain needs to revolutionize the equipment; the production company's 3D photography technology needs to achieve high effects, and the combination of the two has the opportunity to form a storm.

From silent to sound, black and white to color, 2D to 3D, there is only one opportunity, and there is only one wave of storm; there will be no second wave, even if 3D technology develops more mature and powerful in the future, "3D" will not It will cause a second wave of blindness among people around the world.

How blind? "Avatar" has a box office of 2.8 billion; and "Alice in Wonderland", which was released later, only changed the format of 2D to 3D in the later stage, and received a global box office of 100 million under the banner of "3D movie". How big is this craze? fear!

No one remembers "Polar Express", the current 3D movies and im-3d movies are all diggers; "Avatar", a work that integrates 3D technology and capture technology, caught up with the only best time and got it One of the most delicious fruits, even the publicity link can be easily full of tricks, because ordinary audiences have a great sense of freshness in 3D. If you use "How to watch "Avatar"?" 3d, then.

Normal screen + digital, im + digital, normal screen + film, im + film... These dazzling ways of viewing movies are all wonderful gimmicks, and with the power of publicity, the Internet people form a debate that "this is the best way to watch "Avatar" ", at the same time, the online trolls are frantically building up momentum everywhere, how amazing 3D is, it's a lifelong regret not to watch the im-3d version of "Avatar"...

In this way, the mentality of going to the market will be generated, and no one wants to miss it! And 3D viewing is indeed different from 2D, so 2.8 billion, this is viral marketing.

Wang Yang knew that he was no longer the 18-year-old Wang Yang. When he suddenly learned that there would be a movie with a box office of 2.8 billion in the next 9 years, it was so unbelievable and shocking... But a long time ago, including now, he almost immediately Seeing clearly the "why" and how to promote it... What remains the same is the enthusiasm, "Avatar" or "Alice in Wonderland"? Or just become a member of the 3d craze follow suit?

He won't let himself miss it! As long as he meets that unique opportunity with an excellent movie, he can do it too!

"I can shoot! I like it." Yang smiled, and many thoughts flashed through his mind. Looking at Karen Chenault, he replied: "I like 3D, of course I will try. "It's just not at the moment. "Firefly" first warms up for im shooting. As for 3D and other technical aspects, "it's not the time yet." Even so, he has already planned to seek cooperation with im and other photography and graphics companies to establish a 3D technology research department to promote the development of the film. At the same time, it also allows Huo Movie to master the most advanced technology.

When the time comes, Huo Huo can not only eat the fruit, but also release a series of 3D movies, so as not to lag behind others.

In fact, if we look at the 9-year data and information, the 3D shooting technology of "Avatar" is not difficult. It combines a Sony d-, and an ine1-f23 to represent the left and right of the person respectively. Eyes, simultaneously shooting two movie images with slight horizontal parallax, this dual-camera 3D camera system is named "nmer-3dyem (3D digital fusion camera system)".

And long before "Avatar", the 8-year 3D movie "Journey to the Center of the Earth" had used such a technology, of course it did not catch up with that timing.

"Star Wars Episode 3" was filmed with d-, there is no ine1-f23 yet, and I don't know what kind of digital camera it is, but how to convert it into a 3D dual camera? No one else will tell you.

"Mark, you can start to set up a 3D research room, now it's suitable."

In the spacious auditorium, "Magical Cinderella" is being shown on the big digital screen. Compared with the film, the quality and color are naturally much worse. There are sporadic film industry insiders sitting in the auditorium, visiting Texas Instruments' latest digital projection technology. Looking at Anne Hathaway, who was no longer made of film but digital codes on the screen, in an empty corner of the auditorium, Wang Yang leaned on the back of the chair with his arms folded and told Mark Srant next to him.

", I see." Mark Srant nodded. The 3D research room had already been discussed, and he knew what Wang Yang was talking about. Thinking about the prospects Wang Yang described and his own judgment, his glasses flashed a light, and he asked, "Are you sure that 3D will explode?" Wang Yang's voice was casual but firm: "I'm sure, after a few years, you I know...that will be another storm! It's a pity that "Firefly" can't catch up."

When he mentioned "Firefly", Mark Slanter remembered something, and asked softly: "You said before that you have a new idea for the promotion of "Firefly"?" Wang Yang nodded with a smile, and indeed he had a new idea. Idea, he thought it would be fun, and said with a smile: "The Internet promotion strategy of all companies is to cover the whole world with posters, still photos, and news. The more the better, don't you think there is something missing? Trailer .”

Glancing at the pensive Mark, Wang Yang continued to laugh and said, "Have you watched the MV Awards Ceremony? Every year the MV Awards has one of the most popular parts, spoof movies." Mark Slanter immediately said: "You mean we put out a spoof trailer?"

Wang Yang wasn't sure if he was referring to his own spoof idea, so he explained: "This should be called imitation. Think about it, we edited the "Firefly" version trailer with the screen material of "High School Musical and Music", but the music and lines The sound, title, director, starring role, release date, etc. are all the same as the original "Firefly". "Firefly" trailer."

"I see, I see..." Mark Srant couldn't help laughing, looking at the big screen and laughing: "The trailer for "Firefly" version of "Cinderella"? I haven't figured it out yet, how can this be done?" Promotion?"

"We didn't make the "Cinderella" version, we first made some copyrighted ones, "When Happiness Comes Knocking on the Door" version, "Juno" version, "The Hangover" version, "Ice Age" version..." Wang Yang read He gave a few names, like drawing a blueprint, and said with a smile: "Then we will allow all netizens to use the video library of Flame Movies to make various spoof trailers, and hold an event to encourage netizens to create their own creations."

Mark Slanter's glasses were shining, and he seemed to see a smirk on the corner of Wang Yang's mouth, like a naughty child, only to hear him laugh again: "You know? As long as the atmosphere is fun and cool enough, there will be Technological netizens will make various versions, versions of classic movies from various countries, the trailer of "Forrest Gump" version of "Firefly", the trailer of "Firefly" version of "Titanic"..."

"Just imagine!" Wang Yang raised his hands, his voice of excitement subconsciously increased, and he suppressed it with a smile: "If the entire Internet is the trailer of "Firefly", the music that makes people's blood boil, and the music that makes people burst into laughter After watching the spoof, they will watch the original version...the whole network is like that! What will happen?"

"Okay..." Mark Slante pretended to think for a while: "The box office will be very high." Wang Yang snapped his fingers with his right hand and grabbed his fist: "That's it." Mark Slante He nodded again and again: "That's viral marketing." Wang Yang couldn't help laughing, and now that "Firefly" hasn't started, he said with a smile: "First I want to shoot "Firefly", and then cut a perfect spoof template trailer. "

"Hey!" The two watched "Cinderella" quietly for a while, and Mark Slanter suddenly let out a hey sound, looked Wang Yang up and down, and said, "Yang, I found out that after you got married, your appetite changed. Bigger."

Wang Yang shrugged and raised his eyebrows: "No way, the baby will be born next year, I want to earn more money for milk powder."! ~!