3 Cool Ways 3D Technology Has Transformed the Film Industry

The use of 3D technology within the film industry has been a staple of the 21st century. While the first 3D IMAX film was shown in the 1980s, the genre really hit the mainstream with the movie Avatar, which was both filmed and screened using 3D technology. Since then, the use of 3D cameras and theater screens has continued to evolve and expand even beyond the movie theater. The use of 3D filming and projection are used in a variety of different settings for entertainment purposes. Here are 3 very cool ways that this technology has revolutionized the film industry and the way in which we consume entertainment.

1- Video Games

Anyone who has played a video game in the past decade can greatly appreciate the drastic advances in technology since the first consoles came out in the 20th century. Modern realistic games are designed with 3 directional dimensions to provide depth to the scenes and characters and bring the story to life. Many of these games, especially story-driven ones that follow a narrative, contain cutscenes that feel like episodes of a show or movie embedded within. Playing a video game can feel comparable to putting yourself inside of an animated film as the setting and characters appear so realistic and multidimensional.

As the technology has evolved, the most common way to create a video game in 3D currently is to use real actors and motion capture technology. In this way, playing one of these video games truly is akin to watching a feature film.

2- Virtual Reality

Another very modern advancement of 3D technology is virtual reality. Within this area of film, there are 3 different types that you can access. Video games similar to those mentioned in the section above are non-immersive, allowing you to experience the world only through the screen. Semi-immersive and fully immersive virtual reality experiences allow you to feel as though you are actually in the game, with the latter offering the opportunity for you to manipulate the environment by moving your body.

While semi-immersive experiences could previously only be enjoyed in facilities with the proper equipment, VR headsets are now available for home use. With these products, you are able to wear the headset and become immersed in the gaming experience of your choosing.

3- Sporting Events

One of the newest iterations of 3D technologies in film and television has been with sporting events. In the UK, several pubs experimented with showing football (soccer) games in 3D. The patrons were very intrigued and immersed in the experience, responding as though they were sitting along the field. Many households then pursued 3D televisions in order to watch the Olympics and other sporting events in 3D.

Although most games are not usually filmed in 3D, this could be a great opportunity to make watching live games more immersive and accessible to fans. With the rising costs of tickets and parking to attend in person, this could be the way of the future and a way to make the games accessible to fans worldwide.