3D Content Hub reaches annual sales targets by March

Mar 12, 2013 No Comments by Jonathan Tustain

Australian-German distribution firm 3D Content Hub has announced that its 3D business is developing better than expected with annual sales of 3D titles achieved in 10 weeks.

Torsten Hoffmann, founder and CEO, attributes the success to a renewed interest from 3D broadcasters, especially in Asia and a growing appetite from 3D VOD companies for independently produced 3D films.

“It seems that the traditional windowing of rights and the territorial restrictions that some of the major 3D feature films are bound by is a real chance for smaller filmmakers. The demand for new 3D content remains high” said Torsten.
3D Content Hub’s Blu-Ray releases ‘FireAnts’, ‘Diving in Paradise’ and ‘Best of 3D’ are also selling stronger than expected and the search for partners in more countries continues. “However, we also have a few 3D Blu-Rays that do not sell as well and we are trying to find out whether it is an issue with pricing or cover art design” he said.

Although sales of 3D Blu-ray discs nearly doubled in 2012 compared to 2011 in America, distributing 3D Blu-Rays is a rather slow vehicle to generate cash because manufacturing discs, logistics, and many gatekeepers are involved. Furthermore the recent turmoil in UK’s retail market is causing delays in royalty payouts. The TV manufacturers continue to acquire 3D and 4K content that is embedded or streamed via dedicated VOD services.

3D Content Hub’s strong performance is indicative for the entire market and means that for 3D filmmakers more revenue opportunities exist than a year ago. 3D Focus has reported on many new large or small scale 3D projects over the past few months.

“We certainly see a very strong growth of available 3D content from all over the world. Our recent focus has been on high-quality documentaries many of them award-winning. And we also have started to build a library of short-form content”, confirms Brinda Paul, the acquisition manager of the company.

One example of a premium film is ‘Cosmic Journey’, a film that uses innovative technology and clever storytelling to turn images from NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope into an immersive trip to the edge our universe.

The distributor also acquired the distribution rights of “DANCE!” a feature documentary that recently won ‘best picture’ at the 3D Korea Film Festival and ‘best documentary’ at the 3D Film&Music Fest in Barcelona.

3D Content Hub further signed agreements with fourteen other producers including a Chinese animation studio that produces educational films in Ultra HD (4k) “where we currently work on the English language script with our American
partners”.

New shortfilms include the ever-popular and multi-awardwinning film 'SHINE', Nvida’s 3D video of the year 'Deus Ex Homine' and the highlight for adrenaline seekers: “CoasterForce”.