What 3D expert Torsten Hoffman expects from MIPTV 2012

Mar 07, 2012 4 Comments by Jonathan Tustain

As MIPTV approaches, we caught up with 3D expert and Managing Partner of Global Media Consult Torsten Hoffman. His flight to Cannes will be slightly longer this year having recently left his homeland of Germany to follow the summer to Australia.

Torsten also operates a blog called www.3dcontentblog.com (3D Focus recommends signing up to his email letter) and recently launched a 3D content hub.

3D Focus: In your view, what has happened within the 3D industry of late?

Torsten Hoffman: Well, there has certainly been a lot of excitement about Hugo 3D. Some 3D experts consider it to be the best 3D movie ever made. Recently there has also been more discussion about conversion versus stereoscopic 3D production.

3D Focus: It seems like there is quite a bit of activity around conversion software.

Torsten Hoffman: Yes, on Twitter, LinkedIn and also on my blog (www.3DContentBlog.com) there has been a somewhat heated debate and most in the industry are vocal against what they call “fake 3D”. However, one must also acknowledge that there are very high quality conversions, and certain use cases that do make sense. But unfortunately there are also a lot of cheaper automated software conversions available that seem to be less popular. In any case, our content line-up for global distribution remains hundred percent native 3D.

3D Focus: And how about new 3D titles?

Torsten Hoffman: Yes, we are seeing more and more producers getting into 3D. The supply of new 3D films is steadily increasing. I might be wrong but it seems to me that these films are either large Hollywood blockbusters, with an impressive 3D release pipeline for 2012, or independent smaller filmmakers that are producing feature films, documentaries, or animation films. We haven’t seen much traditional TV entertainment in 3D (TV series, gameshows, reality shows).

3D Focus: What about the marketplace? Are content producers beginning to make money with 3D content?

Torsten Hoffman: Obviously, we would wish for more large buyers (3D broadcasters). Instead I see more and more smaller players from non-core territories and/or VOD operators acquiring 3D titles. I will explore this topic more in my talk at MIPTV in Cannes (Tuesday 3.45pm).

3D Focus: Which new titles are you taking to MIPTV this time?

Torsten Hoffman: In total about 70 hours, mostly documentaries. I am most excited about:

- High adrenaline action sports, shot in “point-of-view” mode. Wingsuit Flying !
- FireAnts, exploring Macro 3D techniques that make the tiny insects appear huge on your screen.
- A documentary which films the ever-popular Meerkats from a completely new angle.
- A large global project that will follow one of Ferrari GT teams around the world, with a grand finale at the 80th anniversary race in legendary LeMans.
- 3D Travel films have not sold well in the past, but maybe with our new line-up that includes award winners that will change.
- We have just launched a 2-disc Blu-ray called “Best of 3D” with many interesting 3D titles covering many genres and production techniques. We will market and distribute globally and hope to find partners and buyers.

3D Focus: Other than selling your titles, what else are you trying to achieve at MIP?

Torsten Hoffman: With 3DContentHub we really have an open approach and I like to network with everyone in the industry. We are talking to many major producers about collaborating for future projects. I am also seeking to acquire 3D titles for certain geographies and try to establish alliances with other distributors. I honestly don’t think that any one distributor can cover the whole world, hence we are working with a global network of more than 20 partners. Finally, there are about a dozen projects with partial funding and distribution that need one or two co-producers/investors to become a reality. Hopefully I will meet the right people for this to happen.