James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment has signed a five-year agreement with Christie in an effort to accelerate the development and adoption of 3D digital cinema.
The agreement covers the exchange of research, testing, development and technical support on new technologies.
“I selected Christie for this ‘journey of discovery’ because the company is fully committed to my vision and shares my dedication to continually push the boundary of digital cinema,” said James Cameron.
“Lightstorm is committed to realising the full potential of 3D and high frame rate technology to fully immerse audiences in the world of the movie before them,” said Craig Sholder, vice president, Christie Entertainment Solutions division.
“This alliance promises to spark a new wave of excitement, creativity, and innovation in film-making that will provide audiences with an unparalleled sense of total immersion in the movie-viewing experience.”
As part of its agreement with Lightstorm, Christie will supply its Solaria Series of 3D-capable projectors, ongoing access to emerging research and development on 3D, and input into Lightstorm’s mission-critical engineering related to 3D and high frame rate innovation. Christie will also assist in outfitting Cameron’s new production facilities, including two screening rooms that will serve as virtual production sites for the next two installments of Avatar.
In exchange, Lightstorm will share with Christie its findings into 3D, high frame rates and the enhancements, format, and colour space requirements for achieving the optimal viewing experience. This knowledge will be used to enhance Christie's 3D technology as it relates to desirable projector and server functionality, as well as help Christie create tool kits for exhibition and post-production markets and applications. Lightstorm will provide sample content for testing and demonstration of technical enhancements, for the overall promotion of Christie's 3D technology.
The Lightstorm and Christie agreement also provides Lightstorm with access to the Christie Network Operations Center (NOC), call centre support, and replacement parts that are included in all of Christie’s warranty services to all exhibitors.