While the first channel offering high-profile 3D productions in the U.S. via DirecTV, n3D, has scaled back programming this year, another, 3net, the first major 24/7 American 3D network, is increasing its commitment by getting into production and distribution.
3net, a joint venture of Sony, Discovery and IMAX, has formed 3net Studios, a new global television program production and distribution division, it was announced by 3net President and CEO Tom Cosgrove. 3net Studios – based at both Sony Pictures headquarters in Los Angeles and Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, MD – employs a team of creative personnel, utilizing the world-class technology and production expertise of the parent company’s joint venture partners to produce the highest quality native 3D content available. Additionally, the studio will be employing a revolutionary production strategy, whereas select projects will be completed in what the company has coined “TotalD” – native 3D 4K, 2D 4K, 3D 2K and both 3D/2D HD formats – effectively providing a global suite of content solutions for both current and future entertainment platforms and partners worldwide.
“From television, mobile, computer and tablet companies, to broadcast channels and digital content providers, the global demand for a high quality, native 3D programming pipeline has quickly become one of the most vital elements within the 3D ecosystem,” said Cosgrove. “With the industry now struggling to keep pace with the rapidly accelerating consumer demand for 3D programming across multiple platforms – and now with the evolution of 4K – the formation of a world class production studio to help fill both the 3D and ultra high definition content voids became a logical next step in our evolution as a global player in the entertainment arena.”
3net, which has been actively producing native 3D content since its launch in early 2011, has amassed the world’s largest and most diverse library of native, original 3D programming. The formation of 3net Studios will allow the company to further build upon the award-winning library that fuels its flagship 3net channel service in the United States, while also offering existing and new partners around the world a vibrant, top quality 3D and 4K content source. The Studio’s distribution arm will offer original, native 3D and 4K long form and short form content across a diverse spectrum of programming genres. Projects the company is producing under the new 3net Studios banner will begin to be announced in the coming weeks.
— By Scott Hettrick