Yesterday, DreamWorks Animation SKG announced all its future films will be made in stereoscopic 3D. Current films in stereoscopic 3D are just retooled versions of their originals. DreamWorks will utilize the technology right from the beginning of its creative process to create more opportunities for their artists as well as more compelling stories for the audience. The company is already hard at work on their next feature, Monsters vs. Aliens (working title), intended for release in the summer of 2009.
Aside from artistic credence, this move to stereoscopic 3D makes business sense. DreamWorks is very talented but they've had a hard time competing with Pixar. This latest development is probably in part, driven by the company's need to grow and differentiate itself; to create a unique experience and a new market its competition has no experience in. The studio is currently assembling a world-class team to drive this new initiative and I hope their first attempt will be massively successful.
Although I'm no one important they should listen to, I just want to point out, great stories will always sell a picture a thousand times better, regardless of format. In other words, go ahead and make it look cool - give me a new experience, but if the story sucks I won't be impressed.
via Feed
Looks like Monster vs. Aliens takes place in San Francisco. I'm excited to see what they'll come up with. Last stereoscopic 3D film I saw was at Disneyworld; color me impressed.
Unfortunately all this probably means is that they will be replacing their already shoddy writing with the "wow" factor that 3D will provide. When will the people making movies understand that it's not only the great animation that brings people to Pixar's movies, but the storytelling as well?