The 3D dilemma
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E-mail Global Times, November 25, 2010
China's lack of experienced people and the latest 3D technology was also discussed at the forum, raising differing views. Director of Nanking! Nanking! (2009) and Kekexili (2004), 39-year-old Lu Chuan, said he believed China is not behind in technology but lacks professionalism, patience and the right attitude.
Highlighting his recent experience in a national publicity film made for 2010 World Expo in Shanghai as an example, Lu said that there was a 3D animation part in the film and although local filmmakers understood 3D technology well, the final result fell well short of his expectations.
"It took James Cameron 12 years of experimenting in different ways, even Avatar art department people spent half a year traveling around the world taking photos as reference; What we do in China now is one person sitting in front of a computer, hoping to have the most amazing thing coming out from nothing in the shortest time. It doesn't work this way, that's why we can't have Avatar," Lu explained.
He added that although his next film will not be in 3D, since its story is not suitable for 3D technology, he still has confidence in the future of young filmmakers. "While our generation may focus on the story, the young generation grew up with sci-fi films, they are a generation of images," Lu said. "I know there is a group of young filmmakers in Nanjing working on their first sci-fi 3D film, they are very likely to be the future of Chinese film."
Apart from discussing 3D technology, international filmmakers also expressed their views on the local film industry. Greg Basser, CEO of Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, having co-produced many films with Warner Brothers, including The Matrix (1999), Happy Feet (2006) and Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010), said he is very optimistic about Chinese filmmakers and Chinese cinema.
According to Basser, with more and more theaters being constructed everyday and with box-office revenue rising, China is in a strong position to attract more foreign works and coproductions.
"There are many talented people here and a lot of interesting stories, I firmly believe the next Avatar will be made in China," Basser said.
"China will make a brand new film that comes from nowhere, it will be like Star Wars in the 70s, Matrix in the 90s, Avatar now, a new film that is absolutely mind-blowing," he told the Global Times.
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