Stereoscopic Filmmaking

Stereoscopic technology, also referred to as “stereoscopy,” uses the characteristics of human binocular vision to create the illusion of depth, making objects appear to be in front of or behind the cinema screen. The stereoscopic 3D (S3D) format is not new technology. The practice of stereoscopy is resurging in film due to the latest developments in digital cinema and computer graphics (CG). More and more studios are releasing animated and live-action feature films in S3D format.

Autodesk offers an integrated 2D‐3D workflow and our tools are widely used in stereoscopic productions. With the ability to create, edit, and view stereo content in Autodesk® Maya® and Autodesk® Flame® Premium software, artists are able to make creative decisions within the context of what the audience will see—helping to eliminate guess work and resulting in a greater ability to use stereo as an aid to storytelling.

Autodesk’s Ultimate Stereoscopic Finishing Pipeline
Autodesk Flame Premium offers the best tools for finishing stereoscopic 3D (S3D). From real-time 3D color grading to true 3D visual effects, learn how Flame Premium can help you deliver great looking S3D projects faster.

2D to 3D Stereoscopic Finishing
Learn how the workflow between Autodesk Flame, Autodesk® Flare™ and Autodesk Maya can help you easily convert 2D material to dynamic stereoscopic 3D.

AVATAR
Learn how Autodesk digital entertainment creation technology was used to create James Cameron’s sci-fi epic Avatar.

Evergreen Films: 3D Stereoscopic Production/Post
Full-service production company uses Autodesk® Lustre®, Maya®, and Smoke® to gain creative freedom for 3D stereoscopic film projects.

Read the Customer Story (pdf - 158Kb)

Stereoscopic Whitepaper

Read about the current state of the stereoscopic filmmaking industry, the business case of S3D, as well as the technical and creative considerations faced by those looking to make compelling stereoscopic movies.

Stereoscopic Whitepaper (pdf - 1733Kb)

Types of Stereoscopic Delivery
There are several delivery options available for filmmakers and others interested in S3D film production, including Real D, Dolby, IMAX, and in-home options.
History of Stereoscopic Filmmaking
While stereoscopic 3D (S3D) film technology is resurging in Hollywood, it’s certainly not a new phenomenon. The process has been evolving for over a century.