For Hollywood, 3D technology is an industry saver. For the rest of the world, 3D technology is yet a great feast in the painting. James Cameron is in the process of converting 2D Titanic into a 3D movie with his own expenses. By investing US$3-5 billion, the film targets at least one billion viewers around the world. When a Korean director Yoon Jae-gyoon added 10 minute worth 3D effect to his recent movie Haeundae, KRW2 billion was invested and three hundred workers worked two full months. This movie, however, could not reach the global market. Without a stable foundation, can this business survive Some critics wonder.
After High Definition TV (HDTV) was introduced, display manufacturers were competing to have bigger and thinner displays. Some TVs were even over 100 inches although most houses cannot even fit one of those gigantic TVs in their living room. Some were even thin as a couple of coins, so that a select few people could have bragging rights. With fierce competition in the display businesses, large screen HDTVs have become cheaper and widely available for regular household consumers. Most people can now enjoy movies and sports games in high definition with clear images and crisp sound.
3D technology, in this sense, was a life saver for the movie industries. 3D films using stereoscopic method was once a failure, but high definition 3D film with realistic graphic images attracted hundreds of movie goers. With the growing demand, how is Korea going to produce 3D contents that actually put a dent in the 3D market Yes, Korea is ahead in technology, but what is also true is that China is catching up fast. If a competition is inevitable with China in the near future, why not throw a great feast together as a team In attempt to put together each other's strength to produce high quality 3D content, KDC has recently signed MOU with Jilin Province, China. This is quite significant for both Jilin Province and KDC because their infrastructure perfectly fits with each other.
KDC in partnership with China
The Chinese government promised to provide facilities, equipment, human resources, and training for KDC to come and educate core technology to Chinese companies. "We all know that China is a fast learner. It only took them a year to follow up our latest technology, 2D animation. Korea is currently ahead in 3D technology as well, but it is well predicted that it would not take so long for China to become our competitor again. Due to the high labor cost in Korea, 70 percent of production process is already being done by China in animation business. We will educate 3000-5000 Chinese workers at a time for six months by teaching them 3D technology. Once their training is over, we would still need them to be involved in major parts of production. Korea's strength lies in marketing, creative directing, casting, setting characters, plot, and special effects. Therefore, by understanding each other's weak points we can produce high quality 3D content that is compatible in the global market," CEO of KDC, Kim Tae-sup said.
Why Jilin Province
Jilin Province is giving its all-in to learning 3D technology. The province offers to provide facilities, equipment, labor, and training. This includes everything from office space to personal computers to Photoshop programs, after effect programs, and many more. The Chinese government will even pay for the Chinese trainees to come and take the lesson. Another strength of the Jilin province is its multiple animation/technology institutes where approximately 20,000 graduates achieve degrees in computer graphics. In spite of the province's large size and development, labor fee is still compatibly low compared to Guangdong province, which is always beneficiary to foreign investors or partners. Lastly, the Jilin Province also has the Changchun Film Studio, which is the top movie studios in China.
"Recently many successful movies like Avatar use a lot of computer generated imagery (CGI) and the importance and weight of CGI in movies has grown more than ever. Now it is possible to add any imaginable images into movies, combining with real images. Some of Korean movies like Haeundae used CGI effects for natural disaster scenes using domestic technology. However, the current Korean CGI work environment does not have competitiveness in a global market due to its high labor costs. This we sought can be solved by collaborating with China. I expect to have mutually beneficial relationship. This project is expected to create 20,000 jobs in Jilin Province without harming the environment. Many foreign companies have built factories in China causing serious environmental problems, so China is envisioning to expand culture and IT technology. Korea, on the other hand, has a great expectation of this project as well because by working with China, the cost becomes competitive and the finished contents will have greater market. Since KDC also produces 3D tools for projectors at the movie theaters, completion of 3D animation will roll business in a row," President Kim added.
Distinct role playing as a team
The planning, directing, marketing and post production of Korea will top the first production of China to make 3D images. Together KDC and Jilin province will share the market and cooperate fully to expand the 3D market.
Present and future
Samsung and LG Electronics are leading the global display market and currently promoting 3D TVs, which is ahead of Japanese competitors. However, Japanese companies such as Sony have 3D camera technology and holdings of Columbia Motion Picture Group with over 40,000 movie titles. Sony has advantage in contents and production technology. The recent trend of IT industry shows the importance of software and contents.
Korea Communication Commission (KCC) announced that four major terrestrial network televisions will test 3D broadcasting from May 19 to July 12 preparing for major sports events like 2010 World Cup. Separate 3D channels were issued by KCC for testing. Until June 10, 3D content will be available for three hours a day. Currently, approximately 5,000 3D TV sets were sold and its market share is very small, but the sales are expected to grow tremendously with more contents. Through testing, potential problems will be analyzed to provide better service in the future. Also, KCC will establish "3D Viewing Safety Council" to examine how 3D TV effects people's health to insure safety.
"The future of 3D display is hologram. However, it will take 10~20 years until we can see the consumer product. There will be no need for big screen TVs or any type of medium because 3D images can be displayed anywhere. With touch interface, consumers will experience Minority Report type of computer interaction. The ultimate goal of 3D is hologram."
