Our professional conference (PCON), now it its 5th edition, is dedicated to stereoscopic-3D (S-3D) technology, arts, and contents, and to hot, emerging topics in all aspects, applications, and forms (stereoscopic, holographic, ...) of 3D.
PCON provides pertinent, time-critical information, with emphasis on the present and long terms. It is designed to appeal to each of you, i.e. to scientists, engineers, academics, researchers, artists, directors, producers, businessmen, investors, and 3D aficionados.
Most of the 3DSM networking and cross-fertilization takes place during PCON, since it is at the convergence of science, engineering, art, and business. Thus, you cannot afford to miss our professional conference!
IC3D and PCON occur in immediate succession, and form a continuum, scanning all scientific, artistic and content facets of 3D. You can attend both!
In 2012, Chuck Comisky, Robert Neuman, and Buzz Hays were our keynote speakers.
In 2011, Ben Grossmann and Ray Zone were our keynote speakers.
The dates for our 5th edition of the Professional Conference (PCON) will be 5-6 December 2013.
In the meantime, you can have a look at the Program and List of Speakers from 2012:
List of Speakers 2012
The speakers that are confirmed as of today appear below (by alphabetical order).
This list will be regularly updated.
Robert Allison is Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and a member of the Centre for Vision Research at York University. He obtained his PhD, specialising in stereoscopic vision, from York University in 1998 and did post-doctoral research at York University and the University of Oxford. His research investigates how we can reconstruct and navigate the three-dimensional world around us based on the two-dimensional images on the retinas. His research enables effective technology for advanced virtual reality and augmented reality and for the design of stereoscopic displays. He is recipient of the Premier’s Research Excellence Award from the Province of Ontario in recognition of this work.
Matthieu Aussal is the team leader of the Audio3D team at Digital Media Solutions. Matthieu Aussal holds a Master of Engineering Mathematics, University Paris Sud 11, obtained with honors. Specializing in acoustics after an internship at IRCAM, he is currently doing doctoral studies at the École Polytechnique under the co-direction of François Alouges (CMAP) and Brian FG Katz (LIMSI-CNRS). His research focuses on mathematical modeling and numerical acoustic problems, such as spatial audio over headphones. Passionate about music and musician of various instruments, member of SACEM, he has given several amateur concerts as a semi-professional. He has previous experience as a live and home studio sound engineer offering a dual expertise as both scientific and artistic.
Tibor Balogh graduated as an electrical engineer at the Budapest Technical University and has extensive experience in the fields of holography, lasers, electro-optical technologies and engineering. Started his career in software engineering then worked as an assistant professor at the Eötvös Loránd Scientific University - Budapest. In 1996, he founded Holografika, focusing on developing proprietary true 3D visualization technology, called HoloVizio. He was awarded the Joseph Petzval medal, the Kalmár award and the Dennis Gabor Prize for his work, was World Technology Award finalist in 2006, has several patents and publications. He is responsible for the overall management of Holografika. He formulates the company's business and R&D strategy, actively shaping developments in 3D technologies in the world.
Bill Beck is a photonics visionary whose extensive experience with high power laser delivery via optical fiber has brought the vision of remote laser illumination to non-cinema applications. As the founder of Laser Light Engines (LLE), he has been the driving force behind the success of the company and the acceptance of laser illumination by the Digital Cinema market. Beck helped launch LIPA, the Laser Illuminated Projection Association in 2011, to further promote the technology. Prior to starting LLE, he was the founding CEO at Verrillon, a specialty optical fiber startup. Earlier in his career, Beck was President of SpecTran Specialty Optics Company, now known as OFS, the largest specialty fiberoptics company in the world.
Tom Bert graduated from Ghent University in 2002. In 2006, he got a PhD from that same university with a dissertation on e-book readers. In 2006 he joined Barco’s Technology Center: a corporate team that leads technology-scouting and -derisking projects. Since 2010 he’s Product Marketing manager in the Digital Cinema division of Barco, the world’s largest manufacturer of digital cinema projectors.
Sabine Bredow has been a 3D production manager based out of Southern California for 7 years. She has been responsible for all aspects of international logistics, government affairs and the organizational requirements between the divisions of legal, accounting, production and music. More recently, Sabine has moved into field production with 3D shooting experience on unusual platforms. These include 3D filming with remote control helicopters, cave exploration, cave diving and macro work. Born in Germany, now living in California, a past residence in South Africa, multilingual and with work permits across the world, Sabine brings a uniquely international influence to making projects happen.
Jim Chabin serves as President of the International 3D Society and 3D@Home Consortium, a worldwide community of 3D professionals advancing the arts and sciences of 3D. Mr. Chabin is the past President of the Academy of Televison Arts and Sciences, the worldwide organization which presents the Emmy Awards. He is also the past President of Promax and BDA, an educational professional organization of broadcast graphic designers and marketing professionals in 30 countries. Mr. Chabin also served as Vice President of National Promotion and Network Development for E!Entertainment Television, a Hollywood-based cable network, owned by Comcast. He also served as Western Marketing Manager for the CBS television stations. He began his career in radio broadcasting.
In his present position as Director of Digital cinema, 3D and Ultra High Definition in the Eutelsat’s Commercial Department, Michel Chabrol is responsible for the promotion, marketing and development of new technologies like 3D and Ultra HD, as well as for the utilization of satellite to cover important needs of digital cinema, like electronic delivery of contents to cinemas (“DCP”: Digital Cinema Package), and live retransmissions of key events. He is also in charge of the 3D & Ultra HD Group of the French HD Forum and a member of the 3D@Home Forum. Michel Chabrol holds an engineering degree from Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications (Paris), a Master’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Industrial Marketing.
After broadcasting studies at the International Institute of Image and Sound in Paris and in the first experience in feature films at EuroAmerican Movies, Gallien Quercy-Chanalet joined the documentary subsidiary at Sky, Natural History Ltd., in New Zealand as Production Assistant. He returned to France in 2001 and founded Cow Prod with Nicolas Lauwers and Stéphane Cassou. Since then, he has developed the company by specializing in one area: S-3D. He produced Mushers!, a documentary in 3D relief. He produced an independent film in New Zealand: I Survived A Zombie Holocaust. This year, he presents Ride & Fly , the new 3D documentary produced by Cow Prod.
Brian Claypool is the Senior Director of Strategic Business Development for Barco’s Entertainment Division. He has over 25 years of experience in the broadcast and cinema entertainment industry. Prior to joining Barco, Brian held positions in the broadcasting industry ranging from Program Director to Primetime News Director, and in the cinema industry worked for Lucasfilm’s THX division and Christie Digital. At Christie Digital, he was Senior Product Manager responsible for leading the technical product offerings for digital cinema and wrote numerous white papers on the subject. Brian attended Ohio University where he majored in Engineering with a minor in Music Performance and is an active member of the SMPTE, BKSTS, EDCF, and ISDCF.
We are very honored that Chuck Comisky has accepted to come all the way from the West Coast of the US to present a kenote speech at 3D Stereo MEDIA on 6 December. Chuck is, with Jim Cameron, the mastermind of the technical and artistic means brought to bear to make the milestone, stereoscopic-3D (S-3D) movie "AVATAR" a reality. For many in Europe, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear and meet one of the few persons who truly revolutionized the world of S-3D moviemaking on a titanic scale. Chuck will also bring along images of "SANCTUM 3D", shot at the bottom of the ocean.
If we go by the statistics of attendance of the keynote speech by Ben Grossmann last year, we expect that the number of attendees will very quickly reach the maximum capacity of our new, smaller conference room! To get a chance to be allowed into this room, there is only one solution, namely to register now for one or more of our thematic registration packages and to sign-up for the optional "Professional Conference".
Abstract: Chuck Comisky will discuss the creation of stereoscopic-3D (S-3D) content both for big budget productions like "Avatar", and for smaller independent productions. He will explain what makes stellar S-3D. Chuck will share his experience in designing and implementing, with Jim Cameron, groundbreaking performance capture (an extension of motion capture) and S-3D techniques for the production of "Avatar". He will discuss the behind-the-scenes of this milestone S-3D movie. From the planet of Pandora, Chuck will then take the audience to the bottom of the Marianas Trench, and discuss his recent experience in underwater S-3D, with cave diving, for the shooting of "SANCTUM 3D", once again with Jim Cameron.
Biography: Chuck Comisky's introduction to filmmaking was through the Roger Corman on-the-job-training school of visual effects. He graduated to mainstream fare such as NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5, THE ADAMS FAMILY, LAST ACTION HERO, SPACE CAMP, MONEY TALKS, BLADE, RUSH HOUR, and, ultimately, AVATAR. Moving into 3D, Comisky supervised the stereo-3D visual effects for Cameron's IMAX 3D documentaries "Ghosts of the Abyss" and "Aliens of the Deep". He produced the filmed portion of "T2-3D Battle Across Time", an award winning Universal Studios theme park attraction, this while supervising the stereo-3D visual effects. Major studios he worked with/for include Disney, Fox, Sony/Columbia, Lightstorm Entertainment, New Line Pictures, Paramount, Universal, and visual effects powerhouses ILM, Digital Domain, and Sony Imageworks. His stereo-3D experience includes both natively-shot stereoscopic features and post-converted shots. Chuck Comisky is on the Board of Governors of the "International 3D Society & 3D@Home Consortium", based in Los Angeles.
Till Cussmann is the Vice-President Exhibitor services for dcinex. He joined dcinex in 2005 as GST Sales Manager, and then became International Sales Director. Till has a bachelor in communication management and completed a training in photography technics as well as 10 years’ experience in exhibition & international marketing. In 2011, Till took over the responsibility of VP Sales & Marketing managing the local sales force in Western Europe (Germany, Benelux, Poland, Czech Republic, UK...) and marketing on corporate level.
Jan Daem is a Product and System Validation Engineer for Barco, with current focus on the world wide introduction of Laser Illuminated Projectors according to the applicable laser safety legislation. He is an active member of the IEC technical comity 76, which is responsible for the construction of the international laser standard. Mr. Daem holds a Master Degree in Electronics, ICT obtained at KHBO and an additional Master degree of Safety Engineering obtained at the KU Leuven.
Jacques Delacoux created Transvideo in 1985. Today Transvideo is a leading and award winning company in Film and Digital Cinematography equipment with the CineMonitorHD family, state of the art monitoring and decision tool HD filmmakers, as well with the TitanHD, 10bits lossless and latency free wireless HD transmission solution. In 2007, he created the CineMonitorHD 3DView, revolutionary camera adjustment tool for stereographers. The CineMonitorHD received an enthusiastic welcome by 3D consultants as Alain Derobe AFC. February 2009, Jacques received the prestigious Scientific and Technical Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. September 2010 Transvideo received for its 3DView monitors for Stereographers, the estimeed CinecAward by the Bavarian Society for the Advancement of Film Technology (FGF).
Bram Dieryckx is a Product Manager, ProAV Projection for Barco Entertainment Division. He is currently focused on the development of laser illuminated projection, with the objective of successfully introducing and evangelizing Barco’s technology in this arena. He also manages the entire portfolio of ProAV projection products within the Entertainment Division. Mr. Dieryckx has been with Barco for eight years, beginning with a five-year tenure in Sales and Marketing for the Healthcare division before moving to the Entertainment division where he has worked for the past three years in Product Management. He holds a MS in Engineering Electronics from the University of Ghent and an MBA from Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School. He is based in Belgium.
Buzz Hays will give a both a Master Class (on Tue 4 Dec, as part of our training session) and a Keynote Speech (on 5 Dec, as part of our Professional Conference). Buzz Hays has been involved in digital stereography since the first days of the field. A true pioneer in stereoscopic-3D moviemaking, Buzz has worked for the powerhouses of LucasFilm and Disney! You owe it to yourself to be in Liège to hear and meet this S-3D visionary. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity... and such a rapturous experience! Secure your seat (and 3D glasses...) and get a chance to learn from Buzz Hays by registering for our 3D Academy and/or Professional Conference: Register here!
Abstract: Buzz Hays is a seasoned 3D professional with considerable experience in animation, live-action conversion, and native 3D production. Buzz will present the state of 3D production in all of its forms, discussing the different techniques with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages in the variety of options available to today’s 3D filmmakers. He will present an overview of native 3D production, 2D to 3D conversion, animation, and hybrid techniques including post-production.
Biography: Buzz Hays holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine. Between 1987 and 1993, Hays served as Director of Engineering at Lucasfilm THX. In 2009, he produced the 3D version of the family adventure “G-Force”, a Jerry Bruckheimer production for Walt Disney Pictures. Hays' work also includes producing the 3D versions of “Monster House”, “Open Season”, and Robert Zemeckis' “Beowulf”. Hays is currently the Studio Chief at TRUE IMAGE COMPANY, Inc., a 3D production company, and he’s a leading 3D consultant in film and television around the world. He is formerly the Senior Vice President of the 3D Technology Center at Sony Corporation. There, Hays was responsible for overseeing the production and post-production of all the 3D content. He is one of the leading experts in the field of modern stereoscopic production.
Charlotte Jones is a Principal Analyst at IHS Screen Digest focusing on the global cinema business and a specialist on digital cinema and 3D market trends. Charlotte is responsible for all research and analysis on 3D cinema and has taken a lead role in developing related cross-platform 3D analysis. She is the author of a number of high profile industry reports, including the first major study on 3D Cinema published in 2007, The Business Case for 3D Cinema and authors the comprehensive annual studies on world film production and cinema exhibition, among others. She has extensive experience in developing detailed industry models and is actively researching new report areas such as giant screens, global exhibition circuits, emerging markets and premium pricing. As a recognised expert in the field, she is a regular speaker at key conferences and is frequently quoted in the trade press.
Brian F.G. Katz is a researcher at the LIMSI-CNRS laboratory and coordinator of the Sound & Space research theme. His fields of interest include spatial 3D audio rendering and perception and room acoustics. With a background in Physics and Philosophy, he obtained his Ph.D. in Acoustics from Penn State in 1998 and his HDR in Engineering Sciences from UMPC in 2011. Before joining CNRS, he worked for various acoustic consulting firms, including Artec Consultants Inc, ARUP & Partners, and Kahle Acoustics. He has also worked at the Laboratoire d'Acoustique Musical and IRCAM in Paris.
Kommer Kleijn SBC is an active stereographer and cinematographer who is also active in image technology research and standardization. He started practicing stereography professionally in 1998 and has been involved with many 3D productions including special venue, IMAX, theatrical, and multi-camera live captures for sports and music, including the 3D stereo supervision of some of the first direct live 3D transmissions in Europe. He is also working as a part time teacher in 3 film schools and for professional 3D workshops. He is an SBC, UP3D and EDCF board member, chairs the IMAGO technical committee and co-chairs the SMPTE 21DC Study Group on High Frame Rates. He is also a regular speaker at international image technology events.
Michael Klug received his BS degree from MIT in 1989 and his MS from the Spatial Imaging Group at the MIT Media Laboratory in 1991. In 1996, he co-founded Zebra Imaging, Inc. to develop holographic recording systems, display technologies and products to serve a broad variety of 3D visualization and other applications. Currently as CTO, Mr. Klug is responsible for overall technology strategy and road-mapping, intellectual property development and management, and integration of R&D, business development, market research, and technology and product trajectories. With contributions to over 25 issued patents, he is recognized internationally as an expert in the field of holographic and 3D display technology.
Péter Tamás Kovács received Ms.C. degree in Computer Science from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. He is the CTO of Holografika, a Hungarian venture active in the field of emerging photonic technologies. The company developed proprietary technologies in 3D visualisation, including the real 3D light-field display device HoloVizio and software applications. The company develops and sells 3D display systems and related software components. Mr. Kovács is responsible for supporting the development team to deliver the envisioned hardware/software platform that satisfies user's needs in every situation. He has experience with management of research and development projects, real-time computer graphics, networking, software optimization, hardware design and embedded devices.
Antoine Lejeune graduated in 2010 from the University of Liège, Belgium and the Ècole Centrale Paris, France with a Master of Science degree in computer engineering. Since, he is doing a doctorate in the signal and image exploitation (INTELSIG) research unit of the University of Liège. His research interests include computer vision and machine learning. He is currently focusing his work towards 3D cameras.
Peter Ludé is Senior Vice President of Sony Solutions Engineering. In this role, he oversees Sony’s US-based engineering efforts for digital cinema systems, software development and other professional media solutions. Previously, Mr. Lude’ was CTO of iBlast, Inc, a Los Angeles-based data broadcasting network providing rich media content distribution services nationwide. Peter is a 25-year veteran of the broadcast and media industries, having started his career at several television stations prior to founding an independent Systems Integration and consulting firm in San Francisco. That firm - Ludé Broadcast Engineering - was subsequently acquired by Sony to form the nucleus of the systems integration business in North and South America. Mr. Ludé has been involved in the design and construction of hundreds of large scale media facilities, including digital cable headends, DBS satellite facilities and high-definition production centers. He is a Fellow of SMPTE, and currently serves as SMPTE President and Chairman of LIPA, the Laser Illuminated Projector Association. Mr. Ludé is an active member of SID, the National Stereoscopic Association and IEEE, a board member of I3DS & 3D@Home Consortium, and a graduate of the College of San Mateo.
Florian Maier, founder and CEO of STEREOTEC, is an acknowledged and respected stereographer worldwide. He has been pioneering 3D since he founded his company in 1997. Being the mastermind behind the construction of all STEREOTEC rigs, he has also been working as a senior stereographer for 3D feature films like ""Return of Viy"", “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”, “Vicky and the Treasure of the Gods”, “Hype Nation”, various commercials (Volkswagen, Gösser, Red Bull), short films, etc. Film schools, universities, and professional 3D workshops request his expert knowledge. He has guided various workshops and master classes all over the world, including in Berlin, Pusan, Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver.
Youri Meuret (1975) graduated in Physics at Ghent University, Belgium, in 1998. In 2004, he received his Ph.D. degree in Engineering from the same university, investigating the contrast and color properties of digital projection systems in collaboration with BARCO N.V. He then joined the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, where he is responsible for a research group which focuses on novel display configurations and illumination systems. His current research interests include 3-D visualization and LED/laser based projection displays. In addition he explores the potential of micro-optical components for novel solar concentrators and imaging systems. Dr. Meuret is author or co-author of 20 SCI rated journal articles and 40 publications at international conferences.
Hector Navarro received his M.Sc. degree in Photonics from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Valencia (Spain) in 2009. Since 2007 he has been working with the 3D Imaging and Display Laboratory (University of Valencia), where he is currently running his Ph. D project. His research interests are focused on the development of multi-perspective 3D imaging and display systems. His main achievements are the invention of a technique for the improvement of the viewing angle of 3D monitors, the development of a method for reconstruction of 3D scenes with high optical sectioning and the refinement of an algorithm for the calculation of multiple, horizontal and vertical, perspectives from a low number of views.
Winner of several awards, including from the International 3D Society, which will be very present this year at 3D Stereo MEDIA, Robert Neuman epitomizes the very essence of our event, i.e. the convergence of science, technology, and art. Trained as an Electrical Engineer, Robert was attracted early on by cinematography. His passion led him over to the artistic side of stereoscopic 3D, but his grounding in engineering allows him and his team to develop the exact algorithms and software tools they need to concretize their artistic visions. It couldn't be more fitting that an "imagineer" from the land of Disney speak during the Holiday Season. Tasked with insufflating a new 3D life into award-winning animated 2D films, Robert Neuman is coming all the way from sunny California to take us back to the fairy tales of our youth. On the day of Robert's Keynote Speech, i.e. on 6 Dec, a magic day for many children, pioneer Walt Disney would have been 111 years and 1 day old! If you are in any way connected to stereoscopic 3D, we should not even have to convince you to register now for 3D Stereo MEDIA. But, if you hesitate too long, you may be faced with a sold-out sign! Time is of the essence.
Abstract: Robert Neuman will discuss his approach to elevating stereoscopic filmmaking from a gimmick to an art. He will examine how stereoscopic 3D can be used to support the narrative of a film while striking a balance between comfort and immersion. A proposed grammar for the 3D cinema will be presented, as well as some of the techniques used, at Walt Disney Animation Studios, in crafting the stereoscopic-3D versions of their existing animated 2D films. Two types of animated 3D films are being produced at the studios: stereoscopic versions of their current computer-generated (CG) films, and 3D re-releases of their hand-drawn classics. Examples from the films "Tangled" and "The Lion King" will be used to illustrate how creative control is exercised on both types of productions to craft memorable 3D experiences for the audience.
Biography: Robert Neuman is the Stereoscopic Department Head for Walt Disney Animation Studios. He is currently supervising on their upcoming feature, "Wreck-it Ralph", and the 3D re-release of Disney's classic "The Little Mermaid". Robert also pioneered the 3D process used for the re-releases of "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King", the latter resulting in a "3D Creative Arts Award" for Best Stereoscopic Conversion. His work on "Tangled" garnered the "3D Creative Arts Award" for Best 3D Scene of the Year, and his achievements with Disney's stereoscopic pipeline were honored with a "Lumiere statuette" for 3D Technology. Robert's work in 3D has generated a dozen patent applications, and he is the recipient of twelve Disney Inventor Awards for his innovations in stereoscopic filmmaking.
Matthieu Parmentier started his audio career recording classical music CDs. He joined francetelevisions in 1999 as a sound engineer for live programs. From 2003 to 2007, as a news reporter, he was in charge of sound recording, video editing and outdoor satellite transmissions. Since 2008, he has been working as manager for multichannel audio and HD video development projects, also organizing conferences and professional workshops. Matthieu co-chairs the audio expert community of the European Broadcasting Union, holds two license degrees in sound recording and video post-production and a master degree in audiovisual research (Toulouse University).
Greg Passmore has a 30 year career in technology and creative imaging. His firm, PassmoreLab is split between science and art; with one division performing software development and the other division focused on live action filmmaking. With an academic background in math and software development, Mr. Passmore also is an accomplished photographer with his fashion photography appearing in Vogue, Cosmo, Wired, textbooks, numerous photography books and exhibitions. Now, running film crews in exotic locations and software teams in the US and Russia. PassmoreLab is also involved in charities to feed the hungry, preserve our natural resources and build learning centers.
Prof. Ludger Pfanz has been an instructor and head of the studios at the University of Arts and Design at the ZKM Karlsruhe since 1997, as well as the spokesman of the Media Arts faculty since 2002. Prof. Ludger Pfanz works as a producer, director and author.
He is director and founder of "Expanded Cinema 3Digital Laboratory", the "3D Alliance Karlsruhe", the international festival "Days of BEYOND-3 Dimensions", the international academic "3D Consortium" and the international symposium "3D and BEYOND".
Jenny Read did a doctorate in theoretical astrophysics before moving into visual neuroscience. After working at Oxford University and the US National Institutes of Health, in 2005 she moved to Newcastle University in the north of England with a research fellowship from the Royal Society, Britain's national academy of science. Jenny is interested in how the brain combines the two eyes' images to achieve 3D vision. In her stereo psychophysics lab, she measures the depth perception of human observers and relates these to the properties of the brain areas which encode stereo disparities. In collaboration with clinicians, she also examines how normal 3D vision is altered in patients with disorders of the eyes or brain.
Fabien Remblier has been a director for over 10 years. After cinema studies and a career as an actor, he began in 1999 to direct TV ads, video clips, live captures, and corporate movies. In 2007, he created BeeFree production with Laurent Belletete. In 2010, he co-directed “Une Nuit au Cirque 3D” with Olivier Kauffer. The film was in the official selection of many festivals such as 3DFF in Los Angeles (USA), Beyond-Festival in Karlsruhe (Germany), 3D Stereo MEDIA in Liège (Belgium) where he won the Perron of Crystal for the best Capture in S-3D in 2010. Fabien has already directed many corporate movies and live captures in S-3D. He is also the author of the book « Tourner en 3D-relief » edited by French editor Eyrolles.
Ben Stassen, one of the masterminds at nWave Pictures, is a feature film and special venue filmmaker who specializes in 3D and 4D formats. Stassen released his first theatrical feature film, “Fly Me to the Moon,” worldwide throughout 2008. It is the first true 3D feature film that has been conceived and created for the 3D environment. The second episode of “Sammy’s Adventures”, also a 3D animated film, was in the cinemas this summer. A world leader in multi-platform digital filmmaking, Stassen is a renowned source who speaks regularly on topics including his strategies and opinions about the future of 3D cinema and using digital technologies to maximize intellectual properties throughout multiple media.
Phil Streather, CEO of Principal Large Format, which he founded in 1998, is one of the UK's leading 3D exponents. As well as being an active producer (the multi award wining IMAX 3D film Bugs!, 3D producer for Merlin Entertainments’ London Eye 4D Experience, Carmen in 3D and Madam Butterfly 3D for RealD and the Royal Opera House, Meerkats 3D co-produced with OSF for National Geographic and Sky 3D) Phil is also passionate about 3D training. With a Skillset grant Phil devised and ran the Advanced 3D Training programme in the UK in 2011 and 2012 (www.advanced3d.co.uk). Phil has just finished a year exclusive 3D consultancy with BBC World Wide and is in now development with BBCWW on Amazing Bugs!, destined for Giant Screens in 2014. Phil has run 3D Masterclasses at: NAB, IBC, Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, Wildscreen Film Festival, GSCA and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Wilfried van Baelen is the founder and CEO of Galaxy Studios, renowned as an early pioneer in the production of high-end Surround Sound in both the music and film industry. Wilfried graduated at the Royal Conservatorium Antwerp with 5 first prices, built his first « Studio Galaxy » at the age of 18, became a renowned artist with golden records and 160 solo concerts and then decided to concentrate his career as producer-engineer in his studio and developed in 1991 the first interactive modular studio complex, called Galaxy Studios, one of the most advanced studio complexes for music productions. He started to develop “Sound in 3D” in 2005 and recorded 3 feature films with full 3D sound equipment on set by now! He is the founder and inventor of the Auro-3D® Technology Suite which offers groundbreaking, easy-to-use and unprecedented levels of sound reproduction capabilities.
Jacques G. Verly received the degree of “Ingénieur Electricien (Electronique)” from the University of Liège (ULg), Belgium, in 1975. Initially sponsored by the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF), he spent 5 years at Stanford University, where he got the MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering. He then spent 20 years at Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where his work on laser radars sparked his interest for 3D. Since 2000, he has been a professor in the Dept. of EECS of the ULg. Currently, he is also the Vice-Dean of the School of Engineering. His main area of interest is signal and image exploitation. He is the instigator and a co-organizer of 3D Stereo MEDIA. He has over 280 publications and 2 US patents. He held a Francqui Chair and is a Fellow of the BAEF.
Lara Vigneron graduated as a civil engineer in physics from University of Liège in 2001. She holds a PhD in medical image processing for computer-aided neurosurgery also from University of Liège. During her PhD, she spent one year at the Surgical Planning Laboratory of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston. In 2008, she joined Materialise, a Belgian company specialized in additive manufacturing and software development for industrial and medical applications, as a concept engineer. She is currently a business developer for patient-specific orthopedic applications.
Simon Watt is a lecturer in vision research in the School of Psychology at Bangor University, North Wales. His lab carries out basic and applied research on a number of topics related to 3-D perception and binocular vision. In particular, he works on perceptual and ergonomic problems with current 3-D display technologies. He also carries out research on (i) depth perception, (ii) how 3-D vision is used to control everyday movements such as reaching to grasp, and (iii) how the brain combines 3-D information across sensory modalities. Web: http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~psse2d/.
