Is The 3D Animation Trend Floundering?
Is the 3D animation trend floundering? The stampede to make more 3D entertainment began after James Cameron’s Avatar brought in $2.7 billion. After Avatar, 3D animation was seen as a breakthrough in technology and a road to higher profits for the big screen.
Gizmodo had an interesting article recently, asking the question is 3D already dying?.
Since the high-water mark of Avatar, where 71% of the revenue came from 3D screenings, numbers for big-budget 3D movies have plummeted to less than 50%.
My take on 3D? If the technology of 3D animation adds to the story and adds to the experience of the movie, I’m all for it. But technology for the sake of technology will never work.
We are storytellers and the tools we use to spin our tales are important but never more important than the story.
Before using 3D animation, producers need to ask themselves if it adds to the movie-going experience. Otherwise, it’s a distraction.
I couldn’t agree more. When I was a kid I saw an interactive 3d film, and it was amazing. Kids were flying over my head and I felt like I could reach out and touch them, and I’m pretty sure I did. Avatar was nothing like that. I thought the 3d was pointless and added nothing to the film. Also, because it’s so expensive, I’d much prefer to stay home with an indie Netflix pick that had a budget of $500. My point is that I’m just not sure 3d works if its not interactive. Why would anyone want to be “in” a story they aren’t apart of? I think that is a complicated question producers should ask themselves. Our voyeuristic needs are satisfied enough with 2d, that’s why we go to movies right? I guess I might be willing to pay $15 to feel like I’m flying:)