Stereo Converting 3-D Masses

Stereo Pictures is expanding its business as it begins to launch its process of converting movies to stereoscopic 3-D. According to Stereo co-president Phillip Rhee, the goal is to help studios convert libraries of titles to provide the content needed to move the 3-D business to theaters, homes and mobile devices. It also has its sights on new titles and the games market. The company is beginning technology deployment and recently brought in new partners: former Warner Bros. execs James R. Miller and Dan Romanelli.

Stereo proprietary technology, developed at its R&D site in Korea and designed to convert any digital format to a 3-D format, will be deployed in service bureaus in Los Angeles and Korea. Once set up, the company estimates that it could convert a title in as little as a month and a half. Filmmakers would participate in the conversion. "The marriage of technology and art is critical," Rhee said.

Miller had served as president of Warner Bros. worldwide theatrical business operations, and Romanelli was president of Warners worldwide consumer products. There are slight more than 1,000 3-D ready digital cinema screens now installed in the U.S., and early 3-D ready TV sets are starting to enter the market.

By Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter