Report: 3D Films Biz Growth will be Gradual

Barring dramatic over-achievement by Jim Cameron's Avatar or other high-profile 3D pics, only slow growth is likely through 2014 in the number of 3D film productions because of lingering budgetary and creative concerns. That's among key findings in a PricewaterhouseCoopers report on the future of 3D in Hollywood. The financial consultancy also said that most 3D live-action production will be limited to sci-fi, horror and concert genres, and 3D-animated slates at Disney and DreamWorks will be closely scrutinized by rivals.

"The commitment of most U.S. majors will depend on the future success of these films and is expected to remain marginal compared with their film slate," report co-authors Matthieu Aubusson and Vincent Teulade wrote.

Overall, 3D releases will represent 10%-15% of annual film output, the firm estimates. Cinema conversions to digital projection are "expected to be strong among the multiplex and large urban theaters and more limited among the small theaters," the report said.

Among the report's findings in other areas of 3D entertainment:

- 3D TV content "will be mainly driven by 3D video content, 3D console games and 3D TV programs," with 3D TV programming limited mostly to telecasts of sporting and musical events.

- The rollout of 3D computer games will outpace those for gaming consoles.

- The development of 3D mobile phones is likely to remain "marginal" in most markets, with such devices finding limited embrace so far even in tech-fervid Japan.

By Carl DiOrio, The Hollywood Reporter