DRG Sets Up Dedicated Arm for 3D Distribution

Digital Rights Group is to become the first distributor to launch a division dedicated to 3D programming and will unveil about a dozen titles at MipTV in April. 3DRG will be managed by Justin Judd, managing director of DRG’s digital arm i-Rights, and launches on the back of the success of The Queen in 3D, which the distributor took to the international market at Mipcom in October. Judd told Broadcast that it was still “early days” for 3D content but said he foresaw an “exciting opportunity”, particularly overseas.

“Our clients around the world are already looking for 3D content,” said Judd. “Here in the UK, Sky has announced the rollout of a 3D channel and we know that other launches are planned in all the major markets. They are all hungry for content.”

Negotiations are now under way to build a catalogue of 3D titles in time for MipTV and prepare a showreel for buyers at the market in Cannes. Judd revealed that conversations were ongoing with the producer of Australian drama series Sea Patrol to adapt new episodes for 3D, and that award-winning animated short The Technical Hitch is currently in the process of being remastered for 3D. However, Judd said the new sales division would be looking less at remastering existing content and more at programming made in 3D.

“We’re mostly looking for material that has been produced specifically in 3D rather than remastered and now is the perfect time for producers with such content to get in touch,” he said.

The division is on the lookout for documentary, animation, music programming and drama as well as sports lifestyle content. It will pay particular focus to stereoscopic 3D, as opposed to the old-fashioned anaglyph technology. 3DRG will also consider investing in content and is already in discussion with international broadcasters and US companies. Jeremy Fox, chief executive of DRG, added that he expected 3D to become “a significant business over the next couple of years.”

By Michael Rosser, Broadcast