Major New 3D Training Initiative Unveiled

A ground-breaking partnership between Skillset, Sky and the UK Film Council was announced yesterday to develop and run pioneering gold standard 3D training for the UK film and television industries. The commitment to a £140,000 3D training budget was unveiled at "Introducing Sky 3D" – an event for the UK's production community, which was supported by the UK Film Council and BAFTA.

The fund will pay for specialist training across the board – from those needing to know the basics as they start a 3D project, to professionals sharpening up high-level specialist skills. Principal Large Format, the UK's leading consultancy for 3D production, run by Phil Streather, has been awarded a 3D stereoscopic innovation grant by Skillset to research and structure the curriculum for delivering this definitive course programme for 3D training for the production sector.

Skillset's Director of Film Neil Peplow, said: "Skillset is delighted to invest in this incredibly exciting project, which will make sure that the UK is in prime position to the lead the way in 3D technology."

Brian Lenz, Sky's Director of Product Design and TV Product Development, said: "We want the UK to be at the forefront of 3D's assault on cinema and TV. With 3D cinema proving a hit at the Box Office, and 3DTV coming to living rooms this year, 2010 is the year for UK producers to grasp the 3D opportunity. We're delighted to support the UK in becoming a 3D centre of excellence."

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, said: "This partnership is part of the UK Film Council's ongoing commitment to securing the UK's reputation as the home of the world's best creative talent, giving our filmmakers the 3D training they need to stay ahead in the 21st century skills race."

Source: UK Film Council