See Jamaica in 3D!
Published:Tuesday | November 9, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
Excel, London:
IN WHAT is being described as a major coup, Jamaica has reportedly become the first tourism destination in the world to produce a video filmed entirely in 3D.
Created by eXposure4 Ltd, in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the film was unveiled to the travel and tourist industry at the World Travel Market, the four-day business-to-business exhibition at Excel in London yesterday.
"The film has put Jamaica in the forefront of people's minds and it is showing Jamaica in a new dimension, particularly to the travel industry," the film's producer, Darren Pearson, told The Gleaner.
Noting that the demand for the film was very high, Pearson said: "The travel press wants exclusive rights to use it. They want to use it at award ceremonies, training sessions, and presentations."
The storyline of the film spans a day in Jamaica, following the flight of the island's national bird, the doctor bird, from sunrise to nightfall and beyond. En route, viewers will be treated to 3D footage, bringing the iconic sights of Jamaica to life like never before. From swimming with horses, to thrill seekers zip-lining, to bobsledding through the rainforest, viewers will be transported to the very heart of this diverse and adventurous Caribbean island for an unforgettable journey.
Visually stunning
Excited by the prospects of the promotional video, John Lynch, Jamaica's director of tourism, said: "Jamaica is the first destination in the world to embrace this technology in its entirety, and the results are visually stunning."
He added: "This film really gives people around the world a chance to see Jamaica in a new dimension."
According to Lynch, the cost of production was approximately US$60,000, similar to prices that brochures would attract. "And we own all of the raw footage."
He pointed out that many of the new movies that are opening up in the theatres are being filmed in 3D.
"This gives us an opportunity to use some of our ads in movie theatres in 3D."
Completing this feat should be easy as the eXposure4 crew used advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology during the three weeks they travelled across Jamaica, capturing the island's stunning scenery and culture in 3D film. Each scene was filmed with two synchronised cameras mounted on a specialised 3D double-camera rig before being edited, stated a press release from the JTB.
Option to watch from any screen
The marketing organisation noted that while viewers will need to use standard red and cyan glasses to fully enjoy the destination film, it has been released in anaglyph 3D, which means it can be watched on any screen or laptop. The film will also be aired in private viewings and some cinemas around the world in polarised 3D, which requires special screens. This was a conscious decision taken by the eXposure4 team and the JTB to ensure the widest possible audience enjoyment.
The film will be accessible across multi-viewing platforms, including home televisions, laptops and computers, and even mobile phones. Viewers will be able to apply online for free, Jamaica-branded 3D glasses, which will be sent in the post to them. The destination video will be available on the Internet on www.VisitJamaica.com and viewers can also request copies on a flexi DVD.