3D Pioneers, DIRECTV and Panasonic, To Host Inaugural 3D Film Invitational

Six Filmmakers to Train with Technicolor and Panasonic; Films to be Showcased on DIRECTV and at Premiere Screening Event at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles

Furthering their commitment to the 3D category, DIRECTV and Panasonic will host the inaugural 2011 DIRECTV n3D™ Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic.

The Invitational will give six filmmakers the opportunity to train on the latest 3D equipment and create a short film that is funded by DIRECTV and Panasonic. All six films will premiere on DIRECTV's 3D channel, n3D™, powered by Panasonic, and will be screened at a premiere event, which will be held at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles this summer. The winner of the Invitational's n3D Excellence Award will receive a $25,000 grand prize. In addition, Technicolor will also present a 3D Technical Achievement Award and $5,000 prize. "As a leader in 3D entertainment, DIRECTV aims to foster and encourage a new generation of film and television makers whose vision will drive the technology forward," said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "Our goal is to give these filmmakers an opportunity to work with the latest 3D equipment and receive training from world renowned 3D technology companies, without having to worry about the costs associated with filming in this format. We are excited to see the final lineup of 3D shorts and to cultivate a new group of filmmakers who will continue contributing their talents to the 3D category in the future."

"Panasonic is very pleased to see the enthusiasm among filmmakers for the creation of 3D short films," said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, vice president and chief technology officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "As the pioneer in 3D TV technology, we are especially proud that much of today's newest and most compelling 3D content is being created using Panasonic 3D tools, including professional quality 3D video cameras and 3D reference monitors. We are delighted that the 3D content that will be created in the 2011 DIRECTV n3D™ Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic will further accelerate the growth of interest in 3D entertainment in the home and cinema."

"Technicolor is pleased to be supporting our partner, DIRECTV, and to be part of this 3D film making event," said Gary Donnan, executive vice president - Strategy, Technology, & Research at Technicolor. "We believe that 3D film making requires specific production values and we are honored to be contributing both our 3D Master Class and our Technicolor Certifi3D service to ensure the highest quality experience for the end consumer."

DIRECTV recently worked with programming partners to identify a select pool of talented individuals as ideal candidates to join in this event and had them participate in a pitch session where they presented an original, live action short film concept that follows this year's Invitational theme of "Anything is Possible," to a panel of distinguished judges, which included representatives from DIRECTV, Panasonic and Technicolor. From this group of candidates, six finalists were selected to move forward.

Over the next couple of months, the six finalists will be allowed to select up to two members of their production team to attend Technicolor's renowned 3D Master Class and experience hands-on training from Panasonic on its 3D camera at DIRECTV's Los Angeles Broadcast Center. In addition, each filmmaker will receive the following to create their short film:

• Use of one Panasonic 3D camera with digi-cards
• Use of one 3D monitor and one hard drive
• Access to DIRECTV's post-production facilities
• Production budget
• 3D content certification (Technicolor's Certifi3D) ensuring 3D films conform to highest quality 3D production values to deliver a comfortable 3D viewing experience for consumers.

All of the films will be included in a 3D broadcast special, which will feature the "making of" the short films. The special, along with the films themselves, will air on DIRECTV's 3D Channel, n3D™ powered by Panasonic.