SONY'S F23 SHOOTS 'FINAL DESTINATION 4' IN 3D
"We proved that it's possible to shoot a 3D picture like a real movie," says Theodorakis. "We shot 80 percent of Final Destination 4 on practical locations, so it was essential to have a light-weight, durable camera that could survive rugged treatment."
MacPherson worked with Vince Pace, the developer of the proprietary Pace/Cameron Fusion System and the Final Destination 4 production team in selecting the camera.
"Our challenge was to integrate a camera for 3D, which would be small enough not to compromise the project creatively," explains Pace. "We worked around the clock to design a system that was structurally sound for rugged, in-the-field use and still light enough to work on a Steadicam."
According to MacPherson, the F23's 2/3-inch sensor results in enhanced depth of field, making it well suited for producing 3-D imagery. It takes a crew of five to maneuver and operate the Pace/Cameron Fusion System, which consists of two cameras mounted on a computerized chassis with a half silvered mirror. The camera first shoots through the mirror, while the second shoots the reflected image. This configuration was used for the majority of the production, while side-by-side rigs, configured with two Sony F950 cameras, were used for high-speed racing sequences, as well as in the underwater scenes.
The system held up well throughout production and will be used again in several upcoming productions, including a scheduled Jonas Brother's concert movie.