The ‘lack of 3D content’ complaint is a myth says Hoffman

In the fifth part of our exclusive “What next for 3D?” series Torsten Hoffman, Managing Partner of 3D distribution specialists Global Media Consult, reveals his expectations for 2012.

After his company recently licensed a catalogue of content to China’s new 3D channel, we start by asking Torsten Hoffman if he is more or less optimistic about the future of 3D compared to this time last year.

Torsten Hoffman: Without a doubt, 2012 will be a better year for 3D than 2011. However, let's also remind ourselves that 3D is a much smaller market than 2D in terms of viewership or revenues (except theatrical releases) so let's not get overexcited!

3D Focus: What suprises you about the 3D content industry?

Torsten Hoffman: I am amazed by the quantity of good 3D content. Hardly a week passes without new top documentary producers approaching us. The "lack of 3D content" complaint is a myth. I am also surprised to see movement in various developing countries where we have licensed large volumes of 3D content.

3D Focus: Where there any points during 2011 that you worried about the future of 3D entertainment?

Torsten Hoffman: Yes, the trend towards 2D-to-3D conversions even for some large Hollywood blockbusters worried me. We don't want to kill the 3D industry so soon, do we? Also, I think that the premature introduction of autostereoscopic 3DTVs is confusing consumers.

3D Focus: What activity will Global Media Consult be involved with in terms of 3D entertainment this time next year?

Torsten Hoffman: We will continue to represent one of the largest stereoscopic content libraries in the world (mostly non-fiction) and are looking forward to establish strong relationships with distributors in Asia and elsewhere. We will continue to add new high-quality titles from independent producers and pursue licensing agreements worldwide. I hope that in 2012 larger broadcasting groups with significant acquisition budgets will emerge. I also hope that the launch of our own 3D brand/label will be a success.

Torsten recently reacted to the closure of the Canal + 3D channel. Writing on his blog, Torsten commented that the Canal + 3D programme line up was too limited with too many repeats suggesting the channel would have been wise to invest into acquiring 2-3 year broadcasting rights for various genres.

To read Torsten Hoffman’s full reaction to the closure of Canal + 3D click here.

For more information about Global Media Consult click here.

TOMORROW ON WHAT NEXT FOR 3D? – FUTURESOURCE

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