MUMBAI: 3D Entertainment’s filmmakers Jean-Jacques’ and Francois Mantello’s (the Mantello Brothers) first feature-length film, Oceans 3D – Into the Deep (working title) presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, have been acquired by Wild Bunch, a Paris-and London-based sales, distribution and production outfit. The film is set to become the first ever documentary to be both filmed and released in Digital 3D.
"We are delighted to have Wild Bunch, as our partner on ‘Oceans 3D’, a unique 3D experience that will leave audiences in awe of the beauty and biodiversity of the oceans," said 3D Entertainment Chairman Mantello. "The work their sales team has already accomplished in conjunction with the Berlinale’s European Film Market is absolutely remarkable, with the film sold in 51 territories so far and many others in final discussions."
"Thanks to Digital 3D technology, viewers will literally dive into the virtually unknown deep blue," said Wild Bunch’ co-founder and head of sales Vincent Maraval. "This flagship film is an excellent choice to kick off our new 3D label. Our goal is to quickly develop an independent film expertise in this field, ultimately offering a 3D title at each major film market."
The deal marks the first collaboration between the two companies. Under the terms of the agreement, 3D Entertainment retains the rights (all-media) for the US and Canada.
Distributors by territory for "Oceans 3D" include: Gaga Communications in Japan; Eagle in Italy; New Vision in China; Deltamac in Hong Kong; Filmware International in Taiwan; Festive Film in Singapore; Wanda Distribucion Cinematografica in Spain; Monolith in Poland; Spentzos Film in Greece, Luxor Entertainment in Russia and CIS; Fivia in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bir Film in Turkey; Acme in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; Best Hollywood in Hungary; Hollywood Classic Entertainment in Czech Republic; Independenta Film in Romania; Lusomundo in Portugal; Orlando Films in Israel; Video Vision in South Africa; Europa Cine in Brazil and Europa Filmes in other countries of South America and Queen Films in Indonesia. Wild Bunch’s Gallic distribution arm plans to launch the film in Digital 3D this summer.
The 85-minute long docu-fiction is currently in post-production and completion is anticipated for this May in time for the Cannes Film Festival’s Annual Market. The film is the result of six years of production, 25 challenging expeditions and 200 hours of footage shot in 3D.
A tribute to the ocean, "Oceans 3D" takes viewers on a voyage through, among others, Californian kelp forests, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Roca Partida Island off the coast of Mexico. Audiences will witness some spectacular scenes of life beneath the waves ever captured in 3D.
Oceans 3D is presented by Cousteau and endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme. Produced by 3D Entertainment and McKinney Underwater Productions, it is directed by Mantello with underwater cinematography by Gavin McKinney, and it features an original score by Christophe Jacquelin.
In 2001, 3D Entertainment developed an ambitious plan to produce both a feature-length docu-fiction and a 3D "edutainment" film series for IMAX theatres. The three installments already released at IMAX theatres — "Dolphins and Whales 3D" (2008) narrated by Daryl Hannah, "Sharks 3D" (2005) and "Ocean Wonderland 3D" (2003) — have proven highly successful, cumulatively generating in excess of USD 68 million to date at the theatrical box office.
