Since James Cameron's number-one-selling blockbuster "Avatar," studios everywhere are pushing forward their 3-D projects. They all know that stereoscopic images are what the public now demands. Here's a particularly unique example.

 

They call it "small Siberia" because it is the coldest place in Eastern France. At the foot of this Medieval castle, a world first is in the making. A small cinema crew is shooting a film in "real" 3D in a way never before possible.

On this shoot, the technology used is the most advanced so far. Shot entirely in "real play", meaning that the whole film is shot using real scenery. The 3D effect is possible by placing two cameras in one.

Thanks to a mirror, a second camera situated underneath a first one allows the filmmakers to see the action the same way a human would.

In Avatar, only 10 percent was real-play with the other 90 percent using computer generated imagery.

3D movies are the flavor of the year. But 3D is still a difficult technique to master. In fact, on this film set, the crew constantly needs to adapt as they discover the technical limitations and the amazing possibilities of stereoscopy.

Film studios around the world know that 3D films can bring film lovers back into the theatres. Already, many are re-working previously made films and, thanks to special effects, re-creating a simulated 3D effect. But that technique is not as good as 'real' 3D filming.

In Paris, back at the studios where the film will be finished, little three dimensional characters are being designed, but their appearance is still at an early stage.

The process with 3D movies is drastically longer than with traditional films. For example, because 3D films have much more detail than normal films, more effort is needed on things such as make up for the actors.