Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby is set to become the first major Australian 3D feature shot with the RED EPIC camera and 3ality rigs.
Cinematographer Simon Duggan ACS said he completed tests on the EPIC with Luhrmann in New York last month and was “very happy” with the results.
“It’s not that much bigger than a standard film camera,” he said, adding that the EPIC also allows shooting hand-held or with a Steadicam.
The film is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1920s novel and will star Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton. Duggan said the film will be shot at 5K resolution to allow blowups and visual effects.
Panavision Australia will supply the three EPIC cameras (including one backup), as well as the 3ality rigs, for the shoot.
The four-month shoot begins at Fox Studios Australia next month and wraps up in December. Alex Proyas’ VFX-heavy Paradise Lost epic is also expected to take up a sound stage during that time.
A number of other recent 3D blockbusters have also employed the RED EPIC and 3ality rigs including The Amazing Spiderman and Peter Jackson’s two Hobbit films, although that is also being shot at a revolutionary 48 frames per second in an attempt to improve picture quality.
The RED EPIC, pictured at LEMAC's stand at this year's SMPTE conference.