You’ve seen it at the cinema, but it’s not just the likes of Pixar and Dreamworks that are excited about Stereoscopic 3D. Interest is spreading across a range of media, with serious backers like BSkyB, Sony and Blitz Games all creating product for the medium. To these movers and shakers there is a critical mass coming, and before long images will be leaping out of your screen whether you are a gamer, telly addict or avid cinema-goer.

Skillset will explore the issues surrounding the second coming of the third dimension in Stereo 3D, Take Two: This time it’s personal at this year’s Encounters short film festival in Bristol on November 18.

With a panel comprising gaming legend Andrew Oliver, chief technical officer of Blitz Games; Stereo 3D guru Phil Streather, CEO of Principal Large Format; Simon Robinson, chief scientist of The Foundry; and makers of Stereo 3D software, Jan Rogowski, co-founder Red Star Animation and Vicky Godfrey, co-director of SquareZero, we will explore the commercial and technical reasons why Stereo 3D is taking off NOW, and the challenges this presents to film-makers and animators. We will ask: is it more than a gimmick this time? What is triggering Stereo 3D’s re-emergence? What new technical and conceptual skills are needed to create engaging Stereo 3D?

Skillset’s Computer Games, Animation and Facilities Sector Manager, Saint John Walker said: “The visual possibilities that are available in Stereo 3D are forcing filmmakers and games producers to re-examine the visual languages they use to entertain and engage their audiences. This means new skills are needed, and exciting new opportunities are arising for UK film and animation talent who get involved with this challenging new medium.”

The session will include short presentations and a roundtable discussion, and is a must-see for both students and media professionals interested in engaging with Stereo 3D.

Stereo 3D, Take Two: This time it’s personal will take place as part of the Encounters short film festival at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Bristol, Glass House, Cabot Circus Bristol, BS1 on November 18, from 1.30 to 3.30pm. Admission is £5.

Visit http://www.encounters-festival.org.uk for more info.