‘Avatar’ filmmaker to tap into 3-D in China

BEIJING – “Avatar” director James Cameron’s company is launching a joint venture in China to market its 3-D technical wizardry to the country’s fast-developing film and television industries.

Cameron Pace Group’s announcement Wednesday comes as the fast growth of China’s film market is attracting Hollywood studios that are rushing to link up with local partners.

The venture with two Chinese partners will supply 3-D filming technology and production services, said Cameron and his business partner, Vince Pace. They said they are discussing possible collaboration with state broadcaster China Central Television on developing 3-D TV.

“This is an enormous untapped market that is right on the verge of the transition from 2-D to 3-D,” said Cameron in an interview. “This is the best place for us to create a kind of second home.”

The Chinese partners are Tianjin North Film Group, a state-owned film and television production company, and Tianjing Binhai Hi-Tech Development Group, which operates a technology park in Tianjin, a port city east of Beijing where the venture will be based.

China’s ticket sales rose by one-third last year to $2 billion while revenue in North America, though still far larger at $10.2 billion, has fallen for two straight years.

The China venture will provide technology and support, rather than co-producing films, said Pace, a cinematographer who worked on “Avatar,” “Titanic” and other titles.

The venture also will work on research, development and manufacturing of the company’s equipment, Pace said.

That might lead to Chinese-developed technology being used in two planned “Avatar” sequels, Pace said. Cameron said those mostly likely will be filmed in New Zealand.