4D Theatre: Super 78 Produces China’s Premiere Digital Flying Attraction Film Flight of the Dragon at Shanghai’s OCT Theme Park

Super 78 Studios advances digital filmmaking in China, by producing the first ever digital large format, live-action aerial film for Shanghai's largest theme park with a projected annual attendance of three to five million people.

Super 78 Studios, Inc., an innovative production company providing expert digital media content worldwide, today announced the completion of their film for OCT (Overseas Chinese Town) and their 220 Acre Happy Valley Theme Park, Shanghai’s largest theme park located in the Sheshan Resort area which is anticipated to attract between three to five million guests annually.

Flight of the Dragon is the first ever, digital large format live-action aerial film produced for the China market. Super 78 Studios was sought out by OCT for their ambitious and powerhouse approach to making a film that was, considered by most, nearly impossible. Through a series of detailed design strategies, innovative digital mastering techniques, and a solution-oriented philosophy, Super 78 delivers this unique attraction film set to debut in 2010.

Flight of the Dragon, written and directed by Brent Young, Super 78’s Principal and Chief Creative Officer, is a large format film that captures astonishing aerial footage of China’s Great Wall, scenic views of the Yellow Mountains, Zhangjiajie, and the Lijiang River, taking guests through an extraordinary tour of China’s most famous and beautiful landmarks. This magical story of China begins with a photo-real, computer generated Dragon who accompanies the audience through the spectacular landmarks while guiding us towards the grand finale fireworks display over Shanghai’s futuristic Pudong district.

“Our team spent nearly eight weeks in helicopters over various locations to film a truly one-of-a-kind film,” says Brent Young. “Integrating unique animation elements enabled us to incorporate the rich Chinese culture on a grand scale.”

Dina Benadon, Super 78 CEO adds, “As an independent Hollywood-based studio, we faced a lot of challenges in the production process--dealing with the government, the military, and local production studios is very different from what Western producers are accustom to. We had to learn how to work in a new culture, with very unique customs and business practices while producing a film of this caliber. I think our exceptional team opened doors for future producers and this film will certainly play a key role in further bridging the cultural differences between our two countries.”

Charlotte Huggins, a well-known 3D feature film producer with acclaimed production credits that include Journey to the Center of the Earth (Warner Bros.), Honey I Shrunk The Audience (Disney) and Fly Me to The Moon (nWave Pictures) further added “The combination of securing multiple permits, access to equipment, restricted air space, in addition to cultural and language barriers was considered virtually impossible, but we did it. Our American and Chinese crews delivered an unprecedented experience for the people of China. We’re thrilled to capture the beauty of the countryside from the air which has been seen by so few Chinese—the visual experience is spellbinding.” Utilizing the latest in attraction technologies, the film will be projected on an air-suspended 30 meter by 17 meter dome screen, where four Christie Projectors will deliver the highest image quality. This amazing attraction is designed to fulfill the guest experience and the feeling of flying.

To achieve this major undertaking, Super 78 assembled a world-class team and developed proprietary image manipulation tools. The color correction process was completed at Fotokem and supervised by Rick Gordon whose credits include Wild Ocean 3D, U2 3D, and Sea Monsters. Using a proprietary technique known as the Super Canvas™ process and led by Super 78 in-house artist Michael “Oz” Smith, the film maintains its integrity when projected on any exhibition platform. Super 78 converted the footage to fit the custom dome projection system and to perform in the highest resolution possible.

Further enhancements to the attraction include a 35,000-watt sound system delivering a world-class musical score by Emmy award-winning composer, Dan Zank, exuding powerful Chinese melodies and accents recorded by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. To complete the total immersive guest experience, in-theater effects including wind, mist and aromatic scents like bamboo-forest, make this a one-of-a kind theme park attraction.

About Super 78

Super 78 Studios is a group of multi-talented artists, technicians and engineers and who have developed and produced entertaining and educational stories across several digital media platforms. Celebrating 13 years in business, this award-winning creative production company continues to accentuate well-known brands and intellectual properties into special venues and experiential markets. With offices in Hollywood, California and Beijing, China, and offering a large library of original content, Super 78 is expanding into creating, producing and owning live-action and animated properties. For more information, please visit www.super78.com.

Original article posted on BLOOLOOP.com