James Cameron’s eye on the C-prize – improving drone technology for film
COLLETTE DEVLIN
Drones are changing the way films are made and movie mogul James Cameron is supporting more innovation in the emerging technology.
The top international filmmaker is throwing his support behind C-Prize, a Callaghan Innovation-led competition aimed at developing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector and boost New Zealand’s position as world-leader in the development of the cutting-edge technology.
The the C-Prize compettion was officially launched at an event in Propeller Studios, Miramar on Wednesday night.
Avatar director Cameron and producer Jon Landau both expressed interest in what the competition could do to help the film industry.
The blockbuster filmmaker said he supported the opportunity to improve UAV technology for use in filmmaking.
“I am starting to really like drones as camera platforms. Any improvements that can be made to make them more stable and quieter would enable them to be used for a wider variety of world class shots. This is what excites me about the C-prize; teams can develop technology to reduce noise, increase stability and track filming subjects. I look forward to seeing what people come up with.”
Landau said New Zealanders’ innovative nature and passion for filmmaking made this country the right place to launch such an initiative.
“I can’t think of a better place to launch this technology challenge,” he said.
NZ Film Commission head of international relations Chris Payne said drones were increasingly used in the film industry but also in TV and for music videos.
They extended the potential to be creative and the sky was the limit for users, he said.
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