So you walked out of the theater after seeing Avatar in 3D for the third time and you're thinking, "I want to make a 3D video!" Obviously if you can marshal the same resources Director James Cameron did, you probably will. More than likely you'll have to start out more modestly. But where to start? What gear and software will you need? How do 3D videos get made?

Understanding the Technology

Two primary methods of acquiring footage are involved with 3D films headed for theatrical release. One uses two separate cameras side-by-side for direct stereoscopic filming. The other converts a standard 2D movie into a 3D film. Many agree the conversion method is inferior to shooting stereoscopically from the start. There are tons worth of technical information concerning what potentially is needed and how to make 3D videos.

However, the basics for stereoscopic 3D video creation are fairly simple to grasp. First you'll need to understand basic 3D terms. Next, you'll need to know what format of 3D video you want to make. Lastly, you will need a basic understanding of cameras, how to stabilize them and the editing software that you will need to complete your video.

You first need to understand that making 3D video is more challenging than shooting regular 2D video. There will be more planning, gear and work involved to complete the project. So you need to understand some basic 3D video terms. Stereoscopy is any method capable of recording 3D information or creating an illusion of depth in a 2D image. Stereoscopy has been around since the late 19th century by taking two identical photographs and putting them onto a stereo viewer. The device takes advantage of the distance between our eyes, known as the inter-ocular distance, and fools the viewer's brain into seeing a 3D scene.

In the 21st century there are more technical ways to achieve the same result. The more common method we'll examine is the Complimentary Color Anaglyph (CCA) particularly the red/cyan variety. An anaglyph is a stereoscopic technique using two overlapping images. By using two complementary colors representing each eye (i.e. red-left, cyan-right) the effect becomes much more convincing. To create a believable 3D effect using the CCA method you'll need: 2 same-model cameras, a side-by-side camera mount, a stereoscopic player, a monitor that allows you to view 3D or two video streams, a stereoscopic calculator, 3D glasses (red/cyan) and editing software which allows more than one video track.

To break down 3D video creation into its basic points, I spoke with two innovative videographers; professional Jeff Cools, and 'Mad Genius' hobbyist Pavel Houda, about their gear and approach to the format. For me a long-time videographer and filmmaker, the conversation was eye-opening.

VM: Is making 3D videos your job or hobby?

Jeff Cools - I've been working in video production since 1989 as my primary business and started making 3D videos in 2007. My unofficial job title is 'Preditor' meaning I do everything from pre-production to editing!

Pavel Houda - This is 100% hobby for me. I have a background in electrical engineering and computers. My job is in TV manufacturing. It has been helpful knowing the fundamentals for working with this equipment.

VM: What got you interested in making 3D videos?

Cools - I always keep tabs on what Hollywood is doing. I saw the film Beowulf in 3D and was blown away! I assessed Hollywood was banking on 3D to get people back into theaters. Until TV manufacturers can duplicate the 3D experience, theaters are the best bet. The US is currently far behind Japan and the United Kingdom when it comes to 3D television, but I like the process and want to be a part of it.

Houda - I have an old DLT-TV that's capable of showing 3D but there wasn't any way to get live 3D video on it. The obstacle was how to make 3D video without giving people headaches. My family politely watched my early attempts but took off their 3D glasses when I wasn't looking!

VM: What kind of gear do you use to make 3D videos?

Cools - To keep my work as true 3D I use two HD cameras of the same brand and model that have a genlock feature so I can synchronize the cameras. However, you can use an audio slate or a hand-clap if you don't have genlock. I also use a slide mount because the cameras have to be positioned close together as possible. If your cameras are too large to get close, you can shoot using a mirror. In addition, I use a monitor to view the two video streams. The last things I use are a Focused Iris Zoom (FIZ), a controller to sync the two camera zooms and a good tripod or stabilization unit. Oh, and a Lens Focusing Chart.

Houda - I use two camcorders side-by-side with a LANC controller. The controller allows me to sync the two cameras for up to 20 minutes similar to genlock. I link the two cameras up to a netbook computer which has stereoscopic viewing software on it. I watch the live video and the display with a set of VGA video glasses. To keep all this portable and keep the cameras aligned, the solution was mounting the cameras onto a hand-held stabilizer. With everything connected to the netbook, I can put everything in a small camera bag on my shoulder. To control the computer I use a tiny keyboard with a built-in trackball.