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3D Pioneers, DIRECTV and Panasonic, To Host Inaugural 3D Film Invitational

Six Filmmakers to Train with Technicolor and Panasonic; Films to be Showcased on DIRECTV and at Premiere Screening Event at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles

Winner of the 2011 DIRECTV n3D Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic will Take Home $25,000 Grand Prize

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — May 3, 2011 — Furthering their commitment to the 3D category, DIRECTV and Panasonic will host the inaugural 2011 DIRECTV n3D™ Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic.

The Invitational will give six filmmakers the opportunity to train on the latest 3D equipment and create a short film that is funded by DIRECTV and Panasonic. All six films will premiere on DIRECTV’s 3D channel, n3D™, powered by Panasonic, and will be screened at a premiere event, which will be held at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles this summer. The winner of the Invitational’s n3D Excellence Award will receive a $25,000 grand prize. In addition, Technicolor will also present a 3D Technical Achievement Award and $5,000 prize.

“As a leader in 3D entertainment, DIRECTV aims to foster and encourage a new generation of film and television makers whose vision will drive the technology forward,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “Our goal is to give these filmmakers an opportunity to work with the latest 3D equipment and receive training from world renowned 3D technology companies, without having to worry about the costs associated with filming in this format. We are excited to see the final lineup of 3D shorts and to cultivate a new group of filmmakers who will continue contributing their talents to the 3D category in the future.”

“Panasonic is very pleased to see the enthusiasm among filmmakers for the creation of 3D short films,” said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, vice president and chief technology officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America. “As the pioneer in 3D TV technology, we are especially proud that much of today’s newest and most compelling 3D content is being created using Panasonic 3D tools, including professional quality 3D video cameras and 3D reference monitors. We are delighted that the 3D content that will be created in the 2011 DIRECTV n3D™ Film Invitational Presented by Panasonic will further accelerate the growth of interest in 3D entertainment in the home and cinema.”

“Technicolor is pleased to be supporting our partner, DIRECTV, and to be part of this 3D film making event,” said Gary Donnan, executive vice president - Strategy, Technology, & Research at Technicolor. “We believe that 3D film making requires specific production values and we are honored to be contributing both our 3D Master Class and our Technicolor Certifi3D service to ensure the highest quality experience for the end consumer.”

DIRECTV recently worked with programming partners to identify a select pool of talented individuals as ideal candidates to join in this event and had them participate in a pitch session where they presented an original, live action short film concept that follows this year’s Invitational theme of “Anything is Possible,” to a panel of distinguished judges, which included representatives from DIRECTV, Panasonic and Technicolor. From this group of candidates, six finalists were selected to move forward.

Over the next couple of months, the six finalists will be allowed to select up to two members of their production team to attend Technicolor’s renowned 3D Master Class and experience hands-on training from Panasonic on its 3D camera at DIRECTV’s Los Angeles Broadcast Center. In addition, each filmmaker will receive the following to create their short film:

All of the films will be included in a 3D broadcast special, which will feature the “making of” the short films. The special, along with the films themselves, will air on DIRECTV’s 3D Channel, n3D™ powered by Panasonic.

DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country. n3D, powered by Panasonic (Ch. 103), the nation’s first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to exclusive 3D coverage of special events such as the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, the n3D channel also gives customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV’s award-winning series Guitar Center Sessions; the 2011 DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl and Guy’s Big Bite in 3D. The 3D programming available both on n3D and DIRECTV CINEMA™ are all powered by Panasonic. DIRECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform. For more information on n3D™, powered by Panasonic, please visit www.DIRECTV.com/3D.

About DIRECTV:

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world’s largest pay TV provider delivering the premiere video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 28 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.2 million customers access to more than 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, award winning technology like its DIRECTV® DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for ten years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 9 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company:

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is a world leader in 3D technology offering end-to-end 3D solutions for consumers and professionals ranging from award-winning Full HD 3D HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players, and 3D camcorder and digital camera products through professional products for 3D acquisition, display and content production. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com and its Full HD 3D site at www.panasonic.com/3D. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Technicolor

Technicolor is home to industry-leading creative and technology professionals committed to the creation, management and delivery of entertainment content to consumers around the world. Propelled by a culture of innovation and underpinned by a dedicated research organization, the company’s thriving licensing business possesses an extensive intellectual property portfolio focused on imaging and sound technologies. Serving motion picture, television, and other media clients, the company is a leading provider of high-end visual effects, animation, and postproduction services. In support of network service providers and broadcasters globally, Technicolor ranks among the worlds’ leading suppliers of digital content delivery services and home access devices, including set-top boxes and gateways. The company also remains a large physical media service provider, being one of the world’s largest film processors and independent manufacturers and distributors of DVDs and Blu-ray™ discs. Euronext Paris: TCH. www.technicolor.com


Contact:

DIRECTV
Jade Ekstedt, 310-964-3429
Email Contact
or
Panasonic Corporation
Jim Reilly, 201-392-6067
Email Contact
or
Technicolor
Season Skuro, 818-371-0006
Email Contact