James Cameron urges BBC to step up 3D TV plans

Titanic director James Cameron has urged the BBC to follow the example of ESPN and Sky by stepping up its plans for 3D TV content.

Speaking to TechRadar at the 2011 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam, Cameron claimed the BBC has "held back a little bit" in its approach to producing and screening three-dimensional content, while some of its rivals have "jumped in".

According to the Canadian film-maker, the BBC need not continue to be cautious in its approach to 3D TV, as an influx of programming will be seen once 3D production costs fall in line with those of two-dimensional shows.

As a result, Cameron said he stressed to the head of the broadcaster that it cannot afford to "hold back indefinitely".

"You have to muscle in on this; you have to learn how to do this," he insisted.

"This is what broadcasters are starting to wake up to - that 3D is going to happen as soon as the cost deltas between the normal 3D productions and 2D productions start to reduce."

His comments came just a matter of days after the BBC announced a collaboration with the director, whose other big-name movies include Aliens, The Terminator and Avatar.

The tie-up will see the BBC work with Cameron Pace Group (CPG) on live-action feature film Walking with Dinosaurs 3D, which has been scheduled for release in late 2013.

Photo-real backdrops and true-to-life animation from Animal Logic, the company behind Happy Feet, will give viewers a glimpse of life in the prehistoric age.

Commenting on the venture, Cameron said Walking with Dinosaurs 3D is a "fantastic opportunity" to push forward CPG's 3D innovations even further.

He added the film "aims to bring audiences a real, visceral experience".

Earlier this year, the BBC engaged in its first public 3D venture with the men's and women's finals at the Wimbledon Championships.