Annotated Biography of
CHRIS J. CONDON
PIONEER of 3-D
"PIONEER of 3-D"
-AMPAS November 3, 2007, Rob Hummel, Director
"CHRIS CONDON HAS KEPT 3-D ALIVE
FOR THE PAST 35 YEARS" - Peter Anderson, ASC
Chris J. Condon, Ph.D. (Honorary)
1943 - Army Air Force Aviation Cadet Program
Air Force College Training Detachment - Rochester, NY
Air Force Officer Candidate - Scored highest on
entrance written exam
1944 - Transferred to Lowry Field, Colorado for
Aircraft Armament Training
August 1944 - Army Air Force B-24 Combat Crew
Training
Awarded Valedictorian Silver Medal in Armament
Training- Harlingen, Texas
December 2, 1944 - Married Marjorie Mae Hanson
Hammer Field Air Base, Fresno, CA
1945 - WWII Overseas Military Service
Served in 5th Air Force, B-24 and A-26
combat zone, Southwest Pacific Theatre
Experience as combat Crew & Cinematographer,
awarded four Bronze Battle Stars
1945 - Post-war (Occupation duty, Itami, Japan)
Appointed NCO Commander of 1828th Aviation
Ordnance Squadron
February 1946 - (USA) Condon and his wife arrived in California
Los Angeles - Highest score combination "artistic/technology design" aptitude test, Los Angeles College
Position:
Industrial engineering trainee/innovator
1947-1948 - Early Entrepreneurship
Designer/Founder of Century Precision Optics Co. - North Hollywood, CA
Designer and manufacturer of renown ultra sharp
light-weight Tele-Athenar telephoto lenses
Noted telephoto lens clients: Nature and wildlife Cinematographers,
Bruce Brown, Greg MacGillivary, and Greg Noll
Oscar-winning TV and Film series
Organizations joined: Air Force Association, Chapter #266
Treasurer, San Fernando Valley Squadron
Personally associated with General Jimmy Stewart and
General Jimmy Doolittle, C.M.H. (Congressional Medal of Honor)
1952 - Organization joined: SMPTE
(Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers)
Awarded two bronze plaques for technical presentations
1953 - First associated with renown "House of
Wax" Director Andre deToth, (also known for being a one-eyed stereo
photography genius)
Condon later co-produced a sculpture related
documentary filmed in 35mm 3-D StereoVision with deToth in 1986.
Chris and his wife attended the Hollywood premiere of
"House of Wax" ultimately spearheading his 40-year career in 3-D filmmaking.
1953 - Issued his First U.S. Patent for 3-D projection lens system
1958 - 1960
- Special Technical Instructor
Columbia College of Hollywood - Movie Optics
Instructor
1963 - Co-wrote new edition of American Cinematography Manual for ASC with co-writer Joseph Mascelli
1968 - 1969 - Issued his Second U.S. Patent for
world's 1st Single-Camera 3-D Motion Picture Lens
Product Name:
"Magnavision 3-D", Co-designer/Partner: Allan Silliphant
Specifications: Camera lens renders two, "side-by-side" anamorphized (squeezed)
images on each frame of 35mm film stock.
Note: Initial
footage filmed with this lens was demonstrated to several producers including
Andy Warhol and Paul Morrisse
1969-1971 - Establishment and success of
Magnavision Corp.
Productions:
"The Stewardesses" in StereoVision* 3-D (MPAA rated 'R')
Note: "The Stewardesses" became the 6th
highest grossing general release film of
1971. As reported by
weekly periodical "Variety"
*Company
name changed to "StereoVision International, Inc." not to be
confused with "Stereo Vision Entertainment, Inc." whose President
John Honour has fraudulently purported
that he produced "The Stewardesses".
1971 - Organization
joined: IFPA (Information Film
Producers of America, Inc.)
1971 - Condon and Silliphant co-founded Sierra Pacific Airlines
1972 - Issued his Third U.S. Patent
Product:
Special widescreen 3-D camera lens for modern 35mm and 70mm reflex
motion picture cameras
1972 - 1980
- Co-produced several 3-D feature films such as "The Volcano Creature",
"The CIA Girls of Capitol Hill", and "Mr. Howard's Crazy Airline"
1973 - StereoVision International, Inc. is
re-organized
Chris J. Condon, President/CEO of StereoVision
Marjorie M. Condon (wife), Vice-President/CFO
CLIENTS SERVED
"ANDY WARHOL'S FRANKENSTEIN" in 3-D. Chris Condon, 3-D projection lenses and polarized 3-D glasses supplier, Exhibitor Consultant
"THE WILD RIDE" 3-D (short subject), Chris
Condon, Producer
"THE VOLCANO CREATURE AND THE SURFER GIRLS",
Chris Condon, Co-Producer and Director of 3-D Photography
Feature film "MR. HOWARD'S CRAZY AIRLINE",
Chris Condon, Producer, Co-writer, Director of 3-D Photography, and Distributor
Feature 3D Cinema Productions, "THE C.I.A. GIRLS
OF CAPITOL HILL",
Chris Condon, Co-producer, Director of 3-D
Photography, and Distributor
1971-1974 - Condon-Silliphant Co. distribution of
3-D films USA and Canada
Client: Warner
Bros. Classics, "HOUSE OF
WAX" (1953) 3-D
Note:
StereoVision rented the 3-D projection lenses to over 400 theaters for
all Warner Bros.' 1982 re-releases of abovementioned film in addition to
Hitchcock's "DIAL M FOR MURDER" in 3-D
1982 - Chris Condon awarded U.S., Canada, Japan, and
India,
patent for Wide-Screen 3-D camera lens for reflex
35mm movie cameras
1969 to Present - Condon's StereoVision remains the major U.S. supplier of 3-D camera rental lenses and 3-D rental projection optics for theatrical exhibition to over 2,000 movie theatres
Note: To date, polarized 3-D film (celluloid) projection is still available. Condon's associates currently rent polarized 3-D film (celluloid) attachments.
1983 - Cinematographer and Chief 3-D Consultant to
production of highest grossing 3-D film of all time -- "Jaws 3-D"
Note: After completion of principal
photography, SVI (StereoVision International, Inc.) produced USA 3-D titles in
English (from Spanish), provided consultation on 3-D print preparation to the
lab and 3-D projection rental services to theatres
StereoVision was appointed rental supplier of 3-D
projection lenses throughout the U.S. and Canada for abovementioned film, and
"HOUSE OF WAX", "FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 3",
"SPACE HUNTER", "STAR CHASER", and "DYNASTY"
1981 - 1985 - Feature films photographed in
StereoVision 3-D
Production Title: "PARASITE", starring Demi Moore
Producer: Charles Band, 3-D Lenses: Chris Condon
Note: provided consultation on 3-D
cinematography, was the supplier of all 3-D camera optics and 3-D projection
lenses to every exhibitor throughout the USA, Canada, and France
Title:
"JAWS 3-D" (1983)
Co-producers:
Alan Landsberg, Rupert Hitzig
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Note: Condon was chief 3-D Consultant throughout
the entire production, post-production, and worldwide distribution. This extended to his 3-D consultation
to the special effects unit in North Hollywood, CA
Prior to its theatrical release in 900 theaters by
Universal Pictures, SVI, Condon's company was hired to conduct numerous 3-D
projection seminars held in many major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
After the film's opening, StereoVision's 3-D
projection optics were rented to over 400 theaters in the U.S.A. and Canada
Note: "JAWS 3-D" is the most
profitable polarized 3-D film to date
Production Title: "METALSTORM"
(1983), starring Kelly Preston
Released by:
Universal Pictures/Empire Productions
Rotoscope Special Effects Supervisor primarily used
3-D camera lenses provided by StereoVision
StereoVision was supplier of all 3-D projection lenses
to each exhibitor
throughout the USA, Canada, and France
1984 - CHOTA CHETAN
India's first 3-D feature film was produced
entirely with StereoVision, Int'l 3-D camera lenses, including technical
and artistic consultation provided by Chris Condon, became a successful
children's film on epic proportions
1985 - Letter
of Commendation from Warner Bros, by Mr. Terry Semel, President
Numerous 3-D production consultations and 3-D lense
rentals for production and exhibition
Condon's 3-D lenses are used at Scientific and
Educational venues in Japan
NIGAATA, GALAPAGOS ISLAND, SHURI BRIDGE, HOKKAIDO, and
many other Japanese 3-D short subjects are produced by Dentsu-Prox of Tokyo,
Japan
3-D Lenses, Chris Condon
Abovementioned are also shown at various educational
venues throughout Japan including, but not limited to, children's museums
1985 - Letter
of Commendation, SMPTE, for "Large Format" presentation
1985 - 1990 -
Condon's 70mm 3-D for Numerous Venue Promotions
in France and Japan
The following projects were
filmed and projected in Condon's 70mm 3-D systems:
Production Title: "ETERNAL MAN AND IRON"
Filmed in Condon's new format "Ten Perf 70! 3-D
Producer:
Dentsu-Prox, Tokyo, Japan
Large Screen (90 feet wide)
1987 -
Letter of Commendation by American Society of Cinematography (ASC)
1987 -
IMAX enlarged Condon's 70mm 3-D technology for aerial camera mounted
scenes in "WINGS OF COURAGE" starring Val Kilmer
1987 -
Production: "SUPER
STARS AND STRIPES" in 3-D
Producer:
Jeff Kutash - Kutash Dancin' Machine - shown in such venues as Las Vegas, NV
and Atlantic City, NJ
1989 - Production: "FAMILY CIRCUS" in 70mm 3-D
Producer:
Extension - Paris
Client:
Renault - France
Note: Film was successfully shown to
enthusiastic audiences throughout Europe for Renault automobiles and others
May 1991-1993 - Sponsors World's First Special 3-D
Movie Festival
Event:
Vagabond 3-D Film Festival
Venue:
Vagabond Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Note: Condon and partner Mitch Matovich
exhibited more 3-D films than anyone else in any single venue to date -- over
30 features and shorts in 3-D single-, and dual-projector
1995 - Condon commences creation and cinematography of
first spiritual theatrical 3-D film on location in Israel entitled "The
Holy Land"
1998 - 2000 - A New Generation of Special Venue 3-D projects
Client:
Radioactive Records
Shown for over a year at Knot's Berry Farm amusement
park
Subject Title:
"EDGE OF REALITY"
(short 3-D subject)
3-D Consultant:
Chris Condon
Note: Unique 'Extreme Sports' USA footage
includes world's first 3-D close-up of surfing, skate-boarding; rock climbing,
and snow boarding
Tent-mounted Theatre Premier -- First showing
in a tent-mounted theater at Woodstock '94 and traveled throughout USA
and Canada
1990
- 3-D's expanding
enthusiastic community lauds Condon with
Lifetime Achievement Award
"Our sincere gratitude for the 3-D Film Festival and
for his Lifetime Dedication to the Advancement of 3-D Motion Pictures" -- The
Stereo Club of Southern California 3-D Movie and Video Division, June 2, 1990
1990 - 2005 -
Condon's 3-D technology used for Product Promotion at Special Venues
1994 - 3-D presentations at Woodstock '94
1998 - StereoVision
3-D camera lenses used at James Cameron's request for Steadi-Cam filming of
"TERMINATOR II 3-D" (T23D), expanded to 70mm 3-D by James Cameron's
productions company Lightstorm Entertainment
3-D Lenses:
Chris Condon
2000 -
Installed 3-D projection optics for "EDGE OF REALITY" at
Knot's Berry Farm amusement park
2002 -
Condon begins principal 3-D photography on his legacy feature film
"The Young Liberators", the exciting true story of America's most
decorated air mission of World War II
2001 -
Production Title: "I
LOST MY M IN VEGAS", filmed in 3-D StereoVision and StereoScope 3-D
Client:
MGM Hotel/Casino Las Vegas, NV
2005 -
Condon's StereoVision 3-D lenses return to France and win Awards
Production Title: "LA REVOLE", a spectacular 3-D musical featurette
for Wine Consortium special venue, Wine Museum, Rheims, France
Domenique Bennecheti, Producer, Director
Also reviewed with critical acclaim in 2006 at
Disney's 70mm screening room in North Hollywood, CA
2007 -
3-D theatrical documentary film in production "IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF
JESUS" utilizing 35mm 3D footage filmed in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and many
other historic/religious locations -- anticipated theatrical release in 2008!
CHRIS
J. CONDON SUMMARY
1959
- Advanced
Education
1962
- President's
Award, St. Nicholas Church, Northridge, CA
1969
- First 3-D U.S. Patent Issued
Certificate: Optical Design & Engineering,
- U.C.L.A.
Certificate: Special Optical Effects for
Motion Pictures - U.S.C.
1972
- Faculty, Columbia College,
Hollywood, CA, Motion Picture Optics
1976
- Honorary Membership: StereoKino, Moscow
1983
- Certificate: 3-D Motion Picture Technologies -
U.S.C. Cinema
1984
- Honary Membership, India Society
of Cinematography
1986
- Honorary Banquet, Dentsu, Japan
1992
- Honorary Doctorate Degree: Doctorate in Scientific Research
-
Instituto
de Recherche, Naples, Italy
2003 - Technical
Seminar in Three Dimensional Imaging, Chris J. Condon, Keynote Speaker,
3-D Technical Symposium - San Jose, CA, sponsored by SPIE (Society for
Photographic Instrumentation Engineers)
2007 - "PIONEER of 3-D", Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS)
2008 - Inventor of NEW 3-D™. The world's most advanced three dimensional motion picture system.
CHRIS J.
CONDON PUBLICATIONS:
American
Cinematography Manual, 1963
Principles
of Quality 3-D Motion Picture Presentation published by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) in 1983
A
New Large Format 70mm 10P65 Camera Design, SMPTE, 1988
Manual
of 3-D Cinematography and Projection,
2008 (co-author)
Chris J. Condon has been involved as a 3-D motion picture Producer, Consultant, Distributor, and Director of 3-D Cinematography on over 40 3-D feature films, documentaries, and shorts in as many years.
He can be reached at: (818) 288-7919.