As the 3D wave continues to ripple across the industry and studios begin exploring ways to tap into this new dimension, Toronto-based Tim Dashwood has been keeping mighty busy.

He’s no stranger to the 3D realm, with his initial interest starting out as a hobby a decade ago when he got his first 3D rig. Since then, the stereoscopic 3D cinematographer has worked on a number of music videos, coproductions and 2D features, and with his proprietary Stereo3D Toolbox software, he’s looking to cater to projects in the under-$10 million range.

Naturally, Avatar brought a lot of interesting parties his way, including fashion designer Nada Shepherd of Nada Designs and Grant Padley of Atomic Clock Cinematic Arts. Inspired by the blockbuster, the two set out to create a 3D film that would showcase Shepherd’s latest collection. ‘We’re not making a fighting film with cool clothes,’ says director Padley, ‘We’re making a fashion film with cool fights.’ At press time, the partners were determining the method and timing of distribution.

Filmed at Toronto’s Fast Motion Studios, the project takes on a video game theme – familiar territory for the studio, which offers motion-capture as one of its services and often works with game developers using the technology, including Silicon Knights out of St. Catharines, ON for its Too Human title.

But as more producers start thinking about the future and 3D, they’re looking to roll out more related content. Meanwhile, Paul Rapovski, president of 3D Unlimited and owner of Fast Motion, is hoping to be at the forefront of that and let industry folk know that they shouldn’t be scared off by the astronomical costs that went into Avatar – Rapovski says his company will be looking at more affordable options, such as filming live-action.