Vancouver 3D film producer Gener8 Digital Media Corp. has raised $1.5 million in private financing to develop its proprietary stereoscopic 3D technology.

Gener8 raised the venture capital financing from Macquarie Private Wealth Inc., Haywood Securities Inc., Raymond James Ltd. and Leede Financial Markets.

Gener8 is developing digital technology that allows producers to geometrically create a 3D world in post-production from a 2D scene.

The 2D to 3D conversion process aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional 3D filmmaking, which requires the use of stereoscopic cameras and other 3D production methods.

Toronto-based Imax has already developed its own proprietary technology to digitally re-master and super-size Hollywood movies for its 3D screens.

The Gener8 process calls for translating a 2D scene in 3D for what the Canadian company claims is a film that looks as if it was shot with 3D cameras, but at less cost.

That’s a claim that conflicts with critics of 2D to 3D stereo conversion, with its removal and re-arrangement of digital artifacts, that contend nothing can replace traditional 3D filmmaking.

Gener8 is currently doing a 3D conversion of Sony Pictures’ Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (pictured), which stars Nicolas Cage.

The Canadian company’s other recent credits include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and the animated short film Luna.