Stratford Press Takes on the Third Dimension
October 15, 2009
A COMMUNITY newspaper in Taranaki is creating a storm on the media front, producing a groundbreaking 3D publication for the letterboxes of its entire readership.
Books illustrated with 3D
graphics have been on bookshop shelves for a number of
years, usually aimed at younger readers interested in
science. However, that’s all about to change with the
Stratford Press producing a special 3D publication of its
own called ‘The Heart of Taranaki.’
“We believe
this is the first 3D newspaper to be published in New
Zealand and we’re enormously excited about the concept,”
says Gordon Gray-Lockhart, General Manager of the Stratford
Press.
“The idea of producing a distributable,
32-page publication that goes to around 9000 households and
featuring 3D photographs of local people in local businesses
was irresistible; it’s a natural extension of the work of
international 3D film pioneers.”
After research,
print trials and negotiations with a New Zealand distributor
of bulk 3D glasses, Stratford Press’ small team of seven
staff managed to work out a way to do it, and the means by
which the readership could enjoy it.
On Monday,
October 19, it’s all systems go; the paper and
accompanying sets of 3D glasses will be distributed by the
Press’ normal network of couriers, rural delivery people
and paper runners to homes across the Taranaki
region.
“It has been hard work, but seeing local
people in 3D in the paper has been amazing – and people we
have showed have been absolutely gob-smacked. Everybody’s
really pleased with the results.”
According to
Gordon, the advertisers involved in the publication have
totally backed the concept and given a huge amount of
support to it.
“Stratford is full of innovative
people, just like many small towns are in New Zealand, so
we’re really proud to have taken this great concept off
the drawing board and into people’s letterboxes. It’s
great to think that our tiny team has had a hand in bringing
about a 3D revolution in print media,” says
Gordon.
ENDS