Popular Mechanics has an article detailed how James Cameron created the space opera Avatar using new 3-D technology. The article has a semi-biographical piece which describes how Cameron taught himself visual effects, by photocopying dissertations at the University of Southern California library, while working as a truck driver. It then gives a short history of the films that Cameron has made since then, before delving into shooting Avatar in 3-D.

Stereoscopic moviemaking has historically been the novelty act of cinema. But Cameron sees 3D as a subtler experience. To film the live-action sequences of Avatar, he used a modified version of the Fusion camera. The new 3D camera creates an augmented-reality view for Cameron as he shoots, sensing its position on a motion-capture stage, then integrating the live actors into CG environments on the viewfinder.

I especially liked Sigourney Weaver’s quote: “This is what Cameron’s inner 14-year-old wanted to see.” Avatar was the number 1 movie this week that brought in an estimated $73 million in the U.S. and $232 million worldwide. Considering what it cost to make, which is a rumored $300 million, one can hope that the movie will continue to rake in the money. You can read the article both on-line and in the January 2010 issue at the newsstands. They also have an exclusive interview with James Cameron on You-tube.