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