[Hollywood Reporter]

…Despite the format’s troubles, 2011 marked another record year for 3D, with total box office revenue from 3D movies hitting $6.9 billion, an 18 percent jump, according to provisional figures from Screen Digest.

But in North America, still the largest 3D market, revenue actually was down, to $1.9 billion from $2.1 billion in 2010. While part of that drop was Avatar-related — no 3D release has come close to the take of Cameron’s record-breaking blockbuster — there are also clear signs of 3D fatigue.

“While 3D definitely isn’t going away, the audience is becoming a lot more selective,” says Screen Digest senior analyst Charlotte Jones, who points out that in North America, the 3D/2D split — the percentage of box office a 3D title generates from 3D screens  — was down to 56 percent last year, after garnering 66 percent in 2010 and a whopping 70 percent back in 2008.  …

There are still plenty of 3D titles cramming the halls of Cannes’ Marche du Film. …

“Actually, I spent a lot of my time in the past few years discouraging filmmakers from making their movies in 3D,” says Caroline Stern, director of international sales and acquisitions at Kaleidoscope. “3D is costly and it doesn’t necessarily have a value. There has to be a reason to shoot in 3D.” …

Wildlife documentaries seem to be one genre that is benefiting from 3D, particularly as 3D cameras and rigs get smaller and lighter, allowing documentary filmmakers to get places they could never have gone before. …

“If you look at the success of films like Wim Wenders’ Pina, it totally proves there is a market for indie product in 3D,” Horley says, “But you have to create an event that audiences are willing to pay a premium for.” …

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