NMNH, Costeau Join to Protect Sharks

Written by: 3D Entertainment
Date: November 7, 2006

The National Museum of Natural History and Jean-Michel Cousteau Join Forces to Protect Sharks with a Breathtaking New Film, SHARKS 3D, Now Playing at the Smithsonian's Samuel C. Johnson IMAX® Theatre

SHARKS 3D creates major waves in Washington D.C. and invites audiences to discover nature's ultimate yet endangered predator in a whole new way.

Washington (DC), November 7, 2006 – The Smithsonian Institution, Jean-Michel Cousteau and 3D Entertainment, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programm (UNEP), invite audiences to a stunning, immersive diving experience with SHARKS 3D, the first-ever shark-themed 3D IMAX theatre film, which premiered last Wednesday, November 1st at the National Museum of Natural History's Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theatre in Washington D.C.

"I am very pleased that DC-area residents now have the chance to share in this truly memorable encounter with the world's great shark species, such as the Great White, Whale Shark and Hammerhead," said Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of Ocean Futures Society. "Watching Sharks 3D is like pulling on a diving suit and swimming weightlessly with sharks all around. If you've ever wanted to know what it's really like to dive with sharks, this film is certainly a must-see."

"Despite the existence of various international treaties, certain shark species have been reduced by nearly 80% in the past decade alone. Today, the priority is not only to end the steady decline of the shark population, but to rehabilitate its image among the general public," said UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP's Executive Director, Achim Steiner.

"We are thrilled to launch Sharks 3D at the National Museum of Natural History's Johnson IMAX theatre and to offer our visitors a unique, informative and exhilarating experience with these endangered predators," said Toby Mensforth, director of theaters for Smithsonian Business Ventures. "Sharks 3D has been carefully selected to delight our IMAX audiences and to enhance the Smithsonian educational mission."

"I sincerely believe that Sharks 3D, while entertaining audiences, delivers a strong and compelling argument for shark conservation by shedding new light on the urgent need to protect these animals," said director Jean-Jacques Mantello. "Ultimately, the film's purpose is to lead people to think differently and positively about sharks. As many fellow conservationists have stated before, we protect only what we love. Therefore, we first need to understand what sharks are really like before there can be a change in public perception. Then perhaps we will begin to protect them."

Principal photography on Sharks 3D required an extensive nine-month shoot totaling 500 dive hours. The film was shot on location in Guadalupe Island, Socorro Island, Revillagigedos and the Sea of Cortez (Mexico), Malpelo Island (Colombia), the Red Sea (Egypt), Sodwana Bay (South Africa), Inhambane (Mozambique), San Diego (USA) and Rangiroa Atoll (French Polynesia).

Production notes are available at http://www.3DEpublicity.com

The Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theatre brings Sharks 3D to life in grand fashion, offering a unique 3D experience from each of its 427 stadium-style seats with high-definition images projected onto the huge, six story-tall screen and 15,000 watts of pure digital surround sound. The Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theatre is located in the National Museum of Natural History at 10th Street and Constitution Ave N.W. in Washington D.C. For information on tickets and showtimes, please visit www.si.edu/imax or call 202-633-IMAX (4629) or 1-877-WDC-IMAX.

Sharks 3D is produced by 3D Entertainment and McKinney Underwater Productions Inc., directed by Jean-Jacques Mantello, filmed by Gavin McKinney and executive produced by Francois Mantello. Sharks 3D features an original score composed by Christophe Jacquelin.

Sharks 3D is distributed worldwide by 3D Entertainment in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (http://www.unep.org) and is endorsed and supported by Ocean Futures Society (http://www.oceanfutures.org), Reef Check (http://www.reefcheck.org) and PADI's Project Aware (http://www.projectaware.org).

Sharks 3D is recommended for general audiences and has been rated "Universal" by the British Board of Film Classification (equivalent to a MPAA “G” rating).

Official film website: http://www.sharks3D.com

IMAX is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

About 3D Entertainment:
Based in London (UK), 3D Entertainment specializes in the production and distribution of marine conservation and environmental-themed films specifically for the worldwide network of IMAX theatres. The company's mission is to immerse audiences in unique underwater experiences that inspire and educate. Their first documentary, OCEAN WONDERLAND 3D, released in February 2003 at IMAX 3D theatres around the globe, sheds light on the crucial function of the endangered coral reefs. Currently in production is DOLPHINS & WHALES 3D (wt), the last chapter in the company's unique ocean-themed film trilogy. The company enjoys strategic alliances with McKinney Underwater Productions and Studio Helios XVI.

About the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History:
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. Opened in 1910, the green-domed museum on the National Mall was among the first Smithsonian building constructed exclusively to house the national collections and research facilities. The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., in Washington, D.C., welcomed more than 5.5 million visitors in 2005. For further information, call (202) 633-1000, TTY (202) 357-1729 or visit the museum's website at www.mnh.si.edu