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What's Happening: January 2003 - June 2003

June 23, 2003: IMAX to Open theater at Disneyland Paris
IMAX Corporation today announced plans to open a theater at the Disneyland Paris theme park. Click here for more the press release.

June 19, 2003: OCEAN OASIS WIns PADI Environmental Award
Summerhays Films today announced that its 2000 film OCEAN OASIS has won the PADI award for environmental awareness. Click here for the press release.

June 12, 2003: IMAX Planning Two 3D Sequels - to 'Into the Deep' and 'Space Station'
During the Large Format Cinema Association (LFCA) last month, IMAX Corporation announced that, despite its recent emphasis on re-purposed Hollywood films, it is still simultaneously developing original Large Format 15/70 productions. In particular, the company revealed that it is developing two 3D sequels -- to the underwater 3D film INTO THE DEEP, due to release in 2005/2006; and to last year's blockbuster SPACE STATION 3D, expected to debut in 2007/2008.

June 10, 2003: Leonardo DiCaprio to Attend Reef Check Fundraiser Featuring 'Coral Reef Adventure'
A Los Angeles fundraising event with the coral reef preservation group Reef Check, sponsored by Quiksilver, will be attended by Leonardo DiCaprio, among other celebrities, and will feature a "sneak preview" (for the Los Angeles area) of the MacGillivray Freeman Film 'Coral Reef Adventure.' Click here for the full story.

June 10, 2003: LFCA Film Festival Winners
One feature-length film and one short film were chosen as winners amongst a slate of 14 films as part of this year's Large Format Cinema Association (LFCA) Film Festival, held last month at two Los Angeles-area IMAX Theaters. BUGS 3D won the feature category, and WHERE THE TRAINS USED TO GO took the short-film prize. Click here for the press release.

June 6, 2003: LFCA Elects New Board of Directors for 2003/2004
At its annual conference held in Los Angeles last month, the Large Format Cinema Association (LFCA) elected its Board of Directors for the 2003/2004 year. Click here for the press release.

June 5, 2003: IMAX Versin of Matrix Reloaded Opens Tomorrow in North America, Then Internationally
The IMAX DMR version of Matrix Reloaded, which already opened to huge box office success in 35mm theaters last month, will be released to the IMAX network of theaters in North America beginning tomorrow. (Click here for a complete list of theaters showing the film.) And in a press release issued today, IMAX Corporation revealed that the film would also be distributed to IMAX theaters in the UK, Germany, Russia South Africa, Singapore and Japan, starting this month and into July.

June 1, 2003: Hal Holbrook to Narrate 'Our Country'
Big Movie Zone has learned that actor Hal Holbrook will narrate 'Our Country,' a documentary telling the history of the United States in the 20th century through country music. The information was provided by Giant Screen Films, the movie's distributor, who also confirmed that the film will hold its premiere in Nashville on June 25th.

2003-05-31: Cameron Shooting Next Two Films - a Feature and a Documentary - in HD
During his keynote address at the LFCA Conference earlier this month, James Cameron, who last month released 'Ghosts of the Abyss,' his first HD film and first to be aimed at least partially at Big Movie theaters, stated his intention to shoot his next two films with the same HD 3D system. The first will be another underwater documentary ('Deep Sea), like 'Ghosts' aimed at Big Movie and 35mm theaters but this time investigating deep-sea hydrothermal vents (also the subject of Stephen Low's upcoming release 'Volcanoes of the Deep Sea), while the other was described as a $100 million feature film (no details given as to the subject matter). Click here for another article about the HD feature film.

May 25, 2003: IMAX Comes up with Incentive for Multiplexes to Install an IMAX Theater
According to a story in the Toronto Star, IMAX Corporation has unveiled an incentive for theater operators (particularly multiplexes) to install an IMAX Screen -- promising them regional exclusivity. Click here for the full story.

May 19, 2003: Cameron's 'Ghosts of the Abyss' Shows in Special Screening at Cannes
The Associated Press today reported that James Cameron's recently-released Big Movie HD 3D documentary, 'Ghosts of the Abyss,' was his first-ever entry to the Cannes Film Festival, held this month in Cannes, France. The film showed at a special screening outside the main competition.

May 18, 2003: Walden Media -- Another 3D Film for Big Movie Theaters?
According to a New York Times article, Walden Media, who partnered with James Cameron on the HD 3D film 'Ghosts of the Abyss,' is in development on a 3D version of Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' It is unclear, however, whether this film will (like 'Ghosts') be released both to Big Movie theaters and 35mm venues, or only to the latter.

May 7, 2003: Wasserstein Fund Distributes Shares to Limited Partners
IMAX Corporation announced yesterday that Wasserstein Partners, LP (a partner since Co-CEOs Brad Wechsler and Richard Gelfond aquired IMAX in 1994) has distributed to its limited partners 8.2 million of the shares of IMAX common stock it had been managing on their behalf. Click here for the press release.

May 6, 2003: IMAX Releases First Quarter Results
IMAX Corporation has released its first-quarter financial results, reporting net earnings of $0.07 per share. Click here for the press release.

May 4, 2003: SPY KIDS 3D - Not in IMAX/LF Theaters
For his upcoming sequel, SPY KIDS 3D, Director Robert Rodriguez used the same HD 3D rig that James Cameron used on GHOSTS OF THE ABYSS, leading to speculation that the film might be released in 70mm theaters. However, in a recent interview with About.com, Rodriguez revealed that the film would be released only to conventional 35mm theaters. Viewers will be given anaglyph (red/green) 3D glasses to view the film -- the same system used for older 3D films of the 1950s (and others such as Jaws). Click here to read the interview on About.com.

April 29, 2003: IMAX Signs Deal For 3 New Theaters in India
IMAX Corporation today announced the signing of a deal for three new IMAX(R) theaters in commercial complexes in India, all of which are slated to be opened by 2006. Click here for the press release.

April 23, 2003: Matrix Sequels Coming to IMAX Theaters
IMAX Corporation today announced that the second and third installments to THE MATRIX will be coming to IMAX(R) Theaters, at about the same time as their respective release to conventional 35mm theaters. Click here for the press release.

April 22, 2003: Celebration Cinema in Lansing to House First MPX Theater
In an April 1st news conference, Jack Loeks, Celebration Cinema owner, announced that his Lansing, Michigan multiplex location would house the world's first IMAX MPX theater. (See below -- March 3, 2003 -- for more on IMAX MPX, a new theater system designed specifically for commercial multiplex environments.) Celebration Cinema has one other IMAX system already, a standard IMAX projector at its Grand Rapids (Michigan) location. The MPX Theater is slated to open as early as December 2003.

April 14, 2003: Annual LFCA Conference May 14-16
The Large Format Cinema Association (LFCA) annual conference will be held this year May 14-16 at the Bridge Cinema de Lux theater in Los Angeles and the Hilton West Side hotel. This year James Cameron (who recently released his first Large Format film: Ghosts of the Abyss) will be the keynote speaker, and the Film Festival will include several films that have yet to be screened to an industry audience. For more details, click here for the press release.

April 12, 2003: Galatee to Produce New Film For Futuroscope's Magic Carpet Pavillion
Futuroscope has reported to BMZ that Jacques Perrin of Galatee Films is entering production on a new film for its Magic Carpet Pavillion, tentatively titled "L'air et L'eau" (Air and Water). Slated for release in March 2004, the film will be only the second created for the one-of-a-kind IMAX "Magic Carpet" theater, which features 2 IMAX Screens -- one in front of the audience, and one visible through a transparent floor underneath. The original Magic Carpet film, FLOWERS IN THE SKY, has been shown at the theater since its opening in 1992.

April 10, 2003: Dalsa Announces New 4K Digital Camera
At the recent National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas, Dalsa Corporation unveiled the prototype for a new digital camera capable of resolution up to 4K -- considered to be highly suitable for Big Movie productions. (As comparison, 4K is equivalent to four times the resolution of the "HD" camera that James Cameron used to film the recently-released Big Movie GHOSTS OF THE ABYSS.) At recent Large Format industry conferences, Imagica Corporation's Chris Reyna has shown footage shot with a similar 4K camera being developed by Olympus. For more on Dalsa's camera, click here for the press release.

April 9, 2003: LFCA Announces Films to be Screened
The Large Format Cinema Association (LFCA) has announced the slate of films to be screened at its annual festival, to be held May 14-16 in Los Angeles, California. Several films will be shown to industry audiences for the very first time. Click here to visit the LFCA web site for more Conference Info and to register.

April 7, 2003: Desert IMAX Among World Leaders For Increased Attendance
The Desert IMAX® Theatre in Cathedral City has announced that it has one of the highest increases in attendance among reporting IMAX® theaters worldwide for 2002, compared with attendance reported in 2001. Click here for the press release.

March 26, 2003: James Cameron to Speak at LFCA
The LFCA today announced that James Cameron would be the keynote speaker at this year's conference, to be held May 14-16 in Los Angeles. Click here for the release.

March 24, 2003: Amica Insurance to Sponsor FORCES OF NATURE
National Geographic has announced the signing of Amica Insurance as title sponsor for its upcoming Big Movie, Forces of Nature, a co-production with Graphic Films. The film will be distributed by Destination Cinema beginning in Spring 2004. Click here for the press release.

March 17, 2003: Cameron's Ghosts of the Abyss -- Some 100 Bookings
Ghosts of the Abyss, James Cameron's latest Titanic film -- and first intended for Big Movie theaters -- will be released in nearly 100 theaters in the U.S. and U.K. on April 11th. Because it was filmed in digital with Sony HD cameras, the movie can be shown in its 3D form in either 70mm Large Format theaters, or specially-formatted conventional 35mm venues. (Click here for more on the production and distribution strategy, and other news about this film.) So far, 57 Big Movie theaters in the US and UK have booked the film, plus 45 standard-sized theaters in the US (mostly those owned by Regal Entertainment Group, whose Owner Philip Anschutz also owns ABYSS co-producer Walden Media). Click here for the list of Big Movie theaters, and click here for the list of standard theaters.

March 13, 2003: NASCAR IMAX FIlm Crew Touring Bristol, Other Speedways
Production for the upcoming film NASCAR: The IMAX Experience 3D appears to be in full swing, with the crew flying across the country in a lear jet, touring speedways such as the famous Bristol Motor Speedway. The joint IMAX and NASCAR production is slated for a 2004 release, and will be co-distributed by IMAX and Warner Brothers. For more on the current production crew's activities, click here to read the article in the Bristol Herald Courier.

March 13, 2003: First IMAX Theater in Russia To Open (in Moscow)
IMAX Corporation today announced that the first-ever IMAX Theater in Russia will open on April 4, 2003, in Moscow. The theater will be named the Nescafe IMAX Theater, following a sponsorship with Nescafe's maker Nestle. Click here for the press release.

March 3, 2003: IMAX Corp. Announces New Theater System Targeted at Multiplexes
IMAX Corporation today announced a new theater system, dubbed IMAX(R) MPX(TM), aimed at the North American theater market -- a segment whose growth has slowed to a near-standstill in recent years. The first MPX Screen will be installed by the Michigan theater chain Jack Loeks Cinema (at an as-yet undisclosed multiplex). Increasing the number of potential outlets for IMAX DMR (re-mastered 35mm Hollywood) films is a primary aim of the new theater type, according to the company. The maximum screen size for the new theater system will be 70' x 44', and the theaters will hold up to 350 people. This is nearly 10' shorter in height than the 72' x 53' maximum screen size of the IMAX SR (Small Rotor) system, which was introduced in the 1990s as a smaller projector for commercial multiplexes, and less than half as tall as the largest IMAX GT (original, standar) theater screen (117' x 96' screen in at the Sydney IMAX Theater).
Click here for the press release.

March 3, 2003: Rodney Taylor to Receive Kodak Vision Award
The LFCA (Large Format Cinema Association) today announced that Rodney Taylor would receive the 5th Annual Kodak Vision Award, to be presented at the LFCA Conference taking place in Los Angeles, in May. The Award recognize excellence in Large Format cinematography. For more info, click here for the press release.

March 1, 2003: 5 LF Films Nominated for MPSE Award
Five Big Movies received nominations for "Best Sound Editing in Special Venue Film" from the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) for 2002. The 50th Anniversary MPSE Award Ceremony will be held March 22, 2003 in Los Angeles. For more info, click here.

February 24, 2003: Shanghai Theaters Find Success with IMAX 3D Films Re-purposed for 35mm Projection
As reported today by VARIETY, at least 8 conventional 35mm theaters in Shanghai, China are showing 3D films using two projectors, with patrons wearing special plastic glasses. In addition to films taken from other formats, among the titles being shown are re-purposed IMAX 3D films such as Haunted Castle and 3D Mania -- and some are outperforming Hollywood blockbusters. Click here for the full article.

February 24, 2003: TV, Feature Docu Company Duncan Group Moves into Big Movies
As reported by the Greater Milwaukee Business Journal, Milwaukee-based Duncan Group, maker of documentary films for TV and feature film distribution, is planning a move into Large Format films with the launching of Thunder House Pictures. The subsidiary's first planned project is "The Great Butterfly Hunt," currently in pre-production, is about a hunt for a rare species of butterfly. As with their smaller-screen productions, company founder Chip Duncan aims to finance the films through corporate underwriting. Thunder House aims to produce two to three films per year, a pace which, if achieved, would bring it in line with or ahead of the release schedule of the industry's largest producers. In recent years, several industry newcomers have announced similarly lofty production schedules, but none have been able to make good on their goals. Even long-established production/distribution houses like MacGillivray Freeman Films rarely release more than two films per year.
Click here to read the full article.

February 24, 2003: Regal to Open Two New IMAX Theaters in Boise, Denver
Regal will open IMAX Theaters in Boise, Idaho and Denver, Colorado, according to an agreement announced today by IMAX Corporation. The Boise theater will likely be located in the same multiplex that previously housed an IMAX theater, before a lawsuit between IMAX and Edwards resulted in its closure in the Summer of 2001. (Edwards was bought out by Regal Entertainment Group in 2002.) IMAX did not disclose details about this or the Denver location, however, only saying they were slated to open by April 2003. The April target date was likely set to correspond with the opening of James Cameron's Ghosts of the Abyss, a film co-financed by Walden Media, a company owned by Regal owner Philip Anschutz. Cameron has reportedly enlisted Anschutz to help expand the number of target venues for his film, which will show both in 3D Big Movie theaters and 35mm screens specially-equipped to show 3D.) With these two new screens, Regal now operates 14 IMAX Theaters -- considerably more than any other company in the world besides IMAX Corporation itself. In the press release, IMAX called the openings part of its continuing strategy to expand the number of commercial screens to show its Hollywood live-action DMR films.

This announcement comes just months after IMAX revealed that 5 other Regal locations would re-open -- all of which had been converted from IMAX to competing Big Movie formats just one year prior. (For more on this, see BMZ Buzz October/November 2002.)

February 15, 2003: Otto, Longtime Fort Worth Science Museum Prez, Resigns
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram today reported that Donald Otto, president of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History since 1977, has announced his resignation. Otto, who said he "wants to do something else with his career," will remain on board until March 31st. Under his leadership, the museum's attendance mushroomed from 300,000 per year to more than a million, and he helped bring the first IMAX theater to the Southwest region in 1983. Click here to read the article (registration required).

February 13, 2003: IMAX 3D Nascar Film Starts Production
NASCAR and IMAX Corporation announced that production on their upcoming 3D IMAX film 'NASCAR: The IMAX Experience 3D' will begin tomorrow to coincide with the Daytona 500. The film is slated for a Spring 2004 release. For more info, click here for the press release.

February 12, 2003: Vikings - New Film From Sky High
Quebec City-based Big Movie production house Sky High Entertainment (Ultimate G's, Adrenaline Rush) today announced that its new film in development, VIKINGS (working title), would begin production this May for a Spring 2004 release. As with ADRENALINE RUSH, Sky HIgh principal Carl Samson will produce the film, Marc Fafard will serve as writer/director, and Giant Screen Films will distribute.

February 11, 2003: LFCA Offering Early Bird Conference Registration Through February 28th
The Large Format Cinema Association, one of the leading organizations for the Big Movie industry, is offering $200 savings off its regular rates for the 2003 Conference. The rate can be obtained through February 28th from the LFCA web site.

February 11, 2003: TREASURE PLANET ('Animated Feature Film') is Only Big Movie Nominated for Oscar
The 75th Anniversary Academy Award nominations were announced today by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS). While no Big Movies made the cut in the 'Best Documentary Short Subject' category, as they have frequently since ERUPTION OF MT. ST. HELENS became the first in 1980, Walt Disney's Treasure Planet, released last November in both 35mm and 70mm Large Format versions, did receive a nomination in the 'Best Animated Film' category. No other Big Movies were nominated, but Kodak did win a Sci/Tech Oscar earlier this year for its Vision Premier Color Print Film (see BMZ BUZZ - Jan. 10, 2003).
You can view all nominations on the Oscars web site)

February 10, 2003: IMAX Announces Three New Upcoming Theaters in China
IMAX Corporation today announced three new theater signings in the People's Republic of China, bringing to eight the total number of NEW theaters expected to open there by 2005 (and to 13 the total number of theaters by 2005). The three venues, in Beijing and Dongguan, will include two IMAX 3D systems and one IMAX Dome. For more info, click here to read the press release.

February 7, 2003: British Columnist - Bring Back the Intermission For Big Movie Epics
David Lister, a columnist for the British newspaper the INDEPENDENT, is suggesting that the intermission should be brought back to break up full-length 35mm feature films that are reformatted for IMAX and other Big Movie screens. Lister feels that an intermission would provide a needed break from the awe-inspiring, but overwhelming, nature of movies with such intense sound and size. According to the editorial, IMAX Corporation Co-CEO Brad Wechsler is thinking about inserting intermissions into any long new releases they secure for IMAX DMR conversion. Since the film platters can currently only handle 120 minutes, this would enable films over two hours in length to be shown in their entirety on the IMAX screen (the only two DMR films so far, Apollo 13 and Star Wars II had to be trimmed by 15 minutes or so for IMAX Theaters).

February 7, 2003: SPY KIDS 3 to Use Cameron's 3D HD Camera
The upcoming third installment in the SPY KIDS series will reportedly be shot in 3D, using the same HD camera James Cameron used on his Titanic documentary Ghosts of the Abyss (release date: April 11, 2003), according to the web site Aint it Cool News. In addition to Big Movie 70mm 3D theaters, Cameron's film will be distributed to 35mm digital theaters specially equipped to project in 3D. There is no word yet on the distribution plans for SPY KIDS 3.

February 6, 2003: GSTA Announces 2003 Board of Directors
The Giant Screen Theater Association (GSTA), the oldest and largest association for the Big Movie industry, recently announced its Board of Directors for 2003. Click here for the complete list.

February 5, 2003: STOMP, EQUUS, SPACE STATION and ADRENALINE RUSH Win La Geode Festival Awards
The winners of the 8th Annual La Geode Film Festival were recently announced:

For more information, click here for the release, or visit the La Geode web site.

February 4, 2003: Judy Dench to Narrate BUGS!
Acclaimed actress Judy Dench will narrate Bugs! 3D, it was announced today by the film's distributor, SK Films.
Click here to read the press release.

February 3, 2003: Theaters React to Space Tragedy
Space travel and space shuttles have long been one of the most popular subjects for IMAX (and other Big Movie) documentaries. In the wake of the recent shuttle disaster, some theaters are taking steps to address the tragedy. For example, the John Glenn Extreme Screen Theater in Columbus, Ohio (named after famous astronaut John Glenn) is offering free screenings of the 1982 film Hail Columbia, which follows the first flight of the shuttle. (Click here for the story.) And in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the McLeod/Busse IMAX Theater at Science Station will hold a moment of silence before the final screenings of Space Station, the latest Big Movie on space that is currently showing in 80 venues worldwide. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, moviegoers at the Luxor IMAX Theater by and large remained supportive of the manned space program after viewing SPACE STATION, reported the Las Vegas Sun.
For info on all the space-related Big Movies, see our IMAX in Space.

February 2, 2003: Liam Neeson to Narrate Coral Reef Adventure, his Third Film for MFF
MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF) recently confirmed to BMZ that Liam Neeson will narrate Coral Reef Adventure, the latest film it's producing and distributing. This is Neeson's third narration effort for a MFF Big Movie, following Journey into Amazing Caves (2001) and the blockbuster Everest (1998). CORAL REEF ADVENTURE, which features renowned diver/filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall's expedition documenting the beauty and endangered plight of the world's coral reefs, premieres February 14th at the Museum of Science, Boston. (Click here to read BMZ's interview with the Halls.)

January 30, 2003: Euromax Appoints New Administrator
The European association for the Large Format industry. Euromax, this week revealed that a replacement had been found for Janet Wilson, who last month announced her intention to vacate her post as administrator. Wilson, who headed up the organization for 5 years, left to pursue other interests. Singleton will take charge of, among other things, the biannual conference held in Berlin (the next event is scheduled for February 2004).
Click here to read the press release.

January 29, 2003: Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village to Change Name
The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, the Dearborn, Michigan complex featuring several attractions (including an IMAX Theater), yesterday announced that it would be changing its name this Spring.
Click here to read the news flash.

January 29, 2003: South Bank Might Buy Back Brisbane IMAX Theater
According to a story published in the Australian daily THE COURIER-MAIL, there is a chance that South Bank Corporation will buy out MTM Entertainment Trust's lease on the Brisbane IMAX Theater facility next month, enabling the cinema to remain open. Previously, the Brisbane IMAX was to close permanently on February 21st. IMAX Theaters in Australia have not fared well of late, with the Adelaide and Perth locations having recently shut down.
Click here to read the complete story.

January 21, 2003: EVEREST Surpasses TO FLY as Box Office Leader
According to a press release issued today by MacGillivray Freeman Films, its 1998 blockbuster, EVEREST, has recently overtaken its 1976 release, TO FLY! , as the top-grossing documentary film of all time. At the same time, it steals TO FLY!'s position as the highest-grossing Big Movie ever. Click here for the press release.

January 20, 2003: 'Secret' Distributor Screenings for Cameron's 'Abyss'
According to a report published yesterday on the web site Ain't It Cool News, special preview screenings of James Cameron's Big Movie documentary Ghosts of the Abyss were recently held on both coasts in the United States. The screenings presented an opportunity to show the nearly-complete film to an interested audience of distributors, and according to the report the reaction was quite positive. The film, shot entirely with a digital 3D camera, will be distributed beginning in April both to 70mm Large Format venues, as well as 35mm venues specially retrofitted by Regal Cinemas to project in digital 3-D film product. (See the May 24th entry in News Briefs). Walden Media, the company co-producing the film along with Cameron's Earthship Productions, is owned by by Philp Anschutz' Regal Entertainment Group.

January 2003: WWF International to Support Ocean Wonderland 3D (formerly Blue Magic)
The Worldwildlife Fund (WWF) International recently announced its support for Ocean Wonderland 3D (formerly titled 'Blue Magic'), a new Big Movie documenting the beauty and the endangered plight of coral reefs. When it premieres on February 11th at the Simons IMAX Theatre at the New England Aquarium in Boston (its only announced booking so far), it will be the first Large Format film release shot entirely with a digital camera. (The camera used was a 3D version similar to the one George Lucas used in the most recent Star Wars installment, and the one James Cameron used for his upcoming underwater Big Movie documentary Ghosts of the Abyss.) In addition to WWF, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has already professed its support for the film, and its Executive Director, Klaus Toepfer, will be on hand for premiere and press conference. The opening of OCEAN WONDERLAND will precede by one day the debut of another Big Movie about coral reefs, MacGillivray Freeman's Coral Reef Adventure, which premieres at another Boston-area museum (Museum of Science) on February 12th, and has secured some 50 bookings so far. For its part, CORAL REEF ADVENTURE counts as its conservation-oriented partners Reef Check, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Surfrider Foundation, the National Oceaonographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among others.
Click here to read the WWF announcement.

January 13, 2003: Cameron Going Underwater Again for the GIANT Screen?
VARIETY, citing the French magazine VSD, yesterday reported that James Cameron is planning to direct another shipwreck documentary for Big Movie screens -- an exploration of the Prestige, which sank off the Spanish coast on November 19th. His first shipwreck disaster expedition, examining the sunken ships Titanic and Bismarck, was made into a TV documentary which premiered last month, as well as a Large Format film (Ghosts of the Abyss) set to open April 11, 2003. For the latest effort, according to VSD, Cameron would use the same vessels employed for the Titanic/Bismarck dives to tell the story of the Prestige disaster, which resulted in 70,000 tons of spilt oil and is regarded as one of Europe's most devastating environmental incidents. As of Sunday, sources close to Cameron could not yet confirm the project to VARIETY. Cameron's interest in Big Movies was first revealed a few years back, in his plans for a Mars documentary for the Giant Screen. He has since scrapped the Mars project to focus on the shipwrecks, but director George Butler ('Endurance') has apparently picked up where Cameron left off. (For more on the Mars film, see BMZ BUZZ, : Feb - Mar. 2002)

January 13, 2003: Primesco's First Indian Theater in 2004?
Primesco, the Montreal-based producer and distributor of Big Movies such as LOST WORLDS: LIFE IN THE BALANCE, has plans for six to seven Big Movie theaters in India, according to an article appearing in today's edition of THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS. According to Primesco co-president Afsana Amarsy, the company is lining up the estimated $10 million in financing needed for the first location, slated to open in New Delhi in 2004.

January 10, 2003: Kodak Vision Film Stock Earns Sci/Tech Oscar
The Kodak Vision Premier Color Print Film (2393), often used for Big Movie productions, will receive an Academy Plaque at the Academy Awards for Scientific & Technical Achievement, to be held in early March in Beverly Hills, CA. For more info and a list of all the award winners, visit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) web site.

January 7, 2003: New Porsche SUV Featured in TOP SPEED
According to an USA Today article earlier this week, MacGillivray Freeman's upcoming film TOP SPEED will feature Porsche's brand new SUV, the Cayenne. Porsche is a multimillion-dollar sponsor of the film, and last weekend commenced a $15 million ad campaign for its new entry to the highly-competitive luxury SUV field.

January 3, 2003: 8th Annual La Geode Festival Jan. 15-Feb. 3
The 8th Annual La Geode International Film Festival will screen ten Big Movies released in 2002 beginning January 15th, through February 3rd. The Festival, taking place at the La Geode IMAX Theater in Paris, France, will award 3 prizes: The Grand Prize, chosend by a jury of industry professionals; The Youth Prize, chosen by a group of 10 and 11-year old schoolchildren; and The Public's Choice Prize, derived from audience votes. The nominees this year are as follows:

For more information, visit the La Geode web site.

January 2, 2003: Desert IMAX Attendance, Revenues Are Up
The Desert IMAX Theatre in Cathedral City, CA (near Palm Springs) today reported that its attendance and revenues were up significantly in 2002 versus 2001 ( when the theater was on the brink of closing). For details, click here.

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