Laguna Beach, CA—Nov. 7, 2012—MacGillivray Freeman Films, IMAX Filmed Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that the IMAX® 3D film, To The Arctic, has crossed the $10 million benchmark at the worldwide box office – highlighting its universal appeal and ongoing success with IMAX® audiences. The film debuted on April 20, 2012 in 50 IMAX theatres across North America and has since launched in more than 75 IMAX locations, including 22 international theatres. The film also recently opened in Russia in 21 IMAX theatres on Oct. 18. To The Arctic has grossed $11.7 million to date in worldwide ticket sales and is on track to become the highest-grossing documentary created for IMAX theatres of the year.
“To The Arctic aspires to realize the true potential of The IMAX Experience® through a combination of a great location, compelling characters, powerful cinematography shot in the highest quality IMAX 15/70mm format, an emotional soundtrack featuring music by Paul McCartney, and meaningful educational themes,” said director Greg MacGillivray. “The film provides audiences that immersive, you-are-there experience that built the giant-screen industry and keeps our audiences coming back for more.”
To The Arctic represents the first film released under MacGillivray Freeman’s One World One Ocean Campaign, a 10-year multi-platform media initiative designed to change the way people see and value the ocean. The film received the two top trophies at the 2012 Giant Screen Cinema Association Achievement Awards, collecting honors for Best Film Short Subject and Best Film for Lifelong Learning.
An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, To The Arctic tells the ultimate tale of survival. Narrated by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep with songs by Paul McCartney, the film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home.
MacGillivray Freeman’s upcoming slate of 3D films includes (all working titles) Hidden Universe (March 2013, from December Media), The South Pacific (Spring, 2014), Humpback Whales (Spring, 2015), Ocean Planet (Spring, 2016) and Everest: Conquering Thin Air (May, 2016).
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 36 IMAX films to its credit. Throughout the company’s 40-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award nominations and three film inductions into the IMAX Hall of Fame. The company’s hit film Everest is currently the highest grossing giant-screen film of all time. Helmed by Oscar-nominated producer/director Greg MacGillivray, MacGillivray Freeman Films is the first documentary filmmaker to reach the $1 billion box office benchmark in worldwide ticket sales. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and successful blend of education and entertainment, as well as their celebration of science and the natural world.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of Sept. 30, 2012, there were 689 IMAX theatres (556 commercial multiplex, 20 commercial destination and 113 institutional) in 52 countries.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
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This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management’s assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
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Media contacts:
MacGillivray Freeman Films
Lori Rick
(818) 212-3434, lrick@macfreefilms.com
IMAX Corporation
Paul Pflug
Principal Communications
(323) 658-1555, Paul@pcommgroup.com
