MacGillivray Freeman's giant screen river epic Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D was recognized by the Visual Effects Society (VES) with a nomination for a VES Award for "Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project," it was announced this week by VES. The nominees for this award are the film's visual effects producer Alan Markowitz and visual effects team members Mark Freund, Lee Nelson and Josh Mossotti.
The VES Award nomination was made in recognition of the film's main title sequence, a 2-minute sequence of animated 3D water bubbles interacting with live action shots filmed in 15/70mm. Nominees for the 7th Annual VES Awards were chosen by various panels made up of VES members. The awards will be presented on February 21 at an awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
"Grand Canyon Adventure is a film about water, and I wanted a visually stunning opening sequence that would convey the joy of the 3D giant screen experience and literally create a splash for the audience," said director Greg MacGillivray. "Our year-long collaboration with Alan and his team was a dream come true. The brilliant special effects they created show just how magical the 3D giant screen film experience can be."
"Watching film audiences practically jumping out of their seats to touch the 3D bubbles is one of the great rewards of my work on this film," said Alan Markowitz. "We set out to produce a visceral audience reaction with this sequence, and we are getting it in spades."
Now in its 11th month of release, Grand Canyon Adventure has played in more than 55 theatres worldwide after opening in March 2008. It is the winner of the 2008 GSCA Best Cinematography Award and the 2008 GSCA Special Achievement in Filmmaking Award for its spectacular opening title sequence. The film has grossed more than $11 million dollars worldwide and is one of the top-grossing 15/70 films of 2008.
Set on the iconic Colorado River, Grand Canyon Adventure takes viewers on an unforgettable river journey that calls attention to global freshwater issues. As scientific studies forecast water shortages in the Western U.S. and around the world, Grand Canyon Adventure explores the issues, presents real solutions and delivers an uplifting message of hope for future generations.
Grand Canyon Adventure is narrated by Robert Redford and features songs and music by Dave Matthews Band. The film is produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films and MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation in association with Museum Film Network, Reynders McVeigh Capital Management, and Waterkeeper Alliance. It is presented by Teva and supported by Kohler Co. The film is directed by Greg MacGillivray and produced by Greg MacGillivray, Mark Krenzien, and Shaun MacGillivray.
Upcoming giant screen films from MacGillivray Freeman Films include Van Gogh: Brush With Genius (February 9, 2009), Arabia 3D (February 2010, working title), To the Arctic 3D (February 2011), and Return to Everest 3D (February 2012).
About MacGillivray Freeman Films and its Educational Foundation
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the largest, most experienced independent producer and distributor of giant screen 70mm films in the world. Throughout the company's 40-plus year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award nominations and two film inductions into the IMAX Hall of Fame. In 1998 the company's hit film Everest achieved unprecedented box office success for a large format film and is currently the highest grossing giant screen film of all time.
In 2004, company president Greg MacGillivray and his wife Barbara founded the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation to fund and produce educational giant screen films and companion educational programming focusing on science, the environment, world culture and natural heritage locations. MacGillivray Freeman films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world.
For more information, please contact:
Lori Rick, MacGillivray Freeman Films
949-494-1055, lrick@macfreefilms.com
macfreefilms.com
mffeducation.org