Being Dolphin 4D Makes a Splash at World Premiere

April 27, 2018 (Santa Clarita, CA) —  SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, the world leader in 4D Theater experiences, has partnered with Talbot Films to create the cinematic attraction experience Being Dolphin 4D. The film is a visually stunning look at one of the ocean’s most complex and charismatic animals. It features a first-of-its-kind approach from the perspective of the dolphin – encouraging guests to dream, dive, and discover throughout the aquatic journey.

The National Aquarium hosted the world premiere of Being Dolphin 4D during a member preview event on April 25 that included an exclusive Q&A with award-winning director/cinematographer Bob Talbot. The film will launch to the public on April 27.

Talbot, an advocate for marine conservation wrote, directed and co-produced Being Dolphin 4D. The production was designed and created specifically as a 4D Experience®. The film merges cutting-edge technology with the talent of an extraordinary team to create an immersive experience that transports viewers into the world of wild dolphins. “This truly was a passion project for all involved,” says Talbot. “I am grateful to have such incredible partners that made it possible, from the shooting of wildlife scenes in challenging open ocean conditions to the extremely complicated post-production process, everyone brought their all.”

Talbot enlisted the help of industry leaders many working simultaneously on upcoming Hollywood films. SPINVFX (GAME OF THRONES, SUICIDE SQUAD) created computer generated scenes to allow guests to experience how dolphins are able to “see” with sound. They worked closely with visual effects designer Boyd Shermis (FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND) to showcase echolocation from the dolphin’s perspective. Composer Cliff Eidelman (STAR TREK VI, FREE WILLY 3, OCEANMEN) created a musical score that effortlessly complements the on-screen ethereal beauty, becoming the soul of the film.

Award-winning Vision Research generously provided the Flex4K camera that captured the extreme slow-motion sequences from unique perspectives – including custom underwater propulsion vehicles that allowed the camera to “fly” with dolphins. The team at Prime Focus (PACIFIC RIM UPRISING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) converted the original footage into the highest quality 3D while EFILM’s (A WRINKLE IN TIME, BLADE RUNNER 2049) team of expert Colorists and Editors provided the finishing work.

The film was under the watchful eye of Producer Adam Ellison (JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, METALLICA THROUGH THE NEVER) as he navigated the many unexpected challenges of the shoot. Ellison shares “the dedication everyone brought to this project stemmed from our common desire for creating a highly entertaining and enlightening experience that provides a fresh perspective on dolphins and their place in the natural world.”

This enchanting 4D Experience® explores how dolphins engage with each other to survive, thrive and play in the ocean. Skim the surface and swim to the depths with a pod of dolphins that share the ocean with all sorts of strange and wonderful animals. From the dark temperate waters off the California coast to the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea, take in the breathtaking views these beloved beings call home. Through a spectacular symphony of light, sound and 4D effects, come closer to experiencing life as a dolphin than ever before.

“Dolphins are incredibly popular and we are always looking for new ways to bring our guests stories that help them learn more about these amazing animals,” says Mike Frueh, Senior Vice President, Licensing and Distribution, SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment. “Bob’s experience and success gave us great confidence that he would create a beautiful and unique film.”

Being Dolphin 4D will be available at zoos, theme parks, aquariums and other venues around the world.  Like and follow SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment on Facebook for updates on new locations: www.facebook.com/SimExIwerks.

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ABOUT SIMEX-IWERKS ENTERTAINMENT

SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment is the world leader in 4-D Experiences® specializing in the design, build and operation of special effects driven cinematic attractions that feature blockbuster content from the world’s major film studios. With award-winning attractions and film content, SimEx-Iwerks has created successful partnerships with more than 150 family-friendly attractions in more than 30 countries reaching more than 50 million guests each year. SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment is the exclusive distributor of Being Dolphin 4D.

ABOUT BOB TALBOT

Bob Talbot is an internationally renowned marine photographer, award winning film-maker, and dedicated environmentalist. Talbot’s iconic photographs have been reproduced into millions of lithographs distributed around the world and his images have appeared in a wide range of publications from Time magazine to National Geographic. Talbot directed and photographed the award-winning IMAX film OCEANMEN – EXTREME DIVE and acted as a director and cinematographer for sequences in the Academy Award-nominated IMAX film, DOLPHINS. He filmed the wild orca sequences for the FREE WILLY films with additional feature film credits for FLIPPER, INTO THE BLUE and DOLPHIN TALE 2. An avid environmentalist, Talbot has been presented with The Environmental Hero Award by Vice President Al Gore, the prestigious SeaKeeper Award by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, and the Ark Trust Genesis Award.

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

SPINVFX

Established in 1987, SPINVFX is a creative and technically dedicated visual effects studio producing captivating imagery for feature film and television. Over its 30 years of business, SPINVFX has evolved into an internationally recognized studio working with respected Directors, VFX Supervisors and Producers. With film credits such as SUICIDE SQUAD (2016), JOHN WICK and JOHN WICK 2 (2014 and 2017), and television credits that include the Emmy award-winning series GAME OF THRONES (HBO), the thrice-nominated show THE BORGIAS (Showtime) and the upcoming sci-fi thriller based on the book by George R.R. Martin, NIGHTFLYERS (Syfy), SPINVFX delivers on vision.