"Amazon Adventure 3D" Brings An Inspirational Story Set In The Heart Of The Amazon Rainforest To The California Science Center On October 11, 2017

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California Science Center Foundation

Sep 12, 2017, 16:57 ET

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Experience the heart of the Amazon rainforest and trace the extraordinary journey of naturalist and explorer Henry Walter Bates - the most influential scientist you've never heard of –through Amazon Adventure 3D, opening October 11, 2017 at the California Science Center.

The film follows Bates, who provided "the beautiful proof" to Charles Darwin for his then controversial theory of natural selection, the scientific explanation for the development of life on Earth, and risked his life for science during his 11-year expedition into the Amazon rainforest. Amazon Adventure 3D is a compelling detective story of peril, perseverance and, ultimately, success, drawing audiences into the fascinating world of animal mimicry, the astonishing phenomenon where one animal adopts the look of another, gaining an advantage to survive.

Amazon Adventure 3D is one of two exciting new films to open the California Science Center's new IMAX with Laser system, a next-generation, cutting-edge technology theater experience. With the new system, guests will be immersed in the future of cinema with breathtaking, crystal clear light, sights and sounds. Viewers will be treated to the most vivid digital images ever, as well as audio delivered by a new 12-channel surround sound system.

"Amazon Adventure 3D was specifically selected to illustrate the capabilities of the IMAX with Laser system," Said California Science Center President Jeffrey Rudolph. "The film brings the vibrant colors of the tropical rainforests of Brazil to life, helping to further our mission of stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning in visitors of all ages."

Filmed on location in the lush Amazon region, Amazon Adventure 3D uses the immersive IMAX format to plunge audiences into a wild world of beauty and captivating animal behavior. Things are not always as they seem in the jungle, and audiences will be mesmerized by an array of nature's masters of mimicry. Painstakingly researched for three years, the film enlisted the expertise of more than 100 scientists and historical advisors. The team's commitment to authenticity not only resulted in this rigorous re-creation, even using actual instruments and tools from the 1850s, but the writing team also incorporated many of Bates' own words. The film, a co-production between Canada, the UK and Brazil, was granted unprecedented access by the Natural History Museum of London to film Bates' own scientific field notebooks and botanical drawings, to film the butterflies he personally collected over 160 years ago – butterflies that have never left the museum, and had to go into quarantine for two weeks after filming.

"The Giant Screen is the ideal format to take audiences to places that they might not normally go and to see amazing creatures they might not normally see," said Executive Producer Jonathan Barker, CEO of SK Films. "From a humble background, with an unstoppable passion for science and life, Bates played guitar, had a pet monkey, relied on Amazonian natives to survive and learned many of their languages, and made crucial contributions to our understanding of the natural world. He should be more widely known and we're thrilled to introduce his remarkable story to the public."

"Walking in the footsteps of Henry Walter Bates, audiences get to follow the clues and see one of the most important discoveries about life unfold before them scene by scene," says Executive Producer Sean B. Carroll, of HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. "Through Bates' eyes, we see some of the first and best evidence of how and why species evolve. We hope this film, in tracing his adventures in the Amazon, shows where curiosity and perseverance can lead and inspires younger and older viewers alike."

From the makers of the immensely popular and multiple, award-winning film Flight of the Butterflies 3D, the film is directed by Mike Slee and is executive produced by Jonathan Barker and Sean B. Carroll, starring Calum Finlay as Henry Bates, written by Wendy MacKeigan and Carl Knutson and shot by cinematographers Gerry Vasbenter and Richard Kirby, with an original score by Brazilian composer Antonio Pinto.

Developed and produced in close collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Amazon Adventure 3D also received major funding from the National Science Foundation through the film's educational outreach partner, Pacific Science Center. Other key partners include the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Simons Foundation, and Foxconn Brazil and Vale.

About SK FILMS
SK Films is a Toronto-based, multi-platform entertainment content provider and a world leader in 3D film production and distribution. The company was founded in 1998 by Jonathan Barker and the late Robert Kerr, the visionary co-founder of IMAX Corporation.

About HHMI Tangled Bank Studios
HHMI Tangled Bank Studios is a production company established and funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as an extension of its longstanding science education mission. Dedicated to the creation of original science documentaries for broadcast, theatrical and digital distribution, the company's award-winning programs address important contemporary issues and capture compelling stories of discovery across all branches of scientific inquiry. For more information, please visit www.tangledbankstudios.org.

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe- inspiring films.

The Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $6.75 to $8.95. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $12 per car, and $30 for commercial buses or oversize vehicles, cash only. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org .

Proceeds from the IMAX Theater support California Science Center exhibit and education programs.

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