CREATIVE FORCES CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, JAMES CAMERON, AND ANDREW ADAMSON, IN ASSOCIATION WITH REEL FX ENTERTAINMENT, FORM PARTNERSHIP TO PRODUCE CIRQUE-INSPIRED, IMMERSIVE 3D EXPERIENCES

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Dec 09, 2010, 05:53 ET

LOS ANGELES, DALLAS, MONTREAL, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ - Cirque du Soleil, James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), and Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Chronicles of Narnia), in association with Reel FX Entertainment, announce today a partnership designed to develop and produce immersive theatrical 3D projects inspired by the unique creative universe of Cirque du Soleil.

Initiated by Cirque du Soleil, the new 3D motion picture experiences will combine the creative visions of Cameron and Adamson to capture and expand the live production experience to an art form beyond the imagination. The partnership brings together the best creative minds in 3D technology, creative storytelling and live performance.

The first project to stem from this partnership is currently in production. This first film includes original visuals and a story written by the project's director, Andrew Adamson. James Cameron will Executive Produce, and bring his unique 3D expertise to the project. Reel FX Entertainment, led by Ed Jones and Cary Granat, is the production partner along with Cirque du Soleil Images. Both Jones and Granat have worked previously with Cameron and Adamson. Aron Warner, Adamson's partner at Strange Weather Films, will also produce and is playing a key role in the project. Warner has also worked previously with Cameron.

The yet-to-be-named film is based on a very simple creative premise:

There are worlds beyond dreams, illusion and imagination, where human beings are capable of anything. Where love rules, and everything your heart yearns for is beautifully, incredibly real.

"Shooting with the Cirque du Soleil team has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional life. For years I've been a fan, both of their celebration of human physical performance and for their wild imagination in the designs of characters, costumes, music and unparalleled theatrical staging. They've built a global brand, and it's a unique opportunity for me, and my 3D partner Vince Pace, to bring the Cirque du Soleil experience to a world wide audience through the magic of 3D cinema. The images we've been shooting are stunning, and I know Andrew Adamson will weave them into a transporting, dreamlike narrative which will mesmerize audiences of all ages, around the world," said James Cameron.

Andrew Adamson commented, "Cirque du Soleil has always inspired me with their window into the balance between beauty and danger; art and technology; gravity and unbelievable physical ability. Bringing that to the screen in 3D is a perfect synergy between an art form and a medium - a chance to offer the audience an entirely new experience - and the opportunity to do that with people at the top of their game, like Jim and Cirque du Soleil, is an incredible privilege."

"Unique and challenging creative endeavors are what we strive for at Cirque du Soleil. Working with James Cameron, who changed the 3D creative reality with Avatar, is a gift. Creating a new time of 3D offer is exciting and inspiring," notes Guy Laliberté, Founder, Cirque du Soleil.

"Ed and I have had the privilege to work with both Jim and Andrew in the past, and each time we have pushed the boundaries of storytelling. To be able to work with them along with the creative geniuses of Cirque du Soleil gives us the chance to push those creative boundaries even further," said Cary Granat, Principal, Reel FX Entertainment.

About Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is primarily a creative content provider for a wide variety of unique projects. In addition to shows, the company, which has its International Headquarters in Montreal, extends its creative talent to other spheres of activity. While maintaining stringent standards of artistic quality and originality, Cirque du Soleil brings to innovative projects the same energy and spirit that characterize each of its shows. Cirque du Soleil Images has produced award-winning documentary and television specials, All Together Now (Grammy) and Fire Within (Emmy). Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its beginnings in 1984, more than 100 million spectators in near 300 cities on five continents have been thrilled by Cirque du Soleil. In 2010, 20 shows will simultaneously be presented around the world.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com

To find out more about the One Drop Foundation, visit www.onedrop.org

About Reel FX Entertainment
Reel FX Entertainment is a streamlined provider of content for film, TV, publishing and digital media. It is a one-stop studio for the development and production of animated films and exciting, effects-driven live-action content. Reel FX Entertainment produces "family franchise films" in the $35 million budget range. Drawing on its deep relationships within the entertainment industry, Reel FX Entertainment has attracted top creative talent (writers, directors, animation and effects artists) and supports them with seasoned executives and a proven proprietary animation and effects software (developed by Reel FX), which allows artists to work & collaborate more effectively and control rising costs often associated with CGI projects. In addition, Reel FX Entertainment secures the rights to and develops franchise-worthy literary material. At present, the studio has secured and is actively developing multiple CG and effects-driven/hybrid live-action features. Reel FX Entertainment is lead by a team of industry veterans including Academy Award® winning, former Industrial Light and Magic senior executive Ed Jones and Walden Media CEO Cary Granat.

For more information about Reel FX Entertainment, visit www.radiumreelfx.com

SOURCE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL