December 19, 2023—MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF), the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant screen films, has finalized a partnership with BASE Xperiential, producers of holographic experiences and other mixed-media and live entertainments, to expand the marketplace for BASE’s cutting-edge HoloTheater immersive cinema experience around the world. The company’s first such HoloTheater recently made its debut and is currently playing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science along with the world premiere of the immersive 3D holographic show Dinosaur Discoveries: The Holographic Experience.
MFF has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to Dinosaur Discoveries and will, together with BASE, develop a new slate of holographic film productions for future release starting in 2025.
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“For museums, science centers, aquariums and themed attractions around the world looking to expand and diversify their educational offerings while adding a new layer of fun and entertainment, the HoloTheater experience offers a dynamic new form of storytelling that immerses audiences like never before,” said Shaun MacGillivray, President, MacGillivray Freeman Films. “We look forward to working with BASE to grow the marketplace and help bring this exciting new technology and new form of storytelling to institutions and themed attractions around the world.”
“MFF has a proven track record of producing and distributing some of the highest-grossing giant screen experiences of all time, and we are thrilled to tap into their longstanding relationships with clients around the world to bring the HoloTheater experience to new audiences,” said Scott Zeiger, President, BASE Xperiential. “Dinosaur Discoveries is just the first of an exciting slate of film content we’re developing with MFF that will guarantee a strong pipeline of product for exhibition in our growing network of HoloTheaters.”
Highly customizable and easy to install, HoloTheaters are designed to convert an existing theater or exhibition space into an immersive venue that delivers a unique mixed-media audience experience. Exciting new features of HoloTheater include a 4-screen projection system featuring breathtaking panoramic views, a holographic projection scrim presenting content in 3D without the use of glasses and mixed-media storytelling.
Dinosaur Discoveries brings life-size dinosaurs up close and personal to audiences inside the HoloTheater. The film takes audiences on a thoughtfully told narrative through more than 140 years of scientific discovery and debate on a journey to understanding the truth about dinosaurs.
“Our three-year pilot partnership with BASE Xperiential has been instrumental in defining the future of large format theaters for us. From the very beginning, our in-house educators, paleontologists, and curators were galvanized by the level of scientific accuracy that the film’s script writers brought to bear on oft-told tales, and it was incredibly valuable for the entire staff to have a front row seat to witness BASE Xperiential’s standard of excellence for this new “edutainment” experience,” said Joel Bartsch, President, Houston Museum of Natural Science. “I wish anyone who may be considering the unique opportunity to partner with BASE Xperiential on this film all the very best as you embark on a game-changing experience. I promise that you will never look at the future of large format films the same way again!”
For more information about Dinosaur Discoveries and the HoloTheater, please visit www.dinosaurdiscoveries.com.
Recent media coverage in Houston:
Houstonia Magazine Feature: Houston Museum of Natural Science Unveils Immersive Dinosaur Experience | Houstonia Magazine
HMNS’ “Science Bites” Podcast on Spotify: What it takes to bring “Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure” to life in our Giant Screen Theatre! – Science Bites | Podcast on Spotify
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant screen 70mm films with more than 45 films for IMAX® and giant screen theaters to its credit. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations for The Living Sea and Dolphins and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest, the highest grossing giant screen film of all time. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. https://macgillivrayfreeman.com/
About Base Xperiential
BASE Xperiential’s productions harness the magic of mixed-media, holographic and live entertainment to bring unique and dynamic immersive experiences to audiences and stages around the world. BASE has already developed a library of compelling content including holographic productions of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Maria Callas, Whitney Houston and Dinosaur Discoveries. The company strives to develop both educational and entertaining content that is visually stimulating and brought to life with application for presentation in a wide range of venues, from casinos and cruise ships to theme parks and museums.
