posted 06-23-2003 11:16 AM                       

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LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2003 -- The International Documentary Association will present "The Anatomy of the Making of Cinerama Adventure" on Friday (June 27) at 4:00 p.m. at the Entertainment Technology World Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Moderator John Hora, ASC (Cirque du Soleil: Journey Of Man, The Howling) will lead an hour-long discussion about this extraordinary documentary with director/writer David Strohmaier and producer Randy Gitsch. Cinerama Adventure is a feature length (94 minute) motion picture documenting the birth and death (1952-1964) of an art form which left an indelible impression on contemporary filmmaking and culture, including wide screen movies, stereo sound, letterboxing on television and arguably, picture windows and wrap-around windshields. The film has been officially endorsed by the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) whose members provided vigorous support.

This is Cinerama premiered in New York City on September 30, 1952. After a black and white introduction by news commentator Lowell Thomas, the curtains parted and revealed a 32 foot high, 78 foot wide, and 146 degree curved screen. Color images from three projectors blended seamlessly filling an ultra-wide screen 2.65:1 aspect ratio. The pictures were augmented by seven tracks of stereo sound.

"It was a totally engaging experience, which critics and critics likened to a rollercoaster ride," says Strohmaier. "This is Cinerama was the highest grossing film in 1952 even though it was seen on fewer than 30 screens. It was the beginning of a ride that lasted 14 years, including the 1962 release of Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm and How the West Was Won which also topped the box-office."

Strohmaier is a narrative film editor who began the project in 1996, because he believed it was a story that deserved to be told. He subsequently compiled some 63 hours of interviews with 45 original Cinerama crewmembers, directors, producers and historians in 11 states, Norway, England and Ireland. He was given copies of rare films by collectors in France, Australia and New Zealand, and access to the original Cinerama travelogues and narrative films. All of which were used to create Cinerama Adventure.

To register for a free Entertainment Technology World Expo/Special Events pass—which allows access to the exhibit floor, keynotes, vendor training days, and special presentations—go to http://www.ent-techworld.com/. For more information on the IDA, visit http://www.documentary.org/.

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