National Geographic Cinema Ventures has selected Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation and Sky-Skan to convert and distribute its film Forces of Nature to digital planetariums and other full dome theatres. This will be Sky-Skan’s first full dome project with National Geographic. E&S previously acquired full dome distribution rights to NGCV’s Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure. Forces of Nature originally released to giant-screen theatres in May 2004 invites viewers to experience some of our planet’s fiercest natural phenomena. From volcanic eruptions on the island of Montserrat and trembling fault lines in Turkey to storms ripping through the notorious Tornado Alley of America’s Midwest modern-day disasters from around the globe are witnessed in eye-popping enormity on the giant screen. The film by National Geographic in partnership with Graphic Films and narrated by Kevin Bacon captures inspiring and terrifying atmospheric and geological events then takes audiences behind the disasters with scientists willing to risk their lives to understand these forces and increase our odds of surviving these events. “We are actively pursuing both the conversion of our existing giant-screen films to full dome as well as the creation of original content for the full dome market which we feel provides us with exciting opportunities ” says Mark Katz president of distribution for NGCV. “The full dome experience is a truly unique one for audiences so we want to ensure a stream of content that will both entertain and educate today’s more demanding audiences. To that end we are thrilled to be partnered with these two cutting-edge companies on the Forces of Nature conversion.” NGCV is part of National Geographic Entertainment. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories NGCV produces original 2D and 3D productions for the world’s largest screens. NGCV also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry. Lisa Truitt is president of NGCV. Evans & Sutherland www.es.com
