Cirque du Soleil is going 3D with the help of James Cameron and filmmaker Andrew Adamson.
The first 3D Cirque movie to come from the new partnership of entertainers in association with Reel FX Entertainment is already in production and will include original visuals and a story written by Adamson, the project’s director, who directed the first two movies in each of the Sherk and Chronicles of Narnia franchises. Cameron is executive producer. The film, expected to be released next year, will feature highlights of all six of Cirque’s productions in Las Vegas: all six Cirque du Soleil shows currently playing in Las Vegas: “O,” “Kà,” “Mystère,” “The Beatles Love,” “Zumanity” and “Viva Elvis.”
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.
“Shooting with the Cirque du Soleil team has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional life,” Cameron said. 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.”
“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,” said Adamson. “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,” added Guy Laliberté, Founder, 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.”
“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.