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Larry introduced Mike Hintermeister, a local machinist who took part in IMax Corporation growing from a local startup to a global brand, pioneering technology in large-format film. Mike specialized in maintaining and repairing the unique IMax cameras, so he went with them to filming locations around the world. Those locations included Cape Canaveral (for NASA launches), Siberian launch sites, the sand dunes of Namibia, the German battleship Bismarck (on the bottom of the ocean), and many Hollywood shoots. A few facts from Mike's story: - The three original founders went to Galt Collegiate and made their first big demonstration at Expo 67, where they used 9 synchronized cameras (and 9 projectors, projecting onto 9 screens).
- There are about 1500 purpose-built theatres worldwide, most popular in China where movie-goers are more willing to pay more for a better experience.
- Ontario Place Cinesphere is still the biggest IMax theatre.
- North of Superior is the best film to get the full immersive effect.
- It's now all digital, but up until about 2010 the films were done on 70mm film.
- Due to the nature of IMax movies, Mike got to do a lot of custom work, like building doghouses (for protection of the camera) on rocket launch pads.
Quite an interesting career! Paul TC thanked Mike for sharing his experiences. |
