SimEx-Iwerks has partnered with Talbot Films to create a new cinematic experience that takes guests on an exciting undersea journey with a pod of dolphins, which enables them to experience life as a dolphin.
Being Dolphin 4D premiered at The National Aquarium in Baltimore, US, last week, and was directed by environmentalist and marine photographer Bob Talbot, and produced by Adam Ellison.
It is a unique cinematic experience told from the dolphin's perspective that explores the ways dolphins interact with each other to survive and thrive in the ocean. It is billed as a 'visually stunning look at one of the ocean's most complex and charismatic animals'.
To create the film Talbot partnered with Canadian special effects firm Spin VFX, and visual effects designer Boyd Shermis to create computer-generated scenes showcasing how dolphins use echolocation.
Film composer Cliff Eidelman, who worked on Star Trek VI and Free Willy 3, composed the musical score, designed to complement the ethereal beauty of the ocean.
Vision Research supplied a Flex4K camera that was used to capture extreme slow-motion sequences, while Prime Focus converted the original footage into 3D and EFilm completed the finishing work.
Adam Ellison, who produced the film, said: " The dedication everyone brought to this project stemmed from our common desire for creating a highly entertaining and enlightening experience that provides a fresh perspective on dolphins and their place in the natural world."
"This truly was a passion project for all involved. I am grateful to have such incredible partners that made it possible", added director Bob Talbot.
"From the shooting of wildlife scenes in challenging open ocean conditions to the extremely complicated post-production process, everyone brought their all," he added.
"Bob's experience and success gave us great confidence that he would create a unique and beautiful film", said Mike Frueh, senior vice president of Licensing and Distribution at SimEX-Iwerks.
"Dolphins are incredibly popular and we are always looking for new ways to bring our guests stories that help them learn more about these amazing animals", Frueh concluded.
