James Cameron Gives Cirque de Soleil the 3D Treatment

It has been announced that Paramount Pictures will be the worldwide distributor for a 3D film featuring the famous performance company from Quebec, Cirque de Soleil. Since 1984 the company has been entertaining people all over the world with their particular brand of beautiful, whimsical circus performance; now, their act will be enhanced still further by the addition of the 3D element on the big screen.

The film is titled Cirque de Soleil: Worlds Away, and will include performances from various Cirque de Soleil productions. It is written and directed by Andrew Adamson, who is known for directing the first two Shrek films, as well as the first two films in the Chronicles of Narnia series. The film is produced by James Cameron, whose extensive experience of working with 3D on his epic science fiction film Avatar should be a definite asset to the feature.

Rob Moore, the Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures, has said of the project:
‘The coupling of film-maker James Cameron’s ground-breaking 3D visual accomplishments and Andrew Adamson’s beautiful direction, combined with a timeless original story written especially for this movie, will make for a truly amazing movie going experience for audiences of all ages.’

Jacques Méthé, Executive Producer and General Manager at Cirque du Soleil, agrees:
‘This 3D event brings the spectator beyond what they could see at a show, it takes them on the stage. This unique point of view allows the audience to discover the artistic details of our productions and reveal the human spirit that our artists bring to the audience in their performances. Jim and Andrew have masterfully captured what a Cirque du Soleil 3D experience could offer and Paramount will present it to the world.’

In spite of the recent wave of films with an added dimension flooding into the movie market, it is still generally accepted that the extra factor of 3D is not necessary or suitable for most films (in fact, for some films it would just be plain ridiculous). However, the strikingly imaginative performance style of Cirque de Soleil should lend itself very well to the medium, and help to bring the company’s work to a wider audience.