Wild Bunch Acquires International Rights to 3D Entertainment's 'Oceans 3D'

Wild Bunch Acquires International Rights to 3D Entertainment's 'Oceans 3D'

The first feature-length documentary shot in Digital 3D sold in over 51 territories in Europe, Asia and South America

PARIS and LONDON, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D Entertainment's filmmakers Jean-Jacques and Francois Mantello (the Mantello Brothers) are pleased to announce that the international rights (all-media) to their first feature-length film, "Oceans 3D - Into the Deep" (working title) presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, have been acquired by Wild Bunch, a Paris-and London-based sales, distribution and production outfit. The film is set to become the first ever documentary to be both filmed and released in Digital 3D.

"We are delighted to have Wild Bunch, as our partner on 'Oceans 3D', a unique 3D experience that will leave audiences in awe of the beauty and biodiversity of the oceans," said Francois Mantello, Chairman of 3D Entertainment. "The work their sales team has already accomplished in conjunction with the Berlinale's European Film Market is absolutely remarkable, with the film sold in 51 territories so far and many others in final discussions."

"Thanks to Digital 3D technology, viewers will literally dive into the virtually unknown deep blue," said Vincent Maraval, Wild Bunch's co-founder and head of sales. "This flagship film is an excellent choice to kick off our new 3D label. Our goal is to quickly develop an independent film expertise in this field, ultimately offering a 3D title at each major film market."

The deal marks the first collaboration between the two companies. Under the terms of the agreement, 3D Entertainment retains the rights (all-media) for the US and Canada.

Distributors by territory for "Oceans 3D" include: Gaga Communications in Japan; Eagle in Italy; New Vision in China; Deltamac in Hong Kong; Filmware International in Taiwan; Festive Film in Singapore; Wanda Distribucion Cinematografica in Spain; Monolith in Poland; Spentzos Film in Greece, Luxor Entertainment in Russia and CIS; Fivia in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bir Film in Turkey; Acme in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; Best Hollywood in Hungary; Hollywood Classic Entertainment in Czech Republic; Independenta Film in Romania; Lusomundo in Portugal; Orlando Films in Israel; Video Vision in South Africa; Europa Cine in Brazil and Europa Filmes in other countries of South America and Queen Films in Indonesia. Wild Bunch's Gallic distribution arm plans to launch the film in Digital 3D this summer.

The 85-minute long docu-fiction is currently in post-production and completion is anticipated for this May in time for the Cannes Film Festival's Annual Market. The film is the result of six years of production, 25 challenging expeditions and 200 hours of footage shot in 3D.

A tribute to the ocean, "Oceans 3D" takes viewers on a voyage through, among others, Californian kelp forests, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Roca Partida Island off the coast of Mexico, which is home to thousands of sharks. Audiences will witness some of the most spectacular and unforgettable scenes of life beneath the waves ever captured in 3D: the manta ray's enchanting ballet; the noble procession of hammerhead sharks; the lionfish's relentless hunt; a group of young dolphins playing algae-football; the astonishing beauty of the Spanish dancer sea slug; and a unique encounter with the largest cetaceans on the planet.

"Oceans 3D" is presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau and endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme. Produced by 3D Entertainment and McKinney Underwater Productions, it is directed by Jean-Jacques Mantello with underwater cinematography by Gavin McKinney, and it features an original score by Christophe Jacquelin.

In 2001, 3D Entertainment developed an ambitious plan to produce both a feature-length docu-fiction and a 3D "edutainment" film series for IMAX(R) theatres. The three installments already released at IMAX(R) theatres -- "Dolphins and Whales 3D" (2008) narrated by Daryl Hannah, "Sharks 3D" (2005) and "Ocean Wonderland 3D" (2003) -- have proven highly successful, cumulatively generating in excess of USD 68 million to date at the theatrical box office.

About 3D Entertainment

Founded in 2001, 3D Entertainment is a fast-growing company focused on the production, post-production and distribution of unique and innovative 3D films for IMAX(R) theatres and Digital 3D cinemas worldwide. Its mission is to immerse audiences of all ages in unique story-driven 3D experiences that inspire and educate. The company has developed an original growth strategy based on the overall control of all production- and post-production-related aspects of its Digital 3D film adventures. In 2007, a separate division was created to oversee the theatrical sales and marketing of 3D Entertainment's productions. For more information, visit the company's corporate website at http://www.3defilms.com/

   Press Contacts:   Brian McWilliams, Spelling Communications, +1-213-415-7400,   bmcwilliams@spellcom.com   Alexandra Body, 3D Entertainment, +1-800-819-7753, alexbody@3DEfilms.com   Louise de Monjour, Wild Bunch, +33 153015041, ldemonjour@wildbunch.eu    http://www.3defilms.com/    IMAX is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation  

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FCMN Contact:

Source: 3D Entertainment

CONTACT: Brian McWilliams of Spelling Communications, +1-213-415-7400,
bmcwilliams@spellcom.com, for 3D Entertainment; or Alexandra Body of 3D
Entertainment, +1-800-819-7753, alexbody@3DEfilms.com; or Louise de Monjour of
Wild Bunch, +33 153015041, ldemonjour@wildbunch.eu

Web Site: http://www.3defilms.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment