Imax and Wanda Film, China’s largest exhibitor, have recently announced a significant expansion of their longstanding strategic partnership in the country. The agreement involves Wanda Film upgrading 61 of its top-performing locations to state-of-the-art Imax with Laser technology, which includes cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. This move will enhance the moviegoing experience for audiences in these areas and elevate the quality of projection standards for a wide range of films.
In addition to the upgrades, Wanda Film will also renew up to 37 existing Imax locations over the next five years, showing a commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences to moviegoers. Moreover, there is a possibility of adding up to 25 new Imax locations over the next three years, further solidifying Wanda’s position as having the largest Imax footprint in China.
Apart from the technological advancements, Imax will collaborate with Wanda Pictures, the conglomerate’s production and distribution arm, to explore content and experiences across various genres such as documentaries, music, gaming, and sports. This partnership aims to offer a diverse range of entertainment options to cater to the preferences of different audiences in China.
Chen Zhixi, the chair of Wanda Film, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing a state-of-the-art film viewing environment by adopting premium projection technology. This focus on elevating the moviegoers’ viewing experience aligns with Imax’s mission to deliver the most advanced audio and visual experience through Imax with Laser technology.
The partnership between Imax and Wanda Film extends beyond technology upgrades to collaboration on blockbuster films. This includes the successful release of “Detective Chinatown 3” in 2021, demonstrating the potential for creating impactful cinematic experiences for audiences in China.
Looking ahead, Imax CEO Rich Gelfond expressed optimism about the future prospects of the partnership with Wanda Film. With a strong lineup of Chinese and Hollywood blockbusters in the pipeline, Imax is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive entertainment experiences in China. The strategic agreement with Wanda Film reaffirms Imax’s status as the dominant platform for cinematic entertainment in the country.
The expansion of Imax and Wanda Film’s strategic partnership in China signifies a significant milestone in providing cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences to moviegoers. By combining expertise in film projection technology and content creation, the two companies are poised to offer a diverse range of entertainment options that cater to the evolving preferences of audiences in China. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of cinematic experiences and creating memorable moments for moviegoers across the country.