As it continues its rapid global growth, IMAX has set a significant expansion of its partnership with Pathé Cinemas in Europe, pacting for five new IMAX with Laser systems locations, four of which will be in France. The agreement also spans distribution, with IMAX and Pathé Live set to release three upcoming Pathé Live films across the IMAX network.
IMAX continues to drive significant box office results in France —a Top 10 market for the company — and remains on pace to match its highest grossing year ever at the French box office, set in 2019.
The first of the three films under the deal with Pathé Live will be the first-ever Filmed for IMAX classical ballet stage performance released in cinemas. Co-produced by Paris Opera and Pathé Live, and distributed worldwide by Pathé Live, Rudolf Nureyev’s choreographed ballet Swan Lake will be performed by the Paris Opera Ballet and filmed next summer with IMAX cameras for a targeted global release at the end of 2024.
Said IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond, “This agreement advances two key strategic priorities for IMAX: expanding our network in the thriving French cinema market and further diversifying our content portfolio across new experiences. Pathé Cinemas continues to be one of our premier global strategic partners, as it expands one of the world’s most successful IMAX circuits and brings new cinematic experiences to its audiences through IMAX technology.”
Commented Aurélien Bosc, Chairman of Pathé Cinemas, “We are delighted to deepen our historical partnership with IMAX through this new agreement which represents a significant milestone in our strategic alliance. Leveraging on the strong IMAX brand and its state-of-the-art technical features, we reinforce our premium strategy by offering moviegoers emotional experiences within our cinemas and the unique opportunity to watch exclusive Live content in IMAX theaters.”
IMAX and Pathé Cinemas have enjoyed a successful relationship since 2010 and currently operate 26 locations together across France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Morocco.
