Imax China CEO Says China’s Cinema Revival Has a Long Way to Go

variety.com:

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The recent reopening of the mainland Chinese box office, including a $1 billion Chinese New Year holiday season, has put a different complexion on the global theatrical industry.

Few companies could be closer to that change in fortune than Imax China, a stock market-listed subsidiary of the Imax Corp. The company operates as both a supplier of screens, audio and projection equipment for premium cinemas and as a partner in making local Chinese films fit for exhibition in the giant format.

During Chinese New Year, Imax was represented by “Avatar: The Way of Water” and four Chinese movies. Daniel Manwaring, CEO of Imax China, spoke to Variety in his first interview since taking on the top job in January. How has the company managed to get so many Chinese Imax movies of late? It’s really easy, but it involves a very proprietary technology.

First, it involves having an intimate relationship with the filmmaker and the producers in order to get into post-production early enough so that we have enough time to ensure proper DMR-ing.