Mike Fleming

Deadline revealed Tuesday that Cirque du Soleil had teamed with Andrew Adamson and James Cameron for a 3D feature film that incorporates elements of the Las Vegas shows into narrative features. The principals confirmed it with this press release, which adds some details of their plans:

Cirque du Soleil, James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), and Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Chronicles of Narnia), in association with Reel FX Entertainment, announce today a partnership designed to develop and produce immersive theatrical 3D projects inspired by the unique creative universe of Cirque du Soleil.

Initiated by Cirque du Soleil, the new 3D motion picture experiences will combine the creative visions of Cameron and Adamson to capture and expand the live production experience to an art form beyond the imagination. The partnership brings together the best creative minds in 3D technology, creative storytelling and live performance.

The first project to stem from this partnership is currently in production. This first film includes original visuals and a story written by the project’s director, Andrew Adamson. James Cameron will Executive Produce, and bring his unique 3D expertise to the project. Reel FX Entertainment, led by Ed Jones and Cary Granat, is the production partner along with Cirque du Soleil Images. Both Jones and Granat have worked previously with Cameron and Adamson. Aron Warner, Adamson’s partner at Strange Weather Films, will also produce and is playing a key role in the project. Warner has also worked previously with Cameron.

The yet-to-be-named film is based on a very simple creative premise:

There are worlds beyond dreams, illusion and imagination, where human beings are capable of anything. Where love rules, and everything your heart yearns for is beautifully, incredibly real.

“Shooting with the Cirque du Soleil team has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional life. For years I’ve been a fan, both of their celebration of human physical performance and for their wild imagination in the designs of characters, costumes, music and unparalleled theatrical staging. They’ve built a global brand, and it’s a unique opportunity for me, and my 3D partner Vince Pace, to bring the Cirque du Soleil experience to a world wide audience through the magic of 3D cinema. The images we’ve been shooting are stunning, and I know Andrew Adamson will weave them into a transporting, dreamlike narrative which will mesmerize audiences of all ages, around the world,” said James Cameron.

Andrew Adamson commented, “Cirque du Soleil has always inspired me with their window into the balance between beauty and danger; art and technology; gravity and unbelievable physical ability. Bringing that to the screen in 3D is a perfect synergy between an art form and a medium – a chance to offer the audience an entirely new experience – and the opportunity to do that with people at the top of their game, like Jim and Cirque du Soleil, is an incredible privilege.”

“Unique and challenging creative endeavors are what we strive for at Cirque du Soleil. Working with James Cameron, who changed the 3D creative reality with Avatar, is a gift. Creating a new time of 3D offer is exciting and inspiring,” notes Guy Laliberté, Founder, Cirque du Soleil.

“Ed and I have had the privilege to work with both Jim and Andrew in the past, and each time we have pushed the boundaries of storytelling. To be able to work with them along with the creative geniuses of Cirque du Soleil gives us the chance to push those creative boundaries even further,” said Cary Granat, Principal, Reel FX Entertainment.