Empire Theatres is first national exhibitor in Canada to complete circuit wide digital cinema conversion
HALIFAX, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Empire Theatres, a partner in the Canadian Digital Cinema Partnership, announced today the completion of their digital cinema conversion project. The conversion began in theatres starting in May 2011, and its completion makes Empire Theatres the first national exhibitor in Canada to complete a digital cinema conversion. As of March 7, 2012, 359 screens in 45 theatres have been converted from 35mm to digital projection.
Empire Theatres partnered with Barco to complete the digital cinema conversion. As a global leader in digital cinema projection, Barco offers a wide range of Series II projector models that allowed Empire Theatres to select appropriate projectors for each of their screens, providing the best and brightest 2k and 4k digital images available.
"We are excited about our growing relationship with Empire Theatres as we help them embrace the latest digital cinema solutions," commented Joe DeMeo, Director of Sales, Digital Cinema for Barco North America. "We are committed to serving the ongoing needs of our Canadian exhibitors."
Doremi Cinema, the leader in digital cinema technology, was selected as Empire Theatres' partner for all projector server technology featuring Doremi's TMS platform. Empire Theatres' digital projectors incorporate either Doremi's DCP-2000 or Integrated Media Block (IMB) with Doremi's ShowVault, and provide outstanding 2K playback for 2D and 3D, and have allowed for the introduction of CaptiView™ throughout the Empire Theatres' circuit for select titles.
CaptiView™ is a personal in-theatre closed caption viewing device for deaf & hard of hearing moviegoers. The CaptiView™ system consists of a small OLED display on a bendable support arm that fits into a cup holder. The easy-to-read screen can display three lines of text at a time and can support up to four languages.
"Empire's ability to complete the conversion in such a short period of time show's their commitment to providing their customers the best possible presentation in every screen," stated Michael Archer, VP Digital Cinema, Doremi. "Empire is the quintessential exhibitor for Doremi. They have utilized four separate Doremi products in the multiplex to help them maximize all opportunities afforded by digital cinema."
As a result of the conversion, 40% of Empire Theatres' screens now have RealD 3D capability, delivering a stunningly realistic and fully immersive entertainment experience for moviegoers. RealD is the world's most widely used 3D movie technology.
In select Empire Theatre locations, distinctive Empire Extra auditoriums offer guests a revolutionary new digital cinema experience. Empire Extra auditoriums allow guests to enjoy stunning digital presentation on a massive, wall to wall wrap-around screen with picture provided by a Barco projector and Doremi server. In addition, Empire Extra auditoriums provide dynamic sound through a proprietary custom-designed multi-channel sound system for the ultimate audio experience; and reserved seating in comfy, high back rockers.
"As a guest-focused company, we view the rollout of digital cinema projection technology as an important and strategic investment in our business" says Dean Leland, Vice President of Studio & Media Relations for Empire Theatres Limited. "The digital conversion will allow our guests to benefit from the best and brightest picture presentation each and every time they enjoy a movie at Empire Theatres, and enables us to provide a premium guest experience through our Empire Extra auditoriums."
"I would like to acknowledge our partners Barco, Doremi, RealD, ProjecTech, and DCIP who have been great assets to our digital conversion project" states Valerie Ryan, Chief Operating Officer for Empire Theatres Limited. "The collaboration and hard work of our internal teams, along with the support and expertise of our partners have enabled this project to be completed within only 8 months without business interruption."
About Empire Theatres Limited: Empire Theatres Limited is a Canada-wide movie exhibition company providing an exciting out-of-home entertainment experience including traditional movie exhibition as well as other content using its digital and satellite capabilities.
Empire Theatres Limited is a 100% owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited that owns and operates 50 theatres across Canada with 383 screens, including four IMAX auditoriums and six Empire Extra auditoriums.
Empire Theatres Limited' corporate headquarters are located in Stellarton, NS, with regional offices in Halifax, NS; Toronto, ON; and Calgary, AB. With approximately 2,500 employees, Empire Theatres provides excellent employment opportunities for the youth of Canada in an exciting and energetic industry.
Did you miss the last VConnect Business Forum for entrepreneurs? Well, you have another chance to attend the next one coming up on Thursday March 15, 2012, to join the wining business success network of the largest local search engine and information service in Nigeria.
Nigerian American Urban Entrepreneur Wins $50000 Grand Prize
Ola Ayeni, a Nigerian American, CEO of Dining Dialog has won the grand prize of $50000 in the 2012 MillerCoors Grants in the United States.
The following is the news release.
9 Mar 2012 15:00 Africa/Lagos
MillerCoors Grants $125,000 to Small Businesses 2012 MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series Winners Announced
CHICAGO, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MillerCoors granted $125,000 to four small business owners through its MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series (MUES). The grand prize winner, Ola Ayeni, CEO of Dining Dialog, which helps food and beverage companies grow their customer base, received a $50,000 investment grant and three runners-up will receive $25,000 each.
Pictured above are (from left) Benjamin Lamson, WeDidIt; Larry Waters, Director of Multicultural Relations for MillerCoors; Sulamain Sanni, WeDidIt; Luis Montanes, Black and Denim; Ola Ayeni, Dining Dialog; Joanne Tabellija-Murphy, Multicultural Relations Manager for MillerCoors; Roberto Torres, Black and Denim; Daymond John, ABC's Shark Tank; Jamien Sills, Neimaj. (PRNewsFoto/MillerCoors)
ABC's Shark Tank, Daymond John Congratulates the MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series Winners. (PRNewsFoto/MillerCoors)
"This is a big step for me and my business," said Ayeni. "This will help me get the resources I need to succeed and one day do the same thing MillerCoors is doing—help other entrepreneurs bring their businesses to life."
The ultimate goal of the MUES program is to create a pipeline of potential MillerCoors suppliers. Supplier diversity, community investment and economic empowerment are priorities for MillerCoors. The brewer has set a target to cumulatively spend more than $2.5 billion with minority-owned and women-owned suppliers by 2015.
"We believe these emerging businesses and the jobs they are creating are the key to growing and developing urban communities across the U.S.," said Larry Waters, Director of Multicultural Relations for MillerCoors. "The entrepreneurs involved in MUES are dynamic and innovative business owners. Our support and guidance gives them the motivation and resources they need to take their business to new heights." A recent study by Hiscox Small Business Insurance reveals that 47% of emerging business owners are optimistic about their growth, with 8% reporting that they plan on hiring new staff for 2012[1].
The business plan competition was established in 1999 as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create jobs and make a powerful impact in their communities. MUES has awarded nearly $1.7 million in grants to more than 100 emerging businesses and offers fundamental resources for all participating entrepreneurs, including instructional webinars, interactive social media platforms and guidance from some of the leading business minds in the country.
MillerCoors awarded Ayeni a $50,000 grant and three runners-up each received $25,000. Winners were honored during a special reception on Thursday, March 8, at the MillerCoors Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, IL. Co-star of ABC's Shark Tank and founder of FUBU, Daymond John, served as the event's guest speaker, sharing his entrepreneurial experiences.
The complete listing of this year's winners follows:
Ola Ayeni │$50,000 Dining Dialog – Bolingbrook, IL
Dining Dialog is an innovative business that helps food and beverage companies increase revenue, through a mix of effectively proven customer acquisition and retention marketing programs.
Sulaiman Sanni & Benjamin Lamson │$25,000 WeDidIt – Brooklyn, NY
WeDidIt is a web-based, online crowd-funding platform, allowing organizations to raise money, reach new donors and increase their exposure, at a lower cost than any other method in use today.
Roberto Torres, Michael Gil, Luis Montañez, & Christopher Findeisen│$25,000 Black and Denim Apparel – Tampa, FL
Black and Denim is an apparel brand with roots in American heritage principles: hard work and functionality where "Made in America" is not a slogan, but a way of business.
Neimaj produces evolutionary footwear for the everyday hero, focusing on 360 degree protection safetywear, as well as ecofriendly footwear without the use harmful chemicals and adhesives.
MillerCoors continues to work with community and economic empowerment organizations across the country, to help facilitate the MUES program. These organizations are called upon to provide technical assistance and resources to business owners, as well as serve as an ambassador for the program. Long-time program partners include, the Atlanta Business League, the Chicago Urban League, the Detroit Urban League, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas, the National Association of Asian American Professionals, Recycling Black Dollars of Los Angeles, the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Urban League, the Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The program has also received the endorsement and support of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about the winners and the program, visit www.MillerCoorsMUES.com.
About MillerCoors
MillerCoors brews, markets and sells the MillerCoors portfolio of brands in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Built on a foundation of great beer brands and nearly 300 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second-largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great-tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to Rocky Mountain cold refreshment. MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft, and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light. The company also offers innovative products such as MGD 64, Miller Chill and Sparks. Through MillerCoors new craft and import company, Tenth and Blake, imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel's craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver. MillerCoors vision is to create the best beer company in America by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.
[1] Hiscox Small Business Insurance, DNA of an Entrepreneur (2011), http://www.hiscoxusa.com/shared-documents/the-2011-hiscox-dna-of-an-entrepreneur-study.pdf SOURCE MillerCoors
CONTACT: Karina Diehl of MillerCoors, +1-312-496-2973, karina.diehl@millercoors.com; or Daisy Garcia of Flowers Communications Group, +1-312-228-8828, dgarcia@flowerscomm.com, for MillerCoors
Impressive Performance by MTN Group Driven by Strong Subscriber Acquisition and Data Take-up, says Frost & Sullivan
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the implementation of compulsory SIM card-registration in most of its operations, and intense competition, MTN Group has experienced an impressive increase in subscriber numbers; this has offset the detrimental effects of the social unrest in the Middle East and African regions.
MTN Group released results for the year-ended 31 December 2011, reporting a 16.2% growth in group subscriber numbers to 164.5 million, and a 6.3% increase in revenues to R121.884 billion. The group's adjusted headline earnings per share increased 43.2% to 1,070 cents.
"MTN South Africa (SA) has recorded 22 million subscribers, representing a growth rate of 16.9%," states Frost & Sullivan's Information and Communication Technologies Research Analyst Mervin Miemoukanda. "This is impressive in a saturated market, and can be attributed to the company's many promotional campaigns."
However, the company has a lot of work ahead because most of these new subscribers are multiple SIM card holders. They are, therefore, more likely to become inactive subscribers in the following months.
MTN SA has witnessed a dramatic growth rate in terms of data revenues, which increased up to 27.7%. Their 3G network expansion, across the country, is a positive indication that the company has shifted their focus to data services, as voice service revenues have been declining year-on-year.
However, with the current price wars on data services in the country, MTN SA's data revenue is likely to grow at a slower rate in the short term, if no strategies are put in place to boost broadband subscriptions.
MTN's mobile money service will drive the uptake of mobile money services in Nigeria, believes Miemoukanda. "This service is expected to boost revenues in MTN Nigeria's revenues, as the company has a strong customer base and extensive distribution channels in the country."
With the establishment of MTN Business in Ghana, MTN Ghana is likely to increase its data revenues, despite the company being a late comer in this sector.
Possible restraints to the future growth of MTN Group will most likely take place in Iran, which accounts for approximately 20% of its overall subscriber base. With the recent economic sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union and the United States of America, MTN Group is likely to freeze its expansion investment plans, which may hamper its growth.
With uncertain prospects in the Middle East, particularly in Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen, MTN Group should invest in network expansion in the remaining countries to boost subscriber acquisitions.
MTN Group is likely to enjoy healthy growth rates in terms of subscribers and revenues in 2012 because the SIM card-registrations in key markets such as Nigeria and Ghana will no longer have a detrimental effect on its subscriber growth. In addition, the increased uptake of data services across its operations as well as the launch of mobile money in the remaining operations will help increase its revenues.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.
Contact: Samantha James Corporate Communications – Africa P: +27 21 680 3574 F: +27 21 680 3296 samantha.james@frost.com
Yesterday, three U.S. Senators strongly questioned Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta about U.S. contracts with the Russian arms dealer Rosoboronexport — the same company selling billions in arms to Syria. Panetta didn't have an answer.
While our government calls on the world to sanction Syria’s government, our own defense department is doing business with the same Russian arms trader that has provided $4 billion dollars’ worth of weapons to the Syrian regime.
With thousands of men, women and children dying by the day in Syria — we need to send one message LOUD and CLEAR to Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta: It's time to stop doing business with Rosoboronexport and start standing up for the innocent people of Syria.
For some time now, the grapevine has been awash with reactions, comments, views and scepticism of what the former AC governorship candidate in 2007, Prince Tonye Princewill wants in Rivers State politics, given his past and present actions which some school of thought feel to be a political Launchpad to market himself prior to the 2015 Governorship election . Some analysts argue that his various billboards with different inscriptions which adorn strategic spots in the state capital as well as his philanthropic works are signs that point to his intention to contest for the 2015 gubernatorial seat. But what does Prince Tonye Princewill, the only scion of the Kalabari king make of this?
The above and many other issues agitating their minds regarding the current administration’s policies, actions and perceived inaction, programmes in Rivers State to wit; unabated flooding in the state, transaction that led to the selling of Obiwale Cultural Centre to Silverbird, wisdom behind the building of monorail and its sustainability, etc were what some socio-political commentators or analysts and the fourth estate drawn from Port Harcourt based newspaper sought to know in a media chat at Hotel Riveria recently from Prince Tonye Princewill.
To clarify these issues, the Prince thought it prudent to call for media chat where he can feel their (the Press) pulse through discussion, because they are closer to the grassroots than most politicians and in a better position to gauge the feelings of the common man as regards government policies that affect them either positively or otherwise and spread same to the government of the day through the various media they represent.
Setting the ball rolling, the Prince of Niger Delta Politics as he is fondly called by his associates said he was not disposed always to hear about the good things the present dispensation is doing but attaches importance to hear (the bad and ugly- my words) what Amaechi’s administration is not doing right, for he is a constructive critic of the State government.
Answering question on his link with the transaction that ushered Silver Bird into the former cultural centre (Obiwale Cultural Center), Princewil said it was the first investment he attracted to Rivers State and this can be verified from Silver Bird not minding contrary opinions adding that initially, 80 per cent of the capital was sourced by Silverbird and 20 per cent is from the state government but due to the delays the government has now negotiated a reduced stake for the Silverbird group who now have 70%. This is hinged on the Silverbird giving a 2 million dollar guarantee and evidence of contractor mobilization. According to him what is on ground at the moment is the first phase of the investment as hotel, shopping mail among others will be incorporated, apart from recent efforts to attract Game and ShopRite - two world class investor outfits to come and invest. Though he admitted the slow pace of work at the Silverbird Cinema with unhappiness, Princewill expressed optimism that in no mean time things will fall into place.
On his assessment of Amaechi’s administration, Princewill scored him 6/10 in his first term as well as 6/10 on his running term based on what he described as “anticipated gains”, adding that in recent weeks his hope has rose but noted that the team on board of the executive does not march the vision of the Rivers State government. “I am not enthusiastic about his team. They have nice schools but buildings do not teach”, said Princewill while expressing his worry about the absence of teachers in some schools. Acknowledging that something has been done in the area of infrastructural development across the state he holds that a lot still needs to be done.
Reacting on the Mono Rail being constructed by Gov. Amaechi’s administration, Princewill opined that there are school of thoughts who believed that the project was a white elephant project doomed to fail but he does not belong to such school of thought. While the government sees the project as viable and beneficial to the government and people of Rivers State, Prince Tonye is of the view that the project is worthwhile, achievable and sustainable in the long run if marched with the needed political will to achieve it.
Responding on what he has about 2015 and what he wants in Rivers State, his answered that 2015 is too far away, to start thinking about it, as according to him it is something he can start while asleep noting that when time comes he would make his intention known because he is not the type of politician who puts hand on the plow and start to look back. “2015 will take care of itself. I am not ruling anything in or out”, said Princewill, while appealing to all to focus on what Rivers State government wants to achieve. On the question on what he wants, this was his reponse: I want to see good roads, hospitals, schools, security etc. I want to see Rivers State move forward and the money for the state to work for the state”.
He explained that the goal, aim or what Princewill’s Political Associates intends to achieve is to arose political consciousness in the apolitical, make members know politics should be people-oriented as well as build army of people who will question, criticize constructively the policies and programmes of the government of the day.
On empowerment he said he was more interested in giving postgraduate scholarship to Rivers State natives but the state government favoured graduate scholarship, explaining that the Rivers state has the largest number of natives who are on scholarships around the globe when compared with other states in Nigeria.
On national issues such as the realistic revenue sharing formula, sovereign national conference and the recent petroleum scarcity in Port Harcourt he said there is need to look for appropriate revenue sharing formula that will assuage the needs of other brother states especially in the north and supported sovereign national conference to be held, as no one knows what the future holds. According to him, the sooner they had discussion the better, because in the absence of dialogue there can only be distrust. Describing the present fuel scarcity as embarrassing, he pointedly blamed the federal government for it.
Finally on his take on the Greater Port Harcourt City. For him it is a project that can be developed in addition to other parts of the state as it can be driven by the private sector.
The UK Social Media Revolution. Photo Credit: theEword.
8 Mar 2012 08:30 Africa/Lagos
Social Media use is Endemic in UK Workplaces
LONDON, March 8, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
- Over a quarter of businesses (28%) still don't have a social media, internet or email policy in place - Croner makes clear recommendations on social media policies for the workplace
15% of UK adult workers surveyed by YouGov online for Croner are logging on at least once per hour during the working day.
The growing numbers of employers said to be concerned with the impact of social media on their organisations prompted the research by Croner ( http://www.cronersolutions.co.uk), the UK expert in workplace information, software and services, part of Wolters Kluwer.
As well as the 15% looking at the internet once an hour, the online survey found that 6% of workers are doing this more than three times an hour. Male employees are the biggest offenders with 19% confessing to logging on at least once per hour compared to 10% of females.
And it is bad news for the capital's businesses as Londoners are the most likely to surf the net for personal use during the day (42%).
Amy Paxton, Senior Employment Consultant at Croner, says: "The numbers of bosses calling our employment advice lines about social media use in the workplace has steadily risen noticeably over the last 18 months.
"Traditionally employers have had a knee-jerk reaction to social media, some wanting to dismiss employees for gross misconduct. However, this could result in claims for unfair dismissal.
"Additionally, when faced with such situations, employers may also want to introduce a complete ban on accessing social media sites. While this is an understandable approach, employers need to consider the potential benefits for their business if employees make positive use of social media.
"It is completely acceptable for employers to limit internet use during times when employees are expected to be working as it obviously has an impact on productivity. However, access could be offered before or after work, or during official breaks. Whatever an employer chooses it is important that they have the right policies in place which clearly set out what employees can and can't do."
The YouGov research has found that over a quarter of workers surveyed (28%) say that the businesses they work in do not have policies in place for social media, internet or email use. A further 14% do not know whether their company has these policies in place.
Amy Paxton says: "High-profile legal cases involving Twitter and Facebook users at work should serve as a warning to employers of the dangers of not having clear policies in place.
"Even though social media still presents itself as a challenge to many businesses it doesn't have to. And if companies want to be seen as innovative, exciting and dynamic then they may wish to hop on the social media bandwagon and start to future-proof their business."
Croner recommends that a social media policy should:
- Set out clear rules on the use of social media. If appropriate, provide some positive guidelines on responsible use - Explain the aims of the policy, for example to protect a valuable brand or the business's reputation - Provide clear guidance on what is acceptable in terms of use during and outside working hours. There may be some different rules for out of hours behaviour but some obligations (e.g. confidentiality and not making discriminatory comments) will apply equally - Apply to all employees, although different rules may apply depending on their roles within the business - Include a right to monitor its employees' communications. This potentially raises data protection issues so organisations need to ensure that employees are made aware that monitoring may take place and the extent of that monitoring - Be subject to regular review to ensure it is up to date with developing technology and reflects the corporate approach of the organisation - Be monitored and disciplinary action taken, where necessary, to ensure compliance.
http://www.wolterskluwer.co.uk
Source: Croner
Clare Moore, Senior Communications Manager, Wolters Kluwer UK, Direct +44(0)1455-89-7156, Mobile +44(0)7831-879886, clare.moore@wolterskluwer.co.uk
James Cameron stands beside his newly revealed submersible, the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, earlier this month.
The DEEPSEA CHALLENGER sub in tests off Papua New Guinea in March. Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National Geographic
Filmmaker and Explorer James Cameron Partners With National Geographic and Rolex To Dive to Ocean's Deepest Point
Dive to Mariana Trench Will Launch Deep Ocean Research and Exploration Project
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron announced today that he will attempt to reach the world's deepest point, the Mariana Trench, nearly 7 miles (11.2 km) beneath the ocean's surface, in the coming weeks. Cameron's dive in his specially designed submersible marks the launch of DEEPSEA CHALLENGE, a joint scientific project by Cameron, the National Geographic Society and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research and exploration to expand our knowledge and understanding of these largely unknown parts of the planet.
Cameron's historic DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition will be the first extensive scientific exploration by a manned vehicle to the Mariana Trench's lowest point, the "Challenger Deep." Cameron plans to spend six hours at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean trench, some 200 miles (322 km) southwest of Guam, to collect samples for research in marine biology, microbiology, astrobiology, marine geology and geophysics.
Relying on advanced engineering and technologies created by Cameron and his team, successful field tests were completed this week off the coast of Papua New Guinea. They included untethered deep-water dives — including one to a depth of more than 5 miles (more than 8 km) — in the revolutionary, single-pilot DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible, the result of an eight-year engineering effort and the deepest-diving manned marine vehicle in existence. The public will be able to follow Cameron's progress on the expedition at www.DEEPSEACHALLENGE.com; on Twitter by following @DeepChallenge or using #deepseachallenge; or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deepseachallenge.
"The deep trenches are the last unexplored frontier on our planet, with scientific riches enough to fill a hundred years of exploration," Cameron said. "National Geographic, which has been exploring the world for nearly 125 years, is the ideal partner to help usher in a new era of deep-ocean research and exploration that supports leading scientific institutions in answering questions about the deepest, unexplored parts of the Earth. Our goal is to build a scientific legacy for generations to come. It's also to inspire people across the globe to celebrate exploration and to explore with us online and through the media we produce."
Cameron added, "Rolex is also a natural partner in this venture — unique in having reached the Challenger Deep 52 years ago and in its celebrated, century-long history of supporting exploration and helping push the boundaries of human and scientific endeavor."
The Challenger Deep has only been reached once in a manned descent, on Jan. 23, 1960, by U.S. Navy Lt. Don Walsh and Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard in the bathyscaphe Trieste. They spent approximately 20 minutes on the ocean floor before returning to the surface. Now, 52 years later, Cameron's DEEPSEA CHALLENGER represents breakthroughs in materials science, unique approaches to structural engineering and new ways of imaging through an ultra-small, full ocean depth-rated stereoscopic camera. Cameron's CAMERON | PACE Group, which supplies 3-D technologies and production support services, has provided the capability to document the historic expedition in high-resolution 3-D.
"Some believe the golden age of exploration is behind us. On the contrary, I believe we are at the beginning of our greatest age of exploration," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs. "We salute James Cameron for his commitment to science and exploration, and we are delighted to be part of this groundbreaking adventure to the deepest and least explored point on Earth."
In 1960, an experimental Rolex Deepsea Special watch was attached to the hull of the Trieste and emerged in perfect working order after withstanding the huge pressure exerted at 6.78 miles (nearly 11 km) below the surface. The DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible will carry a new experimental wristwatch, the Rolex Deepsea Challenge, strapped to its manipulator arm, renewing the pioneering engineering challenge the Swiss watchmaker took up 52 years ago with the Trieste.
"Our affinity with the deep also extends to active and sustained support of renowned marine researchers, supporting excellence and innovation in the advancement of human knowledge," said Gian Riccardo Marini, Chief Executive Officer of Rolex SA. "I am convinced that James Cameron is bringing us to the threshold of a long-delayed revival in marine exploration. We are proud to have such a passionate and longstanding admirer of Rolex, and to return to the Challenger Deep on this historic venture to help unravel the secrets of the ocean's deepest places."
Cameron was named a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence in 2011. While working on his film "Titanic," he took 12 submersible dives to the famed shipwreck two and a half miles down in the North Atlantic. The technical success of that expedition led Cameron to form Earthship Productions, which develops films about ocean exploration and conservation. Since then he has led six expeditions, authored a forensic study of the Bismarck wreck site and done extensive 3-D imaging of deep hydrothermal vent sites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the East Pacific Rise and the Sea of Cortez. Cameron has made 72 deep submersible dives, including 33 to Titanic. Fifty-one of these dives were in Russian Mir submersibles to depths of up to 3.03 miles (4.87 km).
Cameron has written and directed numerous films, among them "Avatar," "Titanic," "True Lies," "Terminator 1 and 2," "The Abyss" and "Aliens." His films have blazed new trails in visual effects and have set numerous performance records, both domestically and abroad, including 11 Oscars for "Titanic." "Avatar," a 3-D science fiction epic reflecting five years of development of new production technologies, was nominated for nine Oscars and won three. "Avatar" is the highest-grossing film in history, surpassing the previous record holder, "Titanic."
The DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition will be chronicled for a 3-D feature film for theatrical release on the intensive technological and scientific efforts behind this historic dive, which will subsequently be broadcast on the National Geographic Channel, and documented for National Geographic magazine. Cameron also will collaborate with National Geographic to create broad-based educational outreach materials.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, is the DEEPSEA CHALLENGE Project's primary science collaborator. For nearly a decade, Scripps has been involved with James Cameron in developing new ways to explore and study the deepest parts of the oceans. With its decades-long history of deep-sea exploration, Scripps is recognized as a world leader in investigating the science of the deep ocean, from exploring the deep's geological features to researching its exotic marine life inhabitants.
The expedition also is collaborating with the University of Hawai'i, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Guam. Additional funding for education and digital outreach has been provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which supports original research and public understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Scientific research permits for the dive have been secured from authorities in the Federated States of Micronesia.
NOTE: In February, two members of the DEEPSEA CHALLENGE team, world-renowned filmmakers and explorers Andrew Wight and Mike deGruy, were killed in a helicopter crash in Australia (Link to NatGeo News Watch story). The team will honor their memory by moving forward with the expedition as a tribute to them and their contributions to the project.
About the National Geographic Society The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society's mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
About Rolex Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its OYSTER watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the OYSTER, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the PERPETUAL rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, exploration, sports, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities as well as philanthropic and patronage programmes. For more information, visit www.rolex.com.
CONTACT:
Ellen Stanley estanley@ngs.org
Stephanie Montgomery smontgom@ngs.org
SOURCE National Geographic NOTE TO EDITORS: Images can be found at http://press.nationalgeographic.com/downloads/deepsea_challenge. (user name: press / password: press)CONTACT: Ellen Stanley, +1-202-744-1762 (cell); +1-202-775-6755, or Stephanie Montgomery, +1-202-857-5838
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