First Ever Filmed for IMAX Ballet: Shot on RED V-Raptor XL [X]
First Ever Filmed for IMAX Ballet: Shot on RED V-Raptor XL [X]

First Ever ‘Filmed for IMAX’ Ballet: Shot on RED V-Raptor XL [X]

2024-10-17
2 mins read

Filmed at Paris Opera, Swan Lake by Paris Opera production, will be the first-ever “Filmed for IMAX” ballet. This project was shot on the RED V-Raptor XL [X] as the main IMAX-certified camera. The Ballet will be screened at IMAX theaters. Pure awesomeness!

The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE - Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE – Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera

“Filmed for IMAX” Swan Lake

As stated by IMAX: “Experience one of ballet’s most famous love stories with the Filmed For IMAX stage production of Swan Lake. Featuring Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and performed by the incomparable Paris Opera Ballet. Get swept away in the epic tale of Princess Odette (Sae Uen Park), cursed by the evil sorcerer Rothbart (Pablo Legasa) to transform into a swan each day. When Prince Siegfried (Paul Marque) falls in love with her, he vows to break the sorcerer’s spell. But can Odette and Siegfried find true love, or will betrayal and dark magic keep the lovers apart? Join Pathé Live and IMAX to experience this poignant tale of love and tragedy as it unfolds, for the first time, on the big screen”. This project is considered to be the first-ever “Filmed for IMAX” ballet.

The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE - Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE – Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE - Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE – Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera

Four days of shooting

The film required four days of shooting — two of which without an audience to allow cameras to be on stage and alongside the performers — shot exclusively with IMAX-certified digital cameras. The film provides audiences with a greater canvas of the spectacular images captured specifically for the IMAX format, and sequences are brought to life, unlike any other moviegoing experience in the world, drawing moviegoers into the beauty of the ballet like never before. That, combined with next-generation IMAX precision sound, creates a truly immersive experience. Paris Opera’s production of Swan Lake in IMAX will offer moviegoers a premium and unforgettable experience, featuring Paris Opera Ballet’s excellence. This is Paris Opera’s largest worldwide theatrical release, as for the first time in its history, Paris Opera Ballet will be broadcast in about 2,000 theaters (including a large number of IMAX locations).

The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE - Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE – Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE - Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera
The RED V-Raptor [X] XL. Behind the scenes of SWAN LAKE – Filmed for IMAX at Paris Opera

Shot on RED V-Raptor XL [X]

As you have been guessing, this project was shot on IMAX-certified digital cameras. BTS footage revealed that the camera is the RED V-Raptor XL [X], which is the most advanced camera RED has ever released. It’s the RED’s flagship. The Raptor XL [X] is armed with a full-frame Vista Vision global shutter sensor. That would make sense, to minimize rolling shutter artifacts during fast movements of the dancers. Also, the high dynamic range (17+ stops as advertised) of the camera allows one to shoot in various and challenging lighting environments like those in ballet. Swan Lake releases exclusively in IMAX locations worldwide on November 8, and theaters everywhere on November 10. Check out the IMAX trailer below:

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Yossy is a filmmaker who specializes mainly in action sports cinematography. Yossy also lectures about the art of independent filmmaking in leading educational institutes, academic programs, and festivals, and his independent films have garnered international awards and recognition.
Yossy is the founder of Y.M.Cinema Magazine.

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