An Open Letter from IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond
As you know, many movie theatres around the world are temporarily closed in support of important community, state, and national efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
I wanted to reach out to you, our fans, with a personal note of hope and gratitude in this challenging time.
First and foremost, your health and safety — along with the well-being of our employees, theatre workers, and their families and communities — are our top priority at IMAX. We’ve supported these closures for that very reason and strongly believe that public health should continue to come first as the film industry navigates this unprecedented situation. When the time is right, IMAX will be ready to serve you again with the most immersive theatrical experience in the world.
Like many other companies, we’ve had to dramatically change how we operate to keep our employees safe. Please know that the incredible IMAX team is working hard from home to make sure that — when theatres do reopen — the biggest blockbusters are ready to roll on IMAX screens. We’re also using this time to pull a few of our dream projects off the shelf and think of new ways to make The IMAX Experience even better for you. Globally, many studio releases are on hold, but rest assured we will be ready when it is safe to return to theatres.
When I joined IMAX in the ‘90s, we didn’t yet play blockbusters. Today we work with the world’s most innovative filmmakers on projects beyond imagination – from the far reaches of space to the depths of the ocean and everywhere in between. At every turn, we are relentlessly focused on empowering creatives to tell great stories and express their true visions to fans. Storytelling guides our company and drives an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of dedicated professionals around the world. In good times and bad, we are honored and grateful to help bring you great stories and participate in this vital, cherished part of the human experience.
It’s an uncertain time for all of us — in the weeks and months ahead, do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and give yourself permission not to be perfect. Above all, stay healthy and safe.
Thank you. We can’t wait to bring you The IMAX Experience again as soon as possible.
Rich Gelfond