Story, animation and technology come together for Steve Oedekerk in Santa vs. the Snowman. All Santa vs. the Snowman images © 2002 O Entertainment. All rights reserved. IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.

I was always addicted to movies. As early as I can remember it was my favorite form of escape and adventure. At that time in my life I never differentiated between live-action or animation, I simply flocked to the films that made me laugh or swept me away to another time and place.

A cinephile in the making: Oedekerk as a young boy fell in love with all kinds of movies. Photo courtesy of Steve Oedekerk.

The IMAX Experience
Years later, about the age of 17, I went to my first giant screen film. I remember sitting in this bigger than life IMAX theater. A booming voice came up before the movie started and sort of bragged about the size of the screen and the number of speakers, which made me laugh as I had never witnessed a film proceeded by such pomposity. But when the picture rolled, my jaw dropped and I was truly awestruck. It had finally happened. I was in the film. As the camera soared down a stream of rapids, the theater seemed to be moving right along that path. I was along for the ride.

I frequently returned, enjoying the various documentaries that put me on a race track, in the Grand Canyon or viewing the earth from Space. I fully enjoyed the experience, but started wondering, "Why aren't there story-based movies being shown in these amazing theaters?" A seed was planted that now, years later has grown into Santa vs. the Snowman IMAX 3D, an expression of my passion for story, animation and new technologies. Film, animation, the giant screen and 3D all joined together for the sole purpose of family entertainment.

The combination of 3D and IMAX pulls the viewer into the movie.

This new palette for narrative storytelling has exceeded my expectations and I am finding myself passionately committed to this rather challenging format. With the combination of true 3D and the large format IMAX screen, you get a sense that you can reach right into the picture.

Get Your Glasses!
3D has long been utilized and viewed as a simple gimmick. Most of the 3D films of years past were using the experience as an opportunity to throw objects at the audience or as the infamous SCTV sketch so wonderfully displayed, sort of move objects outside the screen in not so subtle or organic ways. In reality, 3D is an unbelievably powerful asset in a story-based theatrical experience. It truly is the next level.