IMAX Filmed vs Shot: What’s the Difference?
- With highly anticipated releases like "how to Train Your Dragon," "F1: The Movie," and "Superman" on the horizon, moviegoers are increasingly encountering the phrase "Filmed for IMAX." But...
- Bruce Markoe,vice president and head of post-production at IMAX,clarifies the differences between films optimized for IMAX,those "Filmed for IMAX," and those "Shot with IMAX."
- "Filmed for IMAX" signifies a deeper collaboration between filmmakers and IMAX from pre-production through post-production.
Decode the difference between “Filmed for IMAX” and “Shot with IMAX” and elevate your next movie night. Discover how IMAX optimizes films visually and sonically, offering an exclusive expanded aspect ratio, creating a uniquely immersive experience that justifies the premium. News Directory 3 uncovers the nuances of IMAX filmmaking, explaining the distinct processes behind movies optimized for the format versus those captured with specialized IMAX cameras. learn how filmmakers collaborate with IMAX from pre-production to post-production for a taller, wider view. With a growing number of screens worldwide, IMAX is setting new standards in cinema. Discover what’s next for your favorite films in IMAX.
‘Filmed for IMAX’: Enhancing the Moviegoing Experience
Updated June 13, 2025
With highly anticipated releases like “how to Train Your Dragon,” “F1: The Movie,” and “Superman” on the horizon, moviegoers are increasingly encountering the phrase ”Filmed for IMAX.” But what does this mean, and does it justify the extra cost for an IMAX showing? The answer lies in understanding the distinct processes behind IMAX filmmaking.
Bruce Markoe,vice president and head of post-production at IMAX,clarifies the differences between films optimized for IMAX,those “Filmed for IMAX,” and those ”Shot with IMAX.”
“Filmed for IMAX” signifies a deeper collaboration between filmmakers and IMAX from pre-production through post-production. This program involves specific requirements and recommendations to create a unique version of the movie exclusively for IMAX theaters, setting it apart from standard movies optimized for the format.
In contrast, ”Shot with IMAX” denotes movies captured on celluloid film using a specialized IMAX camera before digital conversion. While these films undergo similar testing and reviews,the key difference is the use of IMAX‘s proprietary camera on set,whereas “Filmed for IMAX” utilizes certified digital cameras not exclusive to IMAX.
Every movie that IMAX releases is actually still a unique version, meaning that the filmmaker has the opportunity to optimize the movie visually and sonically with a sound for our format.
One significant advantage of the “Filmed for IMAX” program is the exclusive expanded aspect ratio of 1.90:1, available only in IMAX theaters. This taller aspect ratio, also inherent in films shot with IMAX cameras, requires filmmakers to creatively shoot for IMAX‘s taller screens, enhancing the immersive experience.
To facilitate this, IMAX conducts demonstrations for directors, cinematographers, and producers, showcasing the impact of expanded aspect ratios and the overall IMAX habitat.These demonstrations address technical questions and guide filmmakers in achieving dual aspect ratios, ensuring compatibility with both IMAX and non-IMAX versions.
We want the filmmakers to shoot and capture these dual aspect ratios, so we get the taller aspect ratio exclusively for our cinemas. The key is that they have to shoot the movie creatively for our taller aspect ratio, and it’s a technical thing they have to do on set.
With over 1,800 screens worldwide and a growing backlog,IMAX is rapidly expanding to meet the increasing demand for its immersive cinematic experience.each IMAX theater features custom-built projectors and sound systems, with powerful speakers playing movies at reference sound levels for a truly immersive experience.
What’s next
As audiences increasingly seek out the biggest screen possible, IMAX continues to innovate and expand, promising an even more immersive and visually stunning moviegoing experience in the future.