MediaMation's MX4D Motion EFX Helps Move Inner-City Theatre Arts Mission Program Forward

Veteran interactive technology house MediaMation, Inc. (MMI) of Torrance, California was among several key philanthropic vendors to contribute special effects technology -- including 24 MX4D Motion EFX seats, "snow, wind, and strobe effects," audio/video technology and more -- to the Christian mission-oriented family theatre arts program, Theatre 7000 located in the refurbished 1920s-era "69th Street Movie Theatre" in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

The technologically sophisticated, innovative outreach program -- believed to feature the world's only top-projector, full-dome (360 degree) screen in the world -- allows live actors (children ages 4-14 and their families) to interact with and be "superimposed" into the CGI-generated top and back-projected action on screen without "breaking projection" -- thus creating a seamlessly integrated presentation.

According to Ben Myers, director and founder of Inner-City Movement and Theatre 7000, the mission's evangelical goals are advanced through the 12-week theatre arts training program for both children and their parents, culminating in the aforementioned blending of live-action and big-screen computer-generated action in the presentation of I AM - The Encounter. The content is created by Theatre 7000 affiliate and non-profit production company Inner City (ICMovement), with a child-friendly storyline depicting the figure of Jesus Christ as a "superhero" in the imagination of a nine year-old boy.

Per Myers, MediaMation's 24 MX4D motion simulator seats -- considered "premium seats" among the theatre's total 164-seat installation -- are especially popular with the youngsters, whose "excitement, gasps, and screams [in reaction to the MX4D seats' pitch, roll, and heave motion, air blasts, leg ticklers, water blasts, and more] becomes intoxicating to the whole audience.

"The kids are very vocal," Myers continues. "They often tell their family and friends to come back and see the show again in the special seats -- the motion seats and EFX create a whole new experience." Plans call for the MediaMation MX4D seats to play a pivotal role in a new presentation set to debut in October 2015. The Gospel 5D ride "18-minute, virtual roller-coaster ride" presentation will feature Biblical stories from Genesis to Revelation, including the adventures of Noah, Abraham, King David, Isaiah, Jesus, and The Disciples. It will be presented free of charge as part of Theatre 7000's community outreach.

Notes MediaMation president/CEO Alison Jamele: "MediaMation is very proud to be associated with the innovative faith-based work of Theatre 7000. It is good to know our contributions are being used to further the mission of this important ministry."

Adds MMI vice president/CTO Dan Jamele: "One of the many rewards in the entertainment technology business is the joy and excitement it can bring to so many projects. It is gratifying to learn that our technology is being utilized is such a positive, uplifting manner."