IMAX/Lionsgate
Producing a Nationwide IMAX Live Event for Lionsgate’s Megalopolis
120Minute Livestream
65Theaters Nationwide
In This Case Study:
To support the release of Megalopolis, IMAX and Lionsgate partnered with BMG to produce and distribute a live cinema event from AMC Lincoln Square in New York City to 65 IMAX theaters nationwide.
The live program included a 90-minute pre-show followed by a 30-minute conversation with director and producer Francis Ford Coppola, moderated by Dennis Lim and featuring Robert De Niro and Spike Lee.
BMG delivered the event as a turnkey live production, leading the creative broadcast run-of-show, producing and directing the live program, staffing the crew, deploying RMU 2, and managing the production, lighting, scenic, audio, uplink, and redundant distribution workflow needed to bring the event to theaters across the country.
BMG Main Services
The Challenge: Producing a Live Event Built for the Big Screen
A Theatrical Live Experience
Because the event was being shown on IMAX screens, every production choice mattered. The camera coverage, lighting, audio, scenic look, pacing, and live direction all needed to support a premium cinema environment.
High-Profile Talent and Live Conversation
The broadcast featured Francis Ford Coppola, Dennis Lim, Robert De Niro, and Spike Lee. BMG needed to produce a live conversation that felt natural in the room while also translating clearly for theater audiences watching across the country.
Reliable Nationwide Delivery
The feed had to reach 65 IMAX theaters live and on schedule. That required primary and backup transmission paths, real-time technical oversight, and a production workflow built to protect the shared viewing experience.
The Solution: A Turnkey Live Broadcast for a Nationwide Theater Event
Creative Production and Run-of-Show
BMG led the creative broadcast planning for the live program, including development of the run-of-show for the 120-minute event.
Todd Mason served as producer and director, guiding the live broadcast from pre-show coverage through the 30-minute interview and panel discussion.
This gave IMAX and Lionsgate a production partner responsible for more than the technical setup. BMG helped shape the live program itself, making sure the event flowed for both the in-room audience and theater viewers across the country.
Nationwide Transmission and Redundancy
BMG managed the live distribution of the event to 65 IMAX theaters nationwide.
The primary transmission path used LTN encoders, with a backup satellite feed supported by a satellite truck. This redundant approach helped protect the live program and ensure theaters received a reliable signal.
By combining primary and backup distribution paths, BMG helped IMAX and Lionsgate deliver a synchronized live event experience at national scale.
On-Site Production at AMC Lincoln Square
BMG provided the full on-site production team and production technology for the event.
The production included one manned camera, three PTZ cameras, four handheld microphones, IFB, front-of-house sound, talent lighting, scenic lighting, scenic support, power distribution, and generator support.
This setup allowed BMG to capture the conversation, panelists, moderator, and event environment with a clean live production approach built for the IMAX viewing experience.
Mobile Unit Deployment
BMG deployed REMI Mobile Unit 2 as the on-site production hub.
RMU 2 supported the control room, communications, video switching, monitoring, and production infrastructure needed to manage the live broadcast from AMC Lincoln Square.
Additional support from BMG’s remote engineering team helped provide technical oversight throughout the event.
Impact
BMG helped IMAX and Lionsgate turn the Megalopolis release into a shared live cinema experience across 65 theaters nationwide.
The production gave audiences direct access to a special live conversation with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, and Spike Lee, while maintaining the production quality expected from an IMAX presentation.
For IMAX and Lionsgate, the result was a premium live event that expanded the theatrical experience beyond a single venue. For BMG, the project showcased the company’s ability to combine creative production leadership, live event execution, mobile production infrastructure, and redundant nationwide distribution in one turnkey workflow.
Deliverables
Live event production
Producer and director services
REMI Mobile Unit deployment
Technical management
Nationwide transmission services
LTN encoding and distribution
Full production staffing
Camera systems
Video switching and recording
IFB communications
Scenic design and support
Key Information
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