The Field of Dreams

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Fri, 09/11/2009 - 20:00 -- Nick Dager

Thanks to a donation from the international professional services company Ernst & Young Chicago’s Field Museum recently installed a theatre with Barco projection and Dolby 3D. Jeri Webb the Field Museum’s stores director manages the theatre. Webb’s first job in the non-profit world was in 1994 when she began work as the manager of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Store.  She came to the Field Museum in 2003 where in addition to her directorial duties she is also the buyer for cultural gifts jewelry and Field Museum branded products. Digital Cinema Report recently spoke with Webb via email about the new installation.
 
 Digital Cinema Report: How long have you had a 3D theatre? Jeri Webb: We opened to the public on May 22 2009.
 
 DCR:  How many 3D programs have you shown? JW: We are exclusively featuring one Dinosaurs Alive 3D! Egypt 3D opens up to the public Columbus Day weekend.  We will add more shows in 2010.
 
 DCR: Are they supplementing your exhibitions the way you had envisioned they would? JW: Yes the theatre is located next to our Evolving Planet exhibition where we have several dinosaurs on display so it’s a natural fit.  The theatre is also above Sue the most complete T. rex ever discovered.
  DCR: How has attendance been? JW: We have sold 65 percent of capacity for all the shows since we opened in May.
 
 DCR: Do you charge separate admission to see a 3D event? JW: Yes all tickets are five dollars.
 
 DCR: How do audiences react to your 3D presentations? JW: The overall response has been very positive – even the reporters who came to see the opening day were very pleased with the quality of the theatre and the movie.
 
 DCR: What has been the overall response from visitors? JW: From the young to the old they like the show.
  DCR: What has been the overall response from staff? JW: The overall response has been very positive.  We had our B-roll shoot (creating video for TV stations who could not attend our media preview) and needed to fill the seats with staff – we had to turn people away because we were full!
 
 DCR: How big is the screen?  JW: Approximately 12 feet by 24 feet.
  DCR: How many seats are there in your theatre?  JW: 150 plus four handicap spaces
 
 DCR: What was the budget for the installation of the 3D equipment?  JW: Audio video and show controls totaled about $160 000.
 
 DCR: Your theatre is called the Ernst & Young 3D Theatre. Did the budget for this installation come from a single donor? JW: Yes we are so glad to be partnering with them.
  DCR: Who managed the installation project?  JW: The Museum’s director of facilities.
 
 DCR:  What 3D projector did you select?  JW: Barco DP2000.
  DCR: Why did you decide to work with Dolby 3D? JW: Dolby was recommended by our vendor.
  DCR: Have there been any problems with collecting and cleaning the 3D glasses?  JW: We have not had an issue cleaning the glasses but we are still refining our drop-off and collection system to reduce theft.
 
 DCR: What is the response from your patrons to the idea of leaving the 3D glasses behind?  JW: Most are OK with it but we are having some problems with theft both of the glasses and the lenses.
 
 DCR: Where are you finding 3D content?  JW: We have an agreement with Giant Screen Films.
 
 DCR: Is there enough 3D content to satisfy your needs? JW: Yes we are booked through 2010!
 
 DCR: Other than what you already shown what other kinds of 3D content would you hope to present?  JW: We will seek out films that are pertinent to our temporary exhibitions.  Just to be clear we have permanent exhibitions that are always on display (The Ancient Americas Inside Ancient Egypt etc.) and we have temporary shows that last anywhere from two-eight months in length (Tutankhamen Real Pirates Nature Unleashed etc.).