 | |
| Industry | Entertainment |
|---|---|
| Founder | Michael Needham |
| Defunct | 2024 (resumed operation 2024 new ownership) |
| Headquarters | , USA |
Key people | Michael Needham, Shiori Sudo, Mike Frueh, Sean McAllister, Milan Ghosh |
| Products | Cinematic Attractions, 3D, 4D and VR Attractions; Motion Simulation Rides; and FlyRide Theaters. |
| Website | www |
SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment specializes in high-tech entertainment systems, films, film technologies, film-based software, Simulation Hardware Systems and services.[1][2] The company has partnerships with various institutions, parks, and destinations.
The company has been serving the amusement industry for 30 years, through three operating divisions: Attractions Development; Content Licensing, Production & Distribution; and Technology/Engineering.[3]
SimEx Inc. is the former parent company of SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment. The company was based in Toronto, Canada with additional locations in Baltimore, Maryland; and Santa Clarita, California.[1]
Iwerks Entertainment Inc. is an Americanfilm studio founded in 1985 inBurbank, California, byOscar winner andDisney LegendDon Iwerks andStan Kinsey, both formerDisney Executives. The company was named to honor Don's father,Ub Iwerks, who wasWalt Disney's first business partner and co-creator ofMickey Mouse.[4]
SimEx's origins lie with the creation by Michael Needham and Moses Znaimer of Tour of the Universe (1984) at the CN Tower, Toronto. In the 1980s SimEx and Iwerks developed their own separate visions for motion ride attractions.[5]
Los Angeles–based Iwerks developed innovative 8/70 projection technologies for Extreme Screen Theaters and two-seat motion systems (TurboRide).[6] In 1998, Iwerks Co-founder Don Iwerks was awarded the Gordon E. Sawyer Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in recognition of his lifetime of contribution to the science and technology of motion pictures.[7]
In late 1999, Iwerks Entertainment acquired the assets of McFadden Systems, which had been approached byWarner Bros. Movie World to develop a motion simulator forBatman Adventure – The Ride in 1992.[8]
In 2024, SimEx-Iwerks' parent company dissolved in Toronto as part of the Canadian CCAA. A group of management purchased the company assets continuing its legacy and operation. The new company trades as "SimEx Iwerks" as of June 1, 2024 and has operations headquartered in California.
Iwerks Entertainment has received twoAcademy Awards by theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Scientific and Technical Achievement.
The first occurred in 1998 at the70th Academy Awards show, where founder Don Iwerks was awarded theGordon E. Sawyer Award, given each year to "an individual in the motion picture industry whose technological contributions have brought credit to the industry."[9][10]
The second occurred in 2000 at the72nd Academy Awards show, where Iwerks' L. Ron Schmidt was awarded anAcademy Award for the “concept, design and engineering of the Linear Loop Film Projector”.
SimEx-Iwerks Experiences include 3-D, 4-D and VR attractions, motion simulation rides, and flying theaters. Over 350 attractions have been built by the SimEx-Iwerks group in over 40 countries.[3]
SimEx-Iwerks active film library consists of over 125 films.[11]