David Keighley, a central determine within the improvement of IMAX and one of many foremost advocates of large-format cinema, has died at the age of 77. His son, producer Geoff Keighley, confirmed that he handed away Thursday in New York following a battle with neuroendocrine prostate most cancers.
Over a profession spanning greater than 5 a long time, Keighley labored on greater than 500 IMAX productions, from nature documentaries to main Hollywood blockbusters. He started his journey in 1972, co-founding postproduction firm DKP 70MM along with his spouse, Patricia, after being impressed by the IMAX movie North of (*77*). Their firm grew to become synonymous with high quality management, with no Imax print leaving the lab with out Keighley’s approval. In 1988, the enterprise was acquired by IMAX, the place Keighley went on to function the corporate’s first chief high quality officer.
Filmmakers extensively credit score him with serving to convey IMAX expertise into mainstream Hollywood. Christopher Nolan, who first used IMAX cameras on The Dark Knight, described Keighley as each a mentor and a good friend. “No filmmaker would be able to shoot or screen film of any format today if not for David Keighley — our entire industry owes him a massive debt,” Nolan mentioned.
Director Ryan Coogler, whose upcoming movie Sinners was amongst Keighley’s last tasks, recalled his meticulous consideration to element and ardour for movie science. “Anyone who’s ever had their mind blown by the images in an IMAX theatrical presentation has David to thank for it,” Coogler famous.
James Cameron, whose Avatar movies have relied closely on IMAX presentation, praised Keighley as “a strong ally and a true believer in creating the ultimate cinema experience.” Denis Villeneuve, at the moment working with IMAX for Dune 3, added: “Some people are irreplaceable. David Keighley is one of them. Cinema is mourning one of its most brilliant technical masters.”
Keighley remained energetic till the ultimate weeks of his life, overseeing dailies for Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey. He is survived by his spouse Patricia, youngsters Geoff, Chris and Jennifer, and grandchildren Sam and Eli.
