WQED Multimedia: Pittsburgh Prospects: February 2001

Normally, a team of wild horses would be needed to drag me onto Kennywood's Pitfall. Yet, there I was, plunging wildly toward the ground -- still safe in my seat at the Carnegie Science Center.

Now before every Omnimax film at the Science Center, you can fly over the forests of the Laurel Highlands, ride a Formula One race boat in the Three Rivers Regatta, walk with the elephants at the Pittsburgh Zoo, and dance with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans as well as ride the Pitfall or take a walk through the South Side Slopes with Mr. Rogers in "Pittsburgh's Big Picture."

The 8 1/2-minute film places Pittsburgh on center stage (and four-stories high!) -- introducing visitors to the region's assets and reminding natives about what makes the area a great place.

"'Pittsburgh's Big Picture' is a great idea that clearly demonstrates the wonderful quality of life we have here in the Pittsburgh region -- from the Regatta to whitewater rafting to our great neighborhoods," says Mark Kurtzrock, interim president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

Omnimax viewers now get the Big Picture
of Pittsburgh.

"It's a great tool to promote the region as a good place to raise a family and grow a business. Visitors and residents alike should see something in the film to interest and intrigue them."

The region has so much to offer, says Jeff Leber, COO and vice president of Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area (who partnered with the Science Center in making the film), that the film "doesn't even scratch the surface of what's out there."

Pittsburgh is just one of a handful of cities that have a signature Omnimax film. "Pittsburgh's Big Picture" grew out of two ideas: the Science Center's wish for a special prefeature film and the Rivers of Steel dream of an Omnimax film about the steel industry. In 1997, the two groups combined their efforts. Cooperation and financial support from Glen (CEO and president of FreeMarkets Inc.) and Diane Meakem, the National Park Service, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources, and the Bozzone Family Foundation helped to create the film.

It was a hometown effort in nearly all aspects -- from the local groups providing financing to the subjects of the film to the production company, Mount Lebanon-based Peter Argentine Productions. Jim DiSpirito of Rusted Root composed the opening-sequence percussion piece. Dennis Bateman, the Science Center's assistant director of exhibit and facilities, served as executive producer, along with Liz Swartz, former director of the Omnimax theater. WQED's Frank Caloiero, editor of On Q, served as editor for this film.

The new film uses no narration, depending on music, natural sound, voices and visuals to create the Omnimax portrait of the region. "Pittsburgh's Big Picture" replaces the 10-year-old intro film the Center has been using since the theater opened.

For more information or show times, call 412/237-3400.