GSCA Names Mary Jane Dodge Recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award

The Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) is delighted to announce that Mary Jane Dodge has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions to the giant screen industry. This prestigious award honors individuals nominated by GSCA members and selected by the GSCA Executive Committee for their contributions of lasting impact, which advance the giant screen industry, enhance the immersive cinema experience, promote lifelong learning, and inspire audiences and industry professionals alike. The award will be presented during the GSCA Achievement Awards on Tuesday, September 24, at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater as part of the annual GSCA International Conference.

Mary Jane Dodge’s remarkable journey in the giant screen industry began in 1977, sparked by a chance encounter with Graeme Ferguson, one of the pioneers of IMAX. Her passion for the giant screen experience was further ignited when she saw To Fly! in Washington, D.C. This led her to launch her first IMAX theater at the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1980, where she worked as a planetarium director. Over the years, Dodge has been instrumental in launching IMAX theaters across the globe, including at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Museum of Science in Boston, and Sony’s flagship IMAX theaters in New York City and San Francisco, among others.

Known as the “queen of launches,” Dodge’s efforts have been pivotal in advancing the industry. Her success with the NYC Sony IMAX, which attracted 850,000 attendees in its inaugural year, played a crucial role in the growth of commercial IMAX theaters and the introduction of IMAX 3D technology.

Since attending her first industry meeting in 1980, Dodge has been actively involved with STC, ISTC, GSTA, and GSCA. As the chair of the marketing committee, she was instrumental in renaming the International Space Theater Consortium to the Giant Screen Theater Association. Her leadership has shaped many aspects of the association, including the creation of the MAC Awards, awards for lifelong learning, and the development of film awards with Jonathan Barker.

Dodge’s passion for marketing theaters and films has significantly improved results for theaters and distributors worldwide. Her efforts in branding, notably the “Bigger.Bolder.Better” campaign, have strengthened the identity of the giant screen experience. She has hosted numerous film premieres, including Into the Deep, Everest, Michael Jordan to the Max and Space Station 3D, further enhancing the industry’s profile.

Beyond her work with theaters, Dodge has contributed to many film projects, including co-producing the IMAX short New England Time Capsule in Boston and even had a cameo role in Across the Sea of Time. Since joining MacGillivray Freeman Films in 2006, she has supported numerous productions and served as an executive producer for Dream Big and Cities of the Future.

Mary Jane Dodge’s unique ability to connect with both exhibitors and sponsors, her openness to innovative ideas, and her dedication to the industry’s growth have made her a beloved and respected figure in the giant screen community. Her mantra of securing bonus marketing opportunities has become a guiding principle for theater marketing staff worldwide.

Mary Jane has also been a driving force in the development of educational initiatives and has contributed significantly to the GSCA’s film and marketing awards. Her leadership and vision have shaped the direction of the industry and inspired countless colleagues and audiences.

“Our industry has a true treasure in Mary Jane who has been such a positive force of creativity and leadership for more than forty years,” said Greg MacGillivray, Chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films.  “My first memory goes back to 1982, when the head of our distribution department, Bill Bennett, came back from the first STC conference in Hutchinson and told me about Mary Jane and her enthusiasm for the future of the IMAX experience. From that moment, we have worked closely with Mary Jane to promote IMAX and this exceptional movie experience. Her infectious enthusiasm for the giant screen makes her a delight to work with and she has inspired countless colleagues with her marketing brilliance and love of our industry.”

“Mary Jane is a dedicated, passionate, and tireless champion for our industry and most deserving of this recognition for her giant screen contributions of over 45 years,” said Diane Carlson of Giant Screen Cinema Consulting. “I have worked with her on many industry projects, and it is not only a joy to work with her, but she also delivers on her promises. She gets the job done. She also knows how to have fun, having demonstrated her prodigious dancing abilities over the years at our conferences.”

“Mary Jane is a dedicated, passionate, and tireless champion for our industry,” said Jim D. Barath, Principal of Sonics ESD. “Her high-energy persona and unwavering commitment have set a new standard for marketing, promotion, and production in the giant screen industry.”

James Neihouse, ASC, echoed these sentiments, highlighting her leadership and creativity: “Mary Jane’s remarkable journey and numerous contributions have significantly advanced our field, making her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.”

Brad Lisle, Producer and President of Foxfire Interactive, praised her deep knowledge and enthusiasm, stating, “Mary Jane’s energy and expertise in film marketing have been essential in making the GSCA’s marketing masterclass a success.”

The GSCA is proud to honor Mary Jane Dodge with this well-deserved recognition for her outstanding achievements and lasting impact on the giant screen industry.

The annual GSCA Achievement Awards honor excellence in giant screen filmmaking, marketing, and lifelong learning and will be presented at the Tennessee Aquarium on the evening of September 24 during the GSCA International Conference. The 2024 conference begins with Dome Day at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 22, and continues September 23-26 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hosted by the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater. The reception and awards are sponsored by IMAX, which will present the IMAX Maximum Image Awards during the ceremony. The conference, which is attended by giant screen industry professionals from around the world, includes screenings of new films, films in production, and projects in development; professional development sessions; and innovations sessions. For more information, visit www.giantscreencinema.com.

About the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA)

The Giant Screen Cinema Association is a global association dedicated to promoting the growth and success of giant screen experiences. The GSCA provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members, helping to advance the art and science of immersive cinema.