MacGillivray Freeman Films is an American film production company specializing in large-format, immersive, and educational cinematic experiences for global audiences. The company is led by Shaun MacGillivray, who serves as president, executive producer, and director. MacGillivray Freeman Films collaborates with a wide range of partners—including major brands, museums, tourism boards, non-profit organizations, NGOs, foundations, and associations—to produce films and media projects across a variety of scales and budgets. In addition to filmmaking, the company develops and implements large-scale public outreach and educational initiatives designed to extend the impact of its work beyond the screen.
History MacGillivray Freeman Films was established in 1963 in Laguna Beach, California, by Greg MacGillivray and Jim Freeman. Greg MacGillivray began making films when he was 13 and later partnered with his best friend, Jim Freeman, to form MacGillivray Freeman Films. In 1966, at the age of 19, the two dropped out of college to make movies full time starting with a film in South America after the success of one of their first surfing documentaries, Free and Easy, which recouped its production costs after only 10 screenings.
In the ensuing years, MacGillivray and Freeman produced a series of documentaries about surfing and skateboarding, pioneering a cinematic perspective for the genre by putting the viewer in the middle of the action via board-mounted cameras.
MacGillivray has produced and directed more than 50 films, 40 of which are IMAX, and has developed three IMAX cameras: a high-speed (slow-motion) model, a lightweight model and the “all-weather” camera he used while filming on Mt. Everest.
Films Documentaries and other films MacGillivray Freeman Films is best known for producing large-format and documentary films that explore science, nature, culture, engineering, and human achievement. The company has released numerous IMAX® and giant-screen films exhibited in museums, science centers, and theaters worldwide, often combining cinematic storytelling with educational objectives. Its productions frequently involve collaborations with scientists, engineers, educators, and cultural institutions, and are accompanied by educational materials and outreach programs designed to engage students and lifelong learners. Through its documentaries and films, MacGillivray Freeman Films aims to make complex subjects accessible to broad audiences while emphasizing immersive visual experiences.
IMAX films Most well known for its IMAX films, the studio has produced and distributed 40 IMAX films since 1974. Its first IMAX film, To Fly!, produced for the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum, was later selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the National Film Registry.
Two of its films, Dolphins (2000) and The Living Sea (1995), were nominated for Academy Awards. Its film Everest (1998) appeared on Variety'''s Top 10 Box Office chart for North America.
The company's films have received nominations and awards from the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA).
Filmography Below is a list of films and television commercials produced and/or distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Films. +TitleRelease dateRuntimeFormatNotesLet There Be Surf1963n/a16 mm Jim Freeman's first commercial film.Outside the Third Dimension1964n/a16 mmProduced and directed by Jim Freeman.
A film about Hawaiian surfing photographed and released in 3D.A Cool Wave of Summer19641 hr 17 minutes16 mmGreg MacGillivray's first commercial film.
An avant-garde film about surfing in California.The Glass Wall1965n/a16 mmProduced and distributed by Jim Freeman. The Performers1965n/a35 mmProduced and directed by Greg MacGillivray.
A study of three Californians who find surf and adventure in Hawaii, Mexico and Florida. Moods of Surfing196815 minutes35 mm Short Film for Theatrical Release by United Artists.Television Commercials1969n/an/a LTV Corporation Global Van Lines OldsmobileCatch the Joy196915 minutes35 mmAn aesthetic look at the sport of Dune Buggy-ing by United Artists.Waves of Change1969n/a35 mmTelevision Commercials1970n/an/a Holiday Inns of America Frosty Root Beer CarnationSentinels of Silence197028 minutes35 mmNarrated by Orson Welles.
Photographed by Jim Freeman.Ski Movie One1970n/an/aProduced with Summit FilmsFive Summer Stories1972n/an/aTo Fly!197627 minutes70 mmThe premiere film for the Theater of the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian InstitutionThe Living Sea199540 minutes70 mmEverest199845 minutes70 mmHighest-grossing IMAX filmDolphins200039 minutes70 mmGrand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk200844 minutes70 mmA journey down the Colorado River on a two-week expedition to highlight water conservation issues.Arabia201139 minutes70 mmArabia takes viewers deep into the heart of an extraordinary country for a surprising look at the history, culture and religion of the Arabian Peninsula.To The Arctic201240 minutes70 mmA close up look at Arctic wildlifeJourney to the South Pacific201340 minutes70 mmA film about marine conservation in IndonesiaHumpback Whales201540 minutes70 mmA film about the resurgence of Humpback whalesNational Parks Adventure201643 minutes70 mmA celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the US National Park ServiceDream Big: Engineering Our World201742 minutes70 mmPioneers of engineering and man-made wondersWe, The Marines201737 minutes70 mmLarge format documentary made for permanent exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine CorpsAmerica's Musical Journey201840 minutes70 mmExploring the roots of America's musicInto Americas Wild202040 minute70mmAn unforgettable cross-country adventure into the hidden wonders of the natural worldOut Where The West Begins202140 minutes70 mmFour-episode documentary series explaining the history of the Western United StatesIreland202243 minutes70 mmJourney to a magical land of stunning natural wonders, ancient clifftop marvels, and a rich, cultural heritage.Sea World Abu Dhabi, One Ocean202390 minutes360 degreeTheme park visual attractionCities of the Future202440 minuteLarge format IMAX FilmImagine stepping 50 years into the future and finding smart cities designed to be totally sustainable.Superhuman Body202440 minuteLarge format IMAX FilmSuperhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels takes audiences inside the wonders of the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science and bioengineering that are changing the course of human health.Ohio: Wild at Heart202540 minutes70 mmProduced for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Conservation
MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation In 2004, Greg MacGillivray and his wife Barbara founded the non-profit MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation to contribute to the conservation of the world's natural and cultural heritage through giant screen films and companion educational programming.
One World One Ocean Campaign MacGillivray Freeman established the One World One Ocean campaign, with Managing Director and Producer Shaun MacGillivray since 2012, which, along with other organizations, was featured in Laguna Beach Eco Heroes'', a 30-minute documentary by The My Hero Project. The efforts of the Crystal Cove Alliance, ECO Warrior, Laguna Bluebelt, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Nancy Caruso, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Wyland, and Zero Trash Laguna were also highlighted in the documentary.
References
External links MacGillivray Freeman Films official website MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation official website Daily Variety - Greg MacGillivray: Peak performer