Imax Corporation announced it will eliminate approximately 130 jobs out of its staff of 1,000. The entertainment technology company, headquartered in Mississauga, ON, plans to scale back operations at its Birmingham, AL facility and consolidate its manufacturing of audio and projection systems at its Sheridan Park location in Mississauga.

"These measures were necessary to improve Imax’s operating results and in response to the financial difficulties in the commercial exhibition industry," commented Imax co-CEOs Richard Gelfond and Bradley Wechsler.

Imax business interests include its giant-screen movie format, 3D presentations, and digital post-production and projection. Last year the company announced Digital Projection International, its Manchester, Eng. subsidiary, was moving ahead with its design for digital movie projectors, anticipating a major rollout within a couple of years.

Reportedly, the company recently discouraged IMAX-licensed theatres from booking Haunted Castle, a 3D-animated film in the IMAX format, for its supposed scenes of graphic violence. Some exhibitors labeled the company’s efforts to maintain a family-friendly image as censorship. Haunted Castle opened Feb. 23 to weak reviews.

There are more than 200 IMAX theatres operating worldwide. *

-www.imax.com