David Keighley

David Bedford Keighley (April 12, 1948 – August 28, 2025) was a Canadian film producer and executive associated with the development of large-format cinema. He was a longtime executive at IMAX and served as the company’s first Chief Quality Officer, playing a central role in shaping the technical and presentation standards of the IMAX format.

Early life and education Keighley was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He developed an early interest in photography and film, and studied photographic arts at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (now Toronto Metropolitan University).

Career Keighley began his career in large-format filmmaking in the early 1970s after being inspired by the IMAX film North of Superior (1971). He worked on IMAX productions as an assistant director before becoming a producer.

In 1988, Keighley sold his production company DKP 70mm to IMAX and joined the company in-house, where he became a central figure in maintaining and advancing IMAX’s technical standards.

Personal life Keighley was married to Patricia Keighley, with whom he frequently collaborated professionally. The couple had three children, including Geoff Keighley.