Why "The Odyssey" was shot entirely on IMAX film

Seven miles off the eastern coast of England lies Sealand, a micronation established on a former World War II nautical fort. Despite its small size, a platform roughly the length of two tennis courts, Sealand boasts the trappings of a country: a constitution, a government, a national anthem, and a permanent population of one.

The principality is presided over by Prince Michael Bates, who inherited the role from his parents, the original founders in 1967. Getting to Sealand is an adventure in itself, involving a boat ride followed by a hoist onto the platform, a process that can take hours for equipment. The fort's two seven-story towers, originally built to defend against German bombing raids, now house the nation's infrastructure.

Life on Sealand is unconventional. A bench press serves as the national gym, two candles function as the chapel, and meals like pasta are prepared in the galley kitchen. For correspondent Jon Wertheim, sleeping quarters were located at sea level, with the North Sea splashing mere inches from his bed, making for a less-than-comfortable night's sleep.

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It's one of these places where you see where it is on a map, and you'd say, 'That looks reasonable.' But this could have been in the South Pacific. It's really far.

The dream of maintaining a sovereign nation comes at a significant cost. Prince Michael estimates his family has invested millions of dollars over the decades. To sustain Sealand, the Bates family has embraced the internet age's capitalism. They sell merchandise online, including stamps, hoodies, and flags, and offer personalized email addresses.

Further funding comes from an "E-Citizenship" program, where for $9.99 a month, individuals receive digital and physical ID cards, with proceeds supporting ocean cleanup efforts around Sealand. For those seeking a more distinguished connection, honorary titles are available, with knighthoods costing $149.99 and count or countess titles priced at $270.

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I'd be lying if I said it was the most comfortable night's sleep.