Cue Entertainment
6th December 2007
AAM adds Sony to digital cinema deal
Arts Alliance Media has added Sony Pictures Releasing International to its digital cinema roll out plans — sealing a non-exclusive long-term agreement for digital cinema deployment in Europe.
The move follows similar agreements made in June with Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Pictures International and in October with Paramount Pictures International.
Under the agreement, Sony Pictures has committed to supply its films in digital format to AAM-deployed DCI-compliant digital cinema screens in a number of European countries. It will also make financial contributions — dubbed the “Virtual Print Fee” in order to promote digital cinema take up by cinema chains.
The first European cinema chain, CGR Cinemas in France, signed up with AAM to convert 100% of its 400 screens to digital in November.
AAM said it is in active negotiations for further deployment agreements with other Hollywood studios, as well as European distributors and exhibitors and announcements are expected shortly.
“Arts Alliance Media’s plan to roll out digital cinema in Europe has been embraced by the industry, and the winners are the moviegoers across Europe who will enjoy a state-of-the-art, higher quality theatrical experience,” said SPRI distribution chief Mark Zucker. “Through this conversion process, audiences will get to see motion pictures the way filmmakers intended, with beautiful, clear images and pitch perfect sound. Digital cinema is a true revolution in motion picture exhibition and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
AAM CEO Howard Kiedaisch said the deal was “a significant show of support for a widespread digital cinema rollout across Europe”.