ARTS ALLIANCE FILM NETWORK
INTRODUCED AT BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL
Secure digital network improves movement of films, increases profitable transactions and sets stage for end-to-end digital distribution
LONDON, 1st February 2005 - Arts Alliance Media, the pioneer provider of end-to-end digital cinema services, has introduced the Arts Alliance Film Network (AAFN) at the Berlin International Film Festival. The AAFN is a secure digital network to transport films, trailers and promos between producers, sales agents, distributors, festivals and exhibitors. The AAFN increases sales opportunities and streamlines administration.
Arts Alliance Media is an official partner of Berlinale 2005, using the AAFN to provide on-demand screening services in the European Film Market (EFM) to a selection of key sales companies including Bavaria Film International, Celluloid Dreams, Fortissimo, Shochiku and The Works. In 2006, the EFM is planning to install several mini-cinemas at its new location in the Martin Gropius Bau to provide its exhibitors additional opportunities for screening their films to buyers on a schedule which is convenient to them. These "Screenings on Demand" would be provided to buyers using the AAFN technology.
“Our new service brings multiple benefits including improved speed of distribution, convenience, security and the opportunity to offer a complete package – the film, accompanying information and artwork,” said Fiona Deans, associate director, Arts Alliance Media. “The Arts Alliance Media Film Network means that distributors, producers, sales agents, festivals and exhibitors benefit from more streamlined, efficient and cost-effective film logistics.”
The Arts Alliance Film Network is simple to use. Users can upload a film onto the network by providing a digibeta, betaSP or HD tape of the film to AAM. The film is encoded and encrypted using Windows Media 9 technology. All information and collateral about the film can be easily uploaded onto the site by the user who can also determine exactly who sees their film, the level of security they need to access the film, and when they can access it.
Buyers can sign on to the AAFN using a secure password and search for their desired film from wherever they are in the world. Screening over a secure internet connection can be immediate where permission has been given by the sales agent. Requests can also be made for permissions which have not already been granted.
More information about the Arts Alliance Film Network can be found at www.aafn.net.
Arts Alliance Media has previously provided digital technology for film festivals in Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Grimstad in Norway as well as to the Cannes Film Market.
-ends-
Notes to Editors
About Arts Alliance Media
AAM focuses on the development and deployment of new technologies in order to improve service to independent film consumers and the industry. AAM launched its digital cinema circuit in July 2003 at the Cambridge Film Festival. It has installed six permanent digital cinema sites throughout the UK and has provided equipment and services to the Edinburgh, Cambridge, Birmingham and Grimstad festivals and to the Cannes Film Market. Arts Alliance Media has shown more than 20 feature films digitally in its digital cinema circuit. AAM is part of the Arts Alliance group, which specialises in media and technology investments. More information about Arts Alliance Media can be found at www.artsalliancemedia.com