Sony Pictures Releasing International Commits to Arts Alliance Media's European Digital Cinema Rollout

Sony Pictures Releasing International Commits to Arts Alliance Media's European Digital Cinema Rollout

LONDON, December 6/PRNewswire/ --

- Additional Digital Cinema Rollout Agreement Signed

In a further vote of confidence for digital cinema in Europe, Sony Pictures Releasing International ("Sony Pictures") and Arts Alliance Media ("AAM"), one of Europe's leading providers of digital film distribution services, have reached a non-exclusive long-term agreement for digital cinema deployment. Under the agreement, Sony Pictures has committed to supply its films to certain European countries in digital format to AAM-deployed DCI-compliant digital cinema screens (if booked as a release screen), as well as to make financial contributions in order to promote digital cinema (a new and higher quality delivery format).

In June 2007, AAM signed Europe's first long term digital cinema deployment agreements with Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Pictures International for the conversion of close to 7000 screens over the next few years, and most recently Paramount Pictures International also independently committed to support AAM's digital rollout in Europe. Furthermore, in November 2007, the first European cinema chain, CGR Cinemas in France, signed up with AAM to convert 100% of its 400 screens to digital. AAM is in active negotiations for further deployment agreements with other Hollywood studios, as well as European distributors and exhibitors and announcements are expected shortly.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Zucker, President of Distribution for Sony Pictures Releasing International, said, "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. 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."

Howard Kiedaisch, AAM' s Chief Executive Officer said, "This is a significant show of support for a widespread digital cinema rollout across Europe, and we greatly appreciate all the hard work Sony Pictures has put into reaching this agreement."

Fiona Deans, AAM's Director of Digital Cinema added, "We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures to deploy digital cinema across Europe and see this announcement as a further sign to exhibitors that distributors are fully committed to this rollout."

AAM completed the UK Film Council digital cinema rollout of 240 screens on April 30th, 2007, known as the Digital Screen Network. The company is also participating in two digital cinema trials in Europe, one in the UK at the Odeon Surrey Quays multiplex, since February 2007, and the other in Norway, in various cinemas across the country, since April 2006. To date, AAM's in-house digital cinema lab has encoded over 200 digital cinema titles and shipped over 4000 digital prints.

Notes to Editors:

About Arts Alliance Media:

Arts Alliance Media, based in London and Paris, is Europe's leading provider of digital film distribution services, dedicated to building a European digital network to deliver film to the cinema, to the home and between industry players. AAM provides end-to-end digital cinema solutions encompassing equipment selection, financing and integration, operator training, installation and support, and content management and delivery. AAM was founded in 2003 by Thomas C. Hoegh who serves as Chairman of the Board. Further information can be found at http://www.artsalliancemedia.com

About Sony Pictures Entertainment:

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

          Contact Info:      Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group     Steve Elzer     Senior Vice President, Media Relations     +1-310-244-7142     steve_elzer@spe.sony.com      Arts Alliance Media     Gemma Richardson     +44(0)7920-236299     gemma@artsalliancemedia.com  

Source: Arts Alliance Media

Contact Info: Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations, +1-310-244-7142, steve_elzer@spe.sony.com; Arts Alliance Media, Gemma Richardson, +44(0)7920-236299, gemma@artsalliancemedia.com

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Profile: International Entertainment