GDC Technology has signed a major digital cinema server contract with China’s Stellar International Cineplex. The agreement involves the deployment of a total of 300 GDC SX-2000A digital cinema servers with Integrated Media Block with deployment completion scheduled for 2012. Founded in March 2003 Stellar is a subsidiary of the Stellar Media Group. It is jointly held by Stellar Media Group and Stellar International a Hong Kong listed company. China Film Stellar Theatre Chain a joint venture between Stellar and China Film Group Corporation earned box office revenues upwards of RMB1.2 billion in 2010 ranking it second among major theatre chains nationwide according to a statistical report from the Chinese Film Market Review 2010. To date Stellar Group has invested in Beijing Shanghai and other cities building more than 20 modern multiplex theaters featuring 200 screens. By the end of 2011 Stellar will build an additional 29 theaters with 225 screens and set its sights on reaching a total of 63 theaters with 500 screens by 2012.
Since signing our first contract for the deployment of servers in September 2009 GDC has been our exclusive digital cinema partner says Yuan Xin vice president Stellar International. “GDC’s 4K upgradable solution solidifies our transformation to digital. With the GDC server which may be the best digital cinema server on the market we are set to provide our movie going audience with a fantastic viewing experience. Additionally GDC’s nationwide network of technical support guarantees fast and highly responsive after sales service.” We’re honored to partner with Stellar again and sincerely appreciate being selected as sole digital cinema server provider for its first class movie theaters ” says Dr. Man-Nang Chong founder and CEO of GDC Technology. “Partnering with GDC comes with our promise of unyielding support in every aspect of service and digital cinema technology and we will work closely with Stellar to drive the development of digital cinema in China.” GDC Technology www.gdc-tech.com ,2654
Think Like a Man Starts Production,2011-07-30,Production for Think Like a Man has begun in Los Angeles. The highly-anticipated comedy is an adaptation of comedian and nationally-syndicated radio host Steve Harvey's New York Times best-selling book Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man. Tim Story (Fantastic Four Barbershop) will direct. Will Packer (Stomp The Yard Obsessed Takers) will produce via his Rainforest Films banner. In the film four interconnected and diverse friends have their love lives shaken up after the women they are pursuing buy Steve Harvey's book and start taking his advice to heart. When the band of brothers find out that they have been betrayed by one of their own they conspire to use the book's teachings to turn the tables. The film stars Michael Ealy (Takers For Colored Girls) Jerry Ferrara (Entourage) Meagan Good (Jumping The Broom Stomp The Yard) Regina Hall (Scary Movie Law Abiding Citizen) Kevin Hart (Death At A Funeral Not Easily Broken) Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow Karate Kid) Terrance J (BET's 106 & Park Stomp The Yard: Homecoming) Romany Malco (40 Year Old Virgin No Ordinary Family) Gary Owen (Little Man Daddy Day Care) and Gabrielle Union (Cadillac Records Bad Boys II) featuring Lala Vazquez (Two Can Play That Game) and Arielle Kebbel (Vampire Diaries The Uninvited). Steve Harvey has established himself as one of the funniest and most insightful voices in America. That coupled with an incredible cast makes this an exciting venture says Packer. Keith Merryman & David A. Newman wrote the screenplay. Steve Harvey Rushion McDonald and Rob Hardy will executive produce. Think Like a Man is scheduled for release on April 6 2012. ,2656
XDC Signs VPF Agreements for 35 New Screens in Spain,2011-07-30,XDC has signed three new VPF agreements in Spain. In the framework of these agreements another 35 screens in Catalonia the Community of Valencia Andalucia and Castilla León will be deployed. The installations are already in progress. The agreements include the two complexes El Punt Cerdanyola and El Punt Alzira in Catalonia and the Community of Valencia operated by Pere Sallent. Twenty-one screens will be equipped with digital cinema technology in the next months. The installation process will continue in the seven screens of Gran Marbella complex situated in Puerto Banús Andalucia followed by the new cinemas Cines Victoria de Aranda de Duero operated by Matías Villegas. XDC’s operations director in Spain Miguel Ángel Durá has been in office since January. With this new deployment XDC reaches 200 digital screens in Spain. XDC International www.xdcinema.com ,2657
Sterling Vineyards Hosts 9th Silver Screen Series for Charity,2011-07-30, Sterling Vineyards the landmark Calistoga winery has announced the ninth annual Sterling Silver Screen Series. Once again through the generosity of NBC Universal the 2011 summer season of movies in the vineyards will feature classic and neo-classic films in a range of genres from the Universal archives. All proceeds from the summer screenings will benefit two local non-profits: the Calistoga Family Center and the St. Helena Family Centers. To date the Sterling Silver Screen program has raised more than $120 000 for local charities.
The screenings July 30th with the 1985 neo-classic Back to the Future and continue August 20th with the Marx Brothers in Monkey Business. Made in 1931 this classic comic favorite was the boys' first Hollywood feature and stars Groucho Zeppo Harpo and Chico as stowaways on an ocean liner. Hilarious antics ensue as they encounter gangsters and true love while avoiding capture by the crew.
Seabiscuit on September 10th is the true story of the Depression era racehorse that despite his small stature and a slight limp became an unlikely track champion and symbol of hope for a generation of Americans. Seabiscuit united his owner trainer jockey and an entire nation and proved that heart and tenacity can triumph against all odds. The season concludes on October 1st with Saboteur a 1942 Hitchcock thriller. When sabotage destroys part of an aircraft factory plant worker Barry Kane is accused of the crime. In an attempt to clear his name he sets out to track down the man he believes to be the actual saboteur. The two men confront each other in a memorable showdown atop the Statue of Liberty. A precursor to North by Northwest and The Fugitive the Saboteur screenplay was written by the legendary Dorothy Parker.
The Sterling Silver Screen Series is very popular with Valley residents says Mark Mathewson Sterling Vineyards visitors’ center manager. Remarkably we have fans that plan their summer getaways around our screening schedule. Bring your friends and family to Sterling watch a great movie over a glass of wine and benefit two local causes. More information is available online at www.sterlingvineyards.com ,2659
3ality Digital Acquires Element Technica Becomes 3ality Technica,2011-08-31,3ality Digital has acquired Element Technica and will be called 3ality Technica. With this move the company gains an in house manufacturing and design capability and the opportunity to further expand its already sizable R&D infrastructure. Physically the companies will combine in an expansion to the 3ality Digital headquarters in Burbank California. “As our primary competitor we have always had great respect for Element Technica and their achievements. The complete compatibility and lack of redundancy between the companies has made this an ideal acquisition strengthening the Company’s position to provide the most advanced and dependable S3D solutions to the market. Perhaps the greatest benefit of this acquisition will be to the motion picture and broadcast producers who will now have an unprecedented amount of tools and technology tailored to meet their specific needs ” says Steve Schklair CEO of 3ality Technica. Many of Hollywood’s major theatrical releases which have been shot utilizing these two companies systems and technology include Jack the Giant Killer The Amazing Spider-Man The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Prometheus Underworld 4 Oz and The Great Gatsby. Also companies like BSkyB the world’s leading 3D broadcaster and the HBS feeds from the FIFA World Cup have based their productions of live events on the backbone of 3ality Technica technology. “With this acquisition 3ality Technica will be a decade ahead of the rest of the industry. Not only will automation become more common it will be the standard as the industry begins to enjoy the simplicity and speed it affords ” says Hector Ortega senior vice president of 3ality Technica. “Integration will fast-forward as the merging systems require fewer and fewer ancillary components. Compatibility with other industry systems will cease to be an issue as 3ality Technica alone already leads the way in seamless connectivity from post production to VFX and live broadcast ” says Stephen Pizzo senior vice president of 3ality Technica. “You cannot believe the level of excitement we all share but it’s not just us that are so elated. Some of our key customers and partners that were recently made aware of this deal have shared in this excitement as they all understand the benefit this will have to their work. We have already integrated some of the best aspects of both companies’ product offerings so the market will see an immediate improvement in tool sets component integration and customer service ” says Schklair. 3ality Technica http://3alitytechnica.com ,2662
Arts Alliance Media Signs Deal with Spain’s A Contracorriente Films,2011-08-31,Arts Alliance Media has announced that it has signed a deal with A Contracorriente Films to provide digital cinema content and distribution services for A Contracorriente’s theatrical releases in Spain. Under the agreement AAM has also achieved a digital cinema first by distributing the film El Caso Farewell (L’affaire Farewell) via satellite to Yelmo cinema screens across Spain. The agreement will see A Contracorriente using AAM as its preferred supplier for all content and delivery services – encompassing encoding and DCP creation (including addition of subtitles logos and audio) reversioning delivery of content to cinemas via satellite or hard drive and full KDM management service. AAM has full QC services with fully equipped digital cinemas in both Paris and London enabling seamless pan-European servicing. Eduardo Escudero business director of A Contracorriente says “We’re delighted to sign this deal with Arts Alliance Media – as a company which is proud to do things differently and be at the forefront of technology we see AAM as a natural partner to help us distribute our content digitally and we hope to benefit from their distribution expertise and continue achieving digital cinema firsts.” Victoria Galloway content and distributor services director of Arts Alliance Media says “Being the first to distribute a film via satellite across Spain is a great start to our partnership with A Contracorriente and we’re excited to have them as our first Spanish distribution partner. We look forward to helping them get their great content to more people efficiently and easily.” Eva Rekettyei programming director of Yelmo Cines says “At Yelmo we are delighted that the first satellite transmission of a feature was a success and we hope to increase the number of films we receive in this way in the coming weeks.” A Contracorriente is one of the leading independent film distributors in Spain distributing 6-8 films a year theatrically. Since May 2010 the company has been responsible for Spanish distribution of films including Bienvenidos Al Sur (Bienvenuti Al Sud) and Pequeñas Mentiras Sin Importancia (Les Petits Mouchoirs) and is handling the upcoming releases Dinero Facil (Snabba Cash) 5 Metros Cuadrados Jane Eyre and La Delicatesse in addition to El Caso Farewell which released on August 5th. Arts Alliance Media has been providing DCI compliant content and distributor services to studio and independent clients across Europe since 2006 and has handled over 1000 titles to date distributing digital prints around the world. AAM’s partnership with Arqiva Satellite & Media means that the company has been responsible for several satellite distribution firsts including the first multiple-territory distribution of a feature film and the first ever satellite delivery of a feature for commercial release in Europe. Arts Alliance Media www.artsalliancemedia.com ,2663
Autodesk Signs Exclusive Deal for Disney’s XGen Technology,2011-08-31, Autodesk has obtained a license from Walt Disney Pictures with a five-year exclusivity period for the XGen Arbitrary Primitive Generator technology which was used most recently by Walt Disney Animation Studios in the hit animated film Tangled.
XGen technology was first presented by WDAS in a research paper at SIGGRAPH in 2003 for the creation of computer-generated fur feathers and foliage. Since that time XGen has evolved and been refined on seven features three shorts and one TV show. It has been used to create the fur hair feathers trees leaves and rocks in Bolt the trees and bushes in Up the dust bunnies debris trees bushes clover and flowers in Toy Story 3 and the grass and trees in Cars 2. In Tangled WDAS used XGen to bring the lavish 3D animated world to life: from Rapunzel’s perfectly groomed golden locks to the film’s lush vegetation-filled landscapes including bushes flowers vines grass weeds moss thistle ground mulch fallen leaves sticks rocks butterfly fur airborne dust leaves and trees plus props such as roof tiles arrow fletchings a broom and paint brushes. Senior development software engineer at WDAS Tom Thompson was an initial creator and remains the chief architect of the software. Walt Disney Pictures‚ agreement with Autodesk will enable Autodesk to make this technology available to artists to create digital entertainment. “Twenty years ago visual effects artists creating computer graphics were mostly mathematicians and scientists using highly technical and complex software tools that required significant amounts of custom programming ” says chief technology officer Andy Hendrickson Walt Disney Animation Studios. “Back then off-the-shelf software could not create the required details of nuance and emotion. Today we were able to create XGen as an effective artistic tool because Autodesk provides studios like ours with comprehensive tools and a flexible extensible platform to develop on. The Autodesk customizable toolset helps visual effects artists do their best work.” A key challenge in the visual effects industry continues to be the need to constantly evolve creatively while somehow controlling rapidly escalating production costs says Autodesk’s Marc Petit. “To help customers better address this challenge Autodesk has been working with industry leaders like Walt Disney Animation Studios to help them innovate faster and to make these new technologies more broadly accessible. Digital Entertainment Creation users are sure to benefit from developments designed by industry visionaries and proven in production.”
Walt Disney Animation Studios director of studio technology Dan Candela says “A primary focus for my team is to ensure that the production pipeline is streamlined in order to efficiently produce the best possible CG animation. With Autodesk’s Maya as a core piece of our toolset we've developed over 100 plug-ins and extensions for the platform to enable our artists to create a movie of the quality of Tangled within necessary time and budgetary limits. Sharing our technology with the VFX and CG animation community raises the creative bar for the entire industry.” Autodesk www.autodesk.com ,2664
Barco China Film Group Form Joint Venture,2011-08-31, Barco and the China Film Group have formed CFG Barco Electronics. The new company is a joint venture among Barco subsidiaries – Barco Visual (Beijing) Electronics Company Limited and Barco China (Holdings) Limited Company – and China Film Equipment a subsidiary of China Film Group. The joint venture is being formed to develop China's digital cinema market by strengthening the localized development and production of digital cinema products and services in China. According to the companies the newly founded company will help China achieve its ambitious 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) which is based on the forecast that the culture industry will enter a period of rapid development in the next five years and contribute five percent to the country's GDP.
Through its customer service facilities sales local R&D and production the new company will maintain the Barco brand and handle service issues. Leveraging the experience and influence of China Film Equipment the new company will also build more effective communication channels and a more intimate relationship with customers.
By end of July more than 4600 Barco digital cinema projectors had been installed in greater China covering 65 percent of the Chinese market. To meet market demand Barco has multiple factories in various regions of the world. The Beijing factory is already achieving a monthly production capacity of 500 projectors. Last year Barco set up a digital projector research center in Beijing becoming the first foreign projector manufacturer to establish a research center in China. Xiaoli Han general manager of China Film Group and China Film Company says “We're following China's 12th Five-Year Plan – as a company in the culture industry we should contribute to China's digital cinema development. Through this new collaboration we hope that Barco will introduce more and more cutting-edge projection technology into China and further localize R&D and production in China. We will continue our efforts in promoting and applying digital technology in China's film industry.” “China's digital cinema market is developing rapidly ” says Wim Buyens senior vice president Barco N.V. and general manager entertainment division. “We are proud of and confident in our investment and collaboration with China Film Group and we are honored to work with China's best film equipment trading company. This is another major milestone following our establishment of the research center in Beijing. The new joint venture will combine Barco's technology and China Film Group's wide expertise in the China digital cinema market. This roll-out of digital projector technology to many more cinemas will enable China's film industry to reach and benefit a larger audience of moviegoers.” ,2665
CC Mercosur Names Schneer Director of Motion Pictures,2011-08-31, The Chamber of Industry and Commerce Mercosur USA the international free trade union between Latin American countries and other nations has appointed Barry A. Schneer as its director of motion pictures. Schneer’s responsibilities which became effective August 1 will include overseeing the approval of all domestic motion picture projects presented to CC Mercosur for film finance funding. “We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Schneer join our board of directors in the division of motion pictures and look forward to his strong leadership in advancing Mercosur’s activities in the entertainment industry across both South American and the U.S. markets ” says Mercosur’s U.S. consul general Felix J. Mostelac.
“In looking to expand our multinational financial services to the film industry within the United States we could not have selected a more suitable individual for the position ” says Mostelac. “Mr. Schneer holds an MBA and a Juris Doctorate and comes from a long family background in the motion picture business reaching back to a great uncle Abe Schneider the former president of Columbia Pictures; as well as his father’s brother the world beloved fantasy film producer Charles Schneer known for such classic films as Jason and the Argonauts Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger The Golden Voyage of Sinbad The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad Clash of the Titans 1981 Earth vs Flying Saucer among many others.”
Currently Schneer as executive producer of Morningside Entertainment is working to develop the next trilogy of Sinbad films the first of which is entitled Sinbad the Rogue of Mars that was optioned from the graphic novel developed in conjunction with Bluewater Comics. When asked if there was any concern that Schneer’s involvement as executive producer in the new Sinbad project would hinder his ability to his new appointment Mostelac said “I don’t think so. I have known Barry for some time and believe his ability to shine regarding the Rogue of Mars project will only add to his qualifications and will most certainly carry over to our organization. Anyways it’s a very exciting film project and we hope to lend our services to it in some capacity.”
Schneer says “I am truly honored by the designation from the consul general as well as humbled that such an esteemed international organization would deem me a worthy candidate for the position. I can state with confidence we will do great things together.”
As for the types of motion picture projects CC Mercosur would be looking to accept and/or finance Schneer says “We are really open at this time but I would say the main qualifier is that the film’s budget is in realistic proportion to the expected box office return and its waterfall distribution back to investors and as you might expect I have a personal favoritism for epic fantasy films.” ,2666
Bow Tie Cinemas to Digitize 115 Screens,2011-08-31, Bow Tie Cinemas has agreed to digitize 115 of its screens exclusively with Christie Solaria series projectors. The agreement includes the installation of Christie CP2220 and Christie CP2230 projectors and covers locations in New York Connecticut Maryland Virginia and Colorado. Integrity Entertainment Systems provided consultation on the agreement. “In an age of such high quality compelling and entertaining motion pictures it is incumbent upon exhibitors to provide an experience and presentation that exceeds the highest expectations. Cutting edge digital-projection technology plays a huge role in providing that experience and Christie’s commitment to quality and innovation makes it a market leader with which we are pleased and honored to be associated ” says Ben Moss CEO of Bow Tie Cinemas.
Craig Sholder vice president of Christie’s Entertainment Solutions says “Like Bow Tie Cinemas Christie is dedicated to providing the ultimate movie going experience blending industry-leading customer service with the highest quality products and services. Bow-Tie Cinemas’ commitment to the highest standards of customer service and presentation and the sharp cutting-edge images of digital technology are an unbeatable combination.” Bow Tie Cinemas is working exclusively with MasterImage 3D to supply MI-2100 digital 3D systems and polarized 3D eyewear. “MasterImage’s systems offer the highest level of picture quality and clarity to our movie-goers in a 3D cinematic experience ” says Moss. “Their combination of cutting-edge unsurpassed technology and a sensible well-executed business model made working with MasterImage on our 3D cinema deployment an easy and obvious decision.” Bow Tie Cinemas www.bowtiecinemas.com ,2668
Captain America Action Footage Shot with Canon DSLRs,2011-08-31,Canon has announced that the highly anticipated feature film Captain America: The First Avenger used Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR cameras to capture many of the movie’s action shots. Throughout the super hero action picture the 5D Mark II was used to shoot motion sequences that were seamlessly integrated with the production’s 35mm film footage. According to Jonathan Taylor second unit director/director of photography on the film the 5D Mark II was an excellent choice for the capture of dramatic POV action shots. “The challenge with a lot of action photography is getting the camera in the right position ” Taylor says. “I’m always looking to get the camera into impossible to reach places because those kinds of shots make action sequences much more exciting. Most 35mm motion-picture cameras and even the leading digital cinematography cameras are just too big to get into interesting positions.” Action scenes in Captain America: The First Avenger in which Taylor used 5D Mark II cameras for POV shots include a car chase and crash and a high-speed motorcycle pursuit. The small size of the camera enabled Taylor to mount it on the interiors and exteriors of moving vehicles to capture dramatic action shots. The camera’s size also ensured that it was “invisible” to the film cameras shooting the same scene from a distance. “The thing with action is that the more angles you can shoot the faster the cuts you can use and the more energy you get into a sequence ” Taylor says. Canon www.usa.canon.com/kyosei ,2669
Christie Announces Simplified Virtual Print Fee Program,2011-08-31, Christie has announced a simplified Virtual Print Fee program for North America exhibitors seeking to make their move to DCI Compliant digital cinema projection systems in the near future. With support from all the major Hollywood studios including the Walt Disney Company Twentieth Century Fox Universal Pictures Paramount Pictures Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures the new Christie VPF program is for exhibitors wanting the greatest independence in planning a digital cinema conversion with VPF financial support through the Christie plan.
“Based on our experience in helping to convert more than 20 000 theatres worldwide we specifically designed Christie’s VPF program to be a perfect match for exhibitors who are looking to convert from film to digital in the most cost-effective and seamless manner ” says Craig Sholder vice president entertainment solutions Christie. “Simply put we are providing a path to all exhibitors interested in making the conversion from film to digital.” “The Christie VPF program is another step toward full conversion of the North American theatrical marketplace to digital cinema ” says Noah Bergman vice president of business development and strategic planning at Universal Pictures. “This agreement which expands upon our long-standing relationship with Christie provides exhibitors with great flexibility in adopting digital cinema in their theatres. Universal remains committed to ensuring that every moviegoer is provided with the highest quality cinema entertainment experience.” “Christie is the frontrunner in digital cinema. Paramount is happy to be a part of their VPF program which will give exhibitors one more path for conversion of 35mm film auditoriums to d-cinema ” says Mark Christiansen executive vice president of operations for Paramount Pictures Domestic Distribution. “The rollout of the Christie VPF fills an urgent need on the part of the vast majority of exhibitors across North America for a way to fast track their conversions to digital cinema. As well as providing moviegoers with the technical brilliance that Christie projectors are famous for the new VPF also brings peace of mind to exhibitors as it is backed by a wide range of services that will help a smooth transition to digital cinema. Fox is pleased to be a partner in this latest endeavor that will see our quality products reach an even wider audience ” says Julian Levin executive vice president Twentieth Century Fox. “The Christie VPF plan is ideal for independent exhibitors which represent some 10 000 to 15 000 screens in the U.S. and Canada and who are seeking a trusted partner in the industry ” says Sholder. “The Christie VPF program is specially designed to help exhibitors convert in the simplest most cost-effective and affordable way possible.”
To learn more about the program or to sign up visit http://www.christiedigital.com/vpf.
Christie Digital Systems http://www.christiedigital.com ,2670
Harry Potter and Christie Set World 3D Record in France,2011-08-31,Christie helped set a world record when it displayed the French 3D premiere of Warner Bros Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows - Part Two on a 29.9-meter wide by 12.33-meter high screen at the Palais Ominisports de Paris-Bercy on July 12. Guinness World Records certified the event. Using six Christie Solaria Series CP2230 DLP Cinema projectors configured in two clusters of three with each projector's output rated at 32 000 lumens an audience of 8 500 were thrilled to witness the epic finale between good and evil in full stereoscopic 3D. We're really proud to have made this world record possible through our Christie Solaria range of digital cinema projectors says Pascal Gervais Christie's regional director. To be chosen by our partner the big-format 3D projection specialist 2Avi and by Warner Bros just confirms Christie's technological lead and its position as world front-runner in digital cinema. ,2671
Cinedigm Claims a Third of All Digital Screens Deployed in North America,2011-08-31,Cinedigm Digital Cinema has signed more than 9 000 digital screens in its combined Phase One and Phase Two digital cinema deployment of which 5 300 screens are from its Phase Two digital cinema deployment program. In total Cinedigm says it is responsible for deploying nearly 33 percent of all digital cinema screens in North America. All theatres need to convert to digital soon and Cinedigm is the trusted partner of NATO's Cinema Buying Group says John Fithian president of National Association of Theatre Owners. NATO and the CBG congratulate Cinedigm on these momentous milestones and urge our members to join the digital ranks now. Cinedigm is without question the number one choice for exhibitors to entrust with their digital cinema program and these recent milestones reflect that choice by more than 130 of our valued exhibitor partners says Gary Loffredo general counsel Cinedigm. With just over 12 months remaining before the end of our rollout period per our studio agreements we are expecting an unprecedented number of additional signings and installations for the many remaining exhibitors says Chuck Goldwater president media services group. We have a lot of work ahead of us in helping those exhibitors with signing agreements getting financing ordering equipment and lining up installation resources. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure no exhibitors are left behind. Cinedigm www.cinedigm.com ,2672
Cinemark Passes 5 000 Screen Mark,2011-08-31,Cinemark has exceeded 5 000 screens across 39 U.S. states Brazil Mexico and 11 other Latin American countries. Lee Roy Mitchell whose initial vision was to bring modern movie theatre entertainment to underserved markets in the US founded Cinemark in 1984. In 1993 he expanded his vision by focusing on underserved markets outside the US and launching one of Cinemark's first movie theatres in Latin America. Today we are the most geographically diverse exhibitor in Latin America and the number one exhibition company in Brazil one of the fastest growing markets in South America Mitchell says. It's important to recognize Cinemark's employees and customers without whom reaching this milestone would not be possible. With the most recent additions of newly constructed theatres in Texas Utah Brazil and Colombia Cinemark's total screen count has crossed over the 5 000 screen threshold says Cinemark CEO Alan Stock. For over 26 years Cinemark has been successful providing the best entertainment experience to our customers in markets across the US and around the world. The Cinemark XD Extreme Digital Cinema auditorium is the largest in the theatre complex and offers a complete entertainment environment featuring a wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor screen plush seating and a custom JBL sound system with higher end components and 7.1 capable digital surround sound. A Doremi server and a Barco DLP digital projector deliver the digital images. Cinemark has 66 XD auditoriums in operation worldwide with plans to add an additional 15 to 20 by the end of the year. Cinemark www.cinemark.com ,2673
Cinerama Film Festival Announced,2011-08-31,Film buffs will be treated to 15 classic widescreen movies during the Cinerama Film Festival including extremely rare 70mm prints from studio vaults and the archives of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The festival opens September 30 at Seattle Cinerama Theatre and runs through October 16. Opening weekend will feature two of only seven movies ever produced for Cinerama's three-projector technology This is Cinerama and How The West Was Won. The other movies featured will be widescreen classics in 70mm including West Side Story Lawrence of Arabia and Cleopatra. The 70mm prints Cinerama goers will enjoy are on loan from Hollywood studios' vaults and rarely seen by general audiences said theater operator Greg Wood. Prints will be loaned by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 20th Century Fox Warner Brothers Disney & MGM. The festival is sponsored by Seattle Cinerama Theatre and the Seattle International Film Festival. Cinerama Theatre is owned by Paul G. Allen the Seattle philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft. He saved the vintage 1963 movie theater from demolition in 1988. Last year he gave the theater a multi-million dollar upgrade with digital sounds 3D capabilities a new screen movie memorabilia from his personal collection and the best selection of locally-made concessions at any theater in Seattle. Along with the capability to show the latest blockbusters in 3D Allen frequently donates use of Cinerama to non-profit film festivals including the Seattle International Film Festival Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) and the Seattle Jewish Film Festival. Cinerama has been one of Seattle's great treasures and Paul Allen has made it one of the best movie palaces in the world says Carl Spence SIFF's artistic director. As much as digital cinema is transforming the movie going experience it still has not achieved the rich look and dimension of celluloid particularly compared to what you'll see with the widescreen and luminous 70mm film featured at the Cinerama Festival. Allen said the Cinerama Festival is possible because of the generosity and cooperation of The Academy and the film studios. We're grateful to the Academy and studios for sharing these treasures with us and allowing Cinerama's audiences to see them the way they were intended – on the wide screen says Allen who saved Cinerama in 1988. The films will be projected by state-of-the-art equipment and seen on the theater's original Cinerama screen – the largest in the world. Last fall we embraced the future with a large technical upgrade. We're now excited to embrace the past with a special series dedicated to 70mm film Wood says. Cinerama came to popularity in the early 1960s shot with three 35mm motion picture cameras mounted as one unit sharing one motor. Three separate projectors running simultaneously merged the film into one movie shown on a giant deeply curved screen. 3-Strip Cinerama films:
This Is Cinerama How The West Was Won 70mm films:
The Sound Of Music
Lawrence of Arabia Cleopatra 2001: A Space Odyssey
My Fair Lady West Side Story Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Playtime Baraka South Pacific Tron Lord Jim Cinerama www.cinerama.com ,2674
Jarvus Films Releases CreditScout,2011-08-31, Jarvus Film has released CreditScout which the company says is the first tax credit estimator for the film industry. With a core functionality that taps directly into existing industry-standard budgeting software such as EP Budgeting the company says CreditScout seamlessly links into a producer’s pre-production workflow and provides dynamic results. CreditScout gives producers an informed take on what tax credits are available in each state or Canadian province based on their budgets. The application then provides solutions and ideas for increasing credit and will soon introduce a network linking all of the film commissions with these results.
CreditScout is constantly updated as tax incentives and rules change throughout the US and Canada. The calculations and scenarios have been vetted and tested using thousands of
previous models by several industry veterans.
CreditScout is available on a subscription basis with plans ranging from $19 to $249 a month. CreditScout www.creditscoutapp.com ,2677
Dashwood Releases Stereo3D Toolbox LE 3.0,2011-08-31,Dashwood Cinema Solutions has released version 3.0 of Stereo3D Toolbox LE the light edition counterpart to its plug-in for stereoscopic 3D mastering. Stereographer and company founder Tim Dashwood says Stereo3D Toolbox LE provides an affordable gateway into 3D content creation with the most basic stereoscopic 3D post-production tools necessary to optimize stereoscopically acquired footage. Stereo3D Toolbox LE is powered by Noise Industries' FxFactory platform and designed to work with Adobe After Effects Apple Final Cut Pro Apple Motion and Apple Final Cut Express applications. The v3.0 update qualifies additional platforms including the new Final Cut Pro X release and includes a medley of new output options and features. There are a variety of people working with 3D from the big post houses to hobbyists working on their personal computers at home – and they each have very different needs ” Dashwood says. “Though we do offer a professional stereoscopic 3D mastering tool Stereo3D Toolbox Stereo3D Toolbox Light Edition is perfect for any 3D enthusiast just stepping into 3D waters. It's very easy to use and budget-friendly. The version 3.0 release also includes a variety of new features and is already qualified for Final Cut Pro X. Stereo3D Toolbox LE v3.0 incorporates a variety of basic stereoscopic 3D capabilities for 3D enthusiasts including convergence adjustment and vertical zoom and rotational disparity correction tools autoscale a preview screen within the user interface and the ability to output clips to popular stereoscopic monitors and delivery formats including YouTube 3D. Stereo3D Toolbox LE v3.0 can be purchased at http://www.dashwood3d.com for $99. The update is free for current Stereo3D Toolbox LE customers. Anyone can also test-drive Stereo3D Toolbox LE v3.0 by visiting http://www.dashwood3d.com/downloadle.php. A video tutorial detailing the new v3.0 features utilizing Final Cut Pro 7 Motion After Effects and Final Cut Pro X can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIvljJdea2I. Dashwood Cinema Solutions http://www.Dashwood3D.com ,2678
Element Technica Introduces Riser Kit for Sony F3 ,2011-08-31,As Sony’s engineers were putting the finishing touches on the company’s groundbreaking PMW-F3 Super 35mm sensor camcorder Element Technica was working in close cooperation with the camera maker to develop purpose-built accessories to allow the new F3 to utilize the thousands of existing motion picture camera and lens accessories in rental house and owner/operator inventory. The first of ET’s F3 accessories is a riser kit which includes a form-fitting bottom plate that reinforces the F3’s body and provides a stable mounting point for bridge plates risers Steadicam remote heads and other support gear. “The Sony F3 is a breakthrough for independent producers and filmmakers in terms of features performance and price ” says Steve Hertler Element Technica operations manager. “Element Technica F3 accessories provide the bridge to truly professional filmmaker camera and lens tools to complement this amazing camera.” The new riser kit is built around a unique riser that serves two important functions. It provides iris rod support in the LW-15 standard which makes it compatible with professional follow focus device remote lens drive motors matte boxes and any other rod based accessory. The riser also raises the camera's height so as to be compatible with all major 15mm and 19mm studio bridge plates from both ET and ARRI. And the kit includes a form-fitting shoulder pad that is magnetically fastened to the interface plate so that it can be quickly shifted fore or aft to achieve perfect balance for complete hand held comfort. The PMW-F3 Riser Kit is now shipping. Look for new additions to ET’s F3 accessory suite by the end of the year. Element Technica www.Elementtechnica.com ,2679
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate First Chinese-Language Film to Release in Imax 3D Format,2011-08-31,Imax Corporation and Bona Film Group a leading film distributor in China have announced that Flying Swords of Dragon Gate: An Imax 3D Experience is the first Chinese-language production to be released in Imax 3D. The film reunites renowned director Tsui Hark with his Once Upon a Time in China leading man Jet Li and also stars Zhou Xun Aloys Chen Kun Li Yuchun and Kwai Lun-Mei. Flying Swords of Dragon Gate will be the third Chinese-language film to be released in the Imax format. As Imax 's fastest-growing international market with 48 theatres currently in operation and 129 in backlog China is home to some of the Company's highest-grossing theatres in the world. Imax motion picture technologies have revolutionized the moviegoing experience and together we are making history by presenting Flying Swords of Dragon Gate in the immersive IMAX 3D format says Dong Yu founder chairman and CEO of Bona Film Group the producer and distributor of the film. We are pleased to join forces with Imax and offer audiences the opportunity to be transported into Tsui Hark's epic martial arts tale. As the first-ever Chinese martial-arts film to be presented in 3D we're extremely proud to partner with Bona Films to deliver Flying Swords of Dragon Gate in Imax 3D says Greg Foster Imax chairman and president of filmed entertainment. Chinese moviegoers crave more local films presented in Imax and as our network expansion in China continues we look forward to meeting this growing consumer demand. Bona Film Group Limited www.bonafilm.cn ,2681
Attenborough to Receive IBC 2011 International Honor for Excellence,2011-08-31,The winner of the IBC 2011 International Honor for Excellence is Sir David Attenborough in recognition of his remarkable career in television and in particular natural history. His career spans almost 60 years and includes his latest work the Atlantic Productions documentary Flying Monsters 3D with Sir David Attenborough one of the most acclaimed programs commissioned by Sky 3D. The International Honor for Excellence is the highest award which IBC bestows. It is presented to individuals and organizations which have taken the best technology available – and driven technology forward – to create the finest broadcasting content. Attenborough joined the BBC in 1952 and immediately found his vocation in natural history programming. He made his name in front of the camera as well as producing with the Zoo Quest expeditions in which he and a small crew set off with a 16mm camera to a remote corner of the globe intending to return with a rare animal for London Zoo and sufficient footage to create a television series. In the mid 1960s he temporarily pulled back from making programs when he was appointed the controller of the newly launched channel BBC2. Among the programs he commissioned was Monty Python's Flying Circus – about as far from natural history as it is possible to imagine. But the natural world was too big a draw and he returned to finding new ways of presenting its wonders on television. The 1979 landmark series Life on Earth and its sequence with mountain gorillas became one of the most watched programs of all time. Sir David Attenborough has been called 'the greatest broadcaster of our time' and throughout his career he has seized upon the latest developments in technology to illuminate natural history says Peter Owen chairman of the IBC Council. Working with the BBC Natural History Unit he pioneered time-lapse sequences in The Private Life of Plants and low-light and infrared cameras to capture the behavior of nocturnal mammals. Today he is working with Atlantic Productions on stunning 3D programs including Flying Monsters the first 3D program to win a BAFTA Award. Attenborough says I am greatly honored to receive this award from IBC. Throughout my career I have used the best technology available. When I started this was 16mm film which gave us lightweight cameras to take into the wild. Since then my journey has taken me from black and white to color and from film to digital high definition and today I am excited to be involved in 3D production which really immerses the viewer in the scene.” I have worked with the best people in the business including the BBC Natural History Unit and now Atlantic Productions and some extraordinarily patient and skilled cameramen and directors. Making wildlife television – whether it was Zoo Quest in the 1950s or Flying Monsters today – is hugely collaborative. I know that IBC encourages and develops collaborations between program makers and technologists which makes this award particularly special. Thank you IBC. The IBC Awards Ceremony which will include a special tribute to Attenborough and a look at the latest stereoscopic 3D wildlife programs presented by Atlantic Productions is on September 11. All visitors are invited to attend the ceremony in the RAI Auditorium. IBC www.ibc.org
GDC Signs Server Deal with Stellar International Cineplex
