As the South American market continues to rapidly expand, Doremi has reached a major agreement with Royal Films, one of Colombia’s largest cinema operators, through Bardan Cinema, one of Latin America’s largest integrators. Further expanding Doremi’s presence in the continent, this agreement adds 130 ShowVault/ IMB servers to Royal Film’s theaters.
National CineMedia has renewed its long-term affiliate agreement with leading regional movie theater circuit Cobb Theatres and is also adding four new regional theater circuits to its network to further expand its national reach and geographic coverage.
The Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition has concluded a template agreement with the Cinema Buying Group that comprises approximately 600 small- and medium-sized independent U.S. exhibitor members of the National Association of Theatre Owners’ CBG program. Pursuant to the agreement, DCDC will provide access to its cost-efficient North American satellite and terrestrial digital delivery platform. DCDC CEO Randy Blotky and David Binet, director of membership for NATO, jointly announced the news.
Audience Entertainment and Barco have announced a strategic partnership, creating a new interactive technology platform for moviegoers called iD - Interactive Dimension. iD builds upon digital projection and 3D technology to create a new cinema environment allowing moviegoers to physically connect and control the screen's content the moment they take their seat.
In less than two weeks the major movie studios and theatre owners will gather at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas for the annual CinemaCon conference, hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners. Despite the implementation of new laws, new anti-piracy technology, and I heightened industry awareness, the Motion Picture Association of America estimates it loses billions of dollars each year to movie theft, although some people believe the number is in the millions. In any case, theft is theft, and as movie budgets tighten and theatre owners face increased competition, every dollar counts. Via email I recently interviewed Patrick Corcoran, vice president and chief communications officer for the National Association of Theatre Owners about the state of the piracy battle and for a preview of the trade show.
Hoyts Chile, part of Grupo Chilefilms, will install Christie digital cinema technology in its 127 35mm theaters distributed across 23 complexes throughout the country. The technologies include Christie Solaria Series projectors, the Christie Avias-TMS theatre management system and select Christie Vive Audio cinema sound systems.
Studio Movie Grill has opened new theatres in Chatham, Illinois, Colleyville, Texas, The Colony, Texas and Tyler, Texas; more sites are currently in the works. Since 2000 the company has grown to 16 locations and 158 screens in seven states.
Gnarlynow Entertainment and Walking West Entertainment have announced that Why We Ride is now available digitally, giving worldwide audiences access to this award winning film. For the first time, wherever Amazon and iTunes is available, audiences around the globe will be able to view the film that has brought the motorcycle community together in celebration of what it means to ride. Bryan H. Carroll and James Walker produced the film. Carroll also directed the film.
San Francisco-based Fandor has announced new partnerships with Cinedigm, Factory 25 and Oscilloscope Laboratories that the company believes will reinforce its commitment to expand the depth of their library with high quality and distinctive independent films from every genre.
Studio Movie Grill Arena Grand will open in the Arena District of Columbus in mid-January 2014 and marks the first Ohio location for SMG and its 15th location in the US. The SMG Arena Grand opening is a part of a continuing strategic expansion plan for the Dallas based exhibitor.
