Universal Pictures became the third major movie studio to support digital distribution with Christie/AIX, following similar agreements with Twentieth Century Fox and The Walt Disney Co.s Buena Vista Pictures.
Universal will make its future feature films available to the DCI-compliant digital projection systems deployed by Christie/AIX, the subsidiary of Access Integrated Technologies Inc. (AccessIT), which is launching a nationwide rollout of 4,000 systems. Christie/AIX expects to install the first 150 systems in multiple exhibitor locations by Dec. 31.
Under a non-exclusive arrangement, Universal will provide exhibitors with a steadily increasing number of feature films in digital format. Universal has also agreed to pay virtual print fees to Christie/AIX for each movie projected on deployed systems offsetting exhibition's cost to transition to digital. The studio added that films produced by its Focus Features and Rogue Pictures units also may be made available in digital format in the future under similar terms.
"This is a big step forward in the transition to Digital Cinema," said Nikki Rocco, Universal's president of Distribution. "Universal is pleased to be making its first digital distribution deal. We look forward to working with exhibitors, Christie and AccessIT to provide the superior experience for moviegoers that this new technology offers."
Bud Mayo, chairman/ceo of AccessIT, commented: "Gaining Universal's support for our Christie/AIX effort is another significant development in the evolution of digital cinema. Universal has long been a leader in filmed entertainment, providing audiences around the world with a truly diverse range of content. We are pleased to be working together to bring the excitement and potential of digital cinema to exhibitors and audiences nationwide."
Christie/AIX acts as the financing intermediary between content-owners including major studios and independent distributors and exhibitors, utilizing the DCI-compliant digital cinema systems comprised of Christie DLP Cinema projectors, JPEG 2000 servers and related hardware and software, including AccessIT's unique Theater Command Center.
Jack Kline, president and coo, Christie, noted: "Universal is a global powerhouse in film creation and distribution. Its commitment to delivering films digitally means an even wider choice of digital films for exhibitors to screen and for audiences to view. With Universal Pictures' commitment to this rollout, digital cinema is poised to meet the promise of delivering the highest quality visual experience for moviegoers, something this industry has always strived to deliver."
Chuck Goldwater, president and coo of Christie/AIX, added: "Universal is the latest to lend its support for our unique business plan that will jump-start the adoption of digital cinema. The studio's participation in our rollout effort adds to the considerable momentum now building for digital cinema from both distributors and exhibitors."
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Ent., NBC Universal owns and operates the No. 1 television network, the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
