Dutch Independent Cinemas to Go Digital with Arts Alliance Media

68 screens to be converted in Holland’s first VPF-funded roll-out

Arts Alliance Media (AAM), Europe’s leading digital cinema provider today announced that it has reached an exclusive agreement with the Amsterdam Booking Company B.V. (ABC), a buying group representing Dutch independent cinemas, to supply and integrate digital cinema in 68 screens within 20 cinemas across The Netherlands. The deal also covers the installation of a professional satellite network for the transmission of live events and encrypted content.

The ABC roll-out will start immediately in order to equip screens for the February 11^th Dutch release of Disney’s 3-D film, “Bolt”. Consequently, this will be the first wide 3-D release in the Netherlands. Screens in Heerenveen, Heerlen, Schagen, Spijkenisse, Venray, Weert and Zutphen will be installed with digital cinema and 3D systems in time for “Bolt”. Other upcoming 2009 3-D movies for the ABC rollout will include “Monsters vs. Aliens” (Dreamworks/Paramount), “Up” (Pixar/Disney), “Ice Age 3”(Twentieth Century Fox), “Planet 51” (Sony Pictures), “Toy Story 3D” (Pixar/Disney) and “Avatar” (Twentieth Century Fox). Digital 3-D screens generate higher box office than standard screens.

Under the conditions of the agreement, AAM will create a fully integrated DCI-compliant digital cinema and satellite network within the ABC group of cinemas. The agreement requires AAM to procure, service and maintain all digital cinema systems deployed, including projectors and servers, central storage servers and a Theatre Management System. ABC and AAM have jointly selected Christie projectors and Doremi servers for the deployment. FTT Filmtronics will carry out the installations and provide maintenance and local support. The satellite equipment will be provided by Arqiva Satellite and Media. See below for full list of cinemas in the ABC digital cinema rollout.

Paul Visser, ABC’s owner said, “We see clearly what the future of cinema is going to be - digital, 3-D and live events. AAM is the best partner to make that happen and enable us to be the first widespread movers in the Netherlands.”

Howard Kiedaisch, Chief Executive Officer, AAM said, “We are honoured to have been chosen by ABC for this highly significant deployment. Our commitment is to help all cinemas convert to digital, regardless of size or location and having ABC on board proves that our program works for independents as well as big chains.”

Amsterdam Booking Company programs cinemas throughout the Netherlands and has a market share of 10% in the Dutch market. ABC also advises the connected cinemas on marketing, management and future development. The cinemas share information with each other which leads to synergy. ABC has extensive knowledge of the distribution side of the business, which enables the company to achieve the goals of both exhibition and distribution.

To date, AAM has a European footprint of 420 installed and operated digital cinema screens in the UK, France, Spain and Norway. The company is currently completing the 400-screen rollout in France’s Circuit George Raymond (CGR Cinémas). AAM was the first digital cinema provider in Europe to sign VPF-based deployment agreements with studios and exhibitors.

Arts Alliance Media Contacts: Kate Pidgeon
Arts Alliance Media Ltd
T: +44 (0)20 7751 7512
F: +44 (0)20 7751 7505
kate@artsalliancemedia.com

About Arts Alliance Media: Arts Alliance Media, based in London, Paris and Amsterdam, is Europe's leading provider of digital distribution services, committed to building the largest digital cinema delivery network in Europe, and to supply digital content - films, alternative programming and live events. AAM provides end-to-end digital cinema solutions encompassing equipment selection, financing and integration, operator training, installation and 24/7 helpdesk support, and content management and delivery. Currently, AAM has deployed over 650 digital screens. The company's in-house digital cinema lab has mastered several hundred digital titles to date. AAM also sources, manages and promotes 'Alternative Content' programming for cinemas. AAM was founded in 2003 by Thomas Høegh who serves as Chairman of the board. Arts Alliance Media Directory page Arts Alliance Media Web Site About Amsterdam Booking Company B.V.: Amsterdam Booking Company, which programs Dutch independent cinemas, is based in Amsterdam. Founded by Paul Visser in 2004, ABC was created to enable the independent cinemas to join forces and collectively program content, as well as gain management, marketing and overall strategy advice in such areas as digital deployment. Visser has over 20 years working experience in the film industry, mainly as a sales director at various distributors in the Netherlands. Further information can be found at: www.abcbooking.nl Amsterdam Booking Company B.V. Directory page

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Source: Arts Alliance Media (London) Amsterdam Booking Company B.V. () More

Countries: Netherlands More