Los Angeles, CA—Oct 17, 2005
Twentieth Century Fox to Supply its Movies to Christie/AIX DCI-Compliant Digital Cinema Projection Systems
- Christie/AIX Will Deploy Up To 4,000 Systems Nationwide -
In its first long-term commitment to
digital cinema, Twentieth Century Fox ("Fox") has reached an agreement to supply
its feature films to digital cinema projection systems deployed by Christie/AIX,
a unit of Access Integrated Technologies ("AccessIT") (AMEX:AIX). For Fox, this
"first-of-a-kind" distribution arrangement to supply digital content to
projection systems will include an increasing number of feature films from
Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation, and
Fox Searchlight Pictures production units.
Christie/AIX will initially deploy up to 4,000 systems throughout the US and
Canada over the next few years. Fox's non-exclusive agreement to supply its
feature films to these Christie/AIX digital projection systems and to pay
virtual print fees for movies projected on Christie/AIX-funded systems further
underscores the studio's commitment to support Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC
("DCI")-compliant digital systems and further advances Fox's support of the
industry's transition to digital cinema. Christie/AIX digital system
installations will be DCI-compliant -- either initially, or upgraded to full DCI
compliance as components become available.
AccessIT's Christie/AIX unit serves as the funding vehicle and administrator for
the company's 4,000-screen digital cinema rollout expanded from the plan
originally announced in June 2005. Christie/AIX will act as the financing
intermediary between content-owners -- including major studios and independent
distributors -- and exhibitors, who will utilize the DCI-compliant digital
cinema systems featuring Christie DLP Cinema(r) projectors, JPEG 2000 servers
and related hardware and software including AccessIT's unique Theatre Command
Center. The raising of capital for funding of the initial 200 systems was
completed on July 21, 2005 and orders for these systems have been placed.
Installation of 150 systems is anticipated by December 31, 2005.
Bruce Snyder, President of Distribution at Twentieth Century Fox said: "We could
not be more thrilled. We look forward to supporting our partners, Christie/AIX,
in this venture and in delivering Fox movies to their systems. We believe the
efficiency, image quality and, most importantly, the overall movie going
experience will be greatly enhanced through these DCI-compliant digital
projection systems. Christie has been developing their DLP Cinema projectors for
many years and they have proven to be of the highest quality. Additionally,
these systems should provide our partners in exhibition with alternative uses
and benefits."
Julian Levin, Executive Vice President Twentieth Century Fox, who spearheaded
Fox's participation in the DCI process is also the senior Fox architect for this
arrangement with Christie/AIX added: "Having been involved in the digital cinema
transition for almost four years, I am delighted to have concluded this
arrangement with our friends at Christie/AIX for the distribution of Fox product
to their digital projection systems. I have worked with all the folks at
Christie/AIX throughout the ongoing transition from conventional mechanical film
projectors to digital systems and Christie's projectors have always been at the
forefront of the technology."
Chuck Goldwater, President and Chief Operating Officer of Christie/AIX, added:
"Today's announcement enables the evolution of digital cinema to take another
great step forward. We are pleased to secure Fox's early and invaluable support
for our digital cinema rollout plan."
Jack Kline, President and COO, Christie, noted: "Fox has been a visionary leader
in helping to establish the critical standards for digital cinema, a key factor
in assuring exhibitors of compatibility and interoperability. With Fox's
commitment to this rollout, digital cinema is no longer a dream, but a practical
reality that will benefit the Hollywood community and the exhibitors, making
them partners in bringing this exciting new technology to theaters. It is a
win-win situation that will provide moviegoers with the highest quality visual
experience today."
Bud Mayo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AccessIT, said: "We have
enjoyed a long relationship with Fox, clearly one of the pioneers in the digital
distribution of feature films. Its commitment to digital content distribution
and exhibition is an important milestone in the broad adoption of digital cinema
by the entire industry."<</html>
