London—Jan 21, 2007
RAAM Conference - Heavyweight Digital Session
Steve Perrin, Chuck Goldwater and David Hancock to reset the digital agenda
In a highly charged session on Digital Cinema, sponsored by DLP Cinema® three of
the world's leaders in establishing and observing the digital cinema revolution
will present the latest information and strategic reports on how the UK,
European and global cinema markets are able to face the challenges ahead.
The presentations and discussion panel take place at the 2007 RAAM Conference
which is being held at the Radisson Edwardian Mayfair Hotel, Stratton Street at
11.30am on Wednesday February 7, 2007
Main speakers include – Steve Perrin, Deputy Head of Distribution and
Exhibition, UK Film Council – session chairman – --Chuck Goldwater, President,
Media Services Group, AccessIT and David Hancock – Screen Digest
In addition to focusing on the latest technology requirements the main issues
will be who, when and how cinema owners are expected to pay and manage the
transition.
Nancy Fares, Business Manager, DLP Cinema Products said;
“Our current data shows the following breakdown of screens across the world
North America 1998
Europe 585
South America 26
Asia 406
Total commercial screens worldwide total 3015 as of January 15th.
Plus, there are an additional 352 in post houses, screening rooms, and special
venues worldwide.”
Steve Perrin commented on the session
“The main issue on people’s minds at present around digital cinema is ‘who is
going to pay for it and how am I going to benefit?’ This issue will be discussed
with the recognition that until the questions is answered satisfactorily, no
large scale commercial deployment is likely to take place.”
Chuck Goldwater observed;
“It’s no longer just about the technology of digital cinema, it’s about what you
can do with digital cinema, the enhanced programming options and potential
incremental revenue opportunities that exhibitors and distributors can realize
with digital cinema.”
David Hancock, Screen Digest
"Commercial d-cinema standard screens grew globally by 250 per cent during 2006,
and yet the majority of this growth came in the USA which now accounts for 60
per cent of the d-screens worldwide. While the UK is out ahead in Europe, with
over 140 d-screens already installed, the reality of national cinema exhibition
systems is holding up European progress, both at an industrial and a political
level."
Other contributors to the discussion panel include Steve Knibbs – Vue; Matt
Smith – Lionsgate; Fiona Deans Arts Alliance and Patrick Von Sychowski – Deluxe
Europe.
Patrick von Sychowski, Director of Digital Business Development, Deluxe Europe
"If digital cinema is to benefit European films, cinemas and audiences it will
require a far higher level of co-operation, preparation and long term thinking
than has been demonstrated to date by most countries. Above all, the role of
public support and intervention has yet to be articulated clearly."
