Paramount Pictures International and Arts Alliance Media Enter Into Agreement to Deploy Digital Cinema in Europe

In a move that accelerates the conversion to digital cinema in Europe Paramount Pictures International (PPI) and Arts Alliance Media (AAM), Europe’s leading provider of digital film distribution services, have reached a non-exclusive long term agreement for digital cinema deployment. Under the agreement PPI has committed to supply its films in digital format to AAM deployed DCI-compliant digital cinema screens in the UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Nordic region and Benelux.

AAM is the only studio-backed digital cinema integrator in Europe. In June 2007, AAM signed Europe’s first long term agreements with Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Pictures International for digital cinema deployment across Europe, for close to 7000 screens over the next few years.

Andrew Cripps, PPI’s president said “PPI is delighted to have reached this agreement with Arts Alliance to roll out DCI compliant digital projection systems across Europe. This is a real step-change in the international arena which will only accelerate as 3D product becomes more commonplace and Paramount is proud to be at the forefront of this.”

Howard Kiedaisch, AAM’ s Chief Executive Officer said, “This agreement is a giant step forward for European exhibition and distribution. Gaining the support of PPI enables AAM to take our exhibitor discussions to the next level and kick-off widespread digital cinema rollout across Europe.”

Fiona Deans, AAM’s Director of Digital Cinema added, “We are very excited to have PPI on board. They share our steadfast determination to bring digital cinema to Europe, with a solid rollout plan, a continuous and sustained flow of content and reliable maintenance and support.”

Arts Alliance Media is in active negotiations with other studios for further digital deployment deals.

AAM completed the UK Film Council digital cinema rollout of 240 screens on April 30th, 2007, known as the Digital Screen Network. The company is also participating in two digital cinema trials in Europe, one in the UK at the Odeon Surrey Quays multiplex, since February 2007, and the other in Norway, in various cinemas across the country, since April 2006. To date, AAM’s in-house digital cinema lab has encoded over 200 digital cinema titles and shipped over 3489 digital prints.

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 Paramount Pictures: Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution. Paramount Pictures Directory page

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