As part of its “Ballet in Cinema” series, Emerging Pictures announced today an agreement with National CineMedia’s Fathom Events to present two ballets in November to hundreds of movie screens nationwide through NCM’s Digital Broadcast Network.
Through this agreement, Fathom and Emerging Pictures will present “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Esmeralda” from Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet broadcast to select AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) movie theaters nationwide. These screens are in addition to the nearly 300 screens that are already part of the Emerging Pictures Network.
The LIVE HD performance of “The Sleeping Beauty” will be broadcast to select theaters on Sunday, November 20, with a pre-recorded encore performance on Tuesday, November 22. The performance will mark the debut of David Hallberg on the Bolshoi stage – the first American dancer in history to join the Bolshoi as a principal dancer.
A special encore performance of the Bolshoi’s “Esmeralda” will be broadcast to select theaters on Wednesday, November 30 to kick off the holidays. The production received rave reviews for its live broadcast on October 9.
These events will be offered across NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network (DBN) – North America’s largest cinema broadcast network that reaches more than 630 movie theaters nationwide. Tickets will be available beginning Friday, October 28. Visit www.FathomEvents.com to learn more.
In announcing the deal, Ira Deutchman, Emerging Cinema’s co-managing director, noted, “We’re very excited to be joining Fathom Events in this initial venture. Ever since we started the ‘Ballet in Cinema’ series, we have been receiving requests from all over the country. By expanding the number of screens showcasing these extraordinary arts events we'll enable many more thousands of viewers across the country to enjoy these world class ballet performances.”
The Bolshoi Ballet events add another chapter to Fathom’s arts and cultural programming that includes The Phantom of the Opera 25th anniversary event live from London’s Royal Albert Hall; MEMPHIS, Broadway’s 2010 Tony Award® winning Best Musical; and GISELLE IN 3D – the first 3-D ballet event from the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Fathom has broadcast hundreds of events onto the big screen including the critically-acclaimed The Met: Live in HD series, LA Phil LIVE with Gustavo Dudamel from Walt Disney Concert Hall, original programming featuring the biggest names in radio and television, sporting events and music concerts.
“This new agreement gives performing arts fans the opportunity to experience these magnificent performances, direct from the Bolshoi stage in Russia, all in the comfort of their local theater through Fathom’s robust Digital Broadcast Network,” said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of Fathom.
Among the theaters that are already presenting Emerging’s “Ballet in Cinema” series are the Carmike, Allen, Harkins, Marcus, Laemmle and Rave chains, as well as Cineplex in Canada, and screens in museums and cultural centers in major U.S. markets. With its “Ballet in Cinema” and “Opera in Cinema” programs, Emerging Pictures provides comprehensive alternative arts programming to American audiences. Live and encore performances in the 2011-2012 season include LIVE HD simulcast ballet performances from Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater, the Paris Opera Ballet and London’s Royal Ballet, and operas from La Scala in Milan, London’s Royal Opera House and other first tier international opera houses. Emerging Pictures also delivers independent films, syndicated film festivals and special events through its proprietary network to art houses and specialty film locations throughout the country.
