Morristown, N.J.,—Nov 30, 2005
Dreamworks is Newest Studio to Support Christie/AIX’s Digital Cinema Funding Plan
Studio Makes its Films Available to DCI-Compliant Digital Systems
Access Integrated Technologies, Inc.
("AccessIT") (AMEX:AIX) and DreamWorks SKG (“DreamWorks”) said today DreamWorks
will give full support to exhibitors participating in Christie/AIX’s digital
cinema rollout by releasing future films in digital format. DreamWorks is the
fifth and latest studio agreeing to provide its content for digital distribution
and projection and to fund exhibitor adoption of DCI-compliant hardware. The
studio’s productions will be made available to all exhibitors currently
deploying systems under the Christie/AIX’s 4,000-screen national rollout plan,
starting with the first 150 digital cinema projection systems expected to be
installed by December 31, 2005.
Jim Tharp, Head of Distribution at DreamWorks, commented: “DreamWorks was
founded to deliver audiences with ground-breaking forms of entertainment. The
use of new techniques and technologies has been central to our efforts and
digital cinema, with its astonishing visuals, adds to DreamWorks’ ability to
provide audiences with exciting new entertainment experiences. Having worked
with the talented teams at AccessIT and with Christie Digital Systems, we are
confident they understand our business needs, the needs of exhibitors, and, most
importantly, the needs of movie-goers.”
“We are pleased to expand our longtime relationship with Jim and the team at
DreamWorks through the signing of this agreement,” added Bud Mayo, chairman and
chief executive officer of AccessIT. “DreamWorks was an early supporter of
digital content distribution, entrusting AccessIT with the digital release of
such major movies as ‘Madagascar,’ ‘Collateral’ and ‘Shark Tale’ and we look
forward to continuing our work together in the expanding digital era.”
Based on the recent distribution agreements signed with Disney, Twentieth
Century Fox, Universal and Sony, the company has already begun an initial
deployment of DLP Cinema® systems in theatres in Detroit, Michigan, owned by
Emagine Entertainment, Inc. and at multiple locations in San Diego and Riverside
County (CA) multiplexes owned by Ultrastar Theaters, Inc.
The level of support from Hollywood’s major studios has enabled AccessIT to
expand its total planned installations from 2,500 to 4,000 screens. Disney, Fox,
Universal, Sony and DreamWorks will help finance exhibitors’ transition to
digital technology by paying virtual print fees to Christie/AIX for each film
projected on Christie/AIX-funded hardware. The company is also continuing
late-stage negotiations with a number of other studios and independent
distributors for their participation in the plan.
Jack Kline, President and COO of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., commented:
"With this commitment to release future movies in digital format, DreamWorks’
continues its tradition of providing groundbreaking entertainment experiences.
Coupled with our proven DLP Cinema® technology, audiences will be able to enjoy
the best viewing experience available in the world today.”
Under the Christie/AIX funding plan, participating exhibitors will receive
complete digital cinema systems at no cost other than a project management fee
and a standard 10-year maintenance contract with Christie similar to existing
film maintenance agreements. The Christie/AIX-funded deployment of Christie DLP
Cinema® projectors also includes media players and a central “library” server
plus two-way satellite communications and data storage equipment. The central
servers feature AccessIT’s unique vendor-neutral Theater Command Centre (“TCC”)
software, which allows all digitally-equipped screens in a multiplex to be
networked, simplifying theater operations through centralized content
management, scheduling, and reporting.
