May 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Digital cinema is taking a big step in Europe. Yesterday we talked about how Sony Pictures’ new ‘Hot Ticket’ service will distribute digital content in the US, where about 5,000 screens are able to display the content. But in Europe, digital cinema equipment provider XDC has signed with four studios to deploy another 8,000 digital screens.
Earlier, the only choice for European theaters was to sign up with competitor Arts Alliance Media. But most theaters didn’t like the cost-sharing deal. This will give them a new choice. “The market needs some competition for exhibitors to see it as real. XDC has been around for a long time and now it has the credibility of studio product,” digital cinema analyst David Hancock said. But he noted how this step could also benefit Arts Alliance Media. “This is good news. [Arts Alliance] needed a competitor to make their offer more credible.“
XDC made the deal with Warner Bros, Twentieth Century Fox, Disney and Paramount, which will give them a lot more credibility. Yes, the digital revolution is everywhere. In ten years there will be no analog theaters left.
|
Tags: 20th century fox, arts alliance media, david hancock, digital distribution, disney, europe, hot ticket, paramount, sony pictures, warner bros, xdc Posted in News
|
|
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm

Is it a compliment when Michael Moore likes your movie? Kind of, I guess. The documentary maker praised Madonna’s ‘I Am Because We Are’ for its passionate and personal story. “She’s sort of entered my realm. When I saw it, I thought, wow, it’s like she’s been making these films for years,” Moore said. “She takes the viewer through a very personal journey and tries to connect us, living here in the U.S., giving us a window into the way it is for other people in the world. You’re extremely moved when you watch it. You understand very clearly why she’s devoted so much of her life to the people of Malawi.“
Madonna’s movie will be shown at the Traverse City Film Festival, co-founded by Michael Moore. “The film is a labor of love and I am happy that I can bring it home to my roots with the help of Michael,” Madonna said. “I am also honored that the film will be screening at this particular festival arranged by Michael as he is a genius and I am a huge fan.“
The Traverse City Film Festival will be held from July 29 until August 3.