10.17.2005
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX TO SUPPLY ITS MOVIES TO CHRISTIE/AIX DCI-COMPLIANT DIGITAL CINEMA PROJECTION SYSTEMS
Christie/AIX Will Deploy Up To 4,000 Systems Nationwide -
(Los Angeles, CA, October 17, 2005) - In its first long-term
commitment to digital cinema, Twentieth Century Fox (“Fox”)
has reached an agreement to supply its feature films to
digital cinema projection systems deployed by Christie/AIX,
a unit of Access Integrated Technologies (“AccessIT”) (AMEX:AIX).
For Fox, this “first-of-a-kind” distribution arrangement
to supply digital content to projection systems will include
an increasing number of feature films from Twentieth Century
Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation,
and Fox Searchlight Pictures production units.
Christie/AIX will initially deploy up to 4,000 systems throughout
the US and Canada over the next few years. Fox’s non-exclusive
agreement to supply its feature films to these Christie/AIX
digital projection systems and to pay virtual print fees
for movies projected on Christie/AIX-funded systems further
underscores the studio’s commitment to support Digital Cinema
Initiatives, LLC (“DCI”)-compliant digital systems and further
advances Fox’s support of the industry’s transition to digital
cinema. Christie/AIX digital system installations will be
DCI-compliant -- either initially, or upgraded to full DCI
compliance as components become available.
AccessIT's Christie/AIX unit serves as the funding vehicle
and administrator for the company's 4,000-screen digital
cinema rollout expanded from the plan originally announced
in June 2005. Christie/AIX will act as the financing intermediary
between content-owners -- including major studios and independent
distributors -- and exhibitors, who will utilize the DCI-compliant
digital cinema systems featuring Christie DLP Cinema® projectors,
JPEG 2000 servers and related hardware and software including
AccessIT’s unique Theatre Command Center. The raising of
capital for funding of the initial 200 systems was completed
on July 21, 2005 and orders for these systems have been placed.
Installation of 150 systems is anticipated by December 31,
2005.
Bruce Snyder, President of Distribution at Twentieth Century
Fox said: “We could not be more thrilled. We look forward
to supporting our partners, Christie/AIX, in this venture
and in delivering Fox movies to their systems. We believe
the efficiency, image quality and, most importantly, the
overall movie going experience will be greatly enhanced through
these DCI-compliant digital projection systems. Christie
has been developing their DLP Cinema projectors for many
years and they have proven to be of the highest quality.
Additionally, these systems should provide our partners in
exhibition with alternative uses and benefits.”
Julian Levin, Executive Vice President Twentieth Century
Fox, who spearheaded Fox’s participation in the DCI process
is also the senior Fox architect for this arrangement with
Christie/AIX added: “Having been involved in the digital
cinema transition for almost four years, I am delighted to
have concluded this arrangement with our friends at Christie/AIX
for the distribution of Fox product to their digital projection
systems. I have worked with all the folks at Christie/AIX
throughout the ongoing transition from conventional mechanical
film projectors to digital systems and Christie’s projectors
have always been at the forefront of the technology.”
Chuck Goldwater, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Christie/AIX, added: “Today’s announcement enables the evolution
of digital cinema to take another great step forward. We
are pleased to secure Fox’s early and invaluable support
for our digital cinema rollout plan.”
Jack Kline, President and COO, Christie, noted: “Fox has
been a visionary leader in helping to establish the critical
standards for digital cinema, a key factor in assuring exhibitors
of compatibility and interoperability. With Fox’s commitment
to this rollout, digital cinema is no longer a dream, but
a practical reality that will benefit the Hollywood community
and the exhibitors, making them partners in bringing this
exciting new technology to theaters. It is a win-win situation
that will provide moviegoers with the highest quality visual
experience today.”
Bud Mayo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AccessIT,
said: “We have enjoyed a long relationship with Fox, clearly
one of the pioneers in the digital distribution of feature
films. Its commitment to digital content distribution and
exhibition is an important milestone in the broad adoption
of digital cinema by the entire industry.”
About Twentieth Century Fox
One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of
motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires
and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These
motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following
units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Searchlight
Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.
About Christie
Christie is a leader in visual solutions for world-class
organizations, offering diverse applications for business,
entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film
projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection
systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation
as a total service provider and the world's single source
manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions.
Christie offers comprehensive solutions for cinema, large
audience venues, control rooms, business presentations, training
facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education
as well as industrial and government environments. For more
information, visit www.christiedigital.com.
About AccessIT
Access Integrated Technologies Inc. (AccessIT) is an industry
leader in offering a fully managed storage and electronic
delivery service for owners and distributors of digital content
to movie heaters and other venues. Supported by its robust
platform of fail-safe Internet data centers, AccessIT is
able to leverage the market-leading role of its Theatrical
Distribution System (TDS) with its innovative digital delivery
capabilities and in-theatre software systems to provide the
highest level of technology available to enable the emerging
digital cinema industry to transition from film with changing
workflows. For more information on AccessIT, visit www.accessitx.com.
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# # #
Company Contact:
Suzanne Tregenza Moore
AccessIT
55 Madison Avenue
Suite 300
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.290.0080
www.accessitx.com
Media Contact:
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The Dilenschneider Group
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