Wednesday 28 December 2011

2011 News Review

by Peter J. Knight

So it is the end of another year, and it has certainly been a year which has been dominated by the conversion from film to digital. Many of the circuits have made their projection staff redundant, believing that they are no longer required in this new world. We have seen two big competitors of the 35mm world, beginning to work a bit more closely as the requirement for their product is reduced - namely Deluxe and Technicolor sharing their film processing facilities. In fact in December Technicolor announced plans to shutdown many of its plans in Europe. Also in December it was announced that the 50% conversion tipping point had been reached across the world.

Along with Digital, 3D has remained in the news - often with complaints about the price, safety concerns or just the experience.

Probably one of the main technological highlights was the demonstration and general industry noise around higher framerates, which the digital technology allows for. There were several demonstrations and announcements around its use over the year. The other technological announcement of the year was that of lazer projection.

And of course all the digital related companies such as Sony, Barco, Christie, NEC, TI, RealD and the rest were all making announcements around new contracts they had won, which film festival or prestigious event they had been selected to be involved with, or what percentage of the market they now accounted for. With Vue Cinemas deciding to go exclusively with Sony Projectors the UK market share of digital projectors moved heavily in their direction.

But of course Sony Projectors were not without their share of bad publicly during the year, when a US newspaper story revealed that because it took 20 minutes to change the lens from 2D to 3D films and back again that often this wasn’t happening in the cinemas and as a result many 2D films were being shown through the 3D lens meaning that a large amount of light was being lost. This story spread rapidly across the Internet and via various blogs within days.

In some good news, with the Harry Potter films coming to an end, Warner Brothers announced in January that they were opening a major studio facility at Leavesden, England which was also going to include a Harry Potter tour where visitors could walk around the sets from the film franchise. This was going to open in 2012.

And of course there was the usual collection of stories about cinemas which were opening or closing, or still closed and empty. This included a number of former Odeon cinemas, a new cinema in Newquay, Cornwall and the taking over of six cinemas owned by Reel Cinemas by Odeon Cinemas, including the Loughborough cinema. IMAX cinemas also saw an increase in the number of screens it opened within other cinema venues throughout the year, with more planned during 2012.

One of the big things which I noticed over the year was the increased number of pop up cinema and mobile/outdoor events which had started to happen, largely due to the change in the technology and how easy it was to operate. There were large events such as those put on by the Nomad Cinema, a company setup by the Lexi Cinema. What was interesting about Nomad was that apart from just doing the summer screenings, they also took over an empty shop in central London in order to put on screenings over the Christmas period. Many of the films being shown being linked to a theme. Secret Cinemas continued to do well as well. But there was also smaller ‘Pop Up’ cinemas which appeared, such as Films on Fridges in East London, which existed for just a few weeks in the summer before disappearing. Certainly where once there were only a few cinema events being listed by Time Out in the summer, this list is now growing to an ever growing number, and the number of mobile and outdoor cinemas which are being discovered on the Internet each day is growing.

2011 was also the year that the controversial UK Film Council was disbanded and many of its duties were merged into the BFI

Of course the retirement of a projectionist in Bridgewater after 67 years lead to a number of stories and highlighted the world of the projectionist. Later on the year Mark Kermode’s book “The Good, The Bad & the Multiplex” was published which amongst other things supported the work and plight of the projectionist. Anyone who saw the “King’s Speech” earlier in the year, would have seen a brief view of a BTH projector, which was provided to the film company by the Projected Picture Trust in Bletchley Park.

And so the end of the year reaches us. I think 2012 will see many of the same themes as this year, with the completion of the Digital switchover. We will of course see the impact of the Olympics on cinema admissions, along with the continued financial situation.

You can view all of this year’s published stories at: http://www.madcornishprojectionist.co.uk/news2011.php

Wishing you a Happy New Year and keep viewing.......
2011 News Review is now available at: http://ping.fm/X6WyB

Tuesday 20 December 2011

The Latest Cinema and Exhibition Industry News for 20-12-2011

Hello All,

First of all:

Naadelik looan na looan blethen noweth or Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

This will be the last set of news headlines for this year, I hope that you have continued to enjoy them. I would like to thank Vicky Mansfield for all her help in putting them together.



Don't forget that you can win a pair of tickets to see "Travelling Light" at the National Theatre next year.
To enter email….competition@madcornishprojectionist.co.uk with your name and contact telephone number. If you would like more information on the play then please visit: nationaltheatre.org.uk/travellinglight


As always the headlines are available from: http://www.madcornishprojectionist.co.uk/todays_news.php


2011-12-20
New IMAX(R) Theatre at SilverCity Victoria Cinemas Opens December 16th - Cineplex Entertainment /quotes/zigman/3411923 CA:CGX +4.25% today announced the new IMAX(R) theatre at SilverCity Victoria Cinemas will open on Friday, December 16, 2011. A special promotional presentation of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol The IMAX Experience will be held on December 14th at 7 p.m. for invited guests.
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Marcus Theatres(R) to Purchase Showtime Cinema in Franklin, Wis. out of Receivership - Marcus Theatres(R), a division of The Marcus Corporation /quotes/zigman/233011/quotes/nls/mcs MCS -0.40% , today announced it will purchase the Showtime Cinema in Franklin, Wis. out of receivership. Marcus Theatres submitted the highest bid to purchase the theatre at an auction on December 8, 2011. The 12-screen theatre is located at 8910 S. 102nd Street, just west of Hwy 100 on Loomis Road. The purchase is expected to close on Wednesday, December 14. Plans are for the theatre to be closed to the public on Thursday, December 15 and reopen on Friday, December 16 as a Marcus Theatres location.
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Italian, French Cultural Leaders Renew Cinema Co-Production Agreement - The two countries will work together to combat piracy and strengthen ties within the film sector.
Source: Hollywood Reporter - Editor: VM2011-12-20
BFI creates new combined post as Director of Film Fund - Job will combine roles of Tanya Seghatchian (development production funding) and Pete Buckingham (distribution and exhibition), who have recently left their posts at the BFI.
Source: Screen Daily - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Wanda Cinema Line - China - Exclusive Deal includes Doremi IMB/ShowVault and DCP2K4 servers throughout China
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Royal all set for movies and media training - A planning application will be submitted to City Hall in February for the development of a digital cinema and media training hub in the former Royal Cinema on Upper Cecil Street.
Source: Limerick Post - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Cine North takes to the hills for rural screenings - Cine North will tour Cumbria and Lancashire this winter with the aim of improving access to high quality digital cinema.
Source: How Do - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Glitzy launch for New Brighton's Light Cinema - NEW Brighton's latest addition to its multi-million pound regeneration project was officially launched last week.
Source: Wirral Globe - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Town council in bid to make the Picture House the best it can be - STAFF at the historic Hebden Bridge Picture House could soon have a new boss. Hebden Royd Town Council has put in an official asset transfer bid to Calderdale Council and it could be given a leasehold of the site by early next year.
Source: Hebden Bridge Times - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Barco celebrates 40% DLP projector market share - At CineAsia 2011 in Hong Kong, Barco announced that its digital-cinema projector install base currently represents 40% of the total DLP Cinema
Source: Film Journal International - Editor: VM2011-12-20
RealD and Les Cinemas Gaumont Pathe Extend 3D Cinema Deal with Multi-Year Pact for up to 600 Screens Equipped with RealD 3D - RealD Named Exclusive Circuit Wide 3D Provider
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM2011-12-20
GDC Inks VPF Financing Deals with 14 Major Hong Kong Film Distributors - GDC Technology (
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Tensions flare ahead of cinema announcement - A fight broke out at a council meeting ahead of an expected announcement soon on the future of the Chelsea Cinema in Adelaide's east.
Source: ABC News - Editor: VM2011-12-20
RealD and Les Cinemas Gaumont Pathe Extend 3D Cinema Deal with Multi-Year Pact for up to 600 Screens Equipped with RealD 3D - RealD Named Exclusive Circuit Wide 3D Provider
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM2011-12-20
A multiplex cinema for the Sarajevo Airport Centre - The Sarajevo Airport centre (ACS), which will be built directly by the airport and exactly opposite former Olympic Games village in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, acquires apart from the 30,800sq m retail space additional 3,000sq m large cinema with seven to nine halls.
Source: Property Magazine - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Doremi Partners in Odeon Milestone with the Completion of 809 Screen Deployment - Doremi Cinema has celebrated with Odeon, the largest cinema chain across the UK and Ireland, on the completion of its digital rollout. The programme, over two years, has involved all 113 Odeon cinemas in the UK and Ireland. A total of 890 Odeon screens are now operating with Doremi DCP-2000 digital cinema servers.
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM2011-12-20
£300,000 takes Pavilion to the next dimension - More than £300,000 has been invested in the Pavilion Cinema, safeguarding 20 jobs.
Source: Southern Reporter - Editor: VM2011-12-20
Curtain rising at new Laemmle theater - The art of film is finally coming to the North Hollywood arts district. Laemmle's NoHo 7, an all-new digital cinema built, owned and operated by L.A.'s oldest arthouse chain, opens Wednesday.
Source: Daily News - Editor: VMhttp://www.madcornishprojectionist.co.uk/todays_news.php

Regards

Peter
The Latest Cinema and Exhibition Industry News for 20-12-2011 is now available at: http://ping.fm/Klxxz

Tuesday 13 December 2011

The Latest Cinema and Exhibition Industry News for 13-12-2011

Dear All,

Please find this weeks news below at: http://www.madcornishprojectionist.co.uk/todays_news.php. However, I also have some exciting news.....

Win a Pair of Tickets to Travelling Light at the National Theatre (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/travellinglight). I have a pair of tickets to give away to this new play by Nicholas Wright is a funny and fascinating tribute to the Eastern European immigrants who became major players in Hollywood's golden age. For details and how to enter, please visit the home page: http://www.madcornishprojectionist.co.uk.

2011-12-13
RealD and Mei Ah Entertainment Group Limited (MAEG) Announce Agreement for 3D Cinema - RealD Inc. (NYSE: RLD), a leading global licensor of 3D technologies, and Mei Ah Entertainment Group Limited (MAEG), a major Chinese-language film producer and distributor in the region, announced today an agreement to install RealD 3D technology on one hundred screens across the MAEG circuit in China. The deal is part of MAEGís overall efforts to expand within the Chinese theatrical market with fifty new cinemas and five hundred screens over the next five years. The first MAEG cinema has already opened in Tinjian and will be followed by openings in Yangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu and more. With this latest agreement, RealD technology is now available on approximately 460 cinema screens in China with future commitments totaling 1,200 screens.
Source: Business Wire - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Christie Continues to Extend 4K and 3D Digital Cinema Footprint Across Asia Pacific Region - Exhibitors in countries throughout the Asia Pacific region continue to embrace ChristieÆ 4K and 3D technology, employing the companyís award-winning Solariaô Series of DLP Digital CinemaÆ projectors in hundreds of screens. Designed to meet DCI specifications, the Christie Solariaô Series includes a fully integrated media block (IMB) solution that can manage Higher Frame Rates (HFR) and 4K content without compromising image quality.
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Dcinema Alliance Corp Select Unique Digital for Full VPF Backed Digital Rollout - Headed by Philippine-based integrator company, Arrayís Technology, Inc, DCinema Alliance Corp., (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arrayís), has selected a suite of software and hardware solutions developed by Unique Digital to manage the deployment and ongoing support of a full VPF backed DCI compliant rollout in the Philippines.
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Creative England Launches Two Funds For Regional Filmmaking Grants - Creative England, the startup organization pitched to replace Englandís regional screen agencies, took its first tentative steps into the hotbed of funding by filling two fresh cashpools for regional applicants.
Source: Hollywood Reporter - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Cineworld lifted by prospect of renewed surge in 3D films - Cinema group should benefit from higher ticket prices as number of 3D films increases
Source: Guardian - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
DCL Selects Cinedigm's Suite of Digital Cinema Software Solutions to Manage Their Deployment in Ireland - Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. /quotes/zigman/114691/quotes/nls/cidm CIDM -0.63% announced today that Digital Cinema Ltd (DCL) has successfully installed the Cinedigm suite of digital cinema software and has selected this as its preferred supplier to manage their deployment throughout all of Ireland.
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Dolby Laboratories Appoints Doug Darrow as Head of Cinema - Seasoned entertainment and technology leader brings broad experience in growing new businesses and delivering world-class innovations
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Plans to re-open Whiteladies Picture House gather pace - Plans to resurrect Whiteladies Picture House in Bristol are gathering pace as the duo behind the ambitious proposals unveil a new website and talk about why they want to re-open the old building as a cinema.
Source: Redland people - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Cinema takeover bid moves to next stage - THE planned takeover of Hebden Bridge Picture House has taken another step forward.Hebden Royd Town Council has put in an official bid with a view to the premises being run by the community.
Source: Halifax Courier - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Cinemark Completes DCIP Digital Projection Rollout Over 3,400 Digital Cinema Systems Deployed in Only 18 Months - Cinemark Holdings, Inc. /quotes/zigman/452716/quotes/nls/cnk CNK -0.99% , one of the leading motion picture exhibitors in the world, celebrates another milestone with the completion of their DCIP digital cinema conversion project. Over 3,400 auditoriums in 251 first run domestic theatres have been converted from 35mm to digital projectors.
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Imax Sells Two Digital Screens to Cinema 21 in Indonesia - The first commercial theater from the Canadian giant screen exhibitor will open in south Jakarta in May 2012, with a second to follow by 2013.
Source: Hollywood Reporter - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
NEC Australia prepares digital cinema projectors for higher frame rate movies - NEC Australia prepares digital cinema projectors for higher frame rate moviesNEC announces software upgrade for Series 2 projectors to present in 2K, HFR and 3D formats
Source: PR Wire - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Carmike Cinemas Announces the Unveiling of the Critically Acclaimed Signature "BIGD" Ultimate Entertainment Experience at the Ohio Valley Mall 11 - Get ready next week for a dramatic new level in the theatre-going entertainment experience in St. Clairsville, OH
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
GDC Technology deploys 170 Digital Cinema Integrated Projection Systems for Huayi Brother Cinemas- Entire cinema chain uses GDC Theatre Management System (TMS) for centralized management of multiplexes
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Christie Surpasses 26,000 Digital Cinema Projector Milestone - More Than 50 Percent of Worldís DLP CinemaÆ Installations Use Christie Digital Cinema Projectors
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Disabled group calls for better UK cinema facilities - A group of young disability campaigners have raised a petition calling for better disabled facilities at UK cinemas.
Source: BBC News - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Cinemark Announces Opening of New 12-Screen Movie Theatre in Chesapeake, VA - Cinemark Holdings, Inc. /quotes/zigman/452716/quotes/nls/cnk CNK -0.99% , a leading motion picture exhibitor, will open a 12-screen, all-digital movie theatre featuring the new Cinemark NextGen cinema design concept in Chesapeake, VA on December 16, 2011.
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Barco Confirms Market Share of 40 Percent as DLP Cinema Projectors Break Through 50,000 Unit Barrier - On the occasion of CineAsia 2011, Digital Cinema pioneer Barco announced that its Digital Cinema projector install base currently represents 40% of the total DLP CinemaÆ-based projector fleet worldwide. Barcoís communication follows earlier press releases issued by Texas Instruments DLP CinemaÆ and one of its licensees.
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
NEC Display Solutions Prepares Digital Cinema Projectors for Higher Frame Rate Movies - NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today that it is preparing for the introduction of higher frame rates (HFR) in the digital cinema industry by upgrading its Series 2 digital cinema projector line to support this new format.
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Risca Palace cinema reopens as library and Caerphilly council offices - An historic former cinema in the south Wales valleys is being returned to public use as it reopens as a library and community space.
Source: BBC News - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
U.K. Film Policy Review Group Unlikely To Publish Findings Before 2012 - Industry kept on tenterhooks over U.K. government attitudes towards film and tax incentives.
Source: Hollywood Reporter - Editor: VM

2011-12-13
Proscreens launches Projectionist Service - Proscreens this week launched an additional service to its already wide range of AV and Cinema related products. The new service is about providing film or digital projectionists to cinemas or other venues on a flexible SLA. Proscreens say that the service aims to be as flexible as the venue requires it to be while providing the full range of services that a projectionist would do, be it cleaning porthole windows, changing lamps or running the actual films themselves.
Source: Press Release - Editor: PK
http://www.madcornishprojectionist.co.uk/todays_news.php

Regards

Peter J. Knight
The Latest Cinema and Exhibition Industry News for 13-12-2011 is now available from: http://ping.fm/pwNes

Tuesday 6 December 2011

The Latest Cinema and Exhibition Industry News for 06-12-2011

Hello all,

Please find below this weeks news headlines, available as ever at: http://ping.fm/395FF


2011-12-06
Film fans fight against cinema's digital takeover - As traditional cinemas across the UK close down and the equipment that screened a thousand blockbusters is scrapped to make way for the digital revolution, a group of Wirral enthusiasts is battling to keep the projected film image flickering.
Source: Wirral Globe - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Martin Scorsese considers shooting all his future films in 3D - Following the success of Hugo, the director says his previous films such as Taxi Driver might have benefited from stereoscopy
Source: The Guardian - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Digital vanguard: Asian market leads the way in d-cinema deployments - In 2011, Asia (and in particular China) continues to lead the global market with digital conversions being driven by a boom in new cinema construction as well as the ongoing retrofit of existing cinemas. Currently, the Asia region has approximately 7,000 digital screens. China alone has around 3,000 new screens either planned or under construction. China, India, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are the most rapidly expanding cinema markets.
Source: Film Journal - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Arts Alliance Media Enters German Digital Cinema Market with Cinestar, Germany - Arts Alliance Media (AAM) has announced a digital cinema deal with CineStar, Germany
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
SENSIO Appoints Diana Cantu as Vice-President, Business Development, Live 3D - Digital-cinema and satellite-industry veteran to bring extensive network and proven track record of business development
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
A rare film treat in Hailsham - FILM FANS will be treated to a rare treasure at Halisham Pavilion as the cinema marks its 90th anniversary with a screening of romantic drama, The Sheik (PG), originally released in 1921.
Source: Sussex Express - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
British Director Ken Russell Dies at 84 - The iconic filmmaker's death comes just as his controversial religious drama "The Devils" is readied for DVD release.
Source: Hollywood Reporter - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
IMAX Signs Revenue Sharing Agreement in the UK With Cineworld Group - Leading UK Exhibitor to Open Three New IMAX Locations in England and Scotland
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Campaigners write to Royals to help save Odeon - Campaigners are hoping to get the royal seal of approval on their bid to save a historic cinema.
Source: Kensington and Chelsea Chronicle - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Odeon moves into f-commerce with transactional booking app - Odeon, the cinema chain, is moving into social commerce with the launch of its first-fully transactional Facebook app, which enables cinema-goers to book tickets without leaving the social networking site.
Source: Marketing Magazine - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Don't keep it reel: why there's life after 35mm - As digital takes over, many in the film industry are mourning the death of 35mm film after 120 years in the business. But it's time to move on to a far more flexible format
Source: Guardian - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Doremi and XDC Extend Their Collaboration with a Business Agreement - Doremi Cinema has signed an agreement with XDC for the supply of its digital cinema products and services. Under the agreement Doremi Cinema is to provide support for XDC cinema customers equipped with Doremi Cinema servers.
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Electric Palace cinema in Harwich celebrates centenary - The 100th anniversary of one of the oldest active independent cinemas in the country is being marked in Essex.
Source: BBC News - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Carmike Cinemas Announces the Unveiling of the Critically Acclaimed Signature "BIGD" Ultimate Entertainment Experience at the Majestic 12 in Vibrant Downtown Chattanooga - Get ready next week for a dramatic new level in the theatre-going entertainment experience in Chattanooga
Source: Market Watch - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Doremi Cinema Named AHL - AHL cinemas to install over 800 Doremi DCI compliant servers and IMB systems
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Rowley Leigh teams up with Odeon at Whiteleys' Lounge cinema - Veteran London chef Rowley Leigh has teamed up with cinema operator Odeon to consult on the food offer at its new boutique cinema, the Lounge, at Whiteleys shopping centre.
Source: Caterer Search - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Dcinema Alliance Corp. in Phillipines Enters into Digital Cinema Deployment Agreements with Major Studios - DCinema Alliance Corp. (
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Ashford Cineworld cinema to add extra screens as demand soars - A BUSY cinema has been given permission to build an extra three screens to accommodate hundreds of new customers.
Source: This Is Kent - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
FOCUX to Launch the World First Wireless Cinema Audio Processor CM24 in CineAsia 2011 - FOCUX Technology LLC. the world leading provider of digital audio and visual products, is pleased to announce the new product launch of CM24 Wireless Digital Cinema Processor.
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM

2011-12-06
Kinoton Sets Standards at Germany's Most Advanced Film Theatre - The newly opened cinema multiplex at Papenburg in northern Germany is definitely the country
Source: D Cinema Today - Editor: VM
http://ping.fm/cGrQT

Regards

Peter
The Latest Cinema and Exhibition Industry News for 06-12-2011 is now available at: http://ping.fm/Gsx20

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