NATO's Cinema Buying Group Inks Major 3D Deal with RealD

http://www.digitalcinemainfo.com/reald_09_03_08.php

 

August 12, 2008

 

Source: Cinema Buying Group (CBG)

 

Cinema Buying Group (CBG), a buying program for independent theaters administered by the National Association of Theatre Owners, announced an agreement with RealD, the world’s largest digital 3D experience provider. The agreement brings next-generation 3D capability to CBG’s independent cinemas, currently totaling over 8,000 screens in the United States and Canada.

 

With CBG’s earlier announcement of Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. as its selected digital integrator, the essential ingredients for taking North American independent cinema operators into the digital era, including digital 3D capability, are now in place.

 

The new generation of digital 3D exemplified by RealD has been hailed as the most vital and exciting development in cinema since the advent of color film. Wayne Anderson, CBG’s managing director, said, “CBG is committed to bringing the best 3D experience possible to our members.

 

We are very pleased that we can offer a simple, affordable, and superior 3D experience to all of our cinema guests. As the penetration of digital screens grows, we anticipate RealD installations to top 1,000 among CBG members.”

 

Joe Peixoto, President, Worldwide Cinema, RealD, said, “We are very proud to add Cinema Buying Group to our family of exhibition partners. RealD has allowed both large and small exhibitors to take full advantage of next-generation 3D technology. The addition of CBG is further validation that 3D is here to stay. With over 30 3D titles already announced in the next three years, exhibitors and audiences can truly believe in the future of cinema.”

 

Kendrick Macdowell, NATO’s vice president and counsel to CBG, said, “CBG’s mission is to ensure a thriving community of independent exhibitors in the digital age. The RealD deal takes us a critical step forward in that mission. 3D capability, however, requires a digital projector and server. So it’s now incumbent on all the industry stakeholders, including studios, to get agreements in place that ensure access to affordable digital equipment for independent exhibitors.” The Cinema Buying Group, a NATO-administered program