UPI signs European digital deal with Ymagis - Joins Paramount, Disney, Fox for d-cinema rollout

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i418b037a2c9b1c0f2e7b61828d61379a

 

By Stuart Kemp

 

Oct 7, 2008, 09:26 AM ET

LONDON -- Universal Pictures International, Universal's overseas releasing arm, became the latest studio to seal a deal with Ymagis, the European digital cinema services provider based in Paris, for digital rollout in theaters in Europe.

 

Universal Pictures will provide movies to theaters equipped by Ymagis and will pay digital print fees under a long-term agreement similar to those signed by Paramount, Disney and Fox, UPI said Tuesday.

 

Ymagis started its rollout activity in July this year and has so far signed contracts with exhibitors for 29 screens in France.

 

Ymagis expects to announce agreements with other studios and European distributors in the coming weeks, as well as agreements with several exhibitors.

 

UPI exec vp Duncan Clark said Universal is "committed to the growth of digital cinema, the future of our industry."

 

"Our audiences will reap the rewards of the continued enhancement of the theatrical experience," Clark said.

 

Ymagis CEO Jean Mizrahi said he is "delighted to conclude this agreement with Universal Pictures," and described the deal as "another step in our effort to help all kinds of exhibitors in Europe convert to digital."

 

Ymagis intends to deploy as many as 5,500 systems throughout several European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy.