Miramax, Boeing, AMC Theatres And A Multi-Industry Team Join Forces To Revolutionize Film Distribution - Satellite Distribution Slashes Costs And Streamlines Releases

15-Nov-00

Miramax Films, The Boeing Company and AMC Theatres demonstrated a system that digitally transmits first-run films directly to movie theatres via fiber- and satellite-based networks. The industry team includes Williams Communications Vyvx Services, Texas Instruments, QuVIS and EnergyDigital. To highlight the technical achievement, the team projected the movie ""Bounce,"" starring Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow, which opens nationwide November 17.""This is a landmark day for the movie business - the beginning of a new, faster and better way to distribute motion pictures,"" said Mark Gill, President of Miramax Films Los Angeles. ""Thanks to Boeing, secure, high quality satellite movie delivery is not a futuristic notion, but a fully functioning reality five years ahead of its time. For moviegoers, this is the start of a massive quality improvement: the end of torn film, fading and scratches, and the beginning of true digital projection, where the last screening of a movie looks as good as the first.""""We see this as a natural application of satellite technology,"" said Jim Albaugh, President of Boeing Space & Communications Group. ""Working with our partners we were able to develop an innovative application solution that will greatly reduce distribution costs for the motion picture industry while expanding entertainment options for theatre operators.""""A satellite's inherent capability to deliver point-to-multi-point information allows it to send one movie to thousands of theatres in a matter of hours at a fraction of traditional costs,"" added Tig H. Krekel, President of Boeing Satellite Systems. ""We can distribute locally, nationally or worldwide in a matter of hours.""""AMC Theatres, as an industry innovator and a leading proponent of digital technology is very pleased to join with Miramax and Boeing in showcasing this exciting new distribution system for digital content,"" said Peter Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMC Entertainment Inc. ""We believe it is a great step forward in our efforts to bring the highest quality motion picture presentation and additional programming options to our guests.""Other teammates include Texas Instruments, Williams Communications, QuVIS Corporation and EnergyDigital.