Mumbai: Specialists in digital cinema technology and content Arts Alliance Media (AAM) have announced a digital distribution agreement with Montreal-based DigiScreen Corporation, The Pillar Group and the Royal Opera House (ROH) owned production company Opus Arte.
The agreement with Opus Arte aims to bring ballets, operas and dances from the Royal Opera House and other international performing art companies to cinema screens across Europe, including the UK and Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux and the Nordic territories. Filmed in High Definition, the screenings will be both pre-recorded and live, projected in digital cinema, with 5.1 surround sound.
AAM will be responsible for cinema exhibitor booking negotiation, digital print services, security and tracking, and live event project management, as well as comprehensive marketing and public relations support, in collaboration with Opus Arte, ROH and DigiScreen.
The inaugural screenings will include the first cinematic performances of ballet with The Royal Ballet’s award-winning production of Frederick Ashton’s Sylvia, and the Opera production of Le Nozze Di Figaro directed by David McVicar.
Other upcoming titles to be screened from the new ROH series will include Sleeping Beauty, Carmen, Romeo and Juliet as well as Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci from Teatro Real in Madrid.
Opera in cinemas has recently proved to be a success in Europe for both The Metropolitan Opera and the Arts Alliance Media-distributed La Scala series, with many saying that the experience is like having the best seat in the house and at a fraction of the cost.
AAM director of business development Paul Chesney said, "Digital cinema is enabling cinemas to become vibrant cultural entertainment centers, as well as movie houses. We are delighted to be working with the Royal Opera House, Opus Arte and DigiScreen and thrilled to be bringing these stunning performances to cinema exhibitors across the UK and Europe."
DigiScreen CEO Mark Hooper and The Pillar Group chairman Michael J. St. Clair added, "AAM’s local knowledge will be of significant value to us as we work to fulfill the wishes of the ROH and Opus Arte to bring this content to the farthest corners of the UK. With AAM as our partner, we will bring artistic content and independent film from around the world to the European cinemas."
Royal Opera House chief executive and Opus Arte executive chairman Tony Hall said, "Being at the forefront of the burgeoning digital platform allows us to bring brilliant ballets and operas from the world renowned Royal Ballet and Royal Opera to cinema screens all over the globe. As Opus Arte film more at the ROH, and at other great opera and dance companies, we will have an unbeatable line-up of cinema entertainment for exhibitors around the world."
He added, "Having experienced the performances first hand, I cannot emphasize enough what an exhilarating experience these screenings live or recorded are, the High Def digital technology coupled with Surround Sound is remarkable."
Opus Arte managing director Hans Petri commented, "In order to recreate the excellence of the stage performances in a cinematic environment, we have been highly selective about our choice of partners. DigiScreen, The Pillar Group and Arts Alliance Media are market leaders in providing top quality alternative content to cinema chains. We are confident we can provide audiences with the very best digital experience. There is so much more to look forward to."
