MUMBAI: Paramount Pictures International (PPI) and Arts Alliance Media (AAM), Europe‘s digital film distribution service provider, have entered into a non-exclusive long term agreement for digital cinema deployment.

As per the agreement PPI has committed to supply its films in digital format to AAM deployed DCI-compliant digital cinema screens in the UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Nordic region and Benelux.

AAM is the only studio-backed digital cinema integrator in Europe. In June 2007, AAM signed Europe’s first long term agreements with Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Pictures International for digital cinema deployment across Europe, for close to 7000 screens over the next few years.

PPI’s president Andrew Cripps said, “PPI is delighted to have reached this agreement with Arts Alliance to roll out DCI compliant digital projection systems across Europe. This is a real step-change in the international arena which will only accelerate as 3D product becomes more commonplace and Paramount is proud to be at the forefront of this.”

AAM CEO Howard Kiedaisch stated, “This agreement is a giant step forward for European exhibition and distribution. Gaining the support of PPI enables AAM to take our exhibitor discussions to the next level and kick-off widespread digital cinema rollout across Europe.”

AAM director of digital cinema Fiona Deans added, “We are very excited to have PPI on board. They share our steadfast determination to bring digital cinema to Europe, with a solid rollout plan, a continuous and sustained flow of content and reliable maintenance and support.”

Arts Alliance Media is in negotiations with other studios for further digital deployment deals.