Mumbai: Universal Pictures will provide movies to theaters equipped by Ymagis, the European digital cinema services provider based in Paris.

Universal Pictures will pay digital print fees under a long-term agreement similar to those signed by Paramount, Disney and Fox.

Ymagis started its roll-out activity in July after the signature of its first contract with distributors, and has so far signed contracts with exhibitors for a total of 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.

Universal Pictures International executive vice president Duncan Clark said, "At Universal, we are committed to the growth of digital cinema, the future of our industry. We therefore warmly support Ymagis and its efforts to expand the digital platform for our movies. Our audiences will reap the rewards of the continued enhancement of the theatrical experience."

Ymagis CEO Jean Mizrahi added: "We are delighted to conclude this agreement with Universal Pictures, a major player in the distribution industry and an important provider of digital movies in Europe. This agreement is another step in our effort to help all kinds of exhibitors in Europe convert to digital. We look forward to support from more distributors and exhibitors in the very near future."