MUMBAI: XDC, the leading Pan-European digital cinema service company, has the largest operational network with 500 screens in 10 European countries, including 400 screens under leasing agreements and 100 screens under the VPF model. 400 screens under VPF agreements have still to be installed.
From 2005 to 2008, XDC has been installing 400 digital screens in 10 European countries. These systems were financed via a leasing model. In June 2008, XDC signed its first VPF deal with Cineplexx in Austria. So far, 100 screens are already installed. The roll out should be completed with additional 100 screens before summer 2009.
XDC’s Chief Executive Officer Serge Plasch said, “XDC’s VPF-based model is really working well. Exhibitors can enjoy all the benefits of digital systems, mainly reducing operating costs and increasing their revenues with 3D and alternative content. The distributors are delivering films in digital format and are paying the VPFs. I have to point out that this is the case not only for the 6 US majors, but also for the independent distributors. Indeed, digital allows them to have immediate financial savings vs 35mm (even while paying VPF), but also digital allows a greater flexibility for example with the availability of the different versions, and then, it permits optimizing revenues.”
XDC has also VPF agreements for additional 300 screens (still to be installed) in 4 other European countries: 200 screens in Portugal (mainly with Zon Lusomundo), and 100 screens in Germany, Switzerland and Spain with independent exhibitors (from 1 to 25 screens per exhibitor).
XDC’s VP Sales & Business Development Fabrice Testa commented, “In addition to these VPF agreements, we are also working on many other projects, as well as helping some exhibitors to benefit from the expected 3D blockbusters “Monsters vs Aliens” and “Ice Age”. Hence, we have installed 12 systems (XDC servers and Barco projectors) with Palace Cinemas in Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia; and we are currently deploying 7 systems (XDC servers and Cinemeccanica projectors) with Warner Village Cinemas in Italy”.
XDC has also recently implemented its advanced Theatre Management System and Central Library, the XDC’s CineStore Plaza, to cinemas in Europe (for example Kinepolis Liege), and is working on new developments for film and live content delivery, management and monitoring.
