Fall 2007 - Christie

kino • notes
C H R I S T I E
C I N E M A
FALL 07
W O R L D W I D E
Smooth
transitions
Managed Services meets
demands of rapidly growing
customer base
Christie’s Managed Services group is the largest cinema
technical organization in the world, dedicated to
supporting over 8,000 screens at over 650 sites across
the US and Canada.
Sean James, VP, Managed Services, leverages Christie’s
technical expertise and world-class service capabilities,
with a team of over 150, comprised of Network
Operations Center personnel, customer service
engineers (CSEs), technical systems installers (TSIs),
and factory service centers located in regions all across
North America.
Supporting a wide array of manufacturers’ projectors,
technology platforms, visual displays, servers, switchers
and networking products, Christie service and field
applications engineers address the most complex
infrastructure challenges.
Helping partners focus on their
core business
As the pre-eminent leader in total visual solutions, and a
pioneer in both film and digital projection, Christie is
Story continues on page 2
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Toronto
International
Film Festival
MJR Theatres
converts to
Christie
see page 3
see page 4
Christie projects a
“Greener Future”
see page 5
Westate Theatres
installs 35mm
systems
see page 7
Christie ACT
6
Nashe Kino commits
8
Christie acquires Vista
8
Smooth transitions
Story continues from page 1
“Christie’s single
point-of-contact
and depth of
experience helps
us to minimize
downtime and
maximize
productivity.”
Michael Harshfield
Sr. Director/VP
Field Operations & Supply Chain
Reactrix Systems, Inc.
well positioned to provide innovative ways to
support its customers in critical areas of their
environment. Christie trains customers’ staff to
help them build knowledge and confidence in
their new systems and processes.
“Managed Services strengthens Christie’s
commitment to supporting our customers in their
investments. Christie’s customer-centric vision
drives the value-added services and support that
sets us apart in the industry,” notes Jack Kline,
president and COO, Christie USA.
Many of the largest theatre operators in the
US, with multiplexes nationwide, rely extensively
on equipment up time to operate successfully.
“Partnering with Christie and its Managed
Services capabilities, we no longer have to
allocate support staff, often spread across
numerous locations, to solve technical issues,
notes Director of Technology David Zylstra, of
Emagine Theatres.
Zylstra added “Christie Managed Services has
proven to be a valuable asset in our digital cinema
operation—from the knowledgeable NOC
technical support staff to the dedicated Customer
Service Engineers. All issues come to a quick and
painless solution—especially those discovered by
remote monitoring!”
Christie co-ordinates all onsite and emergency
services for exhibitors. Local Christie engineers
travel to customer sites to repair equipment,
emergency service calls are documented and
tracked, and emergency service issues are
responded to quickly and efficiently, within a
timeframe specified by the customer.
Delivering a complete range of
technical support
From cinema and post-production to on-screen
advertising, large group training centers and
control rooms, Christie Managed Services offers
every level of support to meet its customers’
expectations for continuous, reliable product
performance. Whether it’s an existing facility or
the early stages of planning a new installation,
the Christie Managed Services team is there every
step of the way, to meet the unique technology
needs of every organization with round-the-clock,
24/7/365 support.
World class
standards
✤ Systems design/application consulting
✤ Procurement and critical inventory
logistics management
✤ Hardware/software integration
✤ Installation and project management
✤ End user training and training
certification programs
✤ Systems health monitoring and
helpdesk support 24/7/365
✤ On-site emergency and
preventative maintenance
✤ Content and software distribution
✤ Asset management support
✤ System performance reporting
✤ Online customer access to systems
2
Official Toronto International Film Festival
sponsor
TIFF offers filmmakers an unprecedented opportunity for international exposure
Digital technology is future
of the industry
Christie returned as official sponsor for the 32nd
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the
world’s largest public film festival, staged in early
September in Toronto. As part of its sponsorship,
Christie provided an array of digital projectors,
including the acclaimed Christie CP2000 DLP
Cinema projector, the most installed Digital
Cinema projector in the world.
7th consecutive year as
official sponsor of TIFF
“TIFF is a crucial part of the international
cinematic landscape. It strives to be a leader in
the creative and cultural discovery of cinema, and
continues its quest to put Canadian films and
talent in the spotlight,” said Natalie Lue, director
of operations and theatres, Toronto International
Film Festival Group (TIFFG). “We are committed to
innovation and excellence in our film
programming, and the superior performance of
Christie digital projectors ensures that the artistic
vision comes through for the world-class
filmmakers who participated.”
The popularity of the festival continues to
grow, with approximately 350 films screened this
year. “Our priority is to set an international
standard that creates a transforming viewing
experience for our audiences,” added Lue.
“The promise of Digital Cinema is being realized,”
said Andrei Gravelle, technical manager, TIFFG.
“The Festival is pleased to utilize state-of-the-art
Christie digital projectors to highlight established
artists, as well as up-and-coming visionary
filmmakers who are outside the studio system.
The accessibility of Digital Cinema is giving birth
to a whole new world of talent and new ideas
that will move, challenge and inspire us in
exciting and different ways.”
A total of 10 Christie digital projectors were
deployed throughout the Festival for over 100
public, press and industry digital screenings—
almost a third of the Festival entries. Both Christie
CP2000 projectors and Christie HD projectors
were used at various venues—all offering
stunning, razor-sharp images for an exceptional
viewing experience.
“Christie is a leading supporter of the arts,
providing visual solutions for a wide variety of
festivals and artists around the world,” remarked
Craig Sholder, vice-president of Entertainment
Solutions at Christie. “We value our long-term
relationship with TIFF, which is committed to
recognizing and showcasing cinematic excellence.
Christie is equally committed to delivering
technology that allows emerging artists and
veterans alike to shine on an international level.”
Christie is also a participant at other major
festivals around the world, including the Pusan
International Film Festival (PIFF), the Manhattan
Short Film Festival, and the 60th Cannes
International Film Festival. At Cannes, the most
recognized film festival in the world, 16
auditoriums screened digital titles utilizing Christie
CP2000 series projectors, selected by XDC, the
official Digital Cinema partner of the Cannes
International Film Festival.
“…we rely on
Christie to help
define the
standard for
digital projection
technology.”
Natalie Lue
Director of Operations
and Theatres
TIFFG
Movies shown on Christie
CP2000 digital projectors
“Bill”
“Nothing is Private”
“The World Unseen”
“Redacted”
“Ping Pong Playa”
“Amal”
“Amazing Journey:
The Story of The Who“
3
MJR Theatres converting to
Christie DLP® projectors
“The opportunity
to expand our
programming with
alternative content
will also be a
positive change…”
Mike Mihalich
President & CEO
MJR Theatres
Independent exhibitor MJR Theatres, based in Oak
Park, Michigan, has been on the cutting edge of
exhibition since the inception of the company in
1980. They have been a leader with theatre lobby
projection systems, stadium seating, digital sound
and 3-D projection.
A current customer of AccessIT’s Advertising &
Creative Services division and the company’s
alternative content services division, The Bigger
Picture, MJR now looks forward to enhancing
their presentations with integrated pre-show
programming utilizing Christie DLP® projectors.
Christie digital projectors will
leverage Digital Cinema to its
greatest potential
MJR is the 12th chain to convert 116 megaplex
screens in seven locations to Digital Cinema using
AccessIT’s Theatre Command CenterTM software
and pre-show programming and Christie DLP
Cinema® projectors. Mike Mihalich, president &
CEO of MJR, said: “Becoming an all digital
cinema circuit will be an exciting change for MJR.
We look forward to improving our picture quality
through the digital systems that AccessIT and
Christie will install, and to integrate our pre-show
4
programming into them, simplifying our playlists.
We have already seen how broadening our
offerings brings more and different people to
the theatre.”
Joining the Digital Cinema
revolution
Other recent Digital Cinema deployment contracts
have been signed by: Celebration Cinemas for a
comprehensive installation and pre-show
programming of their 128 megaplex screens;
Neighborhood Cinema Group for digital
conversion of 100 screens in 11 locations across
three states. Both Atlas Cinemas and Showplace
Cinemas will each convert their 39 megaplex
screens in three locations.
Craig Sholder, vice-president of Entertainment
Solutions, Christie USA, notes: “These are exciting
times for Digital Cinema as it continues to gain
worldwide acceptance. Recognizing the strategic
importance of Digital Cinema, MJR stands
alongside those exhibitors who share similar
forward-thinking insight. We are proud that
MJR chose AccessIT’s plan that exclusively uses
the Christie CP2000 DLP Cinema® projector for
their transition into digital.”
Christie projects “Greener Future”
Achieves ISO 14001 certification
A year ago, Christie embarked on an environmental management system program to define an
environmental policy and identify environmental
performance standards. It systematically employed
environmental improvement initiatives impacting
products, services and activities company-wide.
After an intensive audit of Christie’s environmental management system at its global
manufacturing headquarters in Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada, the Quality Management
Institute (QMI) registered Christie ISO 14001
certified, meeting the internationally recognized
Environmental Management Standard designed to
support environmental protection and prevention
of pollution.
Among the improvements
measured and achieved:
• Elimination of six hazardous substances in
service, accessories and finished goods, fully
meeting the European Union’s Restriction of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive
• Environmentally friendly packing of products
• Significant reduction of electricity
• Improvements in recycling
• Reduction in paper usage
• Employee awareness programs designed to
encourage environmental responsibility
• Continuing to set the bar in quality standards
This year marks the company’s 20th anniversary
with the Quality Management Institute, working
closely together to make real and lasting
improvements in the continued pursuit of
business excellence.
Christie was the first projection company in the
world to obtain ISO 9001 certification in 1995
from QMI, North America’s leading management
systems registrar. The ISO 14001 certification,
received this Spring, reflects Christie’s continued
commitment and dedication to environmentally
friendly business practices for future generations.
“ISO 14001 certification is a huge
accomplishment for Christie and reflects our
continued commitment to developing innovative
programs that minimize our impact on the
environment,” said Zoran Veselic, vice president,
Global Quality, Christie. “As an industry leader,
Christie recognizes its environmental obligation
and we’re thrilled with the results we have seen
so far.”
“This milestone
marks our first
step towards
the journey of
protecting our
natural
environment.”
Zoran Veselic
Vice President, Global Quality
Christie
5
From anywhere in a theatre complex,
the exhibitor has seamless operation
of the environment, and can now
set-up, monitor, and control
everything in the palm of their hand.
“The Christie ACT
can virtually
adapt to any
installation
environment.”
Brian Claypool
Senior Product Manager
Entertainment Solutions
Christie
Lights, curtains, sound
Christie ACT brings total control to theatre automation
Christie created ACT, a sophisticated system, to
make it easy to automate presentations, to
translate cues from connected devices, and to
control most theatre equipment including
lighting, curtains, sound, masking and projectors.
This new theatre automation controller interfaces
with the latest generation Digital Cinema
technology and enables customizable control to
suit the needs of a single screen, a multiplex
facility or an entire theatre chain.
The ultimate automation solution
Fully manageable through a web interface,
Christie ACT allows maximum control and
flexibility at an affordable price. It can be accessed
from any web browser on a networked computer
making it easily accessible from a portable
handheld computer or laptop.
With its simple, intuitive graphical user
interface, even the novice can easily customize
6
tasks and events to suit specific needs. Featuring
pre-defined scripts for supporting known devices
and eight user-programmable buttons on the
front panel, customization is simple and quick.
It can be configured to control sequencing of all
devices that it is connected to, as well as listen
for server cues and perform user-specified actions.
Christie ACT can adapt to any installation
environment.
“The Christie ACT is a great value proposition,
providing exhibitors with a reliable and costeffective automation solution for many common
auditorium functions,” remarked Brian Claypool,
senior product manager of Entertainment
Solutions, Christie. “It is a powerful device,
custom designed to integrate with most end-user
applications, including Digital Cinema and 35mm.
Westates Theatres installs
Christie 35mm projection systems—
the brand of choice.
Westates Theatres, a family-run movie chain,
operates over 100 cinema screens in the Western
part of the US. Westates has built its reputation
on delivering customer service and entertainment
that caters to family moviegoers.
“We’re about bringing the people what they
want,” said VP TJ Rudman, of Westates Theatres.
This past summer, working closely with Salt Lake
City-based Claco Equipment, Westates Theatres
opened their new six-plex in Mesquite, Nevada,
just 80 miles north of Las Vegas. With close to
1600 seating capacity, the six-plex features
rocker- style, high back stadium seating with 18”
risers and retractable arms, 25’ x 60’ screens,
complete Christie 35mm gearless projection
systems, digital sound systems from Dolby and
JBL speakers.
“Along with very good sight lines, excellent
sound and unbelievably crisp visuals on the
screen, we are getting terrific response from the
community,” summed up Rudman.
Christie’s core competitive
advantage
Matching client needs to the proper mix of
products and solutions is what Christie is all
about. Clayton Stauffer, president and owner of
Claco Equipment, founded in 1980, has
partnered with Christie for over 35 years. “Not
only do I depend upon their reliable and quality
products, I find that their service and support is
second to none. I can always depend upon
them to do the right thing. Their technicians are
pros, and my confidence level with them is
extremely high.”
Claco installed six Christie Cine-X 35mm
projectors with manual turrets along with Christie
Autowind™ platter systems, Christie SLC 20, 30,
40 and 70 consoles, and Christie Xenolite™
bulbs. “My previous experience working with
Christie film projectors at another multiplex
where they have continuously run for three years,
12 hours a day, without a single problem,
explains why Christie enjoys such a high market
share in 35mm projection. Their upgraded
rectifiers have made them almost indestructible.
They never go down,” explained Stauffer.
Stauffer added that his company is currently
working on the next Westates six-plex, to be
located in Logan, Utah, where Christie projection
systems will be installed as well.
Christie’s durable projection systems
are simple to use, thread and clean.
The “no-weave” gearless projector
runs smooth and quiet, with picture
perfect performance.
7
Nashe Kino commits to digital
cinema in Russia and the CIS
Christie announced it has received the commitment of Russian distributor, Nashe Kino (“Our
Cinema”), the official distributor of the CTB film
company, to release future movies in a digital
format. The announcement was made during
Nashe Kino’s 2007-08 projects presentation to an
audience of more than 500 industry professionals
and exhibitors, during a gala presentation held at
the “Aurora” theatre in St. Petersburg.
The commitment comes in response to a recent
investment in Christie 2K DLP Digital Cinema and
what Nashe Kino sees as the future of cinema
exhibition in Russia and the countries of the CIS.
Formed in 2003, Nashe Kino’s main activity is
promotion and distribution of new Russian
movies. They also provide funding for movie
production to support the promotion of
independent movies as well as Russian
blockbusters.
Irina Bederman, Deputy Director and Director
of Public Relations for Nashe Kino said, “For the
last four years Nashe Kino has followed a policy
of genre variety, author’s cinema and block-buster
entertainment to help promote commercially
successful movies and much loved and
memorable cinema. Digital Cinema technology
clearly enhances the quality of our movies and
the audience experience; and it opens up new
and exciting opportunities in digital production”.
D-cinema film distribution is
firmly established
Nashe Kino has already released several movies in
Digital Cinema format and the decision to release
all new Nashe Kino’s movies in this format is the
logical extension of their promise to provide great
entertainment and great cinema. Nevafilm Digital
Labs will digitally master all Nashe Kino future
releases.
Kino Expo in St. Petersburg
On a separate note, Christie was the D-Cinema
partner for the third consecutive year at Kino
Expo 2007 in St. Petersburg, together with other
partners in Russia. According to Film Journal
International’s managing director Dmitri Kazuto,
“Our joint work with Christie and its partners in
Russia led to a real d-cinema breakthrough.”
“Russian cinema owners are eager to embrace
d-cinema and explore all the benefits of this
new technology.”
Christie acquires Vista Systems
Creating the most advanced
image presentation and
processing solutions
The acquisition by Christie of Vista Controls
Systems, Corp (Vista), makers of the world’s most
powerful video processing systems, including the
acclaimed Vista Spyder, brings an unprecedented
seamless professional display solution for a diverse
range of global markets. Vista switchers have
become the industry standard for live multipledestination video and data mixed signal
switching.
Powerful merger of
complementary technologies
“Christie’s acquisition of Vista significantly
increases our opportunities for deeper market
8
CONTACT US
Visit our website at:
www.christiedigital.com
Corporate Offices
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We welcome your comments, questions, story
submissions, updates and installation information.
Send correspondence to:
Christine Diesbourg
christine.diesbourg @ christiedigital.com
penetration and reflects Christie’s core strategic
goal of establishing solid leadership in markets for
professional display solutions,” remarked Jack
Kline, president and COO, Christie USA.
Christie and Vista have a long history of
working together in many successful installations,
including major broadcast environments. Clark
Williams, president of Vista Controls Systems
noted “the acquisition is an ideal ‘marriage’
whose combined power and performance have
no equal in the industry.”
Kino Notes is published 3x a year by Christie and
distributed in print to our cinema partners and customers. We wish to thank our customers for their
support in producing this newsletter. No part of this
newsletter may be reproduced in whole or in part
without the written consent of Christie.
Copyright 2007 Christie Digital Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved. All brand names and product names are
trademarks, registered trademarks or tradenames of their
respective holders. Printed in Canada.