10/06/2005

In order to screen commercials and reduce the costs for exhibitors, the Zurich-based company cinecom, which holds a monopoly on all advertising in theatres, decided to make a step forward this year by investing 3 to 5 million euros to provide theatres with digital equipment. The selected theatres (300 to 530) are given the equipment provided they take care of maintenance and pay a yearly contribution, to gradually cover the costs. For 100 to 120 other theatres (less profitable ones), Cinecom agreed to do the same on the condition that the OFC (Federal Cultural Office) would invest too. Indeed, for many small theatres, for whom money from commercials is a question of life and death, going digital is the only way to survive. To guarantee the offer to as many cinemas as possible, the OFC agreed to support a hundred theatres. In cooperation with the Swiss Film Association (an exhibitors' society) which is financing 25% of the budget, the OFC grants 3200 euros to theatres which register less than 25,000 admissions per year and receive less than 6,400 euros as public reward based on success. In exchange for that money, exhibitors must screen at least six Swiss (co-)productions and six foreign films per year, the distribution being supported by the Swiss State. As a consequence of this technical evolution, many films shot with digital devices will find it easier to be distributed, since the expensive transfer to 35mm will no longer be necessary.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

(Translated from French)