Milan, 3 April 2004
PRESS RELEASE

Multiplexes in Europe are on the increase, though less than in previous years: on 31 October 2003 a 9% increase had been recorded, compared to the same date in 2002, as against the 15% of the preceding 12 months. This is one of the most striking pieces of data regarding the overall situation of multiplexes in 2003 published in the MEDIA Salles Newsletter "European Cinema Journal" no. 2/2004, presented today in Kuurne, Belgium, during the course "DigiTraining Plus: New Technologies for European Cinemas".
Digital cinema and e-cinema are the main topics of this issue, which publishes accounts of very different experiences: from the Film&Kino project by the Norwegian exhibitors' Association - diversifying programming for children by using e-cinema - to the pre-screening of a TV serial on the Kinepolis Group's big screens, perhaps with the addition of a live news programme, to the interview with Zhou Tiedong, President of China Film Import and Export, dealing with the process of expanding digital cinema that is now taking place in China. Another important topic in this issue is an event to which MEDIA Salles devotes special attention every year: "Focus on Europe - Kidflix Special", addressing exhibitors involved in programming for younger audiences. The initiative, which continues its tradition of collaboration with the leading European festivals, will be hosted this year by the 44th International Childrens' Film Festival of Zlìn, and will be held in Prague from 3 to 6 June. Also on the subject of cinema for young people, is the article describing the Italian experience, "School and the magic of the cinema", which brings the cinema and audiovisual language to schools.
The most important audio technologies used in digital cinema (a topic outlined by Jason Power of Dolby), sub-titles (Rolando Alberti, Marinastudios), piracy and security measures for fighting it (Xavier Vérians, Octalis), future scenarios (Angelo D'Alessio, SMPTE) were the main issues dealt with today during "DigiTraining Plus: New Technologies for European Cinemas". The day ended with an account of digital cinema, as viewed by Laura Fumagalli, Marketing Director of the Arcadia cinema in Melzo (Milan, Italy).

For further information:
MEDIA Salles
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I-20127 Milan
Tel.: +39.02.66984405 - Fax: +39.02.6691574
E-mail: infocinema@mediasalles.it