Scrabble deploys Compliant Digital Systems in India

Scrabble Entertainment has achieved a great feat by entering into non-exclusive digital projection deployment agreements with xxx OUT OF THE SIX major Hollywood Studios. Under the terms of the deals, Scrabble will deploy up to XX 2 K DCI Compliant Digital Systems in India. These agreements become effective from tomorrow (date). The contracting studios include: Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros, Disney and Paramount.

With new multiplexes mushrooming in India over the last 3 to 4 years, there is an increasing opportunity for Hollywood studios to increase their product volume of 2D and 3D Films and overall presence in India. Historically, Hollywood major film studios have limited the number of pictures released in India. Converting conventional 35mm film projectors to digital projection systems is expected to facilitate increased efficiency and lower distribution costs thereby providing the opportunity to significantly increase both the number of movies released and the breadth of each release in India.

Scrabble Entertainment is currently India"s only 2 K DCI Compliant Deploying Entity. Scrabble has installed 80 Screens to date within the metro cities of India and has plans to install over 500 screens over the next 3 years in more than 100 Multiplexes mostly in the top 8 cities of India. All the large exhibition circuits in India including PVR Cinemas, Fame India, Inox Leisure, and Fun Cinemas have signed up with Scrabble for the installation of these digital systems.

The expected benefit to Hollywood Studios is that this will give them an opportunity to have wider Day and Date Releases in India. The Demand for 3D has substantially increased and installation of digital projection systems will permit the studios to showcase their 3D product on more screens. The Studios can additionally use this platform for playing alternate content. These are some of the benefits that are expected to be realized through Scrabble"s deployment plans.

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President, International Distribution, from Warner Brothers said, “ The agreement with Scrabble marks a significant milestone for Warner Bros." wide array of films in India, including the commitment to supply high quality local productions that moviegoers will now be able to enjoy on DCI compliant digital projection systems. India holds promising growth for Warner Bros. films, and Scrabble"s digital distribution network should facilitate the expansion of the theatrical industry further".

Denzil Dias, Deputy Managing Director from Warner Bros Pictures (India) Pvt Ltd. said,

“This partnership now gives us the opportunity to showcase all our Hollywood and Indian productions in the 2K digital format and gives the audience a memorable movie going experience, which has always been a commitment for Warner Bros".

Another core advantage of the mass deployment by Scrabble is an expected significant reduction of piracy because DCI compliant systems are protected through sophisticated security and encryption technologies. The Indian market for Hollywood films is expected to increase and this will translate in higher box office collections for Hollywood Films in India. Currently, all the multiplexes in the 8 top cities of India collect over 75% of the total Indian box-office collection. Hollywood contributes less than 10% of that collection. Industry experts feel that there is potential for Hollywood to be over 20% of the Indian Market and certainly going digital with more day and date releases is one of the ways for them to get there.

Most importantly, Indian consumers and patrons will benefit by the enhanced digital viewing experience both in 2D and 3D and a range of alternative content exhibition.