(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
National CineMedia (NCM), the leader in the distribution and marketing of alternative digital content in movie theatres, and Network LIVE, a joint venture of AOL, XM Satellite Radio and AEG and the first multi-platform digital network committed to delivering live entertainment, have entered into a content and cross-marketing agreement. The deal formalizes Network LIVE as a premium provider of concerts and other special entertainment programming in NCM's network across AMC, Cinemark, Regal Entertainment Group and additional movie theatres nationwide.
As a NCM content provider, Network LIVE will present a series of branded programs annually as a part of NCM's Big Screen Concerts. The Network LIVE events will be offered across NCM's Digital Content Network (DCN), the world's largest in-theatre digital satellite distribution network. NCM's secure, state-of-the-art DCN reaches approximately 850 movie theatres and 11,000 screens in 49 of the top 50 DMAs. In addition to distributing events on a pre-recorded basis to its entire network in a variety of formats, including HD with 5.1 audio, NCM can deliver live encrypted HD presentations to more than 120 movie theatres in 78 markets reaching nearly 100,000 seats nationwide.
This agreement advances Network LIVE's vision of creating a comprehensive digital network to serve the content desires of consumers across all distribution platforms including theatrical, internet, satellite radio, television, and retail environments. It also provides a consistent flow of content that enables National CineMedia to continue to bring a full schedule of exciting live and pre-recorded events to music fans in movie theatres across the country.
This formal agreement has been predicated by a history of successful shows that Network LIVE and NCM have delivered to music fans, including The Rolling Stones from Rio's Copacabana Beach, Bruce Springsteen, Coachella 2005, and Bon Jovi live from the Nokia Theatre in New York City. Network LIVE and National CineMedia's most recent Big Screen Concerts event featured legendary Pink Floyd guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour on May 16. National CineMedia, a pioneer in alternative in-theatre events, has been presenting Big Screen Concerts through Network LIVE, AEG Live, and other music industry content providers since 2002.
"As the world becomes multi-screened and on-demand, Network LIVE continues to construct our horizontal network by forging partnerships with best-in-class distribution partners," said Andrew Thau, COO of Network LIVE. "Network LIVE embraced the partnership with NCM because they share our vision for bringing consumers content in any environment they prefer, including the larger than life in-theatre experience. This partnership advances Network LIVE's vision to deliver content to customers how they want it, and will create additional customer loyalty opportunities."
"With our vision toward the future, National CineMedia consistently and actively seeks breakthrough and effective ways to bring consumers to the theaters throughout the week. Presenting high-quality, unique and desirable events is paramount, and Network LIVE has consistently delivered the highest quality, skillfully produced programming with an impressive mix of performers," said Tom Galley, NCM's chief operations and technology officer. "Our Digital Content Network makes NCM the only company capable of producing exciting in-theatre events such as concerts on a national scale. We look forward to continuing to work with Network LIVE through this new formal agreement to bring more great shows to our theatre audiences across the country." –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
