U.K. Exhibitors' Association Establishes Digital Funding Group

The U.K.’s Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) confirmed plans to establish a digital funding group to negotiate financial support for small and medium-sized U.K. cinema operators to convert to digital-cinema technology.

CEA chief executive Phil Clapp stated, “The ‘expressions of interest’ exercise we have run over the last few months, together with feedback received during the recent program of digital roadshow events delivered jointly with the U.K. Film Council, confirm that there is an absolute desire on the part of U.K. cinema operators to embrace digital technology. But many also recognize that they are extremely unlikely to be able to secure funding deals to allow them to convert on their own. We strongly believe that the proposed funding group may be the only option to achieve this for a significant majority of small and medium-sized cinema operators.”

Clapp revealed that companies representing more than 450 screens have indicated their willingness to be involved in the funding group. “But that still leaves another 600 or more screens outside of the major circuits which stand little or no chance of finding financial support without additional help,” he cautioned.

The CEA represents the interests of around 90% of U.K. cinema operators by number and market share.

Source: FilmJournal