CYPRESS, Calif. – (December 1, 2011) – Christie® recently announced a single-release agreement with Relativity Media to manage the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) program for the distribution of its visually stunning 3D epic adventure, Immortals, which has earned approximately $160 million worldwide since it debuted on November 11.

“In August, with support from all the major Hollywood studios, we introduced the new Christie VPF program to incent exhibitors to convert from film to digital in the most cost-effective and seamless manner,” said Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions, Christie. “Since then we have signed up hundreds of screens for our program, and inked agreements with many independent distributors, including Relativity Media, to ensure that the ‘indie community’ is not locked out of the benefits resulting from the conversion of theaters from film to digital technology.”

“The Christie VPF reduces our distribution and shipping costs, simplifies our digital-conversion fee collection and ensures that a larger audience will be able to enjoy a wide range of films,” said Relativity’s President, Worldwide Distribution, Kyle Davies. “We’re pleased to be partnering with Christie on the release of our highly-anticipated action adventure –Immortals.”
For more information on Immortals, visit http://www.immortalsmovie.com/splash/index.html.

Financing, Projection Solutions and Service Umbrella Distinguishes Christie VPF
With more than 80 years of experience in the cinema industry, having architected and executed the first VPF program in 2005, Christie has earned a reputation for integrity, and delivering products and services that meet the highest standards of quality, performance and reliability. In addition, comprehensive maintenance and technical expertise are offered by Christie Managed Services in conjunction with Christie’s network of certified digital cinema dealers.

Christie’s VPF program offers expert support and flexible options for all phases of the digital conversion process including: DCI Compliant digital cinema projection systems and services by Christie’s Network Operations Center (NOC), currently monitoring and supporting more than 50,000 devices in over 1,800 locations with 24/7 technical phone support and parts service across North America.

“The Christie VPF plan is ideal for independent exhibitors, which represent some 10,000 to 15,000 screens in the U.S. and Canada and who are seeking a trusted partner in the industry,” added Sholder. “The Christie VPF program is specially designed to help exhibitors convert in the simplest, most cost-effective and affordable way possible.”

To learn more about Christie's virtual print fee (VPF) program or to sign up, visit www.christiedigital.com/vpf.