SCREENVISION EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH WEHRENBERG THEATRESNew York - (March 26, 2007) New Agreement Extends Screenvision High Definition Digital Network To Nearly 7,200 Screens NationwideScreenvision, a leader in cinema advertising, has expanded its relationship with Wehrenberg Theatres, a St. Louisbased exhibitor. Under the new agreement, Screenvision will install its high definition digital network system on all of Wehrenberg’s 204 screens; 153 of these screens are located in the St. Louis DMA. By expanding its partnership with Wehrenberg, Screenvision’s digital network coverage grows to nearly 7,200 of Screenvision’s more than 14,900 screens nationwide. Also under the agreement, Screenvision retains exclusive rights to sell local, regional and national advertising on Wehrenberg screens and gains non-exclusive third-party rights to sell in-lobby promotional programs in Wehrenberg theatres. “Wehrenberg is a long-time partner of Screenvision and we look forward to bringing our digital offerings to its theatres,” said Matthew Kearney, chief executive officer and president of Screenvision. “Our digital network and unique preshow have proven to make a positive contribution to the consumer movie-going experience while contributing significantly to the bottom line of Screenvision’s exhibitor partners.” Screenvision is rolling-out its satellite-based digital network across its screens nationwide. The system delivers Screenvision’s digital entertainment preshow and is also capable of delivering alternative content such as sports programming, kids programming, music concerts and other entertainment product. Screenvision’s digital network is also compatible with high-end 2K and 4K digital cinema projection systems, ensuring maximum flexibility for exhibitors considering digital projection of feature films in their theatres. Founded in 1906, Wehrenberg Theaters is America’s oldest family owned and operated movie theatre circuit. Wehrenberg Theatres is the country’s 25th largest exhibitor and plans to open two new theaters in 2007, resulting in an additional 28 screens and a total of 232 screens across 17 locations. “Wehrenberg has been a pioneer in the exhibition business,” said Ronald Krueger, chairman of Wehrenberg Theatres. “With a century of successful operation behind us, we are thrilled to embrace the digital environment actively growing in the motion picture industry. Screenvision has represented our cinema advertising interests for many years and we are confident that we will see great return on investment as a result of Screenvision’s turnkey digital cinema advertising platform.” Ron Krueger II, president of Wehrenberg Theatres added: “We are focused on providing a superior entertainment experience for our guests. The Screenvision digital preshow is an important component in that mission, providing a unique and enjoyable entertainment platform for Wehrenberg guests while enabling significant revenue opportunity for our company.” Screenvision produces the only hosted preshow in the industry. The company has used this format to introduce topical specials to the cinema advertising portfolio, and to re-introduce short films, cartoons and other entertainment content as part of the pre-feature film experience. Studies by Taylor Nelson Soffres and by Lieberman Research indicate high levels of consumer receptivity for this preshow format. “We take very seriously our impact on the movie-going experience,” said Darryl Schaffer, executive vice president of exhibitor relations for Screenvision. “Ninetytwo percent of moviegoers are receptive to our preshow – 64 percent “like” the preshow and 28 percent are “neutral.” Likeability and receptivity are even higher for our specials. An entertaining preshow brings real value to our exhibitor partners.” ABOUT SCREENVISIONHeadquartered in New York, N.Y., Screenvision is the world's foremost cinema advertising company, offering on-screen advertising, in-lobby promotions and integrated marketing programs to national, regional and local advertisers and providing comprehensive cinema advertising representation services for its theatrical exhibitor partners. In the U.S., the Screenvision cinema advertising network is comprised of nearly 15,000 screens in over 2,300 theatre locations across all 50 States and 91% of DMAs nationwide, and delivers more than 600 million consumer impressions annually through more than 150 theatrical circuits, including 12 of the top 15 exhibition companies. Screenvision is a joint venture between ITV plc (LSE: ITV), the UK’s largest commercial television network, and Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), a global supplier of technology, services, and systems to the media and entertainment industries. For more information: http://www.screenvision.com. For more information about Wehrenberg Theatres: http://www.wehrenberg.com. For more information regarding Screenvision, contact: For more information regarding Wehrenberg, contact: |
