ckalan1
10-31-2008, 09:05 AM
What is a Virtual Print Fee model (VPF)?
AccessIT invented the VPF. AccessIT has installed thousands of networked digital theater systems and delivered millions of digital movie screenings. The VPF costs about $1,200 per screen.
The basic premise of the VPF model is that a third party (i.e. AccessIT) pays up front for the equipment, and then recoups the cost of the equipment over time, through payments from distributors. The VPF is roughly the same cost as a traditional 35mm print which distributors are used to paying. Five major studios have agreed to pay the (VPF). Sony and Warner Brothers have not.
And why should you care?
If an independent filmmaker wants to release a digital movie they have to either pay the VPF or book the theater directly. Fees paid to the theater are typically higher than the VPF. And there is the real possibility of getting bumped for a studio picture.
My company is planning to convert 1,500 theaters to "DCI" compliant digital cinema. We think there is a better way to pay for the use of the equipment. We have devised an Equipment Use Fee model (EUF). In other words a filmmaker rents the equipment for the time they use the equipment.
Each projector booth can cost upwards of $70,000 to convert to digital. Loan payments and expenses costs over $10,000 a year. Our goal is to make the use of the equipment affordable for everyone. We have a plan to make this work. But, if you have any ideas on how to make this work please feel free to add your two cents worth. I really appreciate your input.
Thanks for putting up with this long post.
Craig Kitchens
714 538-2484
AccessIT invented the VPF. AccessIT has installed thousands of networked digital theater systems and delivered millions of digital movie screenings. The VPF costs about $1,200 per screen.
The basic premise of the VPF model is that a third party (i.e. AccessIT) pays up front for the equipment, and then recoups the cost of the equipment over time, through payments from distributors. The VPF is roughly the same cost as a traditional 35mm print which distributors are used to paying. Five major studios have agreed to pay the (VPF). Sony and Warner Brothers have not.
And why should you care?
If an independent filmmaker wants to release a digital movie they have to either pay the VPF or book the theater directly. Fees paid to the theater are typically higher than the VPF. And there is the real possibility of getting bumped for a studio picture.
My company is planning to convert 1,500 theaters to "DCI" compliant digital cinema. We think there is a better way to pay for the use of the equipment. We have devised an Equipment Use Fee model (EUF). In other words a filmmaker rents the equipment for the time they use the equipment.
Each projector booth can cost upwards of $70,000 to convert to digital. Loan payments and expenses costs over $10,000 a year. Our goal is to make the use of the equipment affordable for everyone. We have a plan to make this work. But, if you have any ideas on how to make this work please feel free to add your two cents worth. I really appreciate your input.
Thanks for putting up with this long post.
Craig Kitchens
714 538-2484