News
Sci Fi Ch., Microsoft Set 'Galactica' Screening
By Robert Marich
Oct. 28, 2007 -- Basic cable network Sci Fi Channel and Microsoft are jointly mounting a one-night cinema showing of a two-hour episode the Battlestar Galactica series on Nov. 12, which is before it premieres on Sci Fi.
The cinema special showing of the Razer episode – which kicks off the series’ final TV season -- is the latest in a series of special event screenings and reflects the continued importance of cinema even as the expanding media landscape fragments. The Razer episode then makes its TV debut Nov. 24 and a DVD release of an unrated/extended version follows Dec. 4.
The Nov. 12 screenings, which are free with registration at www.BattleStarEvent.com, will take place at theaters in New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, Dallas and Seattle. Admission is restricted to ages 17 and older, because Razer has a TV-14 rating, and Microsoft's role-playing videogame Mass Effect, which is a sponsor of the screenings, is rated Mature.
The event is managed by National CineMedia (see description below). Sci Fi Channel is owned by NBC Universal.
For more stories on special cinema screenings, see “Theaters Screen ‘Star Trek’ TV Show” Oct 10, 2007 also in this News/Features directory.
National CineMedia LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long term agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM LLC's national network includes over 14,000 screens of which over 12,300 are part of the Company's Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC's DCN covers 156 Designated Market Areas(R) (49 of the top 50).
During 2006, approximately 550 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres owned by the NCM LLC founding members (excluding Loews). National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 44.8% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC.
