Multi-territory European cinema operator, Pathe Cinemas has expanded its existing deal with premium large format technology company Imax.
The new agreement sees the addition of five new Imax With Laser systems in Europe, including four in France.
The new agreement also spans distribution, with Imax and Pathe Live, Pathe’s subsidiary dedicated to production and distribution of event cinema, set to release three upcoming Pathe Live films across the Imax network.
The first of the three films under the deal will be the first-ever ‘Filmed for Imax’ classical ballet stage performance released in cinemas. Co-produced by Paris Opera and Pathe Live and distributed worldwide by Pathe Live, Rudolf Nureyev’s choreographed ballet “Swan Lake” will be performed by the Paris Opera Ballet and filmed next summer with Imax certified cameras for a global release at the end of 2024.
In 2022, Imax and Pathe Live collaborated on the first concert ever to be released through the ‘Filmed for Imax’ camera program, “Indochine’s Central Tour.”
“This agreement advances two key strategic priorities for Imax: expanding our network in the thriving French cinema market and further diversifying our content portfolio across new experiences,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax. “Pathe Cinemas continues to be one of our premier global strategic partners, as it expands one of the world’s most successful Imax circuits.”
“Leveraging on the strong Imax brand and its state-of-the-art technical features, we reinforce our premium strategy by offering moviegoers emotional experiences within our cinemas and the unique opportunity to watch exclusive Live content in IMAX theaters,” said Aurélien Bosc, chairman of Pathe Cinemas.
France is a top ten market for Imax and the company reports that 2023 remains on-pace to match its highest grossing year ever at the French box office. The previous best was 2019. Pathe Cinemas operates 26 locations together across France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Morocco.
