The Cinema Buying Group (CBG), a semi-autonomous buying program under the NATO umbrella for small and medium-sized independent theaters, took a big step forward in making digital cinema equipment available for independent theater operators by issuing a request for proposals for digital cinema equipment and service providers.
CBG-NATO members (representing more than 4,000 screens) desire to acquire digital cinema equipment and service on favorable terms, funded in whole or part through “virtual print fee” (VPF) arrangements, that ensure their ability to provide high quality and reliable digital exhibition service to patrons in their markets. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified vendors to provide digital cinema equipment and service to the members of the CBG, and to determine as promptly as possible thereafter which vendor’s proposal best suits the needs and interests of the members of the CBG.
Simply put, the RFP announces the intention of small and medium independent theaters to be fully included in the accelerating rollout of digital cinema.
To be considered, all proposals must be received by the CBG not later than 12 noon (EDT), Friday, September 28, 2007. The CBG intends to make a selection of vendors before the end of 2007.
The press release is here.
The CBG is here.