SM Cinema and the Film Development Council of the Philippines ink agreement in support of the Virtual Print Fee Program and FDCP’s Cinematheque Project

Times really has changed for the movie industry. Though we refer to movies as "film",  we are now at the time for it to evolve into a new format that will provide a better movie experience especially for Filipino moviegoers.

SM Cinema and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) solidify its partnership and celebrate a milestone in Philippine Cinema history with the full digitalization of SM Cinema theaters by September 2012.

In a recent Memorandum of Agreement signing between FDCP and SM Cinema, the country’s leading film exhibitor has converted 100% of its theaters to digital under the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) program. 

Launched last year, the VPF Program is a financing mechanism which funds the first purchase of digital cinema equipment, allowing theater owners and exhibitors to recoup a portion of equipment costs. DCinema manages the deployment of the VPF in the Philippines. With the help of the VPF program, DCinema will be able to deploy world-class digital projection system in the country, with a target of 400 screens for digital conversion.

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Big Shot by SM Cinema

SM Cinema's search for the best independent film makers in the country, “Big Shot”, was launched last May 5, and is set to revolutionize the Philippine film industry. The launch was simultaneous with the special screening of Bakal Boys, an indie film about children metal divers, supported by Apogee Productions, San Beda College, and the Aquino Foundation.
The screening was graced by the presence of respectable personalities like Fr. Aloysius Maranan, San Beda College Rector; Apogee Production's Mr. Albert Almendralejo; and Mr. Rapa Lopa of the Aquino Foundation. During his speech, Mr. Lopa emphasized the role of the cinemas as innovative venues for social awareness.

As everyone appreciated the well-applauded execution of Bakal Boys, Mr. Allan Florendo, SM Cinema's Sales and Marketing Head, went on to encourage the guests to join “Big Shot” and be a part of Philippine movie history.
Big Shot is open to all aspiring student film makers from any reputable college or university. From June 15 to August 15, participants may submit their best works which can be a short film or a full-length movie. SM Cinema will then choose the top three (3) movies, and will award P500,000 each to the top three film makers. These film makers, with the help of renowned mentors, will each produce a full-length movie about “modern day heroism”. SM Cinema will show these movies during its Indie Film Festival on January 2011, right after the Manila Film Festival.
Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details on how to join “Big Shot”.