MINUTES OF THE EUROPEAN CYAN DYE TRACK COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT TECHNICOLOR 25 March 2002

Present:
Dave Rogers, Technicolor (Chair)
Graham Edmondson, Dolby
Andrew Wales, Technicolor (Minutes)
Ray Perry, B.V.I.
Clive Ogden, Kodak
Brian Saunders, B.V.I. Paul Collard, Soho Images

Apologies:
Steve Southgate, Warner Bros.
Bob Quinn, Fuji
Paul Stapley Tovey, Columbia
Lee Bye, Pathè
Terry Lown, Agfa
Paul Lawrence, U.I.P.
Dave Allen, Deluxe

1. High-Magenta Update
   Of the major distributors B.V.I. and Columbia have still to convert to high-magenta printing. Information from Graham indicated that Paul Stapley Tovey is in discussion with his US office to try and move this forward. Ray Perry and Brian Saunders explained about further tests that had been carried out by B.V.I. to test both high-magenta and sound negative stock performance. The tests involved both tones and listening tests comparing normal tracks and high-magenta tracks when played on red and white readers. As expected the high-magenta prints performed the best. A technical report was produced and sent to America with the findings. Although well received, there is no date for conversion yet set. Ray indicated that he is still pushing for conversion and may look toward Europe printing high-magenta before America.
2. Red Alert
   Following the successful production of Red Alert, a short cyan dye track information film, the distribution requirements where discussed. It was felt that and initial print run of around 300 would be sufficient if their distribution could be properly targeted. Paul Collard indicated that together with the BKSTS through Cinema Technology magazine, it should be possible to obtain a list of the small independent cinemas who would benefit more from seeing Red Alert. Distribution to be handled through Rank Film Distributors. A basic information and questionnaire sheet will be included to try and obtain some more data on red reader penetration in the smaller theatres.
   
   There are three main equipment installers and service agents covering the UK: Bell Theatre Services, Sound Associates, and Omnimax. It was also suggested that copies of Red Alert be available to these companies, so that when visiting sites it could be shown to local theatre personnel. A deadline of the end of April was set to have all the prints available for distribution.
   
   Actions (To be carried out by end of April 2002):
   Andrew Wales and Technicolor to produce the balance of the 300 prints required.
   Graham Edmondson to produce explanatory sheet and questionnaire for inclusion with the print and film can labels.
   Ray Perry to procure small plastic cans for distribution and confirm with RFD distribution facilities.
   Paul Collard to arrange with the BKSTS to make available a list of cinemas for distribution.
3. Cyan Dye Track Test Releases
   During 2001, there were two small releases of cyan dye track prints in America. Miramax was the distributor and it was suggested that a similar limited cyan dye track release be carried out in Europe. Ray Perry would contact Miramax to see if it were possible to carry out a test in the UK. It was also noted that should go ahead be given then a subject that has a well recorded and mixed soundtrack is chosen. Graham would source theatres that had red light readers but no digital capability willing to take part in the test release.
   
   With the planned release of Red Alert at the beginning of May, the next meeting has been scheduled for Monday, 10 June, at 9:30 at Technicolor.