AtomFilms To Revive Short Film Screenings In Front of Features.

Business/Technology Editors, Entertainment Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2000

Century Theatres signs as official theatrical venue

for Atom shorts -- providing mainstream exposure

and official Academy-Award qualification screenings

AtomFilms, the recognized leader in next-generation entertainment, is debuting short films before feature length films at the grand-opening of Century Theatre's CineArts 6 multiplex in Evanston, Ill.

This marks the first time in 25-years that short films are being screened in front of features for mainstream moviegoers -- providing big screen audiences short form entertainment. Further promoting the success of its filmmakers, Atom's partnership with Century extends to their North Hollywood cinemas where up to 25 Atom shorts will be screened for Academy Award qualification (AMPAS.) Century's selection of AtomFilms reconfirms Atom's leadership position -- once again the pioneer in paving the way for even broader consumer distribution of short form entertainment.

Atom shorts will run before each feature showing at CineArts 6; the first all THX, all stadium seated, digital movie theater dedicated to the exhibition of art and independent film. The short film will change every two weeks with a total of six shorts from Atom's award-winning library, programmed to set the stage for the feature film. The first short to debut is Queen for a Day, directed by Greg Coolidge, and will continue with five other cutting-edge shorts from AtomFilms. This partnership allows Century Theatres to distinguish themselves from the pack by providing its viewers with compelling shorts, while benefiting Atom filmmakers with even greater mainstream audience exposure.

"Imagining Queen for a Day in theaters was once out of the realm of possibility, but now AtomFilms is proving its commitment to its filmmakers by providing this unique theatrical distribution," said Atom filmmaker Greg Coolidge. "Not only does my film get worldwide exposure on Atom's Web site -- it will reach a whole new audience through the big screen."

"We are very excited to have AtomFilms provide its shorts at CineArts 6," said Nancy Klasky, vice president of marketing for Century Theatres. "It is wonderful to be able to provide filmmakers the opportunity to exhibit their films on giant screens with state of the art audio and visual quality."

"AtomFilms strives to provide the best exposure for its talented filmmakers," commented Harry Warren, Atom's vice-president of broadcast and theatrical distribution. "Placing Atom shorts in front of features rejuvenates this once popular outlet for short films, returning this art to new audiences."

About AtomFilms

AtomFilms is a leading next generation entertainment company focused on redefining the way entertainment is created, distributed, marketed and consumed. AtomFilms has the largest catalog of award-winning animation and live-action entertainment available. A loyal supporter of independent filmmakers and animators, AtomFilms has built a platform for artists seeking worldwide distribution. AtomFilms markets and distributes high-quality short form entertainment to more than 80 partners and to audiences worldwide, with significant presence on major Internet sites, broadband services, television, airlines, home-entertainment companies, as well as handheld and wireless devices. With a popular Web destination that is ranked among Media Metrix's top twenty entertainment sites, AtomFilms was recently honored with two Webby Awards in the Film and Broadband categories. The AtomFilms Web site also was cited as one of the top ten most trafficked movie-related sites by Entertainment Weekly, rated "Best of the Web" for online entertainment by U.S. News & World Report and selected as the Forbes Magazine favorite short film destination. An independent company founded in 1998, AtomFilms has offices in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and London. More information about AtomFilms can be found on the Internet at http://www.atomfilms.com.

About Century Theatres

Century Theatres owns and operates over 700 screens in 11 western states. Century is in the midst of a major expansion program, adding over 400 screens in the next two years, including their entrance into the Chicago market with the Century 12 and CineArts 6 in Evanston, Il. Century is the largest customer in LucasFilm's THX certification program, created to ensure a theater's design is calibrated to bring forward a presentation experience faithful to the artistic intent of filmmakers. Visit Century's website at www.centurytheatres.com