IN-FLIGHT MOVIES TAKE OFF BOEING TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSMIT NEW FILMS.

Byline: Brent Hopkins and Evan Pondel Staff Writers

Boeing is taking in-flight movies to a much higher level.

The aerospace giant announced a partnership Monday with Creative Artists Agency in which the talent agency will aid in the launch of Boeing's direct-to-cinema delivery system. The satellite-based network, originally developed to handle secure transmissions for the United States Air Force, will deploy internationally in coming months.

``We're forging full steam ahead,'' said Candace Kirby, a spokeswoman for Boeing Digital Cinema. ``The system's all about transfer of large files with top security, and the entertainment industry had that need, so voila.''

CAA, a Beverly Hills-based company that primarily represents the entertainment industry, will provide guidance for Boeing's business strategy and marketing of the product.

``We have aligned with Boeing to help them be the player in the industry ... and help make their dreams happen,'' said Roger Fishman, head of the agency's consulting arm. ``They (Boeing) have the technological expertise and we have the experience to build out their access.''

In about month, CAA will adapt its in-house screening room to showcase Boeing's technology. Fishman said the audience will vary from studio executives to writers.

``This technology is for everyone ... and we want to show the richness in color and the richness in sound this product can deliver,'' he said.

This isn't the first time CAA has aligned with a company outside the entertainment industry. Last week, the talent agency partnered with Motorola Inc. to leverage the Chicago-based telecommunications company's entertainment properties.

``We try to make win-win relationships between every company and the entertainment industry,'' Fishman said.

Boeing hopes to have its system in upward of 100 theaters in short time, both domestically and internationally. If the film business embraces the new technology, Kirby said, it will offer big savings in both transport and repair fees.

``Ultimately, it will cut the costs of distribution by 75 percent,'' she said. ``The industry spends $1 billion every year transporting those film cans around. This can shave a lot off that, and the films won't corrode. They'll always remain crystal clear.''