Arts Alliance Media has announced two steps forward forEuropean digital cinema.

AAM said it has formed a new partnership with newly-formedNorwegian industry group Kristiansand Digital CinemaAlliance for a trial roll-out of up to 10 digital screens in Norway.Three screens have already been equipped with digital projection equipment sofar.

The trial, funded partly by Film & Kino, is expected toexpand into a larger rollout in late 2006.

Also, AAM confirmed that it has completed phase one of itsimplementation of the UK Film Council's Digital Screen Network on schedule. AAMsaid that Phase One, including the first 50 screens of the planned total 240screens of the network, was completed as of February 24.

To date, 25 films have been shown on the network, including March of the Penguins, Good Night and GoodLuck, A Cock and Bull Story, The Road to Guantanamo,and The Proposition.

Said Fiona Deans, director of digital cinema for AAM, "Backin August of last year, we committed to deliver 50 screens by Spring 2006 and I'm delighted to say we have completed thisphases earlier than scheduled. We now have significant practical experiencewhich will be invaluable in further rollouts."