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In this Thought Leader Interview, we talk with Chris McGurk, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (CIDM). Chris took the helm at Cinedigm earlier this year and has been deploying new business strategies that promise to enhance the value of the company. In this interview, we talk to Chris about the new business strategies and discuss how he sees Cinedigm evolving. Some of the key takeaways from our interview with Chris include:

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Cinedigm is capitalizing on the ongoing transition to digital cinema technology. The company has signed almost 9,000 screens with 128 exhibitors and installed nearly 7,000 screens to date, and there is widespread recognition within the exhibition community globally thatthe time to go digital is now.

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Cinedigm is providing more alternative content for exhibitions to fill theatres during non-prime times with avid audiences and the creation of THE CINEDIGM NETWORK, which will offer on-going, programmatic content to exhibitors in a “channel” format, including independent films series, an action sports series, kids and family programming, and more. Cinedigm expects to begin announcing exhibition partners in the next 60 days.

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R2: We’ve seen some bearish articles in the media recently on 3D cinema, some calling it a “fad that’s had its run.” What is your view of 3D technology and the role it will play in cinema and entertainment going forward?

CM: There are some areas of entertainment where 3D is absolutely breaking new ground and creating a better entertainment experience for audiences — particularly in the area of sports, music and cultural events. This type of content is obvious and organic for 3D and will continue to thrill audiences by bringing them right into the entertainment experience.

For filmed entertainment, I have always believed – for both filmmakers and audiences – 3D provides an amazing opportunity to bring a new dimension (pun intended) to a storyline thru the visual enhancement, immersion and engagement of viewers. However, 3D is not meant for every movie; in fact, forcing 3D on certain films demeans the value of 3D as it’s seen as a ploy versus a true artistic decision. Story and character are always the most important part of any film; when used appropriately, 3D will always help take a film with good story and character development to an entirely higher level of audience engagement.

Overall, 3D is not going away and as studios and directors show more restraint on when to use or not use 3D, everyone will benefit – from exhibitors to studios to consumers.

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Read the full article here: http://seekingalpha.com/article/281606-thought-leader-interview-with-cinedigm-ceo-chris-mcgurk