New York-based e-cinema pioneer (though they hate the term – ‘e-cinema’, that is, not ‘pioneer’) Emerging Pictures has selected CDNetworks to “provide the low-cost delivery of large HD-file downloads for its “100% green” data delivery platform.” The move is in tune with the company’s aim of not just being digital but also ‘green’ pioneers. From the press release:

Emerging Pictures uses its data-delivery platform with high-speed data lines to deliver HD-quality films to high-definition projection systems. CDNetworks provides the network infrastructure and the file delivery technology to economically deliver the large HD-file downloads, in both 720p and 1080p. The files are sent in one-of-three high-quality, yet compact, HD-file formats – MPEG2 HD, VC-1 HD, and .264 HD. Leased broadband lines deliver the files directly to servers, located at the theaters, where the files are rendered and delivered to high-quality HD-cinema projectors. Emerging’s approach is totally carbon neutral, using no petroleum-based 35mm film prints, no carbon-consumed shipping of heavy 35mm film canisters, and the most eco-friendly and economical film delivery platform available.

Emerging Pictures considered using satellite technology for their file-download system, but found CDNetworks’ digital large-file-download solution to be much more cost-effective. Data-network delivery also compares very favorably to the cost of cloning, shipping, and retrieving hard drives and makes venue operation far easier than traditional or satellite-file-download systems.

Emerging Pictures has an impressive track record to-date of both alternative content events and specialized and independent films. They are not shy to trumpet it:

Emerging Cinemas is the partner of choice for specialty-film distributors who need a cost-effective, carbon-neutral means of sending HD-quality files to communities in search of high- quality cinema programs. Emerging has secured North American digital cinema distribution rights to the prestigious La Scala Operas, Salzburg Festival, Glyndebourne Operas, and Bolshoi Ballet company performances. Pop Music artists presented include Bruce Springsteen, The Who, and The Smashing Pumpkins. The company also distributes top-end art house films from leading US and International cinema companies and films from governmental film agencies.

So hats off to our friends at EmPix for not just thinking about technology but also about the environment, particularly in these tough economical times when much better of companies are worrying more about their bottom line than about the carbon footprint. They offer a lesson to the Big ‘D’ Cinema industry in corporate responsibility.