INDUSTRY VETERAN TED PEDAS TO RECEIVE 2012 NATO MARQUEE AWARD AT CINEMACON©

WASHINGTON D.C. (February 3, 2012) – The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) will honor industry veteran Ted Pedas, President of Circle Management Company, when they present him with the 2012 NATO Marquee Award, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, the largest and most important convention for the motion picture theatre industry. Mr. Pedas will receive his industry tribute as part of CinemaCon’s “State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future” presentation on Tuesday morning, April 24. CinemaCon 2012 will be held from April 23-26, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at which time more than 5,000 industry members will be gathering. Mr. Pedas is being singled out by NATO for his unequalled dedication, commitment and service to the business and community of the motion picture theatre industry.

“Ted Pedas is one of those rare industry executives who is truly liked, truly respected and who has truly made a difference in the world of exhibition,” noted Mitch Neuhauser. “With a rich and meaningful history, Ted Pedas, in his own quiet way, has always believed in and championed the smaller, independent film. I think we can all agree the industry has benefitted greatly from his keen insight and perseverance. CinemaCon, in conjunction with NATO, couldn’t be more delighted to present the 2012 NATO Marquee Award to Ted Pedas.”

Pedas’ involvement with the film industry began in the 1950s when he partnered with his brother Jim to acquire several drive-in movie theatres. With another partner, they acquired the film distribution franchise from American International Pictures for Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. From there, he and his brother have been involved in numerous film ventures over the years including owning the Circuit/Showcase theatre circuit, owning a minority interest in Cinema 5, Ltd., forming their own distribution company, Circle Releasing Corporation and forming their own production company, Circle Films, Inc. Among his career highlights, Pedas was instrumental in helping the Coen brothers early on in their film-making career. Circle Releasing distributed “Blood Simple,” the first Coen brothers film, and Circle Films produced early Coen brothers films such as the cult-classic “Raising Arizona,” “Miller’s Crossing” and “Barton Fink,” winner of the Cannes Festival Golden Palm Award. Throughout his career, Pedas has also served as a member of various film-related groups such as the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress, the advisory council of the American Film Institute, the American Film Institute’s Second Decade Council and the Board of Filmfest D.C. For his long-standing commitment to the exhibition industry, NATO recognizes Pedas as an emeritus board member.

In addition to the NATO Marquee Award, “The State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future” program will include a special salute to the Top Grossing Films of 2011, presented in 3-D, as well as industry addresses by MPAA Chairman Senator Chris Dodd and NATO President and CEO, John Fithian.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office. CinemaCon 2012 will be held from April 23-26, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In returning to Caesars Palace, CinemaCon is able to offer its delegates a modern and upscale conference facility and a one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience in The Colosseum, the 4,200 seat theatre and crown jewel of Caesars Palace.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. Cinemacon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies. Additional information on CinemaCon, the Official Convention of NATO, can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

About NATO

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 50 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.

Media Contacts:

Heather Lewandoski
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8147
hlewandoski@rogersandcowan.com

Jessica Erskine
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8129
jerskine@rogersandcowan.com