The DFP is unique in Europe, in that it is a broad group of differing types of exhibitors with a purely commercial solution to digitisation ie no public money has been invested in this initiative. A similar initiative has been constructed in Australia by the Independent Cinema Association (ICAA). The DFP was established by the trade body CEA, with a view to exploring the possibility of such a solution. The nature of the VPF is such that the mechanism relies on achieving turn rates (first-run films played for the first time on a cinema screen), with penalties for not doing so, and within this grouping that means the whole group has to achieve a certain level of turn rate. This is a complex area, and was built on extensive research initiated by the UK Film Council into programming in all cinemas and other film-watching venues over a three year period, arriving at turn rates for all cinema sites. The initiative has also relied on the tacit and active support of larger circuits in the UK, most of which have their own digitisation plans already in place but could also have felt threatened by such a group. The group represents over 10 per cent of the UK screen base, and more importantly represents many of the independent smaller screens that could have been considered at risk (the digital shortfall) and as long as the deal doesn't unravel safeguards the diversity of the UK's cinema sector for years to come.