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July 29, 2007

Ed Hardy Presents The Skinnie X-Games Pre-Party

July 29

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July 27, 2007

Simpsons Movie

July 27

Production Notes & Credits

After eighteen seasons, four hundred episodes, and innumerable

awards and honors (including a Peabody, 23 Emmys® and a designation

from Time magazine as the “best television show of the twentieth century”),

“The Simpsons” has become a feature-length motion picture. And it’s a good

thing, too, because it takes a wide screen to fully capture Homer Simpson’s

epic stupidity.

In the eagerly-awaited film based on the hit television series,

Homer must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. It all

begins with Homer, his new pet pig, and a leaky silo full of droppings – a

combination that triggers a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never

experienced. As Marge is outraged by Homer’s monumental blunder, a

vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a

narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict.

The Springfield citizenry has every reason to be out for Simpson

blood. The calamity triggered by Homer has drawn the attention of U.S.

President Arnold Schwarzenegger (voiced by Harry Shearer) and

Environmental Protection Agency head Russ Cargill (voiced by Albert

Brooks). “You know sir,” Cargill tells the president, “when you made me

head of the EPA, you were applauded for appointing one of the most

successful men in America to the least successful agency in government.

And why did I take the job? Because I’m a rich man who wanted to give

something back. Not the money, but something.” That “something” is a

devil’s plan to contain the disaster.

As the fates of Springfield and the world hang in the balance,

Homer embarks on a personal odyssey of redemption – seeking forgiveness

from Marge, the reunion of his splintered family, and the salvation of his

hometown.

Starring in THE SIMPSONS MOVIE are series regulars Dan

Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria,

Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, and Tress MacNeille. Albert Brooks also

stars.

Producing the feature are “The Simpsons” series executive

producer James L. Brooks, creator Matt Groening, current showrunner Al

Jean, as well as Mike Scully and Richard Sakai. Sakai has been with the

series since its inception, while also producing or executive producing such

motion picture hits as “Jerry Maguire” and “As Good as It Gets.” The script is

written by James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Ian Maxtone-Graham,

George Meyer, David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, John

Swartzwelder, and Jon Vitti – all series veterans. David Silverman, the

series’ supervising animation director, is helming the feature. Silverman has

been with the series since its debut, and co-directed the hit animated feature

“Monsters, Inc.”

“The Simpsons” came to life twenty years ago, when Matt Groening

was asked to provide animated segments for the comedy series “The Tracy

Ullman Show,” airing on the Fox network. Groening didn’t want to give up

rights to his popular “Life in Hell” cartoons, so he created, on the spot, the

Simpson family characters. “The Simpsons” has been a ratings and critical

hit from its inception in 1988 as a weekly half-hour series, becoming a pop

culture phenomenon. The rest is television – and now movie – history.

For Groening, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE presents the chance for the

filmmakers and audience to experience something the show, even with its

myriad honors and enormous cultural impact, couldn’t offer: “We wanted to

tell a longform ‘Simpsons’ story on the large canvas of a motion picture

screen, and hear a theater full of people laughing at the same time,” says

Groening.

As early as the show’s first season, the studio had approached

Groening and co-executive producer James L. Brooks about turning the

television phenomenon into a motion picture. But then, as the show’s

legions of fans have wondered, why did it take 18 years to bring “The

Simpsons” to the big screen?

Al Jean, the series’ current showrunner and a writer/producer on

the film, offers some insights: “We waited 18 years to make a film, because

we didn’t want to do it just because we could; we wanted to make a movie

because it was right. We wanted to create a story that demanded the scope

offered by a film. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE is not three episodes of the show

strung together. It has heart. It centers on the forces that can tear apart a

family and a town, and it looks at how a man might put his life back together

in such a situation.”

“What separates the movie from the show is scale,” adds James L.

Brooks, the Academy Award® winning filmmaker behind “As Good As It

Gets,” “Terms of Endearment” and “Broadcast News,” the Emmy® winning

writer-producer of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Taxi,” and a writer-

producer on THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. “We have one hundred speaking

parts in the movie, and we created scenes we couldn’t begin to draw for the

series. Most of all, we wanted a ‘Simpsons’ movie to be a real moviegoing

experience for the audience, while staying true to what we do with the show.

We were wary of straying too far uptown.”

The television show didn’t have the manpower to concurrently write

and animate a series and a motion picture. “At the time, we didn’t have a

team of writers or animators sitting around looking for something to do,” Matt

Groening points out. “Unlike most series, ‘The Simpsons’ never goes on

hiatus. We were devoting all our energies to the show, and never wanted to

hurt it to do a movie.”

Over the years, Brooks and the showrunners expanded the series’

writing staff, which at least dealt with the manpower issue. “We got to a

point where we had two writers’ rooms going at a given time,” says David

Mirkin, a noted comedy director in his own right (“Heartbreakers,” “Romy and

Michele’s High School Reunion”), a producer-writer on the show and a writer

on the movie. “So the guys who were with the show early on could go off

and write the movie while the show continued to roll along, its quality

unaffected.”

In 2001, a ‘Simpsons’ movie inched closer to happening when the

series’ cast signed a new deal, which included terms for them to voice the

characters in a feature film. But there remained the task of finding an idea

that would warrant the big-screen treatment, and then creating a shootable

script.

In November 2003, writing began in earnest on a script for a

‘Simpsons’ movie. “There were four of us who were central to making the

decision to move forward with a script,” explains James L. Brooks. “At a

certain point, we just felt like doing it.”

“We asked ourselves the critical questions,” recalls Mike Scully.

“Did we think we could come up with a story that warranted a motion picture?

How would making a movie affect the production of the series?”

The producers set very high standards for themselves and the work

that was to follow. “We started writing the script and didn’t stop,” Brooks

adds. “The hardest thing was to pay long and extraordinary attention to

every beat and joke; to stress out daily and still make it appear that we were

a loose and carefree bunch of kidders. There was never that moment where

we considered giving up, so we kept working on it.”

As ideas began to form for a movie story, the producers were intent

on not re-creating “The Simpsons” for the big screen, opting instead to retain

everything fans have loved about the characters. “The difference is, we’re

telling a story that demands ninety-minutes and a big-screen format,” says Al

Jean. “And there’s not just one story. Each Simpson family member has a

story arc of growth and redemption, even the baby. We wanted the film to

hold audiences emotionally through the end, and that was perhaps our

biggest struggle. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE also had to have big scenes,

locations and themes.”

These creative goals demanded the strongest possible writing

team, so the producers hand-picked a lineup of star writers who had been

with the show since its inception (or near), several of whom had served as

showrunners. They all knew and loved the characters. In addition to

Brooks, Groening, Jean and Scully, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE “all-star”

writing team included David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, George Meyer, John

Swartzwelder and Jon Vitti. (Ian Maxtone-Graham and Matt Selman, current

executive producers on the show, later joined the writing ensemble.)

While the writers’ commitment to creating the best possible

“Simpsons” movie script was unwavering, they didn’t take the “all-stars”

designation that seriously. “It wasn’t like every minute of all our meetings

was spectacular,” laughs Al Jean. “Like any ‘all-star’ we’d hit and miss.”

Still, each of them embraced the opportunity to collaborate on a long-awaited

movie starring the characters they had helped shape.

For these writers, working on THE SIMPSONS MOVIE had an

emotional as well as creative resonance. “It was incredibly exciting to be

working on a movie and have the honor of being selected to write the script,”

says Mike Reiss. “More exciting than doing the movie was to be in a room

with that group of people,” echoes Jon Vitti. “It was a privilege to see these

guys at work every day – and just a horrible nightmare trying to keep up with

them.” Adds David Mirkin: “It was great to be back together, because

there’s a very specific, special energy when we all congregate. It was also

very sick energy, mind you.”

The writers were so invested in the characters, and intent on

creating a movie worthy of “The Simpsons” that, at least in their early

sessions, they had trouble coming up with a first draft. “We cared so much

that we were too tight at the beginning of the writing process,” says Brooks.

“It took us a year to just get loose and start having the kind of fun we always

have with the show.”

Eventually, the writers came up with an outline for a movie script,

which Brooks approved. They then carved up the outline into seven chunks,

with Jean, Scully, Mirkin, Reiss, Meyer, Swartzwelder and Vitti working

separately, writing about 25 pages each. They reunited a month later and

pieced together the seven “chapters,” producing a very rough first draft.

Over two years of rewrites ensued, encompassing at least one

hundred script drafts. It was a painstaking and grueling process. “Even

though the movie is three times the length of the TV show, it was hundreds

of times harder to write,” says David Mirkin.

“We chewed up a lot of pencils and ordered a lot of late-night pizza

to keep going,” adds Matt Groening. “It was always a matter of writing and

rewriting, with an emphasis on rewriting. We were always tinkering with the

script, and never stopped trying to come up with a better line or scene.”

“We were determined to keep on rewriting until the animators died

of exhaustion,” laughs writer Matt Selman. “If we didn’t have a release date,

we’d still be working on it.”

Everyone was grateful to have James L. Brooks back in the writing

room. Brooks was a showrunner in the series’ early years, later serving as

an inspiration and consultant to the show writers. (“The series was my full-

time job for three years and has been a part-time job since then,” he notes.)

For the movie, Brooks reconnected with the characters and world he had

helped develop. “Jim’s participation is the movie’s big secret,” says Mike

Reiss. “He put us through almost too many revisions to count. This is Jim’s

M.O. – he works right up until they pry the script out of his hands.”

“We had to expand our thinking and get out of the twenty-two

minute structure of sitcom storytelling,” adds Mike Scully. “And that’s where

we counted a lot on Jim because he’s made so many great films. THE

SIMPSONS MOVIE required us to readjust the way we told stories for ‘The

Simpsons,’ and Jim was a great influence in that area.”

“Jim was doing more work than any of us,” claims John

Swartzwelder, who has authored more scripts of the show than any other

writer. “It was amazing to watch him create these odd things that we’d stick

in the movie and see if they’d work.”

“It was an incredible thrill to work on a film with Jim Brooks,” sums

up Al Jean. “I’d say ‘once in a million,’ but I hope there are more.”

Several of the writers credit Brooks with making sure the script

included important emotional beats. But Brooks himself says the story’s

comedy, action and emotion have equal weight. “There’s nothing more

important to the ‘Simpsons’ franchise than clocking laughs as much as you

possibly can and including big set pieces,” he explains. “And this made

creating story emotion more challenging. We always started with the laughs.

But we needed that emotion, on which the jokes hang together and which

leads the audience to care about what happens to the characters.”

More than anything else, Brooks sought the proper tone for the film.

“Tone is the one word that describes everything we were looking for,” says

Brooks. “You throw everything into the pot – story, emotion, jokes – but

finally what comes out of it is tone. It’s always the biggest deal in a movie.”

The search for the proper tone extended beyond the two-year

process of writing and animating the picture. Hans Zimmer, who composed

the score for THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, also made key tonal contributions.

“Hans was very involved in the search for the right tone, giving us a fresh

viewpoint after the years we had spent on the picture,” adds Brooks.

In a room full of writers working tirelessly to create the best possible

film script, none labored harder than Al Jean, who had the Herculean task of

running the show and working as producer-writer on the film. “I can’t think of

anyone else who could have run the show and the movie at the same time,”

marvels writer Ian Maxtone-Graham. “It’s a testament to Al’s amazing

mental capacity. At a given time he would be reviewing a storyboard for the

show while looking up at us and pitching an idea for the movie.”

The indefatigable Jean – the one person who was keeping tabs on

everything movie- and show-related – made certain there was no story

overlap between the two, and that movie plot points were kept under wraps.

“Since we’ve kept the plot of the movie a secret, when the show writers

pitched ideas similar to those presented in the film, I’d say, ‘No we can’t use

that. But I can’t tell you why.’”

The secrecy alluded to by Jean was on a level rarely seen in the

motion picture industry, even in these Internet-wary times. The filmmakers

kept the script under lock-and-key at the production offices and even as the

film neared release, they were reluctant to divulge plot details, to ensure that

audiences got the full effect of the movie’s many surprises. But an early

trailer revealed the presence of a new addition to the Simpson household:

Homer’s pet pig, whose most significant contribution to the community is a

few tons of “fertilizer.”

The pig-droppings “issue,” combined with Homer’s cluelessness,

leads to disaster for the town of Springfield. “We got excited about the idea

of Homer doing the worst thing he’s ever done,” says David Mirkin. “And that

leads to his moral dilemma of letting the town die or trying to save it.”

Springfield itself becomes a key character in THE SIMPSONS

MOVIE, further distinguishing the film from the series. The filmmakers put

the entire city on display through a big cinematic device. Additionally, they

spotlight virtually every character in Springfield, most of whom turn up in a

huge mob scene that is one of the film’s centerpieces.

A key player in the frequent and never-ending writers’ meetings

wasn’t even a writer. Breaking tradition with animated feature filmmaking,

director David Silverman worked closely with the writers, shaping the visuals

and the editing, determining the best ways to visualize a joke, and devising

new ways of expanding the Simpson universe for the big screen. They

continually tinkered with the script and re-recorded the actors. “It was cruel

and unusual punishment for David Silverman,” jokes Matt Groening.

Silverman, a twenty-year veteran of “The Simpsons,” first worked

on “The Simpsons” shorts for the “Tracy Ullman Show” before becoming a

director, then supervising director/producer on the series. His deep affection

for the characters is unsurpassed. “I love drawing them,” he says, “and

creating something inventive and funny that hasn’t been done yet.”

“David has been the spirit of ‘The Simpsons’ for such a long time,”

says Brooks. “When he was working on the shorts for ‘The Tracy Ullman

Show,’ he spoke to me with such passion about how much it would mean to

him to have an entire television show devoted to these characters. I was so

impressed by his passion that I got the ball rolling on the series.”

Silverman, of course, had a strong influence on the show’s look.

“David basically gave the characters their rules of behavior and codified the

rules of how to draw them,” says Groening. “For me, drawing the characters

is an intuitive process – it just feels right and so I draw them. But David

knows there are eleven spikes on Bart’s head, and that Marge’s head is nine

eyeballs tall – or something like that.”

For THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, Silverman’s challenge was to devise

a visual style that was true to the show while expanding it for the motion

picture frame. Silverman made full use of the widescreen aspect ratio of

2:35 to 1, which allowed him to put more characters in the frame, lavish

considerable attention on every scene, open up the film emotionally, and add

a richness to the backgrounds texture and colors. “We didn’t want to break

the graphic look of the series, but instead enrich it and fill it out,” Silverman

explains.

For inspiration, Silverman re-watched such films as “Bad Day at

Black Rock,” one of the first widescreen movies to innovatively use the

format for an intimate drama, and the ensemble epic comedy “It’s a Mad,

Mad, Mad, Mad World,” which filled its frame with a multitude of characters.

The widescreen format presented many challenges and

opportunities for the director. For one, he had to add dimensionality to

characters that up to now had been seen primarily on small television

screens, but would appear sixty-feet tall on many cinema screens. In

addition, Silverman experimented with creating emotion-filled scenes in wide

shots, where normally he would have cut to close-ups.

To convey emotional beats in the film, Silverman used colors, tone

shadows and drop shadows to a degree not possible in the series. He also

had more latitude to move the camera, most notably for an elaborate

skateboarding sequence, during an epic chase, and for a mob scene. For the

latter, Silverman pushed into the hordes converging on the Simpson

household. “Normally, you’d have a crowd shot, then cut to a close-up,”

says Silverman. “But I wanted to give the scene a lot of energy, so I kept

moving the camera into the crowd.” A classic poster from the television

series depicting the entire cast of characters, provided a foundation for the

scene. “I envisioned running into the poster with a camera,” he adds.

For character animation, Silverman relied on the template created

by Groening two decades earlier, which eschewed cross-eyed and maniacal-

looking characters, both conventions of animated series and films. “We

always want our characters to be reactive and impulsive,” Silverman notes.

“This adds to their humor and personalities. We’re always looking for

specific and realistic human-like performances from them.”

Perhaps Silverman’s biggest challenge was the film’s tight

schedule. It takes nine months to make an episode of the show, and

Silverman had only a year-and-a-half to make THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. (He

had a luxuriant two years on “Monsters, Inc.”) To meet his rigorous

deadlines, Silverman set up several production teams, with sequence

directors, working under Silverman, directing their own groups.

The first step in animating the film was creating storyboards – the

panels that determine the cuts, shots, angles and performances. Next,

Silverman and his teams developed key animation poses, drawings and

layouts, followed by animatics that provided blueprints of timing and rhythm,

and helped ascertain if the jokes were playing. Along the way, props and

costumes were designed, and new characters were introduced. The last

steps included final timing and fine-tuning the animation.

To save time, Silverman used story reels, where he shot the

storyboards, augmenting them with additional poses and a temp soundtrack,

all of which allowed Silverman to convey the gist of the film at a very early

stage.

The work of Silverman and his teams in the widescreen format

brings a new dimension to the characters beloved by so many. “With the

movie, David is topping himself completely,” says Matt Groening. “THE

SIMPSONS MOVIE really honors the animators who work so hard on the

show and on the film. They really put all of their craft and talent up on the

screen.”

“The film is a bigger experience than the show,” says Silverman.

“There’s so much in the movie that fans haven’t experienced before with the

show.” And, returning to Matt Groening’s notion of creating the film to enable

fans to enjoy the communal experience of watching a “Simpsons” movie in a

theater, Silverman notes, “I love the idea of eight hundred people laughing at

the same time at a joke or scene in the film. I’ve done a lot of college

lectures where I screened clips from the show to large audiences. Watching

these audiences laugh at these clips over the years – and projecting them on

a big screen – gave me confidence that we’d be able to make movie

audiences laugh. I think a real movie experience would only heighten their

enjoyment.”

Al Jean notes that the movie’s appeal extends beyond “The

Simpsons” loyalists who have followed the show for the past eighteen years.

“For four years we have been killing ourselves to produce a film that would

fulfill the dreams of the show’s many fans while still being completely

entertaining to people who’d never seen ‘The Simpsons.’ If I felt any more

pressure I’d be a diamond.”

Putting aside the myriad pressures of creating THE SIMPSONS

MOVIE, the film’s imminent release led two of its visionary forces to reflect

on the “Simpsons” phenomenon and how much it’s meant to them. “Twenty

years ago, I was just hoping ‘The Simpsons’ would be successful, and I

thought it would be,” says Matt Groening. “But I had no idea that in 2007

we’d be making this motion picture and celebrating our 400th episode. It’s

really been a wild ride.”

“In the making of this movie, and despite all the pressures we’ve

felt, and the critical filters I’ve been looking through, every once in a while I’d

look up and see Homer doing something on the screen,” says James L.

Brooks. “And I’d be awed that after all these years, I’d still a feel a rush of

affection for him. Seeing Homer like that transcends the experience of

working.”

ABOUT THE SIMPSON FAMILY

HOMER SIMPSON is a simple man. A man who through punishing

trial and error has proven that even one’s loftiest goals are attainable—

provided you set them low enough. Homer is well versed in the ins and outs

of his job at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, having innumerable times

been fired and rehired for the same position. Despite the fact that Homer is

often the lumpen gristle stuck in the cogs of Mr. Burns’ money-crazed

machinations, Mr. Burns can never remember Homer’s name.

Homer is also stuck in the middle of a classic generational

parenting cycle. Having been constantly corrected and belittled by his father,

Homer strives to be supportive of his own family by smothering them with

indifference and vague endearments. As a result, Lisa feels left out, Bart acts

out, and, as far as Homer is concerned, Maggie rarely even exists. Yet

Homer deeply loves and is intensely devoted to his wife and kids, when it

occurs to him. When Marge refuses to go scrounging at the dump, Homer

promises to bring her back something nice. In fact, Homer spends as much

time as possible singing Marge’s praises between rounds of beer at Moe’s

Tavern. Now, if only he could remember the words to that praise song.

Moe’s Tavern is Homer’s homely home away from home; a place

where he will be greeted with open arms by both well and ill-wishers alike, as

long as he’s buying, which is seldom; a place where he can relax, scratch

himself with his keys, blow his nose on his shirt, and drink glass after glass

of sweet, sweet beer. A place where, after a few drinks and a pickled egg or

two, anything seems possible, even his hare-brained get-rich-quick

schemes. After all, life is too short to get rich slow.

Behind every great man stands a woman. MARGE SIMPSON just

got caught standing in the wrong line. Marge is the emotional center of the

family, the sweet, sweet jelly in the Simpson donut. As such, she is

unaccountably understanding, relentlessly upbeat, and alarmingly

supportive. Her extraordinary homemaking skills work miracles. She can turn

old chicken bones into necklaces, leftovers into casseroles, and an invasion

of fire ants into an educational and entertaining insect circus.

Though Homer is self-centered, forgets birthdays, anniversaries,

and holidays (both religious and secular), chews with his mouth open,

gambles, and hangs out at Moe’s Tavern with a bunch of seedy lowlifes,

Marge sticks with him. It must be love. And besides that, Homer desperately

needs her, deeply loves her, and does his utmost to give her everything she

needs, on those few occasions when he’s not thinking of himself. In the face

of Homer’s countless screw-ups, Marge never gives up hope, drawing

sustenance from her endless collection of words to live by (i.e. “Most women

will tell you that you’re a fool to think you can change a man—but those

women are quitters.”)

Marge may fear the unfamiliar, but her firm moral convictions have

allowed her to overcome her need to conform. This has led to her singlehandedly

championing crusades against the Springfield Monorail, foiling Mr.

Burns’ run for governor, and briefly ending cartoon violence on “The Itchy &

Scratchy Show” by founding S.N.U.H., Springfieldians for Nonviolence,

Understanding, and Helping. But the bulk of her energy is given to caring for

her family. An overwhelming task, for despite the love she feels for them, it

wears her ragged. But as Marge would tell you, the Simpsons can’t be

choosers.

BART SIMPSON wants to have it all and usually gets what he

wants, which is often more than he bargained for. While many accuse Bart of

being too dependent on his surrogate parent, the TV, he has many outside

interests, such as eating ice cream in front of the weight loss center,

perfecting the art of the loogie, and sitting on the roof with a baseball bat to

ward off U.F.O.’s. Dismissed by many as an unrepentant mischief-maker,

Bart wrestles mightily with his conscience every day. In fact, his greatest fear

is that his good conscience will one day get the better of him.

Bart is a hands-on kind of person. He lives in the present, rarely

considering the consequences of his insatiable curiosity. Often fueled by the

syrupy goodness of a Kwik-E-Mart Squishee, Bart’s high-energy escapades

keep the rest of his family in an uproar. Dealing with him can be a real

struggle. Homer struggles to keep his temper, Lisa struggles for attention,

and Marge struggles to pry Homer’s fingers from around Bart’s throat. On the

other hand, Bart shares Homer’s delight in junk food, slovenly behavior, and

practical jokes, admires and occasionally relies upon Lisa’s ingenuity and

brains, and appreciates Marge’s cooking and her unwavering love.

Bart’s career at Springfield Elementary is equally tempestuous.

Along with his best friend and spitbrother, Milhouse, egghead Martin Price,

bully Nelson, and a host of other meager young minds, Bart makes life worth

leaving for Mrs. Krabappel, his fourth grade teacher. He has run for class

president on the platform of “More Asbestos,” replaced Mrs. Krabappel’s

birth control pills with Tic Tacs, openly mocked Principal Skinner under his

nom de graffiti, El Barto, and incited a student riot with his “Down With

Homework” T-shirt. His feelings about school might have been best

illustrated in one of his fondest dreams, in which Springfield Elementary is

devoured by giant mechanical ants.

LISA SIMPSON is a model of good conduct, citizenship, and

creativity. As a result, she finds it difficult to fit in anywhere. At home she is

the Simpson family conscience, the chastening voice of political correctness,

and the soul of reason. Consequently, she is ignored. Unless, of course, her

intelligence can be used to further one of Homer or Bart’s cockeyed

schemes. Seeking understanding and appreciation, Lisa turns to Springfield

Elementary School, where she hopes her unique abilities will be noticed. And

they are. Her teachers reward her intelligence, sensitivity, and talent with

straight A’s and total indifference. Her classmates, however, are anything but

indifferent, calling her names like “Poindexter Pointy-head,” “Geekazoid,”

and “The Brain Queen.”

Lisa channels her sadness and disappointment into her saxophone

music, where, under the guiding spirit of her mentor, Bleeding Gums Murphy,

she has composed such gems as “Pounded by the Dodgeball Blues,” “Puny

Allowance Blues,” and “I Been Good So Long, It Looks Like Bad to Me.” Her

other passions include ponies, watching the “Happy Little Elves,” dialing the

“Corey Hot Line,” and studying the lives of women who have resisted

domination by the patriarchy. Her considerable achievements include

implementing Springfield’s alarmingly successful recycling program, being an

all-star goalie in pee-wee hockey, and finding a practical use for geometry.

Even though Lisa gets way less attention for her achievements than

Bart for his mischief, she is often Bart’s devoted and invaluable ally. She has

helped him foil the diabolical schemes of Sideshow Bob, discover zen in the

art of miniature golf, and hone his foodfighting skills by serving as a

convenient target. As Bart reluctantly admits, Lisa has the brains and talent

to go all the way, no matter what anyone says. And when she does, Bart will

be right there to borrow money.

MAGGIE SIMPSON is the still center in the chaos of the Simpson

household. She peacefully withstands the peculiar home remedies of

doddering grandparents, wears novelty baby clothes of dubious taste, and

spends short bursts of time airborne. All without a word of complaint. Things

might change, however, when Maggie learns to speak. Not that anyone

would listen. When entrusted to Homer’s care, Maggie is free to do pretty

much anything she wants, including drinking from the dog dish, exploring the

wonders of heavy machinery, and shooting Charles Montgomery Burns.

Maggie relates best to those who understand her. As a result, her closest

friends are Snowball II and Santa’s Little Helper. She has even once bonded

with a pack of wild grizzlies.

of Fox. Permission is hereby granted to newspapers and periodicals to reproduce this

text in articles publicizing the distribution of the Motion Picture.

All other use is strictly prohibited, including sale, duplication, or other transfers of this material.

This press kit, in whole or in part, must not be leased, sold, or given away.

Produced by.................... JAMES L. BROOKS

.......................................... MATT GROENING

..........................................................AL JEAN

.................................................MIKE SCULLY

“THE SIMPSONS MOVIE”

A TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

......................................and RICHARD SAKAI

PRESENTATION

A GRACIE FILMS PRODUCTION

A MATT GROENING PRODUCTION

Directed by DAVID SILVERMAN

Starring

DAN CASTELLANETA

JULIE KAVNER

NANCY CARTWRIGHT

YEARDLEY SMITH

HANK AZARIA

HARRY SHEARER

PAMELA HAYDEN

TRESS MacNEILLE

and A. BROOKS as Russ Cargill

Also Starring

KARL WIEDERGOTT

MARCIA WALLACE

RUSSI TAYLOR

MAGGIE ROSWELL

PHIL ROSENTHAL

BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG

FRANK EDWIN WRIGHT III

MICHAEL PRITCHARD

JOE MANTEGNA

TOM HANKS

Screenplay by..................JAMES L. BROOKS

..........................................MATT GROENING

......................................................... AL JEAN

.............................. IAN MAXTONE-GRAHAM

.......................................... GEORGE MEYER

............................................... DAVID MIRKIN

................................................... MIKE REISS

................................................ MIKE SCULLY

.............................................. MATT SELMAN

...............................JOHN SWARTZWELDER

.......................................................JON VITTI

Consultants...............................JOEL COHEN

.................................................. JOHN FRINK

...................................................... TIM LONG

............................................ MICHAEL PRICE

Edited by........................JOHN CARNOCHAN

Music by................................. HANS ZIMMER

The Simpsons Theme by .... DANNY ELFMAN

Supervising Producer........RICHARD RAYNIS

Sequence Directors....... MIKE B. ANDERSON

...........LAUREN MacMULLAN, RICH MOORE

.... STEVEN DEAN MOORE, GREGG VANZO

Co-Producer..........................JAY KLECKNER

Animation Co-Producer............. CRAIG SOST

Executive in Charge of Production for

Gracie Films.........................DENISE SIRKOT

Associate Producers ........AMANDA MOSHAY

..............................................MATT OREFICE

.................... FELICIA NALIVANSKY-CAPLAN

NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED DURING

THE FILMING OF THIS MOVIE

Additional Sequence Directors ........................

...................................STEVEN MARKOWSKI

.......... BOB ANDERSON, CHRIS CLEMENTS

....MATTHEW FAUGHNAN, LANCE KRAMER

.......................NANCY KRUSE, ROB OLIVER

.............RAYMOND PERSI, CHUCK SHEETZ

Assistant Sequence Directors .........................

................ CRYSTAL CHESNEY-THOMPSON

........................................... BRYAN FRANCIS

...PETE “KID FLASH” GOMEZ, RALPH SOSA

Additional Assistant Sequence Directors.........

...............................................RAY CLAFFEY,

.........................CHRISTIANNA LANG DALEY

..........JONATHAN GEBHART, JON HOOPER

.................................. SHANNON O’CONNOR

....................................... LINDSEY POLLARD

................................. MATTHEW SCHOFIELD

.......................... ANDRES “TOMMY” TEJADA

Second Editor .........................MARK SCHEIB

Associate Editor ................JENNIFER DOLCE

Supervising Music Editor......DANIEL PINDER

Music Editor .............................. RYAN RUBIN

Additional Editors..............MICHAEL BRIDGE

................ SCOT SCALISE, TERRY GREENE

Assistant Editors .....................JOHN CURRIN

.................................ELAINE C. ANDRIANOS

.......................................DANIEL KUPRESAN

Hi Def Assistant Editor .............. VIC SHARMA

Script Coordinator .........STACEY CANTWELL

Sound Designer ...................... RANDY THOM

Supervising Sound Editor................................

................... GWENDOLYN YATES WHITTLE

Sound Effects Editors ..................AL NELSON

.SHANNON MILLS, LUKE DUNN GEILMUDA

....... ROBERT SHOUP, STUART MCCOWAN

.......................................... CHUCK MICHAEL

Sound Mixing.........................ANDY NELSON

..........................ANNA BEHLMER, JIM BOLT

Additional Re-Recording Mixers.......................

..................... CHRISTOPHER SCARABOSIO

.................................................. TOM MYERS

Post Production Supervisor .............................

...................................... JEANNINE BERGER

Voice Record Coordinator.......LOUISE JAFFE

Dialogue Coordinator........ RICHARD CHUNG

ANIMATION PRODUCED BY

FILM ROMAN, A STARZ COMPANY

And ROUGH DRAFT FEATURE

ANIMATION, INC.

Art Director ...................DIMA MALANITCHEV

Layout Supervisor.............RASOUL AZADANI

Director of Computer Graphics ........................

.............................................. SCOTT VANZO

Overseas Animation Director ...........................

......................................... GARY McCARVER

FILM ROMAN ANIMATION

Animation Line Producer... JOEL KUWAHARA

Production Manager .JASPREET K. DHILLON

Digital Line Producer .............. LOREN SMITH

Animation Associate Producer.........................

.........KATHERINE CULLANO CONCEPCION

Production Supervisors...............JULIE PENG

.....................PENELOPE PARR THORNTON

......BILL BARRY, TRISTA HALEY NAVARRO

Production Coordinators ...........MIKE BATTLE

.........................................AMANDA BYRNES

................. ANI CASH, CHRISTINE DEITNER

............ ALLISON L. FRANCIS, JIM HASMAN

..ED JOHNSON, BENJAMIN KALTENECKER

........................PAUL KIM, ROCCO PUCILLO

........ JOSH SUNDBY, ADAM WOLLENBERG

........................................... ALEXANDER WU

Film Roman Senior Staff..................................

............................... SCOTT D. GREENBERG

Executive in Charge of Production for Film

Roman.........................................MIKE WOLF

ROUGH DRAFT ANIMATION

Producer for Rough Draft Studios....................

.............................................. CLAUDIA KATZ

Digital Line Producer .... GERALDINE SYMON

Animation Associate Producers .......................

................ ELISE BELKNAP, KAREN MILLER

Production Supervisors....JENNIFER BROWN

................................................BRIAN CAREY

Production Coordinators .......DENNIS ADAMS

.......................................................DAVE KIM

STACKED ANIMATION LABORATORY

STORY REEL REVISIONS

Associate Producer ................. PETER GAVE

Annex Supervisor..................TAYLOR ALLEN

Artists ............. LIZ CLIMO, DANTE FABIERO

..................................FITZY J. FITZMAURICE

...................... KAREN CARNEGIE JOHNSON

.......... OSCAR PANGESTU, LENA PODESTA

.............................. CHANCE F. RASPBERRY

............SHANE K. SOWELL, DAVE WARREN

After Effects Artists....... ERIKA ISABEL VEGA

............ AZARIAH OWENS, NICK E. LENARD

.................................................. DOUG NUNN

Production Associates ....................................

................... KENT CARPENTER ZAMBRANA

...................... MARISA ICE, JOE SAUNDERS

ANIMATION CREW

Story Artists..........................BRAD ABLESON

........JOHN ACHENBACH, MARTIN ARCHER

..................... LUIS ESCOBAR, LUCAS GRAY

.................. COLIN HECK, STEPHEN A. REIS

..................JOHN RICE, CHRISTIAN ROMAN

................................... STEPHEN SANDOVAL

Additional Story Artists ............ MARK ERVIN

................. EDMUND FONG, TRICIA GARCIA

...JOSHUA DAVID GORCZYCA, JOE HEALY

.............................. FILL MARC SAGADRACA

....... JASON WARNESKY, GLEN WUTHRICH

Timng Directors...................... NEIL AFFLECK

....................................PATRICK BUCHANAN

.................................. RICHARD GASPARIAN

............ROBERT INGRAM, ADAM KUHLMAN

.............................................FRANK MARINO

.......................LARRY SMITH, STEVE SOCKI

Additional Timing Directors ......... JACK DYER

......... DOUGLAS GALLERY, PETER HIXSON

............................. MAUREEN MLYNARCZYK

...........................................PAT SHINAGAWA

BG Design Lead............ HUGH MACDONALD

Character Design Lead .................JOE WACK

Prop Design Lead ..................JOHN KRAUSE

Character Designers ..............ERIC S. KEYES

....................................... KEVIN M. NEWMAN

BG Designers.............LYNNA BLANKENSHIP

................................... ALEXANDER C. DILTS

..............................DEBORAH A. PETERSON

........ CHARLES RAGINS, GEORGE STOKES

Prop Designer .................... DARREL BOWEN

Lead Animator............................ BERT KLEIN

Animators..............CAROLINE CRUIKSHANK

.......... ANTHONY DEROSA, JEFF JOHNSON

................JOHN POMEROY, SILVIA POMPEI

Character Layout Leads .............ERICK TRAN

......................................................PAUL WEE

Character Layout Artists......EDWIN AGUILAR

................................. VICTOR E. ALMAGUER

...................................... IVAYLO ANGUELOV

............ STEPHANIE ARNETT, MIKE ATNIEL

.......................................................DAVID AU

.........................NORM AUBLE, ABE AUDISH

............ MATTHIAS BAUER, DEBBIE BRUCE

....................... TRICIA BUCHANAN-BENSON

.... RUFINO M. CAMACHO, WAYNE CARLISI

.........ROBERTO CASALE, KATHI CASTILLO

.......................................GREG CHECKETTS

..................................MOON STANLEY CHOI

................................ MANNY A. DE GUZMAN

...................................FRANCIS DINGLASAN

..... ERNESTO ELICANAL, JESS ESPANOLA

... RICK FARMILOE, CYNTHIA JILL FRENCH

.................................. YELENA GEODAKYAN

... MICHAEL GIRARD, ORLANDO GUMATAY

....................................MATTHEW HERBERT

....................JENNIE HOFFER, RICK HOPPE

............................................... JAY JACKSON

....................... CATHY JONES, ERNIE KEEN

...............................................MEGAN KELLY

.....................CRAIG KEMPLIN, JIWOOK KIM

................................................ ERIC KOENIG

..............................ERIK KUSKA, ERIC LARA

................................................BOOWAN LEE

.......... GRANT LEE, LOIS LEE, ELY LESTER

.....JOSEPH LOWE, CARLOS LUTTERBACH

.............................. JUANITO “TOM” MADRID

............................................ ANNA MALTESE

.................... RICHARD “TOTO” MANGINSAY

........................................ MIKE MARCANTEL

.......................JAMES ANTHONY MARQUEZ

................................. LEONARDO MATSUDA

............MAEVE McGRATH, ANDRE MEDINA

.......JENNIFER MOELLER, FRANK MOLIERI

.................... STEVEN MULLER, DAVID NAM

..... TUAN NGUYEN, MARY GRACE ORARIO

.......PHILLIP PIGNOTTI, MICHAEL POLVANI

..................NATASHA PRESLER, ALEX QUE

..............................................RYAN RIVETTE

................. JAY ROBINSON, DANE ROMLEY

........................... EDDIE ROSAS, ALEX RUIZ

............ RICK SALONGA, DAVID SALVADOR

. ALBERTO SANTIAGO, MELODY SEVERNS

......................... HERMAN RASHAD SHARAF

........ CHRIS MINKI SONG, KA MOON SONG

......................................... MIKE SWOFFORD

.... DEREK THOMPSON, VIOREL VORONCA

........................................... FRANZ VISCHER

............ WILLIAM WALDMAN, J.C. WEGMAN

..........................JUNG-A YOO, YOUNG YOO

BG Layout Artists................ JAMES P. ALLES

............JOHN M. BERMAN, GALINA BUDKIN

..............EDGAR CARLOS, DEREK CARTER

...............................................PAUL CASTRO

..............ANDY CHEN, RYAN A. CHEETHAM

............................. MENG-YEE DANIEL CHIU

III

........ NAMSUK CHO, ALFRED “TOPS” CRUZ

...................................... JAROD DAETWILER

......... PETER J. DELUCA, RANDOL EAGLES

...RODEL GRAVO AMUEL HO, LAM HOANG

.........................................CYNTHIA IGNACIO

...........ARLAN JEWELL, TREVOR JOHNSON

.... ALEX J. LEE, ASHLEY LENZ, JUAN LUNA

....................HILARIO “LARRY” MIRAVALLES

..........................GARY MOURI, GANG PENG

...................................... CAMERON PORTER

................ JEFF PURVES, JONATHAN PYUN

...............................GERALD CLIFFORD REY

..................THOMAS STARNES, ALLEN TAM

.......................................... DANNY TAVERNA

......................SCOTT UEHARA, RENE VEGA

...................................... KEVYN L. WALLACE

..... WALLACE WILLIAMSON, CHAD WOODS

....................................... CHUNG SUP YOON

............................................JENNIFER YUAN

Scene Planning and Compositing

Supervisor.............................GINA BRADLEY

Scene Planning and Compositing ...................

......TORIEN BLACKWOLF, ROSS BLOCHER

......................................... DENNIS BONNELL

............... DEIRDRE CREED, DARRIN DREW

.....................GEORGE “BINGO” FERGUSON

..... BRENDAN HARRIS, LOUIE C. JHOCSON

........................................................ MIAE KIM

.............. DAN C. LARSEN, BETH S. MORRIS

..................................................RICK MOSER

.................. HELEN O’FLYNN, JASON PLAPP

.......... SCOTT ROSSMAN, DAVE SCARPITTI

.......... EDWIN S. SHORTESS, COLIN SITTIG

..................................................DOUG TIANO

Effects Animation Lead ........ BRICE MALLIER

Effects Animation Artists ............. AL HOLTER

.............................. MIKE JONES, DAVID LEE

............CYNTHIA NEILL KNIZEK, DAN LUND

..........................................ROSANNA LYONS

........................MARK MYER, MASA OSHIRO

...............VAN SHIRVANIAN, JEFF TOPPING

..................................................PHILIP VIGIL,

..................... JOSE A.GARCIA VILLAMERIEL

Additional Effects Artists..................................

...JOHN A. ARMSTONG, MARKO BARROWS

...................TY ELLIOT, DEE FARNSWORTH

...............................................JEFF HOWARD

Background Painters.......................................

............................ DOMINIQUE BLASKOVICH

......RUBEN CHAVEZ, JULIA KALANTAROVA

................BIKE KINZLEW. ASHBY MANSON,

.......................... ALEXANDER ZABOLOTSKY

Film Roman Editorial..ROGER INJARUSORN

.........................ABE FORMAN-GREENWALD

Rough Draft Editorial............ ANNE HARTING

........... ANN HOYT, JEFFREY PERLMUTTER

Lip Assignment.............. ROBYN ANDERSON

Color Model Lead.............MARIA GONZALEZ

Color Models ....................BRANDON BLOCH

.................................DAVID SVEND KAROLL

...................................MARIANNE C. CHENG

Visual Development Artists ..............................

..................MIKE HUMPHRIES, MIKE INMAN

.....................................PHILLIP PHILLIPSON

Color Design Consultant........KAREN BAUER

Film Roman CG Lead ...... GRANT VICKLUND

CG Artists ............................. STUART ALLAN

............................ KEVIN CARNEY, DON KIM

......JON KIM KRUMMEL II, HOCK LIAN LAW

..................MIKE MONTAGUE, MARK ORME

..............BENJAMIN SAKAI, CHRIS STOVER

................ERIC WHITED, CHARLIE WINTER

Additional CG by Forum.... WILLIAM ARANCE

.......................BRENT BOWEN, CHAD COLE

........ HARRY EISENSTEIN, STEVEN FAHEY

......................... PETER GEND, ADAM KLEIN

Animation Clean-up .... DEBRA ARMSTRONG

......................................... MERRY CLINGEN,

....................SUSAN McKINSEY GOLDBERG

...................... CATHILIN HIDALGO-POLVANI

............. TODD JACOBSEN, EMILY JULIANO

................................MYUNG KANG-TEAGUE

........... LURELINE KOHLER, DON PARMELE

DOMINGO RIVERA, NATASHA SELFRIDGE

................................. RICHARD SMITHEMAN

................ MARIANNE TUCKER, MIRI YOON

Checkers ................... WILLIAM A. BEMILLER

.......................SUSAN BURKE, GINA EVANS

..................... GLENN HIGA, ESTHER H. LEE

...............JAN NAYLOR, JUNGJA KIM-WOLF

Track Reading .....................LOUIS RUSSELL

.........................................LAURIE WETZLER

Scanning.........................DAVID E. BONNELL

......................... HEIDI FRIESE, DAVID DUFF

Digital Ink and Paint.........................................

.................. LISA MARIE LEONARDI-KNIGHT

Digital Asset Managers....................................

DENNIS M. JOHNSON, ABISHAKE PATHAK

Technical Consultant ........STEFFEN M. WILD

Dialogue Mixer................................ RON COX

Dialogue Recordists........ CHRISTINE SIROIS

.................................................. TIM LAUBER

Recordists.....................CRAIG “PUP” HEATH

.......................................... BLAKE CORNETT

Re-Recording Engineer .............TOM LALLEY

Dialogue Engineer ................ DEREK CASARI

HSR Dialogue Recordist............ BILL HIGLEY

Brauer Production Dialogue Recordist.............

.......................................... BOB TOMLINSON

Dialogue Editor ..................... CHERYL NARDI

ADR Group Voice Casting ...............................

........................................ BARBARA HARRIS

ADR Loop Group .................... DOUG BURCH

...CATHERINE CAVADINI, LANAI CHAPMAN

.....................JOHN DeMITA, WILLOW GEER

............ BARBARA ILEY, DAAMEN J. KRALL,

...... MARSHA KRAMER, JEREMY MAXWELL

.......................DAVID MICHIE , DALE RAOUL

Post Production Facilities Provided By............

........ TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX STUDIOS

Post Production Sound Services by ...............

.................................... SKYWALKER SOUND

..................... A LUCASFILM LTD. COMPANY

Marin County, California

Foley Editor............................SUZANNE FOX

Assistant Editors .................KEVIN N. BAILEY

....................................................JOSH GOLD

Foley Artists ........................... JANNA VANCE

................ DENNIE THORPE, ELLEN HEUER

Foley Recordist ................... SEAN ENGLAND

Foley Mixer ......................... FRANK RINELLA

Assistant Effects Editor ............... MAC SMITH

Recordists...........................NATHAN NANCE

................. RON ROUMAS, MATTHEW KENT

Mix Technician .................. JURGEN SCHARF

OVERSEAS ANIMATION PROVIDED BY

AKOM PRODUCTION CO.

Animation Producer for Akom Production

Co. .......................................... NELSON SHIN

Production Managers....................JI-YEUN YI

.............................................. BYUNG-KI SON

Production Coordinators...........EUN-HEE KIM

.........SEON-HO JEONG, SOON-YOUNG KIM

Translators ...........................JI-YOUNG PARK

...............................................SOO-JIN BANG

Overseas Directors ................NAK-JONG KIM

................................................... SI-WOO LEE

Animators.........................HYEON-CHAN LEE

.............. TAE-YONG SHIN, DAE-SEONG LIM

...................GWI-DON CHOI, WON-GOK LEE

.........SUNG-HYEON KIM, SANG SEOL SHIM

............SEOK-GYU CHOI, GYEONG-AE CHA

...................... MI-NAH SEO, SONG-PHIL KIM

............SEUNG-RYEOL LEE, HYO-SEOK KO

......... YOUNG-KYU CHOI, SONG-YEOL HAN

...................... WOOK HEO, HWI-SEOP JANG

............. JEONG-BOK WI, KYUNG-SIK SONG

..................... HAN-SOO KIM, JAE-HEON KIM

...............YOUNG-SOO PARK, KI-SEOL SON

..............YONG-MOON KIM, EUN-JOO PARK

................................................... OK-BAE KIM

Model Checking .......... GYEONG-SOOK HEO

............... JIN-YEONG PARK, YUN-SIK PARK

Assistant Animation Checking.........................

...........JEONG-HEE BAE, SONG-CHEUL KIM

............................................KYUNG-SUK KIM

Assistant Animators ....................EUN-JA LEE

.......HYEON-NAM YANG, JUNG-MIN BYEON

.................... EUN-YOUNG KIM, MI-JA KWON

...........YOUNG-JOO KIM, JANG-HYEON KIM

......................IN-OK KONG, AE-GYEONG YU

.......................HO-SEOP KIM, MI-YEON CHA

......................MI-SANG LEE, EUN-JUNG KIM

.......... EUN-JUNG BAE, HYEON-JOO MOON

.........EUN-YOUNG KANG, JOO-HYEON KIM

........................SUK JEONG, MI-HYANG LEE

........... HYUN-KOOK SHIM, HYUN-HYA CHU

..................YONG-NIM JEON, OK-NYE CHOI

..............PILL-NAM LEE, JOUNG-OOK PARK

................... EUN-MI HYANG, JUNG-HA PYO

.............YUN-JUNG LEE, KYOUNG-HEE KIM

............................................. SOON-JA JEON

Final Checking................. SEONG-WOOK HA

Background Cleanup ............SOO-HONG KIM

.................................................EUN-JIN CHO

Digital Supervisor....................JUNG-MIN LEE

Camera Work ................. EUN-YOUNG YUNE

................................................. EUN-JIN CHA

........................................................JIN-A LIM

............ MIN-JUNG KIM, SEONG-HYUN HEO

.......... KYONG-HEE PARK, YEUN-HONG KU

........................................SEONG-HYE PARK

Background Artists.........CHOUN-WUNG SON

...................... YEON-JU KIM, HYUNG-KI KIM

Scanning... KYOUNG-MI JIN, EUN-JOO CHOI

Digital Painting.......................YEON-HWA OH

.........................SUN-MI PARK, YUN-JIN JOE

.............BONG-SUNG KO, SEON-HYE PARK

..................................MI-RA KIM, JI-HYE KIM

............. SOO-JEONG SUNG, PPEO-YO LEE

........................ TAE-SOO LIM, GUI-YUE LEE

...JIE-GUL MA, BONG WOO, WOO-IL WANG

..............................CHUNG-YOUNG HWANG

.......................................... CHANG-KU JUNG

........................... KUM-YONG LEE, AHN LEE

.....................JI-AH YOON, WOO-DAN SUNG

....... NAM-HYUN SHIN, YOUN-MYOUNG OH

........................................................MA-RI SA

OVERSEAS ANIMATION PROVIDED BY

ROUGH DRAFT KOREA, CO. LTD.

Executive Producer in Charge of R.D.K...........

................................................. NIKKI VANZO

Production Account Management....................

.......... BYUNG CHUL YEA, SANG WOO CHA

Supervising Producer for R.D.K.......................

.............................................. HYEJOON YUN

Head of Production.................. CHUL HO KIM

Head of Production Coordination.....................

....................................... YEON HWA JEONG

Production Coordinators ..... YONG MIN PARK

....... JEONG YEUL PARK, JUNG SOO SHIN

Production Translator ........YOUNG JIN JEON

Production Translation Assistants....................

......................YEO JIN JEON, MEE RAE LEE

Animation Directors ........ MYUNG NAM JANG

.. YONG SEOP JEONG, YOUNG SIK JEONG

Animators ...... JOON SIK KIM, DUK HOO KIM

.....YOUNG NAM KIM, KYUNG WOOK KANG

......... TAE HYUN PARK, EUN YOUNG PARK

..................SUNG HYE PARK, SUN JAE LEE

.......HO SIK LEE, KUN LEE, HYE JIN JEONG

....................... MI SUN YOON, SUN KYU KIM

.......................KYU DAE YEON, CHUL KANG

............. KYUNG SOOK PARK, SU MEE CHO

..............YONG BAE WON, JONG SANG KIM

.......................... KYU HAW JO, MEE SUN JO

Assistant Animation – Chief ............................

............................................YOUNG NIM LEE

Assistant Animators .................SO YEON KIM

.................... JUNG IL PARK, HYE RYUN LEE

........................MOON SUN JO, JOO SIK KIM

..........MEE JUNG JEONG, DAE KOWN CHOI

.............YOO JIN PARK, YOUNG SIL JEONG

...................SIL HEE BANG, YEON JOO KOH

.............. MIN HWA SONG, HYUN JOO PARK

................ JI YOUNG HWANG, MEE RA CHO

..............MEE JIN CHA, AEH KYUNG JEONG

.............YOUNG EUN SEO, HYUN JOO SHIN

..............MEE SOOK LEE, KYU YOUNG OHN

........................... IN HWA OH, KI JUNG SHIM

.......... MYUNG SHIM CHOI, RAN KYUNG OH

..............................................EUN JOO JUNG

Animation Checkers...........JONG BUM PARK

.............................................. SOOK HEE KIM

Animation Retake Director YONG NAM PARK

Animation Retake Assistant ...MEE HWA AHN

Head of US Animation Digital Dept .................

.......................................WOO SUNG JEONG

US Animation System – Chief.HAE JIN PARK

US Animation System Technicians

............... YEON SUK RYU, SANG WON SEO

.............................................SANG HYUK OH

Digital Scan...........................HYUN JOO LEE

............... HYUN JOO PARK, NA YOUNG KIM

Digital Color Palette ................... JI YEON KIM

Digital Ink and Paint – Chief.....HYUN AH KIM

Digital Ink and Painters ...................................

..............YOUNG SOOK HONG, KI NAM AHN

...........................KUI OK KIM, HYE SUN AHN

...... NAM YOUNG JEONG, EUN YOUNG KIM

....................... JIN HEE KIM, YAE YOON LEE

.......................... DO HEE KIM, HYE SUN KIM

......................YOUNG EUN CHOI, OK SUN JI

................HYE YEOP YOON, JUNG HEE LIM

......... KANG SOOK BAEK, SANG EUN PARK

Digital Background Painting -Chief.................

.............................................. SO YEON CHOI

Digital Background Painters ... EUN SOO BAN

......................HA NA KIM, CHUNG RAN EUM

............................................... MEE JIN PARK

Digital Composite - Chief................ SE HO NA

Digital Compositors ..........JONG HYUN PARK

...............HEE JUNG JEONG, HEE JIN KANG

...................... JIN YOON, JOON KYO JEONG

................. SUN YOUNG PARK, IL WOO BAE

......... BO HEE KWON, YOUNG JOON HONG

Final Composite/Checking Supervisor .............

........................................ HYUN WOOK CHO

CAST

HOMER ......................DAN CASTELLANETA

MARGE ................................. JULIE KAVNER

BART.........................NANCY CARTWRIGHT

LISA..................................YEARDLEY SMITH

MAGGIE .................... NANCY CARTWRIGHT

RALPH ...................... NANCY CARTWRIGHT

SCRATCHY......................HARRY SHEARER

ITCHY..........................DAN CASTELLANETA

PROFESSOR FRINK ..............HANK AZARIA

MR. BURNS ..................... HARRY SHEARER

MRS. KRABAPPEL .........MARCIA WALLACE

COMIC BOOK GUY.................HANK AZARIA

GREEN DAY ........ BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG

........................... FRANK EDWIN WRIGHT III

.................................. MICHAEL PRITCHARD

BARNEY......................DAN CASTELLANETA

MOE........................................HANK AZARIA

REV. LOVEJOY................ HARRY SHEARER

NED FLANDERS..............HARRY SHEARER

GRAMPA.....................DAN CASTELLANETA

SWEET OLD LADY.........TRESS MacNEILLE

MILHOUSE....................... PAMELA HAYDEN

NELSON.................... NANCY CARTWRIGHT

COLIN .............................TRESS MacNEILLE

MRS. SKINNER...............TRESS MacNEILLE

CHIEF WIGGUM .....................HANK AZARIA

ROD FLANDERS.............. PAMELA HAYDEN

TODD FLANDERS .... NANCY CARTWRIGHT

LOU.........................................HANK AZARIA

NELSON’S MOTHER.........TRESS MacNEILLE

STAGE MANAGER .....DAN CASTELLANETA

KRUSTY THE CLOWN....................................

....................................DAN CASTELLANETA

PIG..................................TRESS MacNEILLE

CAT LADY................ .......TRESS MacNEILLE

MAYOR QUIMBY ........DAN CASTELLANETA

LENNY ............................. HARRY SHEARER

CARL ......................................HANK AZARIA

FAT TONY...........................JOE MANTEGNA

CLETUS ..................................HANK AZARIA

MAYOR’S AIDE...........DAN CASTELLANETA

BUMBLEBEE MAN..................HANK AZARIA

SKULL .............................. HARRY SHEARER

MULTI-EYED SQUIRREL................................

....................................DAN CASTELLANETA

MALE EPA WORKER..............HANK AZARIA

FEMALE EPA WORKER.TRESS MacNEILLE

RUSS CARGILL .......................... A. BROOKS

PRESIDENT ARNOLD

SCHWARZENEGGER...... HARRY SHEARER

MARTIN.................. . .............RUSSI TAYLOR

PANICKY MAN............DAN CASTELLANETA

SIDESHOW MEL............

.................................... DAN CASTELLANETA

MAN..............................KARL WIEDERGOTT

G.P.S. WOMAN .............. TRESS MacNEILLE

KENT BROCKMAN...........HARRY SHEARER

DOME DEPOT ANNOUNCER ........................

................................................ HANK AZARIA

MR. TEENY ............... DAN CASTELLANETA

PRINCIPAL SKINNER ......HARRY SHEARER

EPA OFFICIAL............ DAN CASTELLANETA

KISSING COPS .......... DAN CASTELLANETA

................................................ HANK AZARIA

CARNIVAL BARKER............... HANK AZARIA

COUNTER MAN ..................... HANK AZARIA

DR. HIBBERT ...................HARRY SHEARER

APU ........................................ HANK AZARIA

SMITHERS .......................HARRY SHEARER

TOLL BOOTH MAN ..........HARRY SHEARER

HELEN LOVEJOY...........MAGGIE ROSWELL

COOKIE KWAN .............. TRESS MacNEILLE

LINDSEY NAEGLE.......... TRESS MacNEILLE

DREDERICK TATUM.............. HANK AZARIA

SEA CAPTAIN ........................ HANK AZARIA

TOM HANKS....................................HIMSELF

TV DAD.............................PHIL ROSENTHAL

TV DAUGHTER .........NANCY CARTWRIGHT

TV SON........................... TRESS MacNEILLE

MEDICINE WOMAN ....... TRESS MacNEILLE

BEAR .......................... DAN CASTELLANETA

WOMAN ON PHONE.NANCY CARTWRIGHT

GIRL ON PHONE............ TRESS MacNEILLE

BOY ON PHONE ........ DAN CASTELLANETA

NSA WORKER............ DAN CASTELLANETA

OFFICER .................... DAN CASTELLANETA

EPA DRIVER ................KARL WIEDERGOTT

EPA PASSENGER.................. HANK AZARIA

GUARD.............................HARRY SHEARER

ROBOT ................................... HANK AZARIA

OTTO................................HARRY SHEARER

DR. NICK ................................ HANK AZARIA

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER .............................

.................................... DAN CASTELLANETA

KANG................................HARRY SHEARER

SQUEAKY-VOICED TEEN .............................

.................................... DAN CASTELLANETA

Consultants .............................. LESLIE POPE

....................IDA RANDOM, SHAY CUNLIFFE

Production Coordinator .... MICHAEL NOBORI

Assistants to Mr. Brooks.......... LISA WALDER

......................................... JOSH BORNSTEIN

Assistant to Mr. Groening.........VYOLET DIAZ

Assistant to Mr. Jean.................. MICK KELLY

Assistants to Mr. Sakai..............JOSH ADLER

.......................................DANIEL LICHTBLAU

Assistant to Mr. Silverman...DANIELLE MAYS

Production Accountant .......CRAIG CANNOLD

Assistant Production Accountant.....................

................................................ CHRIS STARK

Film Roman Production Accountant.................

................................................JOHN ROMEO

Rough Draft Production Accountant.................

.........................................JAMES H. GOLDIN

Rough Draft Assistant Production

Accountant.....................SYLVIA C. RAMIREZ

Production Assistants ......................................

......................... DAKOTA MORGAN SETZER

...........DANIEL GORDON, LUCIAN DANIELS

.......................................... LAUREN L. FRITZ

Animation Production Assistants......................

.............. JENNY BETTIS, LEJON DOUROUX

..........RYAN GARCIA, MATTHEW LATHROP

......................ALICE S. LIN, HUGO LINARES

....................................... AMY V. LODEVICO,

.........PAUL “PONG-PONG” MANGULABNAN

............................................. ABNER PINEDA

........................... LESLIE ANDREW RIDINGS

..............CAROLYN ROACH, PETER TRUSS

......................................... LEONARDY VELIZ

Additional Production Support .........................

.....MATT BATTLE, ASHLEY NICOLE BLACK

KEVIN C. JONES, LATREESE RUTHERFORD

.................................... BARBARA SIEBERTZ

Film Roman IT ............CHARLES McCASKILL

................ BRAD COOPER, ELAINE DEMARI

..............JESSE FANNAN, IVAN LAWRENCE

............... SAMUEL MASON, MIKE MEDARIS

................................................DAVID PLUMB

Recruiting ........................ PHILLIP WILLIAMS

Lab Color Timers ....................... JIM PASSON

...............................................CHRIS REGAN

Negative Cutter..................... GARY BURRITT

Titles By..................................PACIFIC TITLE

DIGITAL INTERMEDIATE BY

TECHNICOLOR DIGITAL

INTERMEDIATES

Digital Film Colorist...........TIMOTHY PEELER

DI Producer .............................. ESTHER LEE

MUSIC

Additional Music by ........RYELAND ALLISON

..................LORNE BALFE, JAMES DOOLEY

.......... HENRY JACKMAN, MICHAEL LEVINE

........................................ ATLI ÖRVARSSON

Featured Guitarist .............HEITOR PEREIRA

Featured Vocalist...................ELIN CARLSON

Supervising Orchestrator .... BRUCE FOWLER

Orchestrators........................WALT FOWLER

................ELIZABETH FINCH, KEN KUGLER

....... SUZETTE MORIARTY, STEVE BARTEK

...................................... GEOFF STRADLING

Score Recorded and Mixed by.........................

........................................SLAMM ANDREWS

Music Preparation............... BOOKER WHITE

VII

Orchestra Conductors .....................................

.......BLAKE NEELY & NICK GLENNIE-SMITH

Music Contractors ...........................................

.. SANDY DE CRESCENT & PETER ROTTER

Technical Score Engineers .............................

THOMAS BRODERICK & PETE OSO SNELL

Music Production Coordinator

...........................................STEVEN KOFSKY

Score Production Coordinator ........................

..............................................ANDREW ZACK

Technical Music Assistants ............................

................... JACOB SHEA & NOAH SOROTA

Additional Recording by .......JEFF BIGGERS

Assistant Engineers .......................................

........................ GREG VINES & MATT WARD

SCORE MIXED AT REMOTE CONTROL

PRODUCTIONS

Digital Recordist...........KEVIN GLOBERMAN

Additional Music Editors .................................

.. STEPHANIE LOWRY, ERICH STRATMANN

.........................MARK JAN WLODAKIEWICZ,

.................................................MICHAEL JAY

Score Recorded at THE NEWMAN

SCORING STAGE,

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Recordist....................................TIM LAUBER

Engineer............................ DENIS St. AMAND

Stage Managers..............................................

.. TOM STEEL & FRANCESCO PERLANGELI

SONGS

ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA

Written by Richard Strauss

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

Written by James Sanderson

THE SIMPSONS THEME

Written by Danny Elfman

Performed by Green Day

Green Day performs courtesy of Warner

Brothers Records, Inc.

NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE

Written by Sarah Adams and Lowel Mason

AMERICAN IDIOT

Written by Billie Joe Armstrong, Frank

Edwin Wright, III

and Michael Pritchard

HAPPY TOGETHER

Written by Alan Gordon and Garry Bonner

Performed by The Turtles

Courtesy of Flo & Eddie, Inc.

By arrangement with Cohen and Cohen

KODAK

SPIDER PIG

Based on the Spiderman Theme

Written by Bob Harris and Paul Webster

Parody lyrics written by James L. Brooks,

Matt Groening, Al Jean, Ian Maxtone-

Graham, George Meyer, David Mirkin,

Mike Reiss, Mike Scully, Matt Selman,

David Silverman, John Swartzwelder and

Jon Vitti

CAROUSEL RIDE

Written and Performed Herman Beeftink

Courtesy of Elite Source Music Productions

(They Long To Be) CLOSE TO YOU

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David

Performed by The Carpenters

Courtesy of A&M Records

Under license from Universal Enterprises

SPRINGFIELD ANTHEM

Based on "La Marseillaise"

Written by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle

Parody lyrics written by James L. Brooks,

Matt Groening, Al Jean, Ian Maxtone-

Graham, George Meyer, David Mirkin, Mike

Reiss, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, John

Swartzwelder and Jon Vitti

SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE ON

EXTREME MUSIC

ANIMATION SPECIAL THANKS

LAURIE BIERNACKI, UTIT CHOOMUANG

BRETT COKER,

FRANCISCO DEL CUETO,

DAWN FINLEY, ELLEN HOWARD

BRIAN KOKOSZKA, RON McNUTT

SHELLEY MCCULLY, STEVE MILLS

HERIBERTO MORALES, JESSE TORRES

ROBERT WEAVER

C.I.S.

TOON BOOM ANIMATION INC.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

JULIE ANSELL, GREGG BERGER

MAURICE LAMARCHE, RICK POLIZZI

FILMED ON LOCATION IN

SPRINGFIELD, .

Prints by DELUXE®

FILM STOCK (Logo)

DOLBY

(logo)

DTS

(logo)

Approved No. 43622 (MPAA Globe)

MOTION PICTURE

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

IATSE "Bug"

Corporation in all

territories except Brazil, Italy, Japan, Korea

and Spain.

Exploitation Limited Liability Company

and Twentieth Century Fox Film

Corporation in Brazil, Italy, Japan, Korea

and Spain.

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation is

the author of this motion

picture for purposes of copyright and other

laws.

The events, characters and firms depicted

in this photoplay are fictitious.

Any similarity to actual persons, living or

dead, or to actual

events or firms is purely coincidental.

Ownership of this motion picture is

protected by copyright and other applicable

laws,

and any unauthorized duplication,

distribution or exhibition of

this motion picture could result in criminal

prosecution as well as civil liability.

VIII

Posted by Bill at 08:56 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

No Reservations

July 27

Production Notes English & Spanish and Credits

A master chef, Kate (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES) lives her life like she runs the kitchen

at upscale 22 Bleecker Restaurant in Manhattan—with a no-nonsense intensity that both

captivates and intimidates everyone around her. With breathtaking precision, she powers

through each hectic shift, coordinating hundreds of meals, preparing delicate sauces, seasoning

and simmering each dish to absolute perfection.

More at ease behind the scenes, she only leaves the sanctuary of her kitchen to accept

compliments for one of her signature dishes, or, on rare occasions, to tangle with a customer who

dares question her expertise. After work, most nights find her in bed before midnight, set to rise

at dawn to beat her competition to the fish market for the next day’s freshest selections.

Kate’s perfectionist nature is put to the test when a brash new sous-chef joins her staff,

the high-spirited and freewheeling Nick (AARON ECKHART). A rising culinary star himself,

Nick favors opera while working and loves to make everyone around him laugh. His casual

approach to both life and cuisine couldn’t be more different from Kate’s, yet the chemistry

between them is undeniable…as is the discord, like forks clanging off a granite countertop.

It might be easier to deal with this turbulence at work if Kate wasn’t already off-balance

at home, struggling to connect with her nine-year-old niece, Zoe (ABIGAIL BRESLIN), who has

recently—and very unexpectedly—come to live with her. A bright, perceptive child, more

comfortable with fish sticks than foie gras, Zoe is clearly out of place in Kate’s routine but Kate

is determined to make a home for her…just as soon as she figures out how.

As the weeks progress, Kate is not sure what steams her more—that Nick’s talent scores

big points with 22 Bleecker’s owner, Paula (PATRICIA CLARKSON), and its discriminating

clientele, or that his easygoing charm quickly wins over the shy Zoe, who finds it easier to open

up to him than to her aunt. But when he challenges the boundary between rivalry and romance,

Kate finds herself questioning, for the first time in years, some of the choices and beliefs that

have made her so self-sufficient and so safe.

If she wants to forge a real bond with Zoe, find happiness with Nick and rediscover her

appetite for life, Kate will have to try something bold and new, and learn to express herself

outside the realm of her kitchen.

That would be like trying to cook without a recipe. But, as Kate discovers, sometimes

the best recipes are the ones you create yourself.

Castle Rock Entertainment presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a

Scott Hicks Film, “No Reservations,” starring Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones

(“Chicago”), Golden Globe nominee Aaron Eckhart (“Thank You for Smoking”), Oscar nominee

Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) and Oscar nominee Patricia Clarkson (“Pieces of

April”).

The romantic drama is directed by Oscar nominee Scott Hicks (“Shine”), from a

screenplay by Carol Fuchs, and produced by Kerry Heysen (“Hearts in Atlantis”) and Sergio

Agüero (executive producer on Spain’s three-time Goya Award winner “Princesas”). Susan

Cartsonis (“What Women Want”) and Bruce Berman (“Ocean’s Thirteen”) served as executive

producers. Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda (“In Her Shoes”) is co-producer. Oscar nominee Stuart

Dryburgh (“The Piano”) is the director of photography; Barbara Ling (“Hearts in Atlantis”), the

production designer; Oscar nominee Pip Karmel (“Shine”), the editor; and Melissa Toth

(“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), the costume designer. Music is by three-time Oscar

nominee Philip Glass (“Notes on a Scandal,” “The Hours,” “Kundun”). “No Reservations” is

based on the screenplay “Mostly Martha” by Sandra Nettelbeck, produced by Christoph Freidel

and Karl Baumgärtner.

The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros.

Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. It is rated PG

by the MPAA for “some sensuality and language.” Soundtrack album on Decca Records.

www.noreservationsmovie.com

For downloadable general press information and photos from

“No Reservations,” please visit: http://press.warnerbros.com

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Sometimes, Life Isn’t Made to Order

For “No Reservations” director Scott Hicks, it was not only the story itself that first

attracted him, but the way in which it offered touching glimpses of human interaction at its most

intimate and relatable level. “It’s a heartfelt, contemporary drama that strikes an interesting

balance between deep emotions and moments of natural humor and lightheartedness, which is

how most of us experience life,” he says. “It’s about loss, but also about learning to change and

finding real love out of loss.”

Hicks earned international acclaim for the powerful 1996 drama “Shine,” which received

seven Oscar nominations, including Best Director and a Best Screenplay nomination for Hicks.

As a filmmaker, he says, he is drawn to “character-driven stories of real emotion,” and saw in

Kate’s dilemma an opportunity to explore how a person with an extremely well-ordered life

might deal with unexpected events that change all of it in an instant. More importantly, “how

that person might find, through challenge and adversity, the gifts of love, purpose and a fresh

perspective on life.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones, who counts herself among Hicks’ biggest fans, offers a similar

assessment. “It has so many facets. There’s a wonderful love story, there’s the poignant

relationship between Kate and her young niece, there is Kate’s passion for her work and then

there’s the fascinating theater of a professional kitchen and seeing how that fast-paced world

operates.

“When I heard that Scott Hicks wanted to direct it, I was thrilled,” she continues. “I

knew from his body of work that he would bring to it the right sensitivity and texture.”

“No Reservations” is based on the 2001 European feature “Bella Martha” (or “Mostly

Martha”), a film that charmed many of the “No Reservations” cast and filmmakers prior to their

collaboration. Says producer Kerry Heysen, “It was both a stylish and very tender film. We

thought that by relocating it to America we could bring it to a larger audience. Setting it in New

York—a city with such a rich relationship with food and restaurants—was the perfect choice and

I knew it would add its own zest to the film. You can’t walk down a street in New York without

passing little cafés of every description and taking in all that aroma and activity.”

“It was a love story that celebrated the universal joy of making and sharing great food,”

says producer Sergio Agüero. “I was tremendously excited about its potential worldwide

because both of these subjects strike a familiar chord in every culture.”

The filmmakers needed to reinvent the story in its new context but were fully committed

to retaining what everyone loved best about “Mostly Martha”— its heart and its flavor, as well as

its heroine, a successful and single-minded master chef who runs her life and her kitchen with

equal measures of disciplined efficiency.

The arrival of sous-chef Nick changes everything—dramatically. “He’s flamboyant; he

fills the kitchen with the sounds of opera and singing, and the staff is laughing at his jokes. It’s a

completely different atmosphere with his presence and Kate doesn’t like it,” says Heysen, who

concedes that, from Kate’s point of view, there could also be another, more insidious nuance in

play. As a woman who has achieved a level of success and autonomy in a highly competitive

field with few plumb positions, Kate considers Nick a potential threat to her professionally. In

truth, Heysen explains, “Nick has taken this job because he’s a great admirer of Kate’s work and

wants to learn from her, but she doesn’t see that. She is immediately distrustful.”

While Nick challenges her domain at the restaurant, the arrival of Kate’s newly orphaned

niece, Zoe, seriously disrupts her home life.

Says Hicks, “The child turns everything upside down, not only emotionally but on a

practical level. There’s simply no room for a nine year old in the world of a busy chef with a

tight schedule, late hours and such precise habits. Kate is not maternal. Her heart is in the right

place, but she has absolutely no idea what to do with this child who won’t even eat her food.

Meanwhile, at the restaurant, this new chef in the kitchen is making sparks fly.”

But sparks aren’t necessarily a bad thing…

Aaron Eckhart, who stars as the gregarious Nick, notes that, “It’s through these conflicts

that Kate will find the joy in life. Zoe and Nick change everything and really start breaking her

down. But it’s up to Kate where she’s going to go from there to overcome her problems and find

growth and new life.”

And what better medium than food for nurturing romance and bringing people together?

Food and everything related to food—the preparation, presentation and sharing of it, not

to mention the aroma, the texture, the look and the taste of it—has undeniable romantic and life-

affirming elements, which Hicks weaves throughout the story. That intention began with the

screenplay, of which screenwriter Carol Fuchs says, “The element of food serves in both a literal

and a figurative sense. It’s not just about what we eat but how we feed ourselves emotionally.”

“Food has its own power and symbolic presence in the film,” the director offers. “All the

communication and seduction begins with food. The connection between Kate and Nick begins

with their shared love of cuisine, and it also plays a role in bringing Zoe out of her shell. In

Zoe’s case, as a child whose grief has suppressed her appetite, the fact that she finally takes the

spaghetti Nick offers her is a sign that she trusts him and is warming up to him. In the case of

Kate and Nick sharing their first meal together, there is a more erotic charge to it.”

In a general sense, says Heysen, “Food here is a metaphor for life and the life force or, if

you like, love.”

Eckhart agrees. “It certainly engages all the senses. With the cooking itself, especially at

this level where it’s practically an art form, there’s a heightened awareness of incorporating

ingredients and layering tastes to stimulate the palette… Oh yeah, it’s very romantic.”

“I never thought I could get excited about scallops,” declares Zeta-Jones, “but when you

really focus on them, you get a whole different perspective.”

Casting: How Many Cooks in This Kitchen?

“My husband said that this role was the biggest stretch I’ve ever had as an actress,

because it puts me into the kitchen,” Zeta-Jones jokingly reveals, before going on to admit that,

prior to her culinary training for the film, she was unsure of her ability to properly cook an egg.

In fact, says Hicks, not only did Zeta-Jones quickly learn her way around the kitchen to

authenticate her performance in the weeks before “No Reservations” began shooting, but the film

depended greatly upon her formidable range throughout. “The story absolutely rests on her

shoulders. She’s in nearly every scene and the whole thing revolves around her. She has great

subtlety and amazing timing, which, when you consider her background as a dancer, isn’t

surprising. That timing plays so well into her sense of drama, because there are scenes of strong

emotion here but also breakthrough moments of fun.”

“Kate runs a tight ship, to say the least,” says Zeta-Jones. “She knows her business and

tends to get a little defensive when a customer questions the taste or presentation of any of her

dishes. But when she brings that strict perfectionism into her private life it keeps her from

having real relationships with people. It keeps away the insecurities and fears and the potential

pain, but also the joy and the fullness of life that only exists when you can open up to people, let

go a little and let things happen.”

Citing their characters’ first encounter in the 22 Bleecker kitchen, Aaron Eckhart says,

“Kate takes one look at this casual, easygoing new chef, playing opera and telling jokes, and she

thinks he’s not taking the job seriously. It would appear that way but, in truth, Nick just has his

own style. Once he feels Kate’s blast of hostility, he assumes the rubber band theory of ‘don’t

break, just bend,’ and tries to be as nice and charming as possible in the hope that she will

eventually let down her guard.”

Nick takes the sous-chef job as an opportunity to work with, and learn from, master chef

Kate, whom he admires. “The romance is as much a surprise to him as it is to her,” Eckhart

offers. “The difference is that once he recognizes it, he’s ready to embrace it, but she isn’t quite

there yet, which means he has to be exceptionally charming and very creative. When he can’t

get through to her any other way, he uses the language she understands best: food.”

“This role shows a wonderfully light side of Aaron, which we don’t always see. A lot of

his roles have been quite intense,” observes Zeta-Jones.

“Not only is Aaron the romantic leading man here,” says Hicks, “he also has to have the

ability to genuinely connect with a little girl and bring out the emotion in that as well, which

sounds easier than it actually is.”

“As Nick, Aaron approaches young Zoe the way you would approach a pony in a

paddock,” says Heysen, drawing on her experience working with horses on the Australian

property she shares with husband and 30-year filmmaking partner Scott Hicks. “If you have a

shy pony that won’t come to you, you cannot pursue it. You must sit and wait with gentle

overtures and eventually it will come to you. It requires a great deal of sensitivity.”

Eckhart enjoyed his scenes with Abigail Breslin, who turned 10 years old during

production. “It’s fun to have that kind of youthful spirit around. She taught me some

cheerleading cheers, and we would practice together in the kitchen between takes.”

Unlike her buoyant personality off-camera, Breslin’s portrayal of Zoe—at least in the

film’s initial scenes—was necessarily more subdued. As the young actress describes her, “Zoe

is sort of quiet in the beginning. She’s not really hostile towards Kate, not mean to her or rude,

but just not really friendly or open either. She doesn’t know how this living arrangement is

going to work. She’s feeling kind of lost and on her own.”

Hicks, who proclaims Breslin “delightful,” says, “She’s not caught up in the business of

it all; she simply enjoys acting. I love working with children. Although they may not bring a

wealth of experience or technique to a role, they can, like Abigail, bring tremendous honesty and

access to their emotions. If I explain the context and situation of a scene to her, Abigail can

sense precisely where to take her character. She’s extremely resourceful and absolutely the real

deal as an actress.”

Illustrating this, Heysen relates a scenario that Breslin’s mother offered. “It was right

before we shot the scene in which Zoe first sees where she’s going to live with her aunt after her

mother has died. Abigail’s mother said that she had been preparing for the scene at home and

had remarked to her, ‘When that little girl walks up the steps into that house her life is never

going to be the same again.’ She really thinks it through and that’s why she is so convincing on

screen.”

Meanwhile, Kate has another confrontation brewing with the owner of her restaurant,

Paula, played with authoritative panache by Patricia Clarkson, who notes that the two women are

very much alike. “Paula has her own control issues. She’s a very can-do person and runs every

aspect of this restaurant. She’s the host, the maître d’, the manager, the owner, not to mention

head of personnel and wine selection. This is her baby; her whole life is wrapped up in this

restaurant.

“Paula respects Kate for her talent and work ethic and so tolerates her fits of

temperament,” Clarkson continues. “They are friends and they have history but it’s not an easy

relationship. Like Kate’s relationship with Nick, this one generates its own sparks.”

A longtime admirer of Clarkson’s work, Hicks remarks, “She gives a smart, sophisticated

razor-sharp wit to the role.”

Adds Heysen, “Patricia brings all the many facets of Paula to the fore—good, bad and

complex—but above all conveys the feeling that, ultimately, this is a woman you don’t want to

cross. And Kate is often dangerously close to crossing her.”

Rounding out the main cast are Jenny Wade (“Rumor Has It…”) as Kate’s loyal but very

pregnant sous-chef Leah, whose imminent due date and leave of absence prompts Paula to hire

Nick as her replacement; Lily Rabe (“Mona Lisa Smile”) as waitress/actress Bernadette, who

likes to run lines for her next audition in the kitchen’s walk-in refrigerator and is Nick’s biggest

fan; and Brían F. O’Byrne (“Bug” and Broadway’s “Doubt”) as Kate’s downstairs neighbor

Sean, a divorced dad who has been futilely asking her out for years.

Academy Award nominee Bob Balaban (producer, “Gosford Park”) is featured as the

therapist Paula forces Kate to see, a man who resorts to slightly unorthodox methods when

traditional therapy has no effect on the highly guarded chef who, clearly, would rather talk

recipes than repression.

May I Take Your Order? Culinary Training for the Cast

and

Catherine Zeta-Jones Masters the Infamous Tablecloth Trick

With so many scenes taking place over a hot stove at 22 Bleecker—pots clanging, waiters

rushing in and out, and Kate and Nick’s personal drama unfolding amidst the fast-paced routine

of preparing dinner for a restaurant full of patrons—Hicks wanted the actors to be at ease with

the tempo of a professional kitchen. “I always strive for realism. In this setting, it was

especially important for the actors to feel as though they were really preparing these dishes and

coping with the stresses of their environment. It was essential that their actions be fluid and

natural in order to keep the emphasis where it belongs—on the story,” the director says.

Just as important, Heysen points out, was that shots of Nick chopping onions and Kate

garnishing plates ring true, because, “with everyone around the world watching The Food

Network, audiences are extremely savvy and would know if someone was faking it.”

Toward that end, Hicks cast professional line chefs to serve as 22 Bleecker’s onscreen

kitchen staff, hired numerous culinary and restaurant consultants and arranged hands-on training

with genuine masters for his stars.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart spent two weeks with celebrity chef Michael

White, who tailored his instruction to their characters’ specialized roles: for Zeta-Jones, as head

chef, an emphasis on preparing sauces, pan-tossing small items, plating and preparing garnish;

and for Eckhart, as sous-chef, the more practical aspects of chopping vegetables and sautéing,

cleaning and butchering fish and meat. Following the edict that the mark of a good chef is not

only a flair for food but a command of his domain, both learned safety basics and the fine points

of handling knives, grasping superheated pot handles with towels and deftly navigating the

cramped space while simultaneously working, talking and cooking.

Eckhart, who has worked as a waiter and bartender but never a chef, found the

curriculum fascinating, although, in addition to onions, carrots and mushrooms, he cut his fingers

numerous times during his two-day practice with the knife. This was par for the course, he was

assured by White, who, after 16 years of cooking professionally, still lives by the rule of

assuming that every surface in a kitchen is hot.

Even Abigail Breslin learned to flip pancakes and pare vegetables under the tutelage of

French Culinary Institute chef Lee Anne Wong and recounts how, during one scene, she got a

little carried away with her newfound skill. “I was peeling asparagus. I got down to the part

where it becomes white and just kept going until it got really skinny and Scott started laughing.

He said, ‘You don’t have to turn it into a toothpick; it’s still asparagus.’”

Outside the kitchen, Patricia Clarkson took a crash course on how to handle front-of-

house duties with aplomb from Daniele Sbordi, then general manager of New York City’s

renowned Fiamma Osteria, and likens it to managing a theater. “When you’re running a

restaurant, you have to be on top of everything: reservations, stock, orders, staff and the wine

selection, not to mention the preferences and personalities of the VIPs coming in, and be ready to

diffuse any potential situation. You get there early to prepare and coach the waiters on the day’s

specials, and when that door opens and people start coming in, it’s like the curtain going up.”

Speaking of theater, one confrontational scene between Kate and an ill-mannered

customer afforded Zeta-Jones the opportunity to add a neat trick to her professional repertoire:

the classic tablecloth pull, in which a cloth is yanked cleanly out from under a full load of place

settings with minimum spillage. Its success depends largely upon confidence and timing. “It

was one of the best shooting days of my life,” she declares. “I didn’t get it straightaway, but

once I did, I had so much fun I wanted to do it all the time. Now I can bet people at parties that I

can whip out a tablecloth from under a stack of plates and glasses and not break anything.”

Zeta-Jones additionally went above and beyond any restaurant training Hicks had

anticipated by volunteering to work the dining room one night during the busy dinner shift at

Fiamma Osteria, an experience she calls “terrifying and a real learning experience.” Even in that

atmospheric lighting, several patrons remarked on their server’s striking resemblance to the

actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, to which she casually replied, “Yeah, I get that all the time.”

Production Design, and Props Good Enough to Eat

“As food is the metaphor for love in this story, food preparation is the context in which

these characters live, behave and interact,” says Hicks. With this in mind, he and production

designer Barbara Ling provided the cast a nearly fully functional kitchen set, which becomes the

backdrop for some of the most significant moments that pass between Kate and Nick.

Hicks and Ling researched approximately 60 area restaurants for their range of design

options and mood, noting differences between work spaces created by chefs versus those created

by restaurant owners. After briefly considering adapting an existing industrial facility but

finding those spaces too sterile and large, they opted to build their kitchen from scratch on a

soundstage at Silvercup East Studios in Queens.

Says Ling, “The one advantage was that we didn’t adhere to codes, or it would have been

ridiculously expensive. Instead, I was able to design a kitchen to look completely functional but

that doesn’t have to last very long. All the stainless steel is real, as well as the tile, the copper

piping and the tanks for the cappuccino machines, the appliances, sinks, stoves, stainless tables,

even the thermometers set into the walls. The only exceptions are two walk-in refrigerators. We

built those units and then pumped in cold air.”

The walk-ins serve a dual purpose: to chill food, and to provide chefs with a place to cool

down, literally, or to have a private conversation—a habit all the culinary and restaurant

consultants on-set confirmed as authentically depicted in the movie, right down to the part where

the rest of the kitchen staff sneaks glances through the tiny window to see what’s going on.

Says Eckhart, “They recreated everything to the nth degree. The detail is amazing. You

can really lose yourself in a scene and completely forget you’re on a soundstage.”

Ling strove to depict the normal flow of a working environment from the camera’s point

of view without removing walls. “I wanted to show what people don’t often see: how chefs

maneuver in a kitchen, crisscrossing each other, one holding a plate while another one garnishes

it and hands it off to someone else. It’s beautiful, almost like dance choreography. There is

constant traffic—people coming in and out, deliveries arriving, waiters coming through the

door—and the head chef supervises all of this from a central position like an orchestra leader in

the pit.”

The flow generated in the kitchen then extends unbroken through the door to the

restaurant dining room, and from there to the windows and out into the New York City street.

For a scene that takes Kate shopping for fresh seafood, Ling recreated the historic Fulton

Fish Market at its former lower Manhattan location near the Brooklyn Bridge. The nearly 200-

year-old seafood distribution center was moved to the Bronx in 2005, a site that Ling raided for

original signage, furniture and lots of fresh fish. “We even hired guys who used to work at the

old place as extras. It was a fun set and nostalgic for the locals for whom the fish market had

always been part of the landscape.”

“No Reservations” also served up real food daily for the cameras, courtesy of property

master Diana Burton (“The Sopranos”) and a full cooking staff that started work generally two

hours prior to production every morning from a bustling kitchen just steps away from the action,

because, as Heysen attests, “No one is fooled by plastic props anymore. It was important for us

to have food on screen that looked exquisite and fresh because it’s a reflection on our characters,

who are supposed to be among the best chefs in New York.”

Except in certain instances when a meal was designed specifically for someone to eat on

camera, Burton’s focus was more on presentation than taste. She experimented with cornstarch

and colors, finding ways “to recreate the butter-based French cuisine to maintain its integrity

under the hot lights, because there are many things that light and heat will do to make food

appear less appetizing.” A blowtorch blast on quail achieved the right golden brown look while

leaving the juices inside to give the dish more longevity on screen before drying.

With help from the production’s professional consultants, Burton and Hicks devised a

menu of approximately 25 items for the film, including an asparagus terrine, Nick’s sea bass, a

scallop dish, foie gras, an entrecote and Kate’s signature quail with truffle sauce. Hicks

functioned as master chef in deciding the final look of each plate. Depending upon the day’s

shooting schedule, Burton’s team would then prepare a continuous stream of dishes.

Setting up accounts with the same suppliers used by local restaurants, Burton ensured

enough food on hand to meet the director’s needs at any given moment. The production’s

backstage area often resembled the back entrance of a five-star restaurant with deliveries of

lobsters and exotic produce by the crate because, as Burton confirms, “certain items needed to be

fresh in order to look fresh.” For a scene in which Nick fillets a sea bass, she had 20 bass on ice

awaiting their cue. “Ultimately, you cannot predict how many takes a director might want, and I

certainly didn’t want to have to tell him he was out of fish.”

All this authenticity had its downside, as Catherine Zeta-Jones relates. “We found the

aromas really effective at putting everyone in the mood, which is fine when you’re hungry. But

when it’s six o’clock in the morning and you’re smelling fish, it can turn your tummy a bit.”

Burton even went to the extent of having a model maker craft truffles that could

authentically slice, if the production schedule passed the season in which real truffles could be

obtained, as they figure prominently in more than one scene. For pots and pans that looked

properly carbon-stained and broken in, she struck a unique bargain: procuring Fiamma Osteria’s

entire collection of workaday crockery in exchange for a replacement set of shiny new ones.

Finally, as a personal touch, she stocked the bar with bottles of wine from Hicks and Heysen’s

own South Australian vineyard.

Aaron Eckhart, whose character samples a plate of risotto, proclaims “No Reservations”

to have “the best-tasting props ever,” and admits that he couldn’t resist polishing off the entire

plate between scenes. Adds Abigail Breslin, whose character is offered a bowl of spaghetti, “It

was so delicious, I tried to get a big mouthful in before the director said ‘cut.’”

22 Bleecker Street

By electing to shoot “No Reservations” in New York, Hicks intended for the city to lend

its own character to the story. “It has such a restaurant culture, so appropriate for the story, plus

the rich architecture and design details everywhere you look,” he says, adding that, “so much of

the action takes place indoors, in a kitchen or an apartment, that I wanted the outdoor scenes to

provide as much breadth as possible. I wanted those few location shots to have maximum

impact.”

The director found a vacant corner space on Bleecker Street at Charles for his fictional

restaurant in the West Village, with large windows that offered excellent views of “city life out

on the street, which we enhanced with our own lights and extras, but that served as a wonderful

ready-made backdrop no matter which way we looked out.”

Inside, production designer Barbara Ling created a comfortable, subdued atmosphere

with darkened walls and minimalist charcoal artwork, to make the food the star element.

“The space formerly housed a Chinese restaurant and is now a retail store,” offers

Heysen, who explains that the temporary presence of a film production in the interim caused

some confusion in the neighborhood, especially as they decided to name the restaurant 22

Bleecker Street…and the storefront wasn’t anywhere near number 22. “The only number not in

use on Bleecker Street was 22. Number 24 was a church. So we thought we were safe with our

name but, in fact, it confused the local messengers when we put our sign up that indicated ‘22

Bleecker’ in a spot that was actually in the upper 300s. We had to remove the signage until the

moment when we were actually filming the exterior.”

The faux restaurant also attracted attention for another reason, as Catherine Zeta-Jones

recalls. “I was doing a scene in which I was standing beside the maitre d’ in the entrance area.

There was fake wine being sipped and waiters serving delicious-looking food. The place was

bustling with extras, the bar looked cool, very inviting, and several people came in from the

street asking, ‘Do we need reservations?’ They thought it was the new hot spot to have dinner.

We had to break it to them that it was just a movie set.”

Filming “No Reservations” inspired a real interest for Zeta-Jones, who says, “I definitely

have a new appreciation now for food and how it’s presented. I’m looking forward to preparing

Thanksgiving dinner. The house is already full of cookbooks.”

Nearly everyone in the cast and crew discovered something new about haute cuisine

during the shoot, and audiences may do the same. Says Hicks, “We certainly didn’t intend the

film to be an education on the subject of French cuisine but when you’re telling the story of

people whose lives are completely enveloped by this world, you can’t help learning their

language. At the very least a person might pick up an interesting term they hadn’t come across

before, depending on their dining habits, such as what an entrecote is or how rare a steak can be.

It was fun to be surrounded by all this beauty and perfection. The dishes coming out of the

Bleecker kitchen were extraordinarily tempting…yet, I expect, not something you would

necessarily want to have every day.”

Having sampled the finest saffron sauces and scallops and all the other dishes highlighted

in “No Reservations,” both Zeta-Jones and Eckhart find, like Hicks, that they remain alike in

their simple tastes. When asked to name their favorite foods, both reach back to childhood

favorites. Eckhart says, “I’m kind of a burrito guy,” and Zeta-Jones responds, “Fish and chips

for me, fish and chips any day.”

ABOUT THE CAST

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES (Kate) earned an Academy Award, the 2002 Critic’s

Choice Award, the Screen Actor’s Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe

nomination for her performance as the murderous Velma Kelly in Miramax’s film adaptation of

the Broadway musical “Chicago.”

She will next star in Gillian Armstrong’s romantic thriller “Death Defying Acts,”

opposite Guy Pearce, set for release later this year.

In 2005 Zeta-Jones reprised her starring role as Elena de la Vega opposite Antonio

Banderas as Zorro in “The Legend of Zorro,” the sequel to “The Mask of Zorro,” the 1999 action

adventure that brought her international recognition. She also starred in Steven Soderbergh’s

“Ocean’s 12,” the sequel to the hit remake “Ocean’s 11”; “The Terminal,” opposite Tom Hanks

and directed by Steven Spielberg; and “Intolerable Cruelty,” opposite George Clooney, directed

by the Coen brothers.

She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of the wife of a drug-runner who

is confronted with her husband’s illegal ties and must fight to save her family in Steven

Soderbergh’s “Traffic.” The cast of the critically praised film received a SAG Award for

Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture.

In 1999, in addition to “The Mask of Zorro,” Zeta-Jones starred in Jon Amiel’s romantic

thriller “Entrapment,” opposite screen legend Sean Connery as an undercover insurance

investigator who sets out to trap one of the world’s greatest art thieves. She also portrayed a diva

movie star in the blockbuster comedy “America’s Sweethearts,” directed by Joe Roth and also

starring Billy Crystal, Julia Roberts and John Cusack.

Prior to her work in the U.S., the Welsh-born Zeta-Jones starred in the hit Yorkshire

television series “The Darling Buds of May,” based on the novels of H.E. Bates.

Zeta-Jones is married to actor Michael Douglas. They have a son, Dylan, and a daughter,

Carys.

AARON ECKHART (Nick) earned considerable acclaim in 2000 for his role as the love

interest for Julia Roberts’ character in Steven Soderbergh’s “Erin Brockovich,” but it was his

portrayal as the vengeful man in Neil LaBute’s controversial film “In the Company of Men,” in

1997, which first drew attention. The incendiary feature became one of the highest-grossing

independent films of the year.

Eckhart was more recently seen starring in Jason Reitman’s directorial debut, “Thank

You for Smoking,” for which he earned both Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award

nominations.

Among his recent projects are the comedy drama “Bill,” with Jessica Alba, the Alan Ball

drama “Nothing is Private” and the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight,” for director

Christopher Nolan, currently in production. He is also set to star in the upcoming drama

“Traveling,” to be directed by Brandon Camp.

Eckhart studied theater and film at Brigham Young University, where he met and

appeared in many of Neil LaBute’s plays. In addition to “In the Company of Men,” he went on

to star in three other LaBute films: “Possession,” co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow; “Nurse Betty,”

opposite Renée Zellweger; and “Your Friends and Neighbors,” with Ben Stiller and Catherine

Keener.

He also starred in John Woo’s adaptation of the Phillip K. Dick short story “Paycheck,”

opposite Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman; Ron Howard’s “The Missing,” opposite Tommy Lee

Jones and Cate Blanchett; “The Core,” opposite Hilary Swank; Brian De Palma’s “The Black

Dahlia”; and “Conversations with Other Women,” opposite Helena Bonham Carter. His

additional film credits include Sean Penn’s “The Pledge,” with Jack Nicholson, Oliver Stone’s

“Any Given Sunday” and “Molly,” with Elisabeth Shue.

Eckhart’s theatrical credits include Michael Cristofer’s “Amazing Grace,” opposite

Marsha Mason.

ABIGAIL BRESLIN (Zoe) earned an Oscar nomination as well as BAFTA and SAG

Award nominations and a Best Actress Award from the Tokyo International Film Festival for her

performance as an ambitious young girl obsessed with winning a beauty pageant in last year’s

critically acclaimed irreverent comedy “Little Miss Sunshine.”

Breslin’s most recent project is the Adam Brooks romantic comedy “Definitely, Maybe,”

co-starring Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Ryan Reynolds. She is currently filming the title

role in the comedy drama “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery,” scheduled for a 2008

release, and will next begin production on “Nim’s Island,” opposite Jodie Foster.

Previously, Breslin starred with Mel Gibson in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs,” and in

“Raising Helen,” for director Garry Marshall, opposite her older brother Spencer Breslin and

Kate Hudson. She appeared in the independent drama “Keane,” directed by Lodge Kerrigan and

produced by Steven Soderbergh, and “The Ultimate Gift,” co-starring James Garner, and was an

elf in “The Santa Clause 3.”

On television, Breslin has guest-starred on “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,”

“Navy N.C.I.S.,” “What I Like About You” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

PATRICIA CLARKSON (Paula) is currently in production on Stanley Tucci's “Blind

Date” in Belgium. Upon completion of “Blind Date,” she will begin filming Daniel Banz's

directorial debut “Phoebe in Wonderland,” opposite Felicity Huffman, Bill Pullman and Elle

Fanning; followed by Woody Allen's “Untitled Spanish Project,” in Barcelona, opposite Scarlett

Johansson and Javier Bardem.

This fall, Clarkson will be seen in the drama “Lars and the Real Girl” opposite Ryan

Gosling and Emily Mortimer. She will then be seen in “Elegy,” opposite Sir Ben Kingsley and

Dennis Hopper. Directed by Isabel Coixet, the film is based on the novel by Philip Roth and is

scheduled for a November 16th release.

Earlier this year, Clarkson wrapped “Married Life,” a romantic drama set in the 1940s,

directed by Ira Sachs and co-starring Pierce Brosnan, Rachel McAdams and Chris Cooper.

Her additional credits include roles in: “All The King's Men,” “Goodnight, and Good

Luck,” “The Dying Gaul,” “The Woods,” “Far from Heaven,” “Pieces of April,” “The Station

Agent,” “Miracle,” “High Art,” “Dogville,” “Welcome to Collinwood,” “The Pledge,” “The

Green Mile,” “Everybody's All-American,” “The Dead Pool,” “Rocket Gibraltar,” “Tune in

Tomorrow,” “Joe Gould's Secret,” “Wendigo” and Brian De Palma's “The Untouchables,” her

film debut.

In 2003, Clarkson's work in two independent films earned her unparalleled recognition.

She was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG Award, Broadcast Film Critics

Award and an Independent Spirit Award for her role in “Pieces of April.” In addition, the

Sundance Film Festival awarded her the Jury Prize for Outstanding Performance in “Pieces of

April,” “The Station Agent” and “All the Real Girls.” Her performance in “The Station Agent”

earned her a SAG Award nomination for Best Actress and Best Ensemble Cast. The National

Board of Review and the National Society of Film Critics named her Best Supporting Actress of

the Year for her work in “Pieces of April” and “The Station Agent.”

She also won Best Supporting Actress awards from the New York Film Critics Circle and

National Society of Film Critics for her performance in Todd Haynes' “Far From Heaven,” a role

that also drew a nomination from the Chicago Film Critics. Additionally, her performance as

Greta in Lisa Cholodenko's “High Art” earned an IFP Independent Spirit Award nomination.

On television, Clarkson won an Emmy Award in 2006 and 2002 for her guest-starring

role on HBO's acclaimed drama “Six Feet Under.”

Clarkson made her professional acting debut on the New York stage. Her theatre credits

include “Eastern Standard” (on and Off-Broadway), “The Maiden’s Prayer” (for which she

received Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award Nominations), “Raised in Captivity,”

“Oliver Oliver,” “The House of Blue Leaves” and “Three Days of Rain.” Her regional credits

include performances at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, South Coast Repertory and Yale

Repertory.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Clarkson graduated summa cum laude from Fordham

University with a degree in theatre arts. She earned her MFA at the prestigious Yale School of

Drama, where she appeared in “Electra,” “Pacific Overtures,” “Pericles,” “La Ronde,” “The

Lower Depths” and “The Misanthrope.”

BOB BALABAN (Therapist) has earned acclaim as an actor, writer and producer. Most

notably, he conceived the original idea of Robert Altman's “Gosford Park” and went on to

produce and act in the film, which garnered seven Academy Award nominations.

After small roles in “Midnight Cowboy” and “Catch-22,” Balaban became widely

recognized for his role as the interpreter/cartographer in Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of

the Third Kind” (he later penned the memoir Spielberg, Truffaut & Me: An Actor's Diary, a

humorous recount of the filmmaking experience). He has also been a memorable presence in the

Christopher Guest comedies “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind” and

“For Your Consideration.”

Balaban most recently starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Lady in the Water” and the

romantic comedy drama “Dedication,” which premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and

will be released in the fall.

His additional film appearances include roles in “Altered States,” “Prince of the City,”

“Absence of Malice,” “2010,” “Alice,” “City Slickers II,” “Deconstructing Harry,” “Jakob the

Liar,” “Ghost World” and “Marie and Bruce.” On television, he is best known for his recurring

role as the head of NBC on “Seinfeld.”

An accomplished director, Balaban made his feature directorial debut with “Parents” in

1989, and followed up with “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “The Last Good Time.” Among his

television directing credits are episodes of “Oz,” “SUBWAYStories: Tales from the

Underground,” “Gary, Indiana,” “Strangers With Candy,” “The Twilight Zone” and, for Court

TV, “The Exonerated” based on the award-winning hit play which Balaban produced and

directed Off-Broadway and then toured for two years. He recently completed producing and

directing the feature film “Bernard and Doris,” starring Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon,

about the relationship between Doris Duke and her butler.

In addition to his film and television career, Bob Balaban is the author of McGrowl, a

best-selling series of children’s books for Scholastic.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

SCOTT HICKS (Director) earned international acclaim for the 1996 box office

sensation “Shine,” which grossed well over $100 million worldwide following its triumphant

premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards in

all major categories, including Best Film, with Hicks receiving nominations for director and

screenplay. It also received eight BAFTA nominations and won nine Australian Film Institute

Awards, including Best Film and Best Director, was named Best Film by the U.S. National

Board of Review, and earned five Golden Globe nominations plus nominations from both the

Directors Guild and Writers Guild of America.

Prior to “Shine,” Hicks made his mark as a documentarian. In 1994, he received an

Emmy Award for a four-hour documentary series which he also co-wrote, “Submarine: Sharks of

Steel.” It broke the ratings record for The Discovery Channel set by his earlier work, “The Great

Wall of Iron,” an extensive portrait of the People’s Liberation Army of China in the months prior

to Tianemen Square, that, in 1989 won the prestigious Peabody Award for Best Documentary

Series Broadcast in the U.S. Following the success of these projects, Hicks was commissioned

for two additional two-hour specials by The Discovery Channel: “The Space Shuttle,” in 1994

and “The Ultimate Athlete,” which he also produced, in 1996.

Hicks’ feature film “Sebastian And The Sparrow,” which he also wrote and produced,

was a winner in three international film festivals for children, including the 1990 LUCAS Award

in Frankfurt. Following a successful cinema and television release in Australia, the film was

invited to numerous other international festivals.

His first Hollywood film, “Snow Falling on Cedars,” was produced by Kathleen Kennedy

and Frank Marshall, with an ensemble cast including Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh and Oscar

nominees Max von Sydow, Sam Shepard and James Cromwell. Scott co-wrote the screenplay

with Ron Bass, adapted from the best-selling novel by David Guterson. The film was nominated

for an Academy Award for cinematography. Hicks also directed “Hearts in Atlantis,” produced

by Kerry Heysen and starring Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin, David Morse, Hope Davis and

Mika Boorem, based on stories by Stephen King, with a the screenplay by Oscar winner William

Goldman.

Born in Uganda and raised in Kenya till age 10, Hicks moved with his family first to

England and then Australia. Poised to pursue a law/arts degree, a chance encounter with an

inspirational philosophy professor turned him instead toward English, Drama and Cinema at

Flinders University of South Australia, from which he graduated with honors in 1975 and

received an honorary doctorate in 1997. His began his film industry career as a crew member on

productions all around Australia, simultaneously bidding for contracts to write and direct short

dramas and sponsored documentaries.

Hicks is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the British

Academy of Film and Television Arts. He lives with his wife and collaborator—

producer Kerry Heysen—in Adelaide, South Australia, where they maintain their own Yacca

Paddock Vineyards. Also an accomplished photographer, he has had three exhibitions of his

work, which can be viewed at scotthickspix.com.

KERRY HEYSEN (Producer) is a producer, creative consultant and CEO whose

companies have developed cinema features, television drama and documentary series as well as

commercials and rock clips. Her company is currently completing a feature length cinema

documentary on composer Philip Glass, due for a Spring 2007 release, for which she is an

executive producer.

Heysen previously produced “Hearts in Atlantis,” starring Anthony Hopkins and directed

by two-time Oscar nominee Scott Hicks. Based on stories by Stephen King, with a screenplay

by Oscar winner William Goldman, its cast featured David Morse, Hope Davis and Mika

Boorem, with a breakout performance by Anton Yelchin. “Hearts in Atlantis” had its world

premiere at the Toronto Film Festival prior to worldwide release.

She was associate producer of “Snow Falling on Cedars.” Directed by Scott Hicks and

produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, it featured a powerful ensemble cast

including Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh, Max von Sydow and Sam Shepard, with a script by Scott

Hicks and Ron Bass, adapted from the best-selling novel by David Guterson. The film was

nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Cinematography category.

Heysen worked as creative consultant on the hit film “Shine,” which her company

developed over ten years. The sensation of the 1996 Sundance Film Festival, “Shine” won

critics and audience awards at film festivals across the world and was nominated for seven

Academy Awards in all major categories—the highest for an Australian-made film. It also

received nine Australian Film Institute Awards in 1996, including Best Film and Best Director.

Other accolades for “Shine” include the U.S. National Board of Review’s Best Film for 1996,

five Golden Globe nominations (and Best Actor Award for Geoffrey Rush) and nominations by

the Directors Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America and the Society of Editors of

America.

Her company also produced the acclaimed children’s film “Sebastian and the Sparrow,” a

winner in three competitive international film festivals for children, including the 1990 Lucas

Award in Frankfurt. Following a successful cinema and television release in Australia, the film

was invited to numerous other international festivals.

In 1996, The Discovery Channel commissioned Heysen’s company to produce a

two-hour special, “The Ultimate Athlete.”

Apart from filmmaking, Heysen is a passionate vigneron, lavender grower and

horsewoman. A born and bred South Australian, she and husband Scott Hicks choose to live in

South Australia as they are passionate about their home state, in particular the Fleurieu

Peninsula. They are re-vegetating bushland and maintain a vineyard, Yacca Paddock Vineyards,

from which they produce an excellent Shiraz/Tannat and Dolcetto under their own label.

SERGIO AGÜERO (Producer) segued to film and television production from a

successful career packaging and financing motion pictures. In 2004, he launched Andale

Pictures, to produce and finance movies and television with a Latino protagonist or theme,

geared to mainstream audiences. The company is developing a slate ranging from broad-based

studio movies to smaller genre pictures targeting a youth core audience.

Among his studio projects are an adaptation of the international bestseller The Queen of

the South and the series pilot “Red Ball,” featuring a Latina protagonist.

Agüero was an executive producer on “Princesas,” Fernando León de Aranoa’s 2005 film

that earned three Goya Awards and was a box office hit in Spain; Leonardo Ricagni’s 2006

Berlinale Kinderfilmfest favorite, “A Dios Momo”; and Alfonso Cuaron’s “Y Tu Mama

Tambien,” a 2003 Academy Award nominee for Best Original Screenplay.

Previously, at Endeavor Agency, Agüero established independent financing and

international efforts, representing talent, financing companies and completed films. Among the

titles he worked on were Joe Carnahan’s “Narc,” Phillip Noyce’s “Rabbit-Proof Fence” and Paul

Schrader’s “Auto Focus.” He also sold distribution rights to a number of films, including the

worldwide box-office hit “The Blair Witch Project.”

As Executive Vice President of Trimark Pictures and one of three key executives

managing the company, he built and ran international film and television sales. He was

instrumentally involved in specialized production and acquisition efforts for such films as Kasi

Lemmon’s “Eve’s Bayou,” Mira Nair’s “Kama Sutra” and Marc Levin’s Sundance Audience

Award winner “Slam.”

Agüero also served as Vice President of International Sales at Vision International and,

prior to that, at Epic Pictures. He began his entertainment career in acquisitions at Bjorck Film,

as the Los Angeles representation for, among others, powerhouses Shochiku in Japan and

Village Roadshow in Australia.

Raised in Spain, Agüero earned his B.A. in economics and political science from Yale

and became a financial analyst at Salomon Brothers in New York, participating in valuation

analyses of takeover targets as well as fixed income and equity financings. He worked and

traveled throughout Asia before relocating to Los Angeles and entering the entertainment

industry.

SUSAN CARTSONIS (Executive Producer) is president of Storefront Pictures, an

independent film company. Through Storefront, she recently produced the feature

“Aquamarine,” starring Emma Roberts, based on the novella by best-selling author Alice

Hoffman, released in March of 2006. She also recently executive produced the indie film “The

Mistress of Spices,” starring Aishwarya Rai.

In 2000, The Hollywood Reporter named Cartsonis one of the five top-grossing

producers of the year for her box office record-breaking film “What Women Want,” starring Mel

Gibson, and “Where the Heart Is,” adapted from the best-selling novel, starring Natalie Portman,

Ashley Judd, Sally Field and Stockard Channing.

Cartsonis began her producing career with the critically acclaimed “Firelight,” starring

Sophie Marceau and Stephen Dillane, written and directed by “Shadowlands” writer Bill

Nicholson.

Cartsonis was an executive at Twentieth Century Fox for nearly a decade. Among the

films she supervised during her tenure was “Nell,” starring Jodie Foster, who earned Academy

Award and Golden Globe nominations for her performance. Among her other films are “The

Truth About Cats and Dogs”; “Rookie of the Year”; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which

launched the television show; “Come See the Paradise,” directed by Alan Parker; “For the

Boys,” starring Bette Midler, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance;

and “Dying Young,” starring Julia Roberts.

Prior to her career at Fox, Cartsonis was an instructor for New York University’s

Dramatic Writing Program. She received her M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from N.Y.U. and a

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from U.C.L.A. She was recently elected to the Board of Trustees of

the Women in Film Foundation and is a member of the Producers Guild of America.

BRUCE BERMAN (Executive Producer) is Chairman and CEO of Village Roadshow

Pictures. The company will co-produce 60 theatrical features in a joint partnership with Warner

Bros. through 2007, with all films distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and in select

territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

The initial slate of films produced under the pact included such hits as “Practical Magic,”

starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman; “Analyze This,” teaming Robert De Niro and Billy

Crystal; “The Matrix,” starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne; “Three Kings,” starring

George Clooney; “Space Cowboys,” directed by and starring Clint Eastwood; and “Miss

Congeniality,” starring Sandra Bullock and Benjamin Bratt.

Under the Village Roadshow Pictures banner, Berman has subsequently executive

produced such wide-ranging successes as “Training Day,” for which Denzel Washington won an

Academy Award; “Ocean’s Eleven,” starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts; its

sequel “Ocean’s Twelve”; “Two Weeks Notice,” pairing Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant;

“Mystic River,” starring Sean Penn and Tim Robbins in Oscar-winning performances; the

second and third installments of “The Matrix” trilogy, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix

Revolutions”; Tim Burton’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” starring Johnny Depp; the

Oscar-winning animated comedy adventure “Happy Feet”; the recently released action adventure

“Ocean’s Thirteen,” in which George Clooney and Brad Pitt lead the series’ returning star

ensemble, joined by Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin; and the comedy “License to Wed,” starring

Robin Williams, Mandy Moore and John Krasinski, released in July.

Village Roadshow’s upcoming projects include the psychological thriller “The Brave

One,” directed by Neil Jordan and starring Jodie Foster; the sci-fi action thriller “I Am Legend,”

starring Will Smith; and the comedy “Get Smart,” starring Steve Carell.

Berman got his start in the motion picture business working with Jack Valenti at the

MPAA while attending Georgetown Law School in Washington, DC. After earning his law

degree, he landed a job at Casablanca Films in 1978. Moving to Universal, he worked his way

up to the post of production Vice President in 1982.

In 1984, Berman joined Warner Bros. as a production Vice President and was promoted

to Senior Vice President of Production four years later. He was appointed President of

Theatrical Production in September 1989, and in 1991 was named President of Worldwide

Theatrical Production, where he served through May 1996. Under his aegis, Warner Bros.

Pictures produced and distributed such films as “Presumed Innocent,” “GoodFellas,” “Robin

Hood: Prince of Thieves,” the Oscar-winning Best Picture “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Batman

Forever,” “Under Siege,” “Malcolm X,” “The Bodyguard,” “JFK,” “The Fugitive,” “Dave,”

“Disclosure,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Outbreak,” “The Client,” “A Time to Kill” and “Twister.”

In May of 1996, Berman started Plan B Entertainment, an independent motion picture

company at Warner Bros. Pictures. He was named Chairman and CEO of Village Roadshow

Pictures in February 1998.

CAROL FUCHS (Screenplay) was named hall monitor 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade; the

only person in her school's history to receive that honor four years running. Subsequent to that,

she wrote “No Reservations.”

STUART DRYBURGH (Director of Photography) earned an Academy Award

nomination for Best Cinematography for his photography on Jane Campion’s “The Piano.” His

work on that memorable film also received an L.A. Film Critics Award and Australian Film

Institute Award, as well as nominations from the American Society of Cinematographers and

BAFTA.

Dryburgh also collaborated with Jane Campion on “An Angel at My Table,” for which he

received a New Zealand Film Award, and “The Portrait Of a Lady.”

His credits include the features “Once Were Warriors,” “The Perez Family,” “Lone Star,”

“Runaway Bride,” “Analyze This,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” “The Recruit,” “A Beautiful

Country,” “Kate & Leopold,” “Poodle Springs,” “In My Father’s Den,” for which he received an

award for Best Cinematography from the Shanghai International Film Festival, “Aeon Flux” and

last year’s “The Painted Veil.”

Among his most recent projects are the drama “The Girl in the Park” and Martin

Scorsese’s documentary on the Rolling Stones, “Shine a Light,” set for a September release.

Dryburgh is currently in production on the family adventure “Nim’s Island,” for 2008,

starring Gerard Butler, Jodie Foster and “No Reservations” star Abigail Breslin.

BARBARA LING (Production Designer) previously collaborated with filmmakers Scott

Hicks and Kerry Heysen on the mystery drama “Hearts in Atlantis.”

For director Joel Schumacher, Ling worked on “Batman & Robin,” “Batman Forever”

and “Falling Down.” Her film credits include Sydney Pollack’s “Random Hearts,” “With

Honors,” Jon Avnet’s “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “V.I. Warshawski,” Oliver Stone’s docudrama

“The Doors,” “Men Don’t Leave,” “Checking Out,” “Less Than Zero,” “Making Mr. Right,”

David Byrne’s “True Stories” and “Heaven,” a feature documentary directed by Diane Keaton.

PIP KARMEL (Editor) earned an Oscar nomination, a BAFTA nomination and an

Australian Film Institute Award for her work on the 1996 tour de force “Shine,” directed by

Scott Hicks. In 2001, she continued her collaboration with Hicks as editor on “Hearts in

Atlantis.”

Karmel is also an award-winning writer and director. After writing and directing several

acclaimed short films, she directed “The Long Ride,” which won Best Telefeature from the 1994

Australian Film Institute. She went on to write and direct her first feature film, “Me Myself I,”

starring Rachel Griffiths, which garnered AFI nominations for both screenwriting and directing.

Karmel has written the screenplay and is to direct “Year of Wonders,” from Pulitzer Prize

winner Geraldine Brooks’ best-selling novel, produced by Jeremy Thomas (Recorded Picture

Company UK) and Miranda Culley and Phillip Noyce (Rumbalara Films). She is continuing to

develop screenplays with Rumbalara Films.

She lives in Sydney with her husband Pierre and son Sébastien.

MARI JO WINKLER-IOFFREDA (Co-Producer) is a veteran filmmaker with eighteen

years of experience in feature production. Most recently she was an executive producer for the

upcoming release “Dan in Real Life,” for director Peter Hedges, starring Steve Carell, Juliette

Binoche and Dane Cook.

She recently served as co-producer on two films directed by Curtis Hanson, “Lucky

You,” starring Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore and Robert Duvall, and “In Her Shoes,” starring

Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine, as well as Peter Chelsom’s remake of the

Japanese hit “Shall We Dance?,” starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.

Earlier in her career, Winkler-Ioffreda was a production manager, supervising shoots in

New York, Newfoundland, Halifax, Winnipeg, South Carolina and Los Angeles for a number of

award-winning directors, on films as diverse as “The Shipping News,” “Serendipity,” “Catch Me

If You Can,” “Cold Mountain,” “A Thousand Acres” and “The Object of My Affection.”

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.

PHILIP GLASS (Music) earned his third Oscar nomination in 2006 for his score for

“Notes on a Scandal.” He was previously nominated for “The Hours” and Martin Scorsese’s

“Kundun.”

A graduate of the University of Chicago and Juilliard, Glass spent two years of intensive

study in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, supporting himself by transcribing Ravi Shankar’s Indian

music into Western notation. Upon his return to New York, he applied the Eastern techniques he

had learned to his own music. By 1976, he had composed a large collection of new music,

culminating in “Music in Twelve Parts,” followed by the landmark opera “Einstein on the

Beach,” created with Robert Wilson.

Glass’ repertoire includes music for opera, theater, chamber ensemble, orchestra and

film.

His film work for Stephen Daldry’s “The Hours” not only brought him an Oscar

nomination but earned Golden Globe and Grammy nominations, plus a BAFTA Award. Glass’

more recent scores include music for Errol Morris’ Academy Award-winning film “The Fog of

War,” David Koepp’s “Secret Window,” D.J. Caruso’s “Taking Lives,” David Gordon Green’s

“Undertow,” George Butler’s IMAX project “Roving Mars,” Neil Burger’s “The Illusionist”

and Woody Allen’s forthcoming “Cassandra’s Dream.”

In 2004, Glass premiered the new work “Orion,” a collaboration with six other

international artists that opened in Athens as part of the cultural celebration of the 2004

Olympics in Greece. In 2005 he premiered a new opera, “Waiting for the Barbarians,” with

libretto by Christopher Hampton, based on the book by J. M. Coetzee, and his “Symphony No.

8,” with the Bruckner Orchestra.

Glass continues to tour with his ensemble, performing live to the films of Godfrey

Reggio’s Qatsi Trilogy: “Naqoyqatsi,” “Powaqatsi” and “Koyaanisqatsi.”

MELISSA TOTH (Costume Designer) has been designing for feature films for more

than a decade. Her work on “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” earned a nomination for a

Costume Design Guild Award.

She designed the costumes for Kenneth Lonergan’s Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner

“You Can Count On Me”; Liz Friedlander’s “Take The Lead”; Ben Younger’s “Prime”; Woody

Allen's “Hollywood Ending”; “Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2”; “Saving Silverman”; “Nola”;

and Todd Solondz’s Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner “Welcome to the Dollhouse.”

Her most recent projects are Lonergan’s feature “Margaret,” scheduled for a fall release,

the Thomas McCarthy comedy drama “The Visitor,” currently in post-production, and the

upcoming Charlie Kaufman film “Synecdoche, New York,” which is currently in production.

La gran chef Kate Armstrong (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES) del muy elegante

restaurante llamado 22 Bleecker en Manhattan, vive su vida tal y como dirige su cocina:

con una intensidad que intimida y con destacado sentido común, lo cual a la vez cautiva a

quienes la rodean. Ella organiza cada turno de cocina con una maestría extraordinaria,

coordinando cientos de comidas distintas, preparando delicadas salsas, y condimentando

y decorando cada plato con absoluta perfección.

Kate se siente muy cómoda en su cocina, la cual para ella es su mundo, y sólo sale

de su refugio para aceptar halagos por sus platos especiales, o en raras ocasiones, para

hablar con algún cliente que se atreve a cuestionar su experiencia.

Al final del día, la mayoría de las veces ella se va a dormir antes de la media

noche. Se levanta con la aurora, porque quiere ser una de las primeras en el mercado de

pescado y así ganarle a la competencia con la mejor y más fresca selección.

El perfeccionismo de Kate llega a su máximo cuando un nuevo sub-chef se une al

equipo del restaurante. Se trata del alegre y despreocupado Nick Palmer (AARON

ECKHART), una estrella culinaria en ascenso, a quien le gusta escuchar ópera mientras

que trabaja. Además a Nick, le gusta hacer reír a todos a su alrededor. Su estilo informal,

tanto en su vida personal como dentro de la cocina, no podía ser más diferente del de

Kate. Sin embargo entre ellos, se da una atracción innegable… y también unas cuantas

notas de discordia, que suenan como cucharones de metal cayendo sobre la mesada de

mármol.

Si Kate no estuviera tan nerviosa porque en su casa tiene que lidiar con su sobrina

de nueve años, Zoe (ABIGAIL BRESLIN), tal vez podría encarar con más calma todos

esos pequeños problemas diarios en el trabajo. Zoe vino a vivir con ella hace poco, y muy

inesperadamente. Su sobrina es una niña perceptiva, a quien le gustan más los pescaditos

fritos que el paté de foie. Sin ninguna duda, Zoe está fuera de sus aguas en el trabajo

diario de Kate, pero Kate quiere brindarle un hogar… o al menos lo hará, si logra

imaginarse cómo hacerlo.

Las semanas pasan y Kate, ya no sabe qué cosa le molesta más: si que el talento

de Nick haya ganado las loas de Paula (PATRICIA CLARKSON), la dueña de 22

Bleecker, y las de su distinguida clientela, o si que Nick con su afabilidad y encanto, se

haya hecho amigo de Zoe, quien se comunica mucho mejor con él que con ella.

Cuando Nick trata de obviar la rivalidad entre ellos e intenta entrar en el campo

del romance, Kate se cuestiona – por primera vez en muchos años – algunas de las

creencias y opciones que la llevaron a ser tan independiente y tan segura.

Si ella quiere lograr una verdadera unión con Zoe, si quiere poder ser feliz con

Nick y volver a sentir ganas de vivir, deberá intentar ser audaz y probar cosas nuevas, y

también deberá aprender a expresarse fuera del pequeño mundo de su cocina.

Pero eso podría ser tan riesgoso como cocinar sin una receta. Pese a todo, Kate

pronto descubrirá, que a veces las mejores recetas son las que inventa uno mismo.

Castle Rock Entertainment en asociación con Village Roadshow Pictures

presenta, una película de Scott Hicks, “

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””, protagonizada por la actriz

ganadora del Premio de la Academia, Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), por el actor

nominado para el Globo de Oro, Aaron Eckhart (“Thank You for Smoking”), por la actriz

postulada para el Oscar, Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”), y por la actriz

nominada para el Oscar, Patricia Clarkson (“Pieces of April”).

Este drama romántico está dirigido por el director postulado para el Oscar Scott

Hicks (“Shine”), con guión de Carol Fuchs, y producida por Kerry Heysen (“Hearts in

Atlantis”) y Sergio Agüero (tres veces ganador del premio español Goya, por

“Princesas”). Susan Cartsonis (“What Women Want”) y Bruce Berman (“Ocean’s

Thirteen”) fueron los productores ejecutivos. Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda (“In Her Shoes”)

fue co-productora. Stuart Dryburgh (“The Piano”), postulado para el Oscar, fue el

director de fotografía; Barbara Ling (“Hearts in Atlantis”), fue diseñadora de producción;

Pip Karmel (“Shine”), nominado para el Oscar realizó el montaje y Melissa Toth

(“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), diseñó el vestuario. La música es del

compositor tres veces candidato al Oscar, Philip Glass (“Notes on a Scandal”, “The

Hours”, “Kundun”). “

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”” está basada en el guión de “Mostly Martha”,

escrito por Sandra Nettelbeck, producido por Christoph Freidel y Karl Baumgärtner.

Esta película será distribuida mundialmente por Warner Bros. Pictures, una

compañía Warner Bros. Entertainment, y en territorios selectos por Village Roadshow

Pictures.

Esta película ha sido clasificada PG (Parental Guidance Suggested =Supervisión

de los padres recomendada – parte del material puede no ser adecuado para niños) por la

MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), por “alguna sensualidad y por su

lenguaje”. Álbum con la música de la película de Decca Records.

www.noreservationsmovie.com

Para descargar información general de prensa y fotos de

“

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”” del Internet, por favor visite: http://press.warnerbros.com

SOBRE LA PRODUCCIÓN

A veces la vida, no está hecha a pedir de boca

Según cuenta el director de “

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””, Scott Hicks, no fue solamente la

historia en sí lo que le atrajo a dirigirla, sino la manera tocante en que deja vislumbrar

conmovedoras relaciones humanas, en un nivel muy íntimo. -“Este es un drama

sentimental y contemporáneo, con una interesante mezcla de profundas emociones y

momentos de humor que surgen naturalmente. Esa es la manera con que la mayoría de

nosotros vivimos la vida”- comenta él- “Esta película trata de pérdida y a la vez, de

aprender a cambiar, para así poder encontrar el verdadero amor a partir de esa pérdida”.

Hicks comenzó a ser conocido internacionalmente en 1996, con el drama “Shine”,

película que fue candidata a siete premios Oscar, entre ellos al Mejor Director y al Mejor

Guión, el cual él había escrito. Como cineasta, a Hicks le gustan “las historias en las

cuales los personajes hacen cosas fuera de lo común en sus vidas y están llenas de

emociones”. En “

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””, ví que el dilema de Kate era una oportunidad para

explorar una vida extremada y perfectamente ordenada, que debe enfrentarse a cosas

repentinas, que abruptamente cambian su mundo y su circunstancia en un instante. Más

importante aún: -“muestra cómo esa persona, a través de problemas y adversidad,

encuentra amor, propósito y una nueva perspectiva de vida”.

Catherine Zeta-Jones - quien se confiesa ser gran admiradora de Hicks - dice algo

similar: -“Esta película tiene varias facetas. Es una bella historia de amor, tiene una

relación conmovedora entre Kate y su pequeña sobrina, tiene la pasión de Kate por su

trabajo, y tiene el fascinante entorno de una cocina profesional, que deja ver cómo

funciona ese mundo acelerado”.

-“Cuando me enteré de que Scott Hicks quería dirigir esta película, yo quedé

encantada” - continúa ella – “Yo ya sabía, por medio de sus trabajos anteriores, que él

lograría darle sentimiento y textura al filme”.

“

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”” está basada en la película europea “Bella Martha” (ó “Mostly

Martha”) del año 2001, la cual encantó a la mayoría de los actores del reparto de “

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”” y a sus cineastas, aún antes de ponerse a trabajar juntos en ella. La

productora Kerry Heysen comenta: -“Era una película dulce y con clase. Pensamos que

transportada al entorno norteamericano podríamos darle un público más amplio. La

acción sucede en Nueva York - una ciudad con gran diversidad de comidas y restaurantes

– la ciudad justa que yo sabía que le daría mejor sabor a la película. Allí, uno apenas

camina una cuadra, y ya se encuentra con cafecitos de todas clases, con diversos aromas

y actividades”.

-“Era una bella historia de amor que celebraba la alegría universal de hacer y

compartir la buena comida” – dice el productor Sergio Agüero - “Yo estaba

tremendamente entusiasmado sobre el potencial mundial, porque ambos temas mueven

hilos familiares en cualquier cultura”.

Los cineastas necesitaban reinventar la historia en este nuevo contexto, pero

trataron de mantener el sentimiento y sabor que logró que el público amase la película

“Mostly Martha”. También conservaron a su heroína: la exitosa y enfocada chef principal

de un restaurante, que vive su vida y maneja su cocina con igual disciplina y eficiencia.

Al llegar un nuevo sub-chef, Nick, todo cambia drásticamente. –“El es ostentoso,

pone música de ópera y canta en la cocina, y los empleados se ríen de sus bromas. Nick

crea una atmósfera completamente distinta en el lugar, y a Kate no le gusta ni un

poquito” – dice Heysen, quien reconoce que desde el punto de vista de Kate, hay cosas

mucho más importantes en juego. Como ella es una mujer que logró triunfar y ser

independiente en un campo súper competitivo –que además no ofrece demasiadas buenas

posiciones laborales - considera que Nick es un peligro profesional en potencia para ella.

Pero la verdad, continúa explicando Heysen: -“es que Nick aceptó ese trabajo porque es

un gran admirador del trabajo de Kate como chef, y lo que más quiere, es aprender de

ella. Pero Kate no puede ver eso, y ni bien lo conoce, comienza a desconfiar de él”.

Por si fuera poco que Nick es un desafío en la cocina de Kate, llega Zoe, la

sobrina de Kate que recientemente se quedó huérfana, y eso causa una revolución en su

vida.

Hicks dice: -“La niña da vuelta su mundo, no sólo emocionalmente sino en su

rutina diaria. Para una chef tan ocupada y con tan poco tiempo como Kate, no hay lugar

para una niña de nueve años. Kate tiene horarios de trabajo muy exigentes, trabaja hasta

muy tarde y tiene rigurosos hábitos personales. Además, no tiene mucho sentido

maternal. No porque sea una mujer sin sentimientos, sino porque no tiene ni la menor

idea de qué es lo que debe hacer con la niña, que ni siquiera quiere comer su comida. Al

mismo tiempo, en el restaurante, el nuevo chef hace saltar chispas en su cocina”.

Pero las chispas no siempre son una cosa mala…

Aaron Eckhart, quien actúa el papel del gregario Nick, comenta: -“A través de

estos conflictos, Kate va a encontrar la verdadera alegría de vivir. Zoe y Nick cambian

todo a su alrededor, entonces ella comienza a ablandarse. Es ella misma quien tendrá que

superar sus problemas, crecer y comenzar una nueva vida”.

Y ¿qué mejor manera para nutrir el romance y acercar a la gente que a través de la

comida?

La comida y todo lo relacionado con ella: la preparación, la presentación y el

compartirla, sin olvidar incluír el aroma, la textura y su gusto, tienen elementos

románticos que afirman la vida. Hicks sabe entretejerlos a través de la historia, y quedan

resaltados en un entorno de cocina súper activa.

Esa intención comenzó en el guión, del cual Fuchs dice: -“La comida sirve como

elemento tanto literario como figurativo. No sólo se trata de lo que uno come, sino de

cómo uno se alimenta emocionalmente”.

-“La comida tiene su propia fuerza y presencia simbólica en la película”- detalla

el director – “Toda la comunicación y la seducción comienza con la comida. La conexión

entre Kate y Nick comienza por su amor mutuo por la cocina, y también juega un papel

importante para sacar a Zoe de su encierro en sí misma. En el caso de Zoe – una niña que

ha perdido el apetito por tanto sufrimiento – el que finalmente acepte comer el plato de

fideos que Nick le ofrece, es una señal de la confianza que ella comienza a tenerle. En el

caso de Kate y Nick, cuando ellos comparten su primera comida juntos, la comida tiene

un sentido más bien erótico”.

La productora Heysen dice: -“En un sentido general, la comida es una metáfora de

la vida, o de la fuerza de la vida, o si uno quiere, del amor”.

Eckhart, el actor, está de acuerdo y dice: - “Todos los sentidos están puestos en la

comida. Al cocinar, especialmente a este nivel, en el cual llega a ser casi un arte, uno

toma más conciencia de los ingredientes que agrega y los que mezcla para estimular la

paleta de sabores …¡Ah sí!, ¡es muy romántico!”

-“En verdad nunca pensé que los escalopes podían llegar a ser excitantes”- declara

Zeta-Jones -“pero si uno realmente se concentra en ellos, pues se ven de una manera muy

diferente”.

Casting: ¿Cuántos cocineros caben en una cocina?

-“Mi marido dice que este papel es el más difícil que realicé como actriz, porque

tengo que cocinar”- comenta riendo Zeta-Jones, y revela que antes de su entrenamiento

culinario para el film, nunca antes hubiera podido siquiera hervir un huevo

correctamente.

De hecho, dice Hicks, unas semanas antes de que comenzara la filmación de “

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””, Zeta-Jones tuvo que aprender rápidamente a manejarse dentro de la

cocina, para que su papel pareciera real, pues la película dependía en mucho de su

versatilidad. -“La historia absolutamente descansa sobre sus hombros. Ella está en casi

todas las escenas, y todo gira a su alrededor. Catherine es muy sutil y tiene un increíble

cronometraje, lo cual, si uno considera que ella es bailarina, tiene lógica. Ese buen

manejo de los tiempos es muy importante para su sentido del drama, porque hay escenas

muy emotivas pero también otras muy graciosas”.

-“Kate es fanáticamente organizada y exigente”- comenta Zeta-Jones -“Ella

conoce su profesión perfectamente y se pone a la defensiva cuando algún cliente pone en

duda algún sabor, o la presentación de alguno de sus platos. Pero cuando Kate lleva ese

perfeccionismo a su vida privada, le impide tener relaciones verdaderas con la gente. Si

bien su perfeccionismo la protege de inseguridades, de temores y sufrimientos, también

bloquea la alegría y la plenitud de la vida, que sólo existen cuando uno se abre hacia la

gente, y permite que las cosas sucedan”.

Aaron Eckhart habla sobre el primer encuentro de los personajes en la cocina de

22 Bleecker, y dice: -“Kate echa una mirada al nuevo y despreocupado chef, quien es

afable, escucha música de ópera y cuenta chistes. Ella piensa que él no se toma su trabajo

en serio. Tal vez se vea de esa forma, pero en realidad, ese es el estilo de Nick. Cuando la

ola de hostilidad de Kate se deja sentir, él aplica la ‘teoría de la banda elástica’ - la banda

no se rompe sino que se dobla - y trata de ser amable y amoroso con ella, esperando que

eventualmente Kate baje la guardia”.

Para Nick. El nuevo trabajo, es la oportunidad de poder aprender y trabajar con

una gran chef, Kate, a quien él admira. -“El romance es tan sorpresivo para él como para

ella” - explica Eckhart -“Pero la diferencia entre ellos, es que cuando él se da cuenta de lo

que está pasando, inmediatamente quiere seguir adelante. Sin embargo ella no está

preparada para ello, y él debe recurrir a sus encantos y creatividad. Cuando se da cuenta

que ya no le queda otro camino, entonces utiliza el lenguaje que ella conoce y entiende

mejor: la comida”.

-“Este papel permite ver el costado suave Aaron, el cual no vemos muy a menudo.

La mayoría de sus papeles son en general intensos”- comenta Zeta-Jones.

-“Aaron no sólo es el galán romántico aquí” – dice Hicks - “también debe tener la

habilidad de comunicarse con la niñita, y poner emoción en ello, lo cual es más fácil

decirlo que hacerlo”.

-“Al igual que Nick, Aaron se acerca a la pequeña Zoe de la misma manera en

que uno se acerca a un pony en el establo”- detalla la productora Heysen, comparando un

poco la acción con su experiencia con caballos. Ella los cría en la propiedad australiana

que comparte con su marido Scott Hicks, con quien lleva asociada 30 años realizando

películas. -“si uno tiene un pony tímido que no quiere venir a uno, uno no debe obligarlo.

Más bien uno debe sentarse y esperar, abiertamente proponiendo el acercamiento, hasta

que el pony venga a uno. Para eso se debe tener mucha sensibilidad”.

A Eckhart le gustaron sus escenas junto a Abigail Breslin, quien cumplió 10 años

durante la producción. -“Es divertido tener ese tipo de espíritu joven alrededor. Ella me

enseñó algunos cantos de porristas, y los practicábamos juntos en la cocina, entre tomas”.

Contrariamente a la personalidad burbujeante de la actriz fuera de las cámaras, el

personaje de Zoe es más reservado. O al menos lo es en sus primeras escenas en la

película. La joven Breslin, define a su personaje de esta manera: -“Zoe es silenciosa al

principio. No es hostil, ni es mala, ni maleducada con Kate, pero no es su amiga, y no se

abre a ella. No está muy segura en qué terminará este arreglo de vivir con ella, y se siente

un tanto perdida y muy sola”.

Hicks piensa que Breslin es “deliciosa”, dice: –“A ella le gusta actuar, sin darse

humos por eso. A mí me encanta trabajar con niños. Si bien no tiene mucha experiencia o

técnica para darle a sus personajes, les brindan mucha honestidad y emoción a su papel,

como en el caso de Abigail. Si yo le explico el contexto y la situación de una escena a

Abigail, ella lo puede sentir y transmitir a su personaje. Tiene muchos recursos y

aptitudes para ser actriz”.

Para ilustrar este detalle, Heysen cuenta lo que le contó la madre de Breslin: -“La

mamá de Abigail cuenta que la niña había estado preparándose para la escena la noche

antes de filmar. Se trataba de la parte en la cual Zoe, vé por primera vez el lugar en el que

va a vivir con su tía, tras la muerte de su mamá. La señora Breslin dice que Abigail le

dijo: ‘Cuando la niñita sube los escalones de la casa, se da cuenta que su vida ya nunca

más va a volver a ser la misma’. En verdad ella pensaba que su vida se acababa como era,

y es por eso que es tan convincente en la pantalla”.

Mientras tanto, Kate se prepara para enfrentarse en una discusión con la dueña del

restaurante, Paula, en la actuación autoritaria de Patricia Clarkson. La actriz dice que los

dos personajes, Paula y Kate son muy parecidos. –“Paula es una controladora. Es una

persona bien dispuesta que se preocupa por cada detalle en su restaurante. Es la

anfitriona, la administradora, la dueña, la jefa de personal y la encargada de la selección

de vinos. El restaurante es su vida, y para ella, todo gira en torno a su empresa”.

-“Paula respeta el talento de Kate y su ética profesional, y por eso tolera sus

arranques temperamentales”- comenta Clarkson -“Son amigas, y ya tienen historia juntas,

pero no es una relación fácil. La relación entre Kate y Nick, saca chispas entre ellas”.

Hicks es un gran admirador del trabajo de Clarkson como actriz, y dice: -“Ella le

da una inteligencia astuta, sofisticada y cortante al papel”.

Heysen agrega: -“Patricia muestra todos los costados de Paula: el bueno, el malo

y el complejo, pero sobre todas las cosas, deja transmitir que en realidad, ésta es una

mujer con la que uno debe evitar pelearse. Pero Kate demasiado seguido hace cosas que

la provocan”.

Completando el reparto principal están Jenny Wade (“Rumor Has It…”) como

Leah, la segunda cocinera, embarazada y gran amiga de Kate. El inminente parto y

ausencia materna es lo que hace que Paula busque un nuevo cocinero. Ella contrata de

Nick para reemplazarla. Luego está Lily Rabe (“Mona Lisa Smile”) como la mesera y

actriz Bernadette, a quien el gusta practicar los diálogos de su próxima audición de actriz,

adentro de la gran heladera del restaurante. Ella es una gran fanática de Nick. Por último

está Brían F. O’Byrne (“Shining City” en el teatro de Broadway, y “Bug”) es el vecino

del piso de abajo de Kate, Sean, un padre divorciado que desde hace años quiere salir con

ella.

Bob Balaban (“Gosford Park”), actor postulado para el premio de la Academia,

aparece como el terapeuta al que Paula fuerza a Kate a visitar. El es un hombre que

recurre a métodos poco ortodoxos cuando la terapia no da los resultados esperados con la

gran chef, que más prefiere hablar de recetas que de sus propias represiones.

¿Qué se va a servir? Entrenamiento culinario de los actores

El truco del mantel de Catherine Zeta-Jones

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”” exigía muchas escenas alrededor de las cocinas calientes del

restaurante 22 Bleecker, llenas de ruidos de cacerolas y de apurados meseros entrando y

saliendo de la cocina, lo cual sucedía paralelamente al emergente drama personal entre

Kate y Nick mientras que preparaban las comidas para los clientes del lugar. Hicks quiso

que los actores se sintieran cómodos con los verdaderos tiempos que tiene una cocina

profesional. -“Siempre me esfuerzo para que las escenas parezcan reales. En la cocina,

era muy importante que los actores sintieran que en realidad estaban preparando los

platos que servían, mientras que trataban de barajar todo el estrés que el trabajo impone.

Era fundamental que sus acciones fueran naturales y espontáneas, para no distraer la

atención del lugar apropiado de la historia” – detalla el director.

-“Igualmente importante” - comenta Heysen- “era que las escenas en las que Nick

está cortando cebollas, y Kate está adornando los platos, parecieran reales, porque dados

los populares programas de cocina que la gente vé por televisión, el público es instruido,

y se da perfecta cuenta cuando algo está fingido”.

Esa fue la razón por la que Hicks contrató chefs profesionales que no tenían

experiencia en actuación, para que hicieran los papeles de los cocineros del restaurante 22

Bleecker. Además contrató a grandes maestros de la cocina, para que entrenaran a los

primeros actores.

Catherine Zeta-Jones y Aaron Eckhart, se pasaron dos semanas trabajando con el

célebre chef Michael White, que adaptó el entrenamiento de las estrellas al papel que

cada uno debía desarrollar: para Zeta-Jones, la chef principal, hizo énfasis en la

preparación de salsas, el salteado en sartén y la presentación y decoración de los platos. A

Eckhart, el sub-chef, lo entrenó en los aspectos más prácticos de la cocina, como cortar

los vegetales, salteados, la limpieza y despedazado del pescado y el troceado de la carne.

Teniendo en cuenta el dicho que dice que, lo que distingue a un buen chef no sólo es su

gusto por la comida sino el comando de su entorno, ambos tuvieron que aprender cosas

que para un chef son básicas: el manejo de cuchillos, mover ollas súper calientes con

toallas, y poder circular a ciegas por el espacio lleno de gente y de cosas de la cocina,

mientras que al mismo tiempo pueden trabajar, charlar y cocinar con mucha naturalidad.

Eckhart trabajó anteriormente de mesero en un restaurante y sirvió copas en un

bar., pero nunca fue chef. El estaba muy interesado en el currículum, al que encontró

fascinante. Pero además de cortar las cebollas, las zanahorias y las setas, se cortó los

dedos infinitas veces durante sus dos días de entrenamiento con cuchillos. Eso es lo

normal en este curso, aseguró White, quien tras 16 años de cocinar profesionalmente,

todavía vive con la premisa que cualquier superficie en la cocina está caliente.

Hasta Abigail Breslin aprendió a revolear los panqueques en el aire, y a pelar los

vegetales, bajo la tutela de la chef Lee Anne Wong, del Instituto Culinario Francés. La

joven Breslin cuenta, que en una escena ya estaba demasiado entretenida con su nueva

destreza: -“Yo estaba pelando espárragos, y llegué a la parte en donde se vuelven

blancos, pero yo seguí pelándolos, hasta que se volvieron tan flaquitos que Scott se

empezó a reír. El me dijo ‘No tienes que convertirlos en escarbadientes, ¡tienen que

seguir siendo espárragos!’”.

Fuera de la cocina, Patricia Clarkson tomó un curso intensivo sobre cómo manejar

las tareas en el frente del restaurante, con el aplomo que da la experiencia. Para eso contó

con la ayuda de Daniele Sbordi, directora general del famoso bar de la ciudad de Nueva

York, Fiamma Osteria, quien lo compara con la habilidad de manejar un teatro.-“Para

dirigir un restaurante, uno debe estar atento a todas las cosas: las provisiones, las órdenes

de compra, el personal y la selección de vinos. Además uno debe tener en cuenta las

preferencias y personalidades de los clientes muy importantes que entran, dado que se

debe estar preparado para suavizar cualquier situación que se presente. Hay que llegar

muy temprano para preparar y dirigir a los meseros sobre los especiales del día. Cuando

las puertas se abren y la gente comienza a entrar, es igual que si se abriera el telón en un

teatro”.

En una de las escenas con los clientes del restaurante, Kate debe enfrentarse con

uno que tiene muy malos modos. Eso brindó a Zeta-Jones la oportunidad para agregar un

buen truco a su repertorio profesional: la clásica tirada del mantel, en la que el mantel se

saca y todo queda en su lugar y muy pocas cosas se vuelcan. El éxito del truco depende

mucho de la confianza y la rapidez con que se haga. -“Ese fue uno de los mejores días de

filmación de mi vida”- declara la actriz –“No me salió bien en seguida, pero cuando lo

pude hacer, me gustó tanto, que quería hacerlo una y otra vez. Ahora puedo apostarle a la

gente en las fiestas, que puedo sacar el mantel de la mesa sin retirar los platos ni los

vasos, y sin romper ninguno”.

Zeta-Jones extendió su entrenamiento en el restaurante, más allá de lo que Hicks

se hubiese imaginado, y se ofreció como voluntaria para trabajar durante una noche -

durante el turno más febril - en el bar Fiamma Hostería. Esa fue una experiencia que ella

llama “terrorífica y en verdad muy educativa”.

Aunque el lugar estaba entre sombras, varios clientes mencionaron el increíble

parecido que la mesera tenía con la actriz Catherine Zeta-Jones, a lo que ella todo el

tiempo respondía: “¡Ah sí!, me lo dicen todo el tiempo”.

Diseño de producción, y comida de utilería que da ganas de comerla

-“La comida es el símbolo del amor en esta historia, y la preparación de la comida

es el contexto en el que viven, actúan y se relacionan los personajes”- dice Hicks. Con

esta idea en mente, él y la diseñadora de producción Barbara Ling, dieron a los actores el

escenario de una cocina que funcionaba casi en su totalidad. Ese es el telón de fondo de

los momentos más significativos entre Kate y Nick.

Hicks y Ling visitaron aproximadamente unos 60 restaurantes del área, para ver la

gama de diseños y ambientes con que podían contar como opción. Había gran diferencia

entre los espacios creados por chefs y los que habían sido creados por los dueños de los

restaurantes. Al principio pensaron en adaptar uno de los restaurantes que había en un

edificio industrial, pero luego decidieron que era demasiado estéril y grande. Por lo tanto,

terminaron construyendo su cocina completamente desde el vamos, en un galpón de

filmación en los estudios Silvercup East en Queens.

Ling detalla: -“Así teníamos la ventaja de no tener que cumplir con códigos, lo

cual hubiera sido ridículamente caro. En vez, diseñé una cocina que funcionaba en

verdad, pero que no estaba hecha para durar demasiado. Todo el acero inoxidable es

verdadero, como también lo son los azulejos, los caños de cobre y los tanques para las

máquinas para hacer capuchinos. También son reales los electrodomésticos, las piletas

para platos, las cocinas, las mesas de acero inoxidable, e inclusive los termómetros en las

paredes. Las únicas excepciones fueron las heladeras en las que se puede entrar. Esas las

construimos y luego les bombeamos aire frío”.

Las grandes habitaciones refrigeradoras tenían un doble propósito: enfriar la

comida, y proveer a los chefs un lugar para descansar o para tener una conversación en

privado. Esta es una costumbre confirmada por todos los chefs y personal de cocina que

asesoraron a los productores, y que es tan auténtica como se muestra en la película, hasta

el mismo detalle que el personal de la cocina espía por las ventanitas de la puerta para

saber qué está pasando.

Eckhart cuenta: -“Recrearon todo a la perfección. Los detalles son asombrosos.

Uno puede entrar en uno de los escenarios y olvidarse completamente de que en realidad

está en un set de filmación”.

Ling se esforzó en mostrar la actividad propia del entorno laboral desde el punto

de vista de la cámara, sin quitar paredes. -“Mi intención era mostrar lo que la gente por lo

general no vé: cómo se mueven los chefs dentro de una cocina, cómo se cruzan los unos

con los otros, uno sosteniendo un plato, mientras que el otro adorna otro plato y se lo

pasa a otra persona. Es bello, casi como una danza coreografiada. El tránsito es constante,

la gente entra y sale, llegan provisiones, los meseros entran por la puerta, y el chef

principal supervisa todo desde una posición central, como si fuera una director dirigiendo

la orquesta dentro del foso”.

La acción que se genera en la cocina, luego fluye sin quebrarse hacia el

restaurante, y de allí sigue a las ventanas desde donde salta a las calles de Nueva York.

Para la escena en que Kate va de compras al mercado de pescado, Ling recreó el

histórico Mercado de Pescado Fulton, en su ubicación del bajo Manhattan, cerca del

puente Brooklyn. El viejo centro de distribución, de casi 200 años, se mudó al Bronx en

el año 2005, lugar al que Ling recurrió para conseguir carteles originales, muebles y

cantidad de pescado fresco. -“Hasta contratamos como extras a unos tipos que solían

trabajar en el viejo lugar. Fue muy interesante montar el lugar, y trajo nostalgias a gente

del lugar, para quienes el Mercado siempre había sido parte del panorama del barrio”.

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”” también servía comida real para las cámaras, cortesía de

Diane Burton jefa de propiedades y exteriores para la producción. Todo un grupo de

cocineros comenzaba a trabajar por lo general dos horas antes de la filmación cada

mañana. La cocina estaba a una cierta distancia, porque como atestigua Heysen: -“Ya no

se engaña a nadie con comida de plástico. Para nosotros era muy importante tener comida

que pareciera exquisita y fresca en la pantalla, porque eso se reflejaba en los personajes,

que se supone que son los mejores chefs de Nueva York”.

A excepción de algunas escenas en las que específicamente la gente come delante

de la cámara, Burton se enfocó más en la presentación que en el gusto de las comidas.

Experimentó con maicena y colores, para encontrar maneras de recrear la cocina francesa

a base de manteca, para que la comida mantuviera su consistencia bajo el calor de los

focos de iluminación. Una pasada de antorcha sobre las perdices, lograba el dorado justo,

dejando los jugos adentro, para que la comida se mantuviera fresca más tiempo frente a

las cámaras, antes de secarse.

Con la ayuda de los consultores culinarios de la producción, Burton y Hicks

diseñaron un menú de unos 25 platos para la filmación, entre ellos: una terrina de

espárragos, el róbalo especial de Nick, escalopes, paté de foie, entrecôte; y las exclusivas

perdices con salsa de trufas de Kate. Hicks hizo las veces de Jefe de Chefs, pues fue él

quien decidió el aspecto final de cada plato. Dependiendo del día de planificación de la

filmación, el equipo de Burton preparaba un menú completamente diferente cada vez.

Burton abrió cuentas corrientes con los proveedores de provisiones de los

restaurantes locales, para asegurarse de tener comida fresca suficiente a mano, por si el

director la necesitaba en algún momento. Las bambalinas de los sets de la filmación,

frecuentemente semejaban la entrada trasera de un restaurante cinco estrellas, por donde

se recibían cajones con langostas y productos exóticos. Para una escena en especial en la

cual Nick filetea un róbalo, Burton tenía 20 pescados en hielo esperando en fila, porque

ella no podía saber cuántas veces habría que repetir la toma. Lo último que hubiese

deseado es decirle a Hicks que no había más pescado.

Toda esta “realidad” tenía un precio, relata Catherine Zeta-Jones: -“Los aromas

eran muy efectivos para que todos se pusieran en ambiente, lo cual está muy bien cuando

uno tiene hambre. Pero cuando son las seis de la mañana, y uno está oliendo pescado,

pues en vez, puede revolver el estómago”.

Burton llegó al detalle de contratar un artesano de moldes, para crear trufas que en

realidad se pudieran cortar, en caso de que la filmación se extendiera a la temporada en

que no hay más trufas en el mercado. Es que las trufas son parte principal de una de las

escenas. En cuanto a la batería de cocina, para tener ollas que parecieran manchadas por

el uso, Burton hizo un trato especial: intercambió con el bar Fiamma Hostería, toda su

batería de cocina vieja, por una relucientemente nueva. Finalmente, y como toque

personal, llenó el bar del restaurante con botellas de vino de las propias viñas australianas

de Hicks y Heysen.

Aaron Eckhart, cuyo personaje prueba un plato de risotto, confiesa que “

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”” tuvo “la mejor comida de utilería del mundo”, y que no pudo resistir

comerse todo el plato de arroz entre las tomas.

Abigail Breslin, cuyo personaje se come todo un plato de fideos, dice: -“¡Estaban

deliciosos! En cada toma, yo trataba de comerme un buen bocado antes de que el director

dijera ¡corten!”.

22 Bleecker Street

Hicks eligió filmar “

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”” en Nueva York, para que la ciudad le

diera su propia personalidad a la historia. -“Nueva York es una ciudad con infinitos

restaurantes, muy apropiada para nuestra historia. Además, tiene riqueza de arquitectura y

diseño de detalles, por donde sea que uno mira” – y agrega - “Gran parte de la acción

sucede en interiores, dentro de la cocina o en un apartamento. Por eso yo quería que los

exteriores tuvieran toda la amplitud posible. Quería que los pocos lugares que aparecen

tuvieran máximo impacto”.

El director encontró un espacio vacante en la esquina de Bleecker Street y

Charles, para ubicar su restaurante ficticio en el West Village. Tenía grandes ventanas y

magnífica vista de la: -“vida en la ciudad, allí en la calle, la cual mejoramos aún más con

nuestras propias luces y algunas cosas más. Pero era un lugar ‘listo para usar’ que

podíamos usar como fondo, desde todos los puntos de vista”.

En el interior, la diseñadora de producción Barbara Ling creó un ambiente

cómodo, con paredes oscuras y mínimos cuadros al carbón, para que la comida fuera el

elemento estrella.

-“Anteriormente el lugar era un restaurante chino, ahora allí hay un negocio”-

dice Heysen, quien agrega que la presencia temporaria del equipo de filmación en el

ínterin, causó cierta confusión en el barrio. Especialmente cuando decidieron llamar al

restaurante 22 Bleecker Street… pero el frente y número del negocio, no tenían nada que

ver con la verdadera numeración de la calle. –“El único número que no existía en la calle

Bleecker era el 22. El número 24 era una iglesia, por lo que pensamos que estaríamos a

salvo con nuestro nombre para el restaurante. Pero cuando pusimos el cartel ‘22

Bleecker’, confundía constantemente a los mensajeros locales, por lo que tuvimos que

poner otro cartel en el lugar, con el verdadero número, que era por encima de los 300.

Todas las veces debíamos retirar el cartel, hasta el momento mismo que comenzara la

filmación en exteriores”.

El falso restaurante llamaba la atención por otras razones, cuenta Catherine Zeta-

Jones: -“en una escena, yo estoy parada junto al maître justo a la entrada del lugar. La

gente estaba tomando vino falso, y los meseros servían comida que se veía deliciosa. Por

todos lados había extras, y el bar parecía muy atractivo e invitador. Varias personas de la

calle se acercaron a preguntar si necesitaban hacer reservaciones para entrar, porque

pensaban que era un nuevo restaurante en donde podrían cenar. Pero tuvimos que

informarles que sólo era la escenografía para una película”.

La filmación de “

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”” logró que Zeta-Jones tuviera interés en la

cocina. Ella confiesa: -“Ahora, definitivamente veo a la comida y a la presentación de los

platos de manera completamente distinta. Me encantaría preparar la cena para el Día de

Acción de Gracias. Mi casa ya está llena de libros”.

Casi todos los actores y el personal de producción, descubrieron algo nuevo sobre

la alta cocina durante la filmación. Es posible que al público le suceda lo mismo. Hicks

dice : -“No era la intención que la película fuera educativa sobre la cocina francesa, pero

al contar una historia sobre personas cuya vida gira en torno a ese mundo, no se puede

menos que aprender su lenguaje. Como mínimo seguramente, uno va a aprende alguna

palabra que antes de le había escapado, dependiendo de sus hábitos para cenar. Por

ejemplo qué es un entrecôte o cuánto de cruda puede estar la carne. Fue muy divertido

estar rodeado de tanta belleza y perfección. Los platos que salían de la cocina de Bleecker

eran extraordinariamente tentadores… aunque, en realidad espero que no sea esa la

comida que uno quiere comer todos los días”.

Tanto Zeta-Jones como Eckhart, que probaron las mejores salsas de azafrán, los

escalopes y todos los otros deliciosos platos que se destacaron en “

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””.

Pero al igual que Hicks, siguen teniendo gustos de comida bastante simples. Cuando se

les pide que mencionen su comida favorita, ambos se refieren a las comidas favoritas que

les gustaban desde chicos: - “A mi me gustan los burritos” – dice Eckhart, mientras que

Zeta-Jones responde -“Para mí, pescado con papas fritas”.

SOBRE LOS ACTORES

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES (Kate) en el año 2002 ganó un Premio de la

Academia, el Premio Critic’s Choice, y el del Gremio de Actores de Cine, como Actriz

Secundaria, más una candidatura a los Globos de Oro, por su trabajo como la muy

asesina Velma Nelly, en la adaptación de la obra musical de Broadway, “Chicago”

llevada al cine por la productora Miramax.

Próximamente Zeta-Jones actuará en la película de romance y suspenso de Gillian

Armstrong, “Death Defying Acts”, junto a Guy Pearce, que podrá verse más tarde este

mismo año.

En el año 2005 la actriz retomó su papel de Elena de La Vega junto a Antonio

Banderas, quien hacía del Zorro, en “The Legend of Zorro”, la secuela de “The Mask of

Zorro”, la aventura de acción de 1999 que tuvo gran reconocimiento internacional. Luego

protagonizó la película de Steven Soderbergh, “Ocean’s 12”, secuela de la nueva versión

de “Ocean’s 11”; y también actuó en “The Terminal”, junto a Tom Hanks, dirigida por

Steven Spielberg; e “Intolerable Cruelty”, junto a George Clooney, dirigida por los

hermanos Coen.

Zeta- Jones fue postulada al Globo de Oro por su interpretación de la esposa de un

traficante de drogas, que debe enfrentar los lazos ilegales de su marido, y pelear para

salvar a su familia, en la película de Steven Soderbergh, “Traffic”. Los actores del reparto

del loado film, recibieron el Premio del Gremio de Actores de Cine (SAG) a la Actuación

Sobresaliente del Reparto en una Película de Cine.

En 1999, además de en “The Mask of Zorro”, Zeta-Jones también actuó en el

drama de suspenso de Jon Amiel, “Entrapment”, junto al legendario Sean Connery, en el

papel de un investigador secreto de seguros, que se propuso atrapar a los más grandes

ladrones de arte del mundo. La actriz también actuó como una diva del cine en la exitosa

comedia “America’s Sweethearts”, dirigida por Joe Roth, película en la que también

actuaban Billy Crystal, Julia Roberts y John Cusack.

Antes de trabajar en los Estados Unidos, la actriz galesa ya había incursionado en

la televisión, con la serie de Yorkshire, “The Darling Buds of May”, basada en las

novelas de H.E. Bates.

Zeta-Jones está casada con el actor Michael Douglas. Ellos tienen un hijo, Dylan,

y una hija, Carys.

AARON ECKHART (Nick) en el año 2000 comenzó a ganar popularidad con el

papel del hombre que era la pareja de Julia Roberts, en la película de Steven Soderbergh,

“Erin Brockovich”. Sin embargo, fue su papel del vengativo personaje de la controvertida

película de Neil LaBute, “In the Company of Men”, en 1997, la que lo volvió notorio. La

incendiaria película fue uno de los films independientes que recaudó más ganancias ese

año.

Hace poco se lo pudo ver a Eckhart en la película que fue el debut como director

de Jason Reitman, “Thank You for Smoking”, por la cual fue postulado a los premios

Globo de Oro e Independent Spirit.

Entre sus trabajos recientes cabe destacar: la comedia dramática “Bill”, con

Jessica Alba; el drama de Alan Ball, “Nothing is Private”; y la nueva película de Batman,

“The Dark Knight”, para el director Christopher Nolan, la cual se está filmando.

Próximamente también actuará en el inminente drama “Traveling”, que estará dirigida

por Brandon Camp.

Eckhart estudió teatro y cine en la universidad Brigham Young, donde él conoció

a Neil LaBute y luego trabajó en sus obras. Además de “In the Company of Men”,

Eckhart trabajó en otras cuatro de sus películas: “Possession”, co-protagonizada por

Gwyneth Paltrow; “Nurse Betty”, junto a Renee Zellweger; y “Your Friends and

Neighbors”, con Ben Stiller y Catherine Keener.

También trabajó en la adaptación de John Woo, de la historia corta de Phillip K.

Dick, “Paycheck”, junto a Ben Affleck y Uma Thurman; en “The Missing” de Ron

Howard, con Tommy Lee Jones y Cate Blanchett; en “The Core”, junto a Hilary Swank;

en la película de Brian De Palma “The Black Dahlia”; y en “Conversations with Other

Women”, con Helena Bonham Carter. Entre otros de sus trabajos, cabe mencionar “The

Pledge”, de Sean Penn, con Jack Nicholson, “Any Given Sunday” de Oliver Stone, y

“Molly”, con Elisabeth Shue.

Entre las obras de teatro en las que Eckhart actuó, destacan “Amazing Grace”, de

Michael Cristofer, donde también actuaba Marsha Mason.

ABIGAIL BRESLIN (Zoe) fue nominada al Oscar, al premio de la Academia

Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA), al del Gremio de Actores de Cine

(SAG) y al Premio a la Mejor Actriz en el Festival de Cine Internacional de Tokio, por su

actuación como una ambiciosa niña obsesionada con ganar un concurso de belleza, en la

muy irreverente comedia aclamada por la crítica, “Little Miss Sunshine”.

El trabajo más reciente de Breslin es la comedia romántica de Adam Brooks,

“Definitely, Maybe”, co-protagonizada por Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz y Ryan

Reynolds. En este momento está filmando la comedia dramática “Kit Kittredge: An

American Girl Mystery”, en el papel protagónico, la cual está programada para estrenarse

en el 2008. Luego comenzará el rodaje de “Nim’s Island”, junto a Jodie Foster.

Previamente, Breslin había actuado con Mel Gibson en el film de M. Night

Shyamalan, “Signs”, y en “Raising Helen”, para el director Garry Marshall, junto a su

hermano mayor Spencer Breslin y a Kate Hudson. La pequeña actriz apareció en el

drama independiente “Keane”, dirigido por Lodge Kerrigan, producido por Steven

Soderbergh, y en “The Ultimate Gift”, co-protagonizado por James Garner. También fue

uno de los duendes en “The Santa Clause 3”.

En televisión, Breslin fue artista invitada en “Law and Order: Special Victims

Unit”, “Navy N.C.I.S”, “What I Like About You” y “Grey’s Anatomy”.

PATRICIA CLARKSON (Paula) en este momento está en plena filmación de la

película de Stanley Tucci, “Blind Date” en Bélgica. En cuanto la finalice, comenzará a

trabajar en la película debut del director Daniel Barnz, “Phoebe in Wonderland”, junto a

Felicity Huffman, Bill Pullman y Elle Fanning; y luego el filme de Woody Allen,

“Untitled Spanish project”, en Barcelona, junto a Scarlett Johansson y a Javier Bardem.

Este otoño se podrá ver a Clarkson en el drama “Lars and The Real Girl” junto a

Ryan Gosling y a Emily Mortimer. Luego la actriz también será vista en “Elegy”, con Sir

Ben Kingsley y Dennis Hopper. La película, dirigida por Isabel Coixet, se basa en la

novela de Philip Roth, y está programada para estrenarse el 16 de Noviembre de este

mismo año.

Al principio de este año, Clarkson terminó de filmar “Married Life”, un drama

romántico que sucede en la década de 1940, dirigido por Ira Sachs y co-protagonizado

por Pierce Brosnan, Rachel McAdams y Chris Cooper.

Entre sus muchos otros trabajos, deben mencionarse sus papeles en las películas:

“All The King's Men”, “Goodnight, and Good Luck”, “The Dying Gaul”, “The Woods”,

“Far from Heaven”, “Pieces of April”, “ The Station Agent”, “Miracle”, “High Art”,

“Dogville”, “Welcome to Collinwood”, “The Pledge”, “The Green Mile”, “Everybody's

All-American”, “The Dead Pool”, “Rocket Gibraltar”, “Tune in Tomorrow”, “Joe

Gould's Secret”, “Wendigo” y el film de Brian De Palma “The Untouchables”, con la

cual debutó en el cine.

En el año 2003, el trabajo de Clarkson en dos películas independientes tuvo gran

reconocimiento. Fue candidata a los premios de la Academia, al Globo de Oro, al del

Gremio de Actores de Cine (SAG), al de los Críticos de Películas de Televisión y al

premio Independent Spirit, por su papel en “Pieces of April”. Además, recibió el Premio

del Jurado en el Festival de Cine de Sundance por su Actuación Sobresaliente en “Pieces

of April”, “The Station Agent” y “All the Real Girls”. Su actuación en “The Station

Agent” también le valió las candidaturas a los premio del SAG a la Mejor Actriz y al

Mejor Grupo de Actores. La Junta Nacional de Críticos y la sociedad Nacional de

Críticos de Cine la nombraron Mejor Actriz Secundaria del Año, por su trabajo en

“Pieces of April” y en “The Station Agent”.

Clarkson también ganó los Premios a la Mejor Actriz Secundaria del Círculo de

Críticos de Cine Nueva York y de la Sociedad Nacional de Críticos de Cine por su papel

en la película de Todd Haynes, “Far From Heaven”, rol que también fue listado al premio

de los Críticos de Cine de Chicago. Por otro lado, su actuación como Greta en la película

de Lisa Cholodenko, “High Art” fue nominada al premio a las Películas Independientes

(IFP) otorgado por Independent Spirit.

En televisión, Clarkson ganó el Premio Emmy 2006 y 2002 por su papel como

actriz invitada en el aclamado drama del canal HBO, “Six Feet Under”.

Clarkson debutó como actriz profesional en los escenarios de Nueva York. Entre

sus trabajos de teatro cabe mencionar las obras: “Eastern Standard” (en teatros fuera de

Broadway), “Maiden’s Prayer” (por la cual fue postulada a los premios del Círculo Outer

Critics y Drama Desk), “Raised in Captivity”, “Oliver Oliver”, “The House of Blue

Leaves” y “Three Days of Rain”. La actriz también actuó regionalmente en el Festival de

Teatro de Williamstown, en el teatro de South Coast Repertory y en el de Yale Repertory.

Clarkson nació y se crió en Nueva Orleáns. Se graduó Summa Cum Laude de la

Universidad Fordham con estudios en artes teatrales. Recibió su maestría en Arte en la

prestigiosa Escuela de Drama de Yale, en donde actuó en las obras “Electra”, “Pacific

Overtures”, “Pericles”, “La Ronde”, “The Lower Depths” y “The Misanthrope”.

BOB BALABAN (Terapeuta) es un aclamado actor, escritor y productor. Fue él

quien concibió la idea original para la película de Robert Altman “Gosford Park”,

película que luego produjo y actuó. El film fue postulado para siete premios de la

Academia.

Tras pequeños papeles en “Midnight Cowboy” y en “Catch-22”, Balaban fue

grandemente reconocido por sus papel como intérprete y cartógrafo en la película de

Spielberg “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (luego Balaban escribió el libro

“Spielberg, Truffaut & Me: An Actor's Diary”, una narración humorística de su

experiencia en cine). Como actor también tuvo memorables papeles en las comedias de

Christopher Guest “Waiting for Guffman”, “Best in Show”, “A Mighty Wind” y en “For

Your Consideration”.

Más recientemente, Balaban trabajó en la película de M. Night Shyamalan “Lady

in the Water” y en la comedia romántica “Dedication”, que se pasó en el Festival de Cine

de Sundance 2007, y que será estrenada el próximo otoño.

Entre otras muchas películas en las que apareció, cabe mencionar: “Altered

States”, “Prince of the City”, “Absence of Malice”, “2010”, “Alice”, “City Slickers II”,

“Deconstructing Harry”, “Jakob the Liar”, “Ghost World” y “Marie and Bruce”. En

televisión, el actor es reconocido por su papel recurrente en “Seinfeld” del canal NBC.

Balaban es un logrado director, habiendo debutado con la película “Parents” en

1989. A eso siguió “My Boyfriend’s Back” y “The Last Good Time”. En televisión,

dirigió episodios de “Oz”, “SUBWAYStories: Tales from the Underground”, “Gary,

Indiana”, “Strangers With Candy”, “The Twilight Zone” y de “The Exonerated” para

Court TV, basado en la premiada obra del mismo nombre, la cual él produjo y dirigió en

teatros de barrio fuera de Broadway. La obra luego fue de gira durante dos años.

Recientemente terminó con la producción y dirección de la película para cine “Bernard

and Doris”, protagonizada por Ralph Fiennes y Susan Sarandon, que trata sobre la

relación entre Doris Duke y su mayordomo.

Además de su carrera en cine y televisión, Bob Balaban es autor de “McGrowl”,

una serie súper ventas de libros para niños, publicada por la casa Scholastic.

SOBRE LOS REALIZADORES

SCOTT HICKS (Director) ganó fama internacional en 1996 con el sensacional

éxito de la película “Shine,” que recaudó $100 millones mundialmente, tras su triunfante

première en el Festival de Cine de Sundance. El film fue listado para siete premios de la

Academia en las más importantes categorías, incluyendo Mejor Película, y las

nominaciones de Hicks al Mejor Director y Guionista. La película, también fue candidata

a ocho premios de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) y ganó

nueve premios del Instituto Australiano de Cine, incluyéndole de a la Mejor Película y

Mejor Director; fue nombrada Mejor Película por la Junta Nacional de Críticos de

Estados Unidos, y fue postulada a cinco Globos de Oro, y otras nominaciones para los

premios de los gremios de Directores y de Escritores de América.

Antes que “Shine,” Hicks hacía documentales. En 1994, recibió un premio Emmy

por una serie de documentales de cuatro horas que él co- escribió “Submarine: Sharks of

Steel.” Rompió los récords de raitings que el canal Discovery había dado a sus trabajos

anteriores: “The Great Wall of Iron,” un amplio retrato del Ejército de Liberación del

Pueblo en China, meses antes de Tianemen Square, película que en 1989 ganó el

prestigioso Premio Peabody a la Mejor Serie Documental de Televisión en los Estados

Unidos. Siguiendo el éxito de estos trabajos, Hicks fue contratado para realizar dos

especiales de dos horas para el Canal Discovery: “The Space Shuttle,” en 1994 y “The

Ultimate Athlete”, el cual él mismo produjo en 1996.

La película de Hicks “Sebastian And The Sparrow,” la cual él también escribió y

produjo, fue ganadora de tres festivales internacionales de cine para niños, incluyendo el

Premio Lucas 1990 en Frankfurt. Seguidamente a su éxito en el cine y la televisión

australianos, la película recibió varias invitaciones a otros festivales de cine

internacionales.

Su primera película en Hollywood, “Snow Falling on Cedars,” fue producida por

Kathleen Kennedy y Frank Marshall, con un grupo de actores integrado por Ethan

Hawke, Youki Kudoh, y los actores nominados para el Oscar Max von Sydow, Sam

Shepard y James Cromwell. Scott co-escribió el guión junto con Ron Bass, una

adaptación de la novela súper ventas de David Guterson. La película fue postulada al

premio de la Academia a la Mejor Fotografía. Hicks también dirigió “Hearts in Atlantis,”

producida por Kerry Heysen, y protagonizada por Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin,

David Morse, Hope Davis y Mika Boorem, basada en las historias de Stephen King, y

con guión del escritor ganador del Oscar, William Goldman.

Hicks nació en Uganda, y creció en Kenya hasta sus diez años. Su familia luego

se mudó a Inglaterra y más tarde a Australia. Hicks se había dispuesto a estudiar derecho

y arte, pero un encuentro casual con un inspirador profesor de filosofía, cambió sus

estudios a inglés, Drama y Cine en la Universidad de Flinders del Sur de Australia. Allí

se graduó con honores en 1975, y recibió un doctorado honorario en 1997. Hicks

comenzó su carrera en cine como miembro del equipo de filmación en producciones

realizadas por los alrededores de Australia. Simultáneamente, se presentaba para ganar

contratos para escribir y dirigir dramas cortos y documentales subvencionados.

Hicks es miembro de la Academia de Artes de Cine y Ciencias y de la Academia

Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA). El vive con su esposa y colaboradora,

la productora Kerry Heysen, en Adelaide, en el sur de Australia, en donde tienen los

viñedos Yacca Paddock. Hicks también es un logrado fotógrafo, y realizó tres

exhibiciones de su trabajo, el cual puede ser visto en el Internet en scotthickspix.com

KERRY HEYSEN (Productora) es productora, consultora creativa y ejecutiva, y

sus compañías han desarrollado películas para cine, dramas para televisión y series de

documentales, además de cortos publicitarios y videos de rock. En este momento su

compañía está filmando un documental sobre el compositor Philip Glass, el cual se

estrenará en el verano del 2007. Ella fue la productora ejecutiva del mismo.

Previamente, Heysen produjo “Hearts in Atlantis”, protagonizada por Anthony

Hopkins y dirigida por el director dos veces nominado al Oscar, Scott Hicks. La película

estaba basada en historias de Stephen King, y tenía guión de William Goldman, ganador

del Premio de la Academia. El reparto de actores estaba compuesto por David Morse,

Hope Davis y Mika Boorem, y la incursión en actuación de Anton Yelchin. “Hearts in

Atlantis” tuvo su première mundial en el Festival de Cine de Toronto antes de ser

estrenada mundialmente.

Heysen fue productora asociada de “Snow Falling on Cedars”, dirigida por Scott

Hicks y producida por Kathleen Kennedy y Frank Marshall, con un grupo de actores

integrado por Ethan Hawke, Youki Kudoh y los actores nominados para el Oscar Max

von Sydow, Sam Shepard y James Cromwell. Scott Hicks y Ron Bass co- escribieron el

guión junto, una adaptación de la novela súper ventas de David Guterson. La película fue

postulada al premio de la Academia a la Mejor Fotografía.

Heysen fue consultora creativa para la película “Shine”, la cual su compañía

desarrolló a lo largo de diez años. “Shine” fue la sensación en el Festival de Cine de

Sundance 1996, ganó premios de la crítica y de la audiencia en festivales de cine de todo

el mundo, y fue candidata a siete premios de la Academia en las más importantes

categorías, los más altos recibidos por una película de origen australiano. También fue

candidata a nueve premios del Instituto Australiano de Cine, incluyendo los de a la Mejor

Película y al Mejor Director. Otros de los tantos premios recibidos por “Shine” incluyen:

el Premio a la Mejor Película 1996 de la Junta Nacional de Críticos de Estados Unidos,

cinco nominaciones de los Globos de Oro (recibió el Premio al Mejor Actor por Geoffrey

Rush) y postulaciones a los premios del Gremios de directores de América, al premio del

Gremio de Productores de América y al de la Sociedad de Editores de América.

La compañía de Heysen también produjo la aclamada película para niños

“Sebastian and the Sparrow”, ganadora en tres competencias en festivales de cine

internacional para niños, ganando entre ellos el Premio Lucas 1990 en Frankfurt.

Seguidamente a su éxito en el cine y la televisión australianos, la película recibió varias

invitaciones a otros festivales de cine internacionales.

En 1996, el Canal Discovery encargó a su compañía la producción de un especial

de dos horas, “The Ultimate Athlete”.

Además de dedicarse al cine, Heysen es una apasionada de sus viñas, y también

tiene campos de lavanda y es muy buena jinete. Ella nació y se crió en el sur de Australia.

Heysen, y su marido Scott Hicks viven en el Sur de Australia porque están apasionados

por el lugar en donde viven, y en particular por la península Fleurieu. Ellos están re forestando

el lugar, y tienen allí un viñedo, Yacca Paddock con el cual producen los

excelentes vinos Shiraz/Tannat y Dolcetto, con su propia marca.

SERGIO AGÜERO (Productor) pasó a la producción de cine y televisión tras

una exitosa carrera en el armado de producción y financiamiento de películas para cine.

En el año 2004 fundó Andale Pictures, para producir y financiar películas y televisión

con tema o protagonista latino, dirigidos a grandes audiencias. La compañía ahora está

desarrollando una lista de amplia variedad de películas de cine y otras películas de

géneros que atraen a una audiencia más joven.

Entre los muchos trabajos de su estudio, está la adaptación de la novela súper

ventas internacional “The Queen of the South”, y el piloto de la serie “Red Ball”, con una

protagonista latina.

Agüero fue productor ejecutivo de “Princesas”, la película del 2005 de Fernando

León de Aranoa, que ganó tres premios Goya, y fue un éxito de taquillas en España; “A

Dios Momo” de Leonardo Ricagni, favorita del Festival de Cine para Niños

BerlinaleKinderfilmfest 2006; y de “Y Tu Mama También” de Alfonso Cuarón, película

que fue postulada para el premio de la Academia 2003 al Mejor guión Original.

Previamente, en Endeavor Agency, Agüero establecía financiamiento

independiente y tratos internacionales, representaba talentos, financiaba compañías y

películas. Entre los títulos con los que trabajó, se encuentran: “Narc” de Joe Carnahan,

“Rabbit -Proof Fence” de Phillip Noyce y “Auto Focus” de Paul Schrader. El también

vendió los arreglos de distribución de varias películas, entre ellas la internacionalmente

exitosa “The Blair Witch Project”.

Como Vice-Presidente Ejecutivo de Trimark Pictures, y uno de los tres ejecutivos

principales de la compañía, organizó e implementó las ventas internacionales de

producciones de cine y televisión. Agüero fue uno de los responsables en la producción

especializada y adquisición de películas como “Eve’s Bayou” de Kasi Lemmon,

“Kamasutra” de Mira Nair y “Slam”, el film de Marc Levin ganador del Premio de la

Audiencia Sundance.

Agüero fue Vice Presidente de Ventas Internacionales de Vision International, y

antes de ello, en Epic Pictures. Comenzó su carrera en el mundo del entretenimiento en el

departamento de adquisiciones de Bjorck Film, como representante en Los Angeles para

poderosas casas productoras como Shochiku en Japón y Village Roadshow en Australia.

Agüero creció en España. Estudió Economía y Ciencias Políticas en Yale, y fue

analista financiero en Salomon Brothers en Nueva York, en donde participaba en análisis

de evaluación para la fusión de empresas y también para el financiamiento con salarios

fijos y participación de capital. Trabajó y viajó por Asia antes de asentarse en Los

Angeles y de entrar en el mundo de la industria de entretenimiento.

SUSAN CARTSONIS (Productora Ejecutiva) es Presidente de Storefront

Pictures, una compañía productora de cine independiente. A través de Storefront,

recientemente produjo la película “Aquamarine”, protagonizada por Emma Roberts,

basada en la novela súper ventas de Alice Hoffman, filme que se estrenó en Marzo del

2006. También recientemente produjo la película independiente “Mistress of Spices”,

protagonizada por Aishwarya Rai.

En el año 2000 la publicación The Hollywood Reporter listó a Cartsonis como

una de la cinco productoras de películas del año, cuyas producciones recaudaron grandes

ganancias, por su taquillero film “What Women Want”, protagonizado por Mel Gibson, y

por “Where the Heart is”, película adaptada de la novela súper ventas, con las estrellas

Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, Sally Field y Stockard Channing.

Cartsonis comenzó su carrera de productora con la muy aclamada película

“Firelight”, con Sophie Marceau y Stephen Dillane, escrita y dirigida por el escritor Bill

Nicholson, que también escribió “Shadowlands”.

Cartsonis fue ejecutiva de Twentieth Century Fox por casi una década. Mientras

que estuvo allí, supervisó la producción de películas como “Nell”, protagonizada por

Jodie Foster, por cuya actuación fue postulada para el premio de la Academia y también

al Globo de Oro. Entre las muchas películas en las que Cartsonis trabajó, cabe mencionar:

“The Truth About Cats and Dogs”; “Rookie of the Year”; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, la

cual lanzó la serie de televisión; “Come See the Paradise”, dirigida por Alan Parker; “For

the Boys”, con la primera actriz Bette Midler, que fue candidata al premio de la

Academia por su actuación, y “Dying Young”, interpretada por Julia Roberts.

Antes de trabajar en Fox, Cartsonis enseñaba el programa de Escritura para Artes

Dramáticas en la Universidad de Nueva York. Ella recibió su maestría en Escritura para

Artes Dramáticas de la misma universidad, y realizó un bachillerato en Arte de Teatro en

la Universidad de California en Los Angeles (UCLA). Recientemente fue elegida como

Miembro del Consejo de la Fundación de Mujeres en el Cine, y es miembro del Gremio

de Productores de América.

BRUCE BERMAN (Productor Ejecutivo) es Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de

Village Roadshow Pictures. Actualmente, y hasta el año 2007, Village Roadshow

Pictures realizará 60 películas en asociación con Warner Bros. Pictures. Todas ellas serán

distribuidas mundialmente por Warner Bros. Pictures, y en algunos territorios selectos

por Village Roadshow Pictures.

La lista inicial de películas producidas bajo ese acuerdo, incluía títulos que luego

resultaron muy exitosos, como por ejemplo “Practical Magic”, protagonizada por Sandra

Bullock y Nicole Kidman; “Analyze This” que puso juntos a Robert De Niro y a Billy

Crystal; “The Matrix”, con Keanu Reeves y Laurence Fishburne en los papeles

principales; “Three Kings” con George Clooney como estrella; “Space Cowboys”

dirigida y actuada por Clint Eastwood, y “Miss Congeniality” protagonizada por Sandra

Bullock y Benjamin Bratt.

Lo más reciente de Berman bajo el sello Village Roadshow Pictures, fue la

producción ejecutiva de las inmensamente exitosas películas “Training Day”, con la cual

la estrella Denzel Washington ganó un Premio de la Academia; “Ocean’s Eleven”,

protagonizada por George Clooney, Brad Pitt, y Julia Roberts; su secuela “Ocean’s

Twelve”; “Two Weeks Notice”, con Sandra Bullock y Hugh Grant; “Mystic River”,

interpretada Sean Penn y Tim Robbins cuyas actuaciones les valieron un Oscar; la

segunda y la tercera película de la trilogía “The Matrix”, “The Matrix Reloaded” y “The

Matrix Revolutions”; “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, dirigida por Tim Burton y

protagonizada por Johnny Depp; la comedia animada de aventuras “Happy Feet”, y la

recientemente estrenada aventura de acción “Ocean’s Thirteen”, en la cual George

Clooney y Brad Pitt lideran al grupo de la serie, cuyos actores retornan, al cual se suman

esta vez Al Pacino y Ellen Barkin.

Entre las películas por venir de la casa productora Village Roadshow, se

encuentran: “License to Wed”, protagonizada por Robin Williams, Mandy Moore y John

Krasinski; la película de suspenso de tema psicológico “The Brave One”, dirigida por

Neil Jordan y protagonizada por Jodie Foster; el policial de acción y ciencia –ficción “I

Am Legend”, con Will Smith; y la comedia “Get Smart”, protagonizada por Steve Carell.

Berman inició su carrera en el mundo del cine junto a Jack Valenti en la MPAA

(Motion Picture Association of America- Asociación de (Profesionales de) Películas de

América) en Washington, DC. Al graduarse como abogado, volvió a Los Angeles, y allí

comenzó a trabajar de asistente en Casablanca Films en 1978. Luego pasó a trabajar para

Universal, donde fue escalando posiciones hasta que en 1982 se convirtió en

Vicepresidente de Producción.

En 1984 Berman se integró a Warner Bros. como Vicepresidente de Producción, y

fue promovido a Vicepresidente de Producción Senior cuatro años más tarde. Fue

nombrado Presidente de Producciones Cinematográficas en Septiembre de 1989, y en

1991, fue nombrado Presidente de Producciones Cinematográficas Mundiales función

que realizó hasta Mayo de 1996. Bajo su auspicio, los estudios Warner Bros. Pictures

produjeron y distribuyeron títulos de la importancia de “Presumed Innocent”,

“GoodFellas”, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, “Driving Miss Daisy” ganadora del

Oscar a la Mejor Película, “Batman Forever”, “Under Siege”, “Malcolm X”, “The

Bodyguard”, “JFK”, “The Fugitive”, “Dave”, “Disclosure”, “The Pelican Brief”,

“Outbreak”, “The Client”, “A Time to Kill” y “Twister”.

En Mayo de 1996 Berman puso en marcha Plan B Entertainment, una compañía

independiente productora de películas con base en Warner Bros. Pictures. En Febrero de

1998, Berman fue nombrado Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Village Roadshow

Pictures.

CAROL FUCHS (Guión) fue nombrada monitora del pasillo en 3°, 4°, 5° y 6°

grado; la única persona en la historia de su escuela en recibir tal honor cuatro años

seguidos . Tras ello, escribió “

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””.

STUART DRYBURGH (Director de Fotografía) fue candidato al premio de la

Academia a la Mejor fotografía, por su trabajo en la película de Jane Campion, “The

Piano”. Su labor en tan memorable film, también recibió los Premios de los Críticos de

Cine de LA, y del Instituto Australiano de Cine. También fue postulado a los premios de

la Sociedad Americana de Camarógrafos, y de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y

Televisión (BAFTA).

Dryburgh ya había trabajado con Jane Campion en “An Angel At My Table”,

película por la cual había Ganado el Premio de Cine de Nueva Zelanda. También

trabajaron juntos en “Portrait of a Lady”.

Entre su trabajos deben mencionarse las películas: “Once Were Warriors”, “The

Perez Family”, “Lone Star”, “Runaway Bride”, “Analyze This”, “Bridget Jones’ Diary”,

“The Recruit”, “A Beautiful Country”, “Kate And Leopold”, “Poodle Springs”, “In My

Father’s Den”, esta última por la cual recibió el premio a la Mejor Fotografía en el

Festival Internacional de Cine de Shanghai, “Aeon Flux”, y “The Painted Veil” realizada

el año pasado.

Entre sus trabajos más recientes están: el drama “The Girl in the Park”, y la

película documental de Martin Scorsese sobre los Rolling Stones, “Shine a Light”,

programada para estrenarse en Septiembre de este año.

En este momento, Dryburgh está filmando la aventura para la familia “Nim’s

Island”, la cual saldrá en el 2008, y que está protagonizada por Gerard Butler, Jodie

Foster, y la niña actriz de “

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””, Abigail Breslin.

BARBARA LING (Diseñadora de producción) ya había trabajado con los

cineastas Scott Hicks y Kerry Heysen en el drama de misterio “Hearts in Atlantis”.

Para el director Joel Schumacher, Ling trabajó en “Batman & Robin”, “Batman

Forever” y “Falling Down”. Entre sus muchos trabajos en películas, caber mencionar:

“Random Hearts” de Sydney Pollack, “With Honors”, “Fried Green Tomatoes” de Jon

Avnet, “V.I. Warshawski”, el documental dramático de Oliver Stone, “The Doors”, “Men

Don’t Leave”, “Checking Out”, “Less Than Zero”, “Making Mr. Right”, “True Stories”

de David Byrne, y “Heaven”, película documental dirigida por Diane Keaton.

PIP KARMEL (Montaje) en 1996 fue candidata a los premios Oscar y al de la

Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA), y ganó el Premio del

Instituto Australiano de Cine, por su trabajo en la película de acción de 1996 “Shine”,

dirigida por Scott Hicks. En el año 2001, ella continuó trabajando como editora para

Scott Hicks, para su película “Hearts in Atlantis”.

Karmel es también una escritora y directora premiada. Tras escribir y dirigir

varios cortometrajes aclamados, dirigió “The Long Ride”, película que ganó el Premio a

la Mejor Película para Televisión, otorgado por el Instituto Australiano de Cine, en 1994.

Tras ello, esribió y dirigió su primera película para cine “Me Myself I”, protagonizada

por Rachel Griffiths, la cual fue postulada a los premios del Instituto Americano de Cine

(AFI) en las categorías de guión y dirección.

Karmel escribió el guión de “Year of Wonders”, la cual ahora también dirigirá, a

partir de la novela súper ventas, ganadora del premio Pulitzer, de Geraldine Brooks, del

mismo título. La película estará producida por Jeremy Thomas (Recorded Picture

Company UK), Miranda Culley y Phillip Noyce (Rumbalara Films). Karmel continúa

escribiendo guiones para Rumbalara Films.

Ella vive en Sydney junto con su marido Pierre y su hijo Sébastien.

MARI JO WINKLER-IOFFREDA (Co-Productora) es una cineasta veterana

con más de dieciocho años de experiencia en producción de películas. Recientemente fue

productora ejecutiva del film aún por salir “Dan in Real Life”, para el director Peter

Hedges, protagonizada por Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche y Dane Cook.

Hace poco, también fue co-productora de: la película dirigida por Curtis Hanson,

“Lucky You”, protagonizada por Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore y Robert Duvall; de “In

Her Shoes”, con Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette y Shirley MacLaine; y también de la nueva

versión americana de la película éxito japonesa “Shall We Dance?”, de Peter Chelsom,

con los primeros actores Richard Gere y Jennifer Lopez.

Al principio de su carrera, Winkler-Ioffreda realizó una exitosa carrera como jefa

de unidad de producción, supervisando filmaciones en Nueva York, Newfoundland,

Halifax, Winnipeg, South Carolina y Los Angeles, para muchos directores reconocidos,

para películas tan diversas como “The Shipping News”, “Serendipity”, “Catch Me If You

Can”, “Cold Mountain”, “A Thousand Acres” y “The Object of My Affection”.

Ella vive en Los Angeles con su marido y su hija.

PHILIP GLASS (Música) fue postulado por tercera vez al Oscar en el 2006, por

la música de “Notes on a Scandal”. Anteriormente había sido candidato al premio por

“The Hours”, y también por la película de Martin Scorsese, “Kundun”.

Glass se estudió en la Universidad de Chicago y en Juilliard, y pasó dos años

haciendo estudios intensivos en Paris, con Nadia Boulanger. Durante ese tiempo, se

mantenía transcribiendo la música india de Ravi Shankar y poniéndola en notaciones

occidentales. Al volver a Nueva York, aplicó a su propia música las técnicas orientales

que había aprendido. Ya en 1976, Glass había compuesto una gran colección de música

nueva, lo cual culminó en “Music in Twelve Parts”, a lo que siguió la muy notoria ópera

“Einstein on the Beach”, creada conjuntamente con Robert Wilson.

El repertorio de Glass incluye música de opera, de teatro, de cámara, para

orquestas y para películas.

Su trabajo para el film de Stephen Daldry, “The Hours” no sólo le valió una

nominación para el Oscar, sino también al Globo de Oro y a los premios Grammy,

además del premio de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA).

Entre las composiciones más recientes de Glass deben mencionarse: el filme de Errol

Morris, ganador del Premio de la Academia, “The Fog of War”; “Secret Window” de

David Corp.; “Taking Lives” de D.J. Caruso; “Undertow” de David Gordon Green; el

trabajo para IMAX, “Roving Mars” de George Butler, “The Illusionist” de Neil Burger y

la inminente película de Woody Allen, “Cassandra’s Dream”.

En el año 2004, durante la celebración que era parte de la celebración cultural de

las Olimpíadas en Grecia, Glass dejó escuchar por primera vez su nuevo trabajo, “Orion”,

que había realizado en colaboración con otros seis artistas internacionales.

En el 2005 tuvo su première su nueva ópera, “Waiting for the Barbarians”, con

libreto de Christopher Hampton, basada en el libro de J. M. Coetzee, y también sacó su

“Symphony No. 8”, junto con la orquesta Bruckner.

Glass continúa haciendo giras con su grupo, y actúa en vivo acompañando a las

películas, trilogía Qatsi de Godfrey Regio, “Naqoyqatsi”, “Powaqatsi” y “Koyaanisqatsi”.

MELISSA TOTH (Diseñadora de vestuario) ha diseñado el vestuario de

películas por más de una década. Fue postulada para el premio del Gremio de

Diseñadores de Vestuario, por su trabajo en “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”.

Fue ella quien compuso el vestuario de la película de Kenneth Lonergan, “You

Can Count On Me” la cual fue ganadora del Premio del Jurado en el Festival de Cine

Sundance; y también diseñó el vestuario de las películas “Take The Lead” de Liz

Friedlander; “Prime” de Ben Younger; “Hollywood Ending” de Woody Allen; “Book of

Shadows: Blair Witch 2”; “Saving Silverman”; “Nola”; y el film de Todd Solondz

ganador del Premio del Jurado en el Festival de Cine Sundance, “Welcome to the

Dollhouse”.

Entre sus trabajos más recientes, cabe mencionar la película de Lonergan,

“Margaret”, la cual podrá verse este otoño, la comedia dramática de Thomas McCarthy ,

“The Visitor”, que ahora está en etapa de post-producción, y la película de Charlie

Kaufman “Synecdoche” que se está filmando en este momento.

CASTLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT Presents

In Association with VILLAGE ROADSHOW PICTURES

A SCOTT HICKS Film

CAST

Kate.............................................................................CATHERINE ZETA-JONES

Nick...........................................................................................AARON ECKHART

Zoe.............................................................................................ABIGAIL BRESLIN

Paula...................................................................................PATRICIA CLARKSON

Leah..................................................................................................JENNY WADE

Therapist.........................................................................................BOB BALABAN

Sean........................................................................................BRÍAN F. O'BYRNE

Bernadette.............................................................................................LILY RABE

John...................................................................................................ERIC SILVER

Christine........................................................................................ARIJA BAREIKIS

Mr. Peterson...............................................................................JOHN McMARTIN

Mrs. Peterson...............................................................................CELIA WESTON

Charlotte...........................................................................................ZOË KRAVITZ

Ken..........................................................................................MATTHEW RAUCH

Anna.....................................................................................DEARBHLA MOLLOY

School Principal Ellen Parker.................................................STEPHANIE BERRY

Doctor..........................................................................................MATT SERVITTO

Truffle Dealer....................................................................YEVGENIY DEKHTYAR

Fish Vendor Bob.........................................................................FULVIO CECERE

Vegetable Vendor.............................................................................................AKO

Lobster Vendor.....................................................................FRANK SANTORELLI

Line Cook Arden..............................................................................ARDEN LEWIS

Line Cook AJ...................................................................................A.J. McCLOUD

Line Cook Mario........................................................................MARIO MORALES

Liz.......................................................................................MONICA TROMBETTA

Mr. Matthews....................................................................................SAM KITCHIN

Rare Steak Man...............................................................................ROB LEO ROY

Sous Chef Applicants...............................................BRIAN LUNA, DAVID WHEIR

JOEY CEE, ROXANNA HOPE

Ken's Wife......................................................................KATHERINE SIGISMUND

Waiter........................................................................................JAMES STARACE

Waitress.......................................................................................JEANNE OMLOR

Sean's Twins..............................................................................NOAH PETROSKI

NICHOLAS PETROSKI

Rare Steak Woman......................................................................LORCA SIMONS

Leah's Husband.........................................................................PATRICK ZELLER

Mrs. Matthews.........................................................................GRETCHEN WIESE

Carlos..................................................................................RAMON FERNANDEZ

Busboys............................................................................................ANGEL ROSA

IGNACIO HEREDERO, ALBERT MARTINEZ

Chalk Artist.....................................................................................HANI SHIHADA

Produce Customer....................................................................AKIRA TAKAYAMA

Delivery Guy....................................................................................HENRY KWAN

Stunt Coordinator............................................................................G.A. AGUILAR

Additional Stunt Coordinator...................................................BLAISE CORRIGAN

Stunts..........................................KACIE BORROWMAN, JODI MICHELLE PYNN

KEITH SIGLINGER, SAMANTHA MacIVOR

FILMMAKERS

Directed by.......................................................................................SCOTT HICKS

Screenplay by.................................................................................CAROL FUCHS

Produced by................................................................................KERRY HEYSEN

SERGIO AGÜERO

Executive Producers..............................................................SUSAN CARTSONIS

and BRUCE BERMAN

Based on the Screenplay entitled Mostly Martha by .......SANDRA NETTELBECK

Director of Photography.......................................................STUART DRYBURGH

Production Designer......................................................................BARBARA LING

Edited by.............................................................................................PIP KARMEL

Co-Producer.......................................................MARY JO WINKLER-IOFFREDA

Music by..........................................................................................PHILIP GLASS

Costumes Designed by.................................................................MELISSA TOTH

Music Supervisor............................................................................JOHN BISSELL

Casting by............................................................................RONNA KRESS, C.S.A.

Unit Production Manager....................................MARY JO WINKLER-IOFFREDA

First Assistant Director.............................................................JEFFREY WETZEL

Second Assistant Director..............................................................PETER SOLDO

Production Supervisor..........................................................................ERICA KAY

Art Director...........................................................................W. STEVEN GRAHAM

Assistant Art Directors................................MARION KOLSBY, EDWARD PISONI

Set Decorator..............................................................LESLIE E. ROLLINS, SDSA

Assistant Set Decorator........................................CHRISTINE MOOSHER, SDSA

Art Department Coordinator.............................................................ERIK KNIGHT

Leadman......................................................................................DAVE WEINMAN

On Set Dresser.................................................................RODNEY T. STERBENZ

Set Dressers...............................CHRIS VOGT, ERIC LEWIN, JOSEPH DELUCA

WAYNE BRACKETT, BRIAN MANNAIN

JULIO RODRIGUEZ, ROBERT VOGT

Graphic Artist........................................................................EDWARD IOFFREDA

Stand-By Scenic Artist.....................................................................EMILY GAUNT

Script Supervisor..............................................................CHRISTINE M. WILSON

"A" Camera Operator..............................................................BRUCE MACALLUM

"B" Camera/Steadicam Operator...................................STEPHEN CONSENTINO

"A" Camera First Assistant.......................................................CARLOS GUERRA

"B" Camera First Assistant....................................................TIMOTHY METIVIER

"A" Camera Second Assistant............................................SEBASTIAN ALMEIDA

"B" Camera Second Assistant..............................................BRADEN BELMONTE

Film Loader....................................................................................ANNE CARSON

Video Assist Operator...................................................................JOEL HOLLAND

Additional Video Assist...................................................McCORD FITZSIMMONS

24 Frame Video Supervisor.......................................JOE TRAMMELL/NAVSYNC

24 Frame Video Operators.........................DENNIS GREEN, JAMES DOMARSKI

Production Sound Mixer......................................................................T.J. O'MARA

Boom Operator...............................................................................DANIEL PAIKIN

Cable..............................................................................................KIM MAITLAND

Property Master............................................................................DIANA BURTON

First Assistant Props.............................ANTHONY BALDASARE, KAREN KATES

Second Assistant Prop..................................................................EION V. LAMBE

Assistant Props..............................................KATHRYN FREUND, KRIS MORAN

Key Make-up Artist......................................................................TODD KLEITSCH

Make-up Artist...........................................................................MARGIE DURAND

Make-up Artist for Ms. Zeta-Jones.............................................CINDY WILLIAMS

Key Hairstylist............................................................................JERRY DECARLO

Hairstylist..............................................................................JACQUELINE PAYNE

Hairstylist for Ms. Zeta-Jones...............................KARYN ALEXANDER HUSTON

Hair and Make-up for Mr. Eckhart...............................................ELISABETH FRY

Assistant to Mr. Hicks and Ms. Heysen.....................................DALE AMTSBERG

US Assistant to Mr. Hicks and Ms. Heysen.................................JESSICA BEILER

Assistant to Ms. Winkler-Ioffreda...........................................MARIE RODRIGUEZ

Assistant to Ms. Zeta-Jones........................................................JENNIFER COTE

Ms. Zeta-Jones' Dialect Coach.........................................................JOY ELLISON

2nd 2nd Assistant Director.....................................................DANIELA BARBOSA

DGA Trainee..................................................................................NICOLE FEDER

Production Office Coordinator................................................MAIRE NI ROCHAIN

Assistant Production Office Coordinator.........................MATTHEW F. PRESTON

Production Secretary...........................................................................KIRSTIN LIU

Office Staff Assistants..........................TERRI YUAN, JONATHAN SUNDERMAN

Production Accountant.................................................................TAMARA BALLY

Assistant Production Accountant..................................................JUDY PURSLEY

Assistant Costume Designer.................................................LEAH KATZNELSON

Costume Supervisors........................DEIRDRE WILLIAMS, BENJAMIN WILSON

Costumers.....................ARLYNN ABSECK, CARA CZEKANSKI, STEV TAYLOR

Master Seamstress..................................................................STEPHANIE BIEAR

Chief Lighting Technician.........................................................GENE W. ENGELS

Assistant Chief Lighting Technician.............................................JOHN MILCETIC

Rigging Gaffer............................................................FRANCIS BUDDY McBRIDE

Key Grip....................................................................................GEORGE PATSOS

Best Boy Grip................................................................................GUS MAGALIOS

"A" Dolly Grip...................................................................KEITH M. BUNTING, JR.

"B" Dolly Grip....................................................................................LOUIS SABAT

Key Rigging Grip.......................................................................WILLIAM PATSOS

Special Effects Supervisor........................................................STEVE KIRSHOFF

Special Effects Coordinator.......................................................FRED BUCHHOLZ

Special Effects Technicians.....................................RICHARD BRYAN DOUGLAS

MICHAEL BIRD, LORENZO HALL

Location Manager...............................................................................JEAN CHIEN

Assistant Location Manager....................................................MICHAEL GROSKY

Location Assistants.....................................................ERIC PAPA, JUSTIN KRON

SHELLY MITTAL, SYDNEY LEIER

Restaurant Consultants...............................................................B.R. GUEST INC,

CHRIS GIARRAPUTO, DANIELE SBORDI

MICHAEL WHITE, LUIS NEITO

Culinary Consultants................................THE FRENCH CULINARY INSTITUTE,

NEW YORK CITY

Key Set Production Assistant......................................................GARY DE JESUS

Set Production Assistants.......................................................STEPHANI DELUCA

CASEY MADIGAN, TAYLOR GUTERSON

JON SHAW, JONATHAN BLITSTEIN

Staff Assistants...............................................LIZA DONATELLI, DIANA PAPPAS

Casting Associate.................................................................COURTNEY SHEININ

Casting Assistant....................................................................CHELSEA WATSON

Extras Casting..................................................BARBARA McNAMARA CASTING

Unit Publicist...............................................................................FRANCES FIORE

Still Photographer.............................................................................DAVID C. LEE

Studio Teacher................................................................CECILIA M. CARDWELL

Stand-in for 'Kate'.........................................................................JANE GUILIANO

Stand-in for 'Nick'....................................................................ABRAHAM SPARER

Stand-in for 'Zoe'...............................................................................T.J. CANLON

Construction Coordinator....................................................KENNETH D. NELSON

Construction Foreman....................................................................JAMES SADEK

Set Medic.............................................................................CHESTER COLEMAN

Charge Scenic..........................................................................ROLAND BROOKS

Paint Foreman.........................................................................JOHN RALBOVSKY

Craft Service....................DAVID DREISHPOON'S GOURMET CRAFT SERVICE

Catering..................................................................TOMKATS MOVIE CATERING

Transportation Captain....................................................................JIM BUCKMAN

Transportation Co-Captain....................................................ROBERT BUCKMAN

Mr. Hicks' and Ms. Heysen's Driver................................................BILLY STUART

Ms. Zeta-Jones' Driver............................................................TOM FITZSIMMONS

Mr. Eckhart's Driver.....................................................................SCOTT LIEBERZ

Ms. Breslin's Driver...................................................................GARY O'CONNELL

Post Production Supervisor.........................................SYLVIA WALKER-WILSON

First Assistant Editor.....................................................................DAVID BIRRELL

Second Assistant Editors......................HENRY KARJALAINEN, RYAN MURPHY

Apprentice Editor...........................................................JAMES W. HARRISON, III

Post Production Coordinators.........................NATALIE MANDEL, KEVIN JAMES

Post Production Editorial PA's......................COLETTE BIRRELL, LISA MELODIA

LOUISA FORNI, JARVIS ROOKER

Production Facility Adelaide....................................................KINO FILM GROUP

Computer and Technical Consultant...........................................SCOTT HEYSEN

Accounts Officer............................................................................HELEN AYLETT

Broadband Data Services......................................CINENET SYSTEMS PTY LTD

Post Production Accounting........................................MONEYPENNY SERVICES

JILL HEWITT, BRETT THORNQUEST

Post Production Facility Adelaide..................................OASIS POST AUSTRALIA

Oasis Post Facility Managers............................DALE ROBERTS, KATE BUTLER

Post Production Facilities New York......................POST FACTORY, NEW YORK

POSTWORKS, NEW YORK

Sound Post Production..................................................SOUNDFIRM AUSTRALIA

Soundfirm Facilities Manager...........................................................HELEN FIELD

Supervising Sound Editor/FX Editor........................................GLENN NEWNHAM

Dialogue/ADR Editor...........................................................................LIVIA RUZIC

Re-recording Mixer/FX Editor.........................................................ANDREW NEIL

Re-recording Mixer.....................................................................ROGER SAVAGE

Foley Recordist/Editor...............................................................STEVE BURGESS

Foley Artist.................................................................................MARIO VACCARO

Sound Assistant...........................................................................CHRIS GOODES

Dolby Consultant...........................................................................BRUCE EMERY

ADR Adelaide.........................................................................TRACKS ADELAIDE

Studio Managers...........................................NICOLA TATE, JULIE LEWINGTON

Engineer...........................................................................................MARTYN ZUB

ADR Voice Casting...................................................................BARBARA HARRIS

DI Colorist & VFX........................................................................MARTY PEPPER

CGI.............................................................................KOJO GROUP AUSTRALIA

Titles..............................................................................................JULIAN AUSTIN

Music Score Conducted and Produced by.............................MICHAEL RIESMAN

Music Editor...................................................................................SUZANA PERIC

Assistant Music Editor....................................................................NANCY ALLEN

Trackdown Music Editor.........................................................................TIM RYAN

Engineer................................................................................................DAN BORA

Assistant Engineer...........................................................MICHAEL TREPAGNIER

Music Score Recorded and Mixed at................THE LOOKING GLASS STUDIOS

Soundtrack Album on Decca Records

"Truffles and Quail"

Written and Conducted by Conrad Pope

"Nessun Dorma" from "Turandot"

Performed by Luciano Pavarotti

with the Orchestra del Teatro dell 'Opera di Roma

and the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

Zubin Mehta, Conductor

Courtesy of Decca Music Group Ltd.

"Construction (Building A Family)" from LIFE AS A HOUSE

Written by Mark Isham

Courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc.

"Coyote", "Cook Book" and "Pressure Cooker"

Written by Carl Stalling

"Die Gotterdammerung"

Written by Richard Wagner

Arranged by Carl Stalling

"Nessun Dorma" from "Turandot"

Written by Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni

Performed by Tito Beltran

Courtesy of Silva Screen

By arrangement with Source/Q

"The Fall" from LIFE AS A HOUSE

Written by Mark Isham

Courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc.

"Carpe Diem"

Written by Jethro Heysen-Hicks, Adam Badenoch,

Sam Knight and Anna Bishop

Performed by Arcadia

"Via Con Me"

Written by Paolo Conte

Performed by Paolo Conte

Courtesy of Nonesuch Records/Warner Music Italy SpA

By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

"Sway"

Written by Norman Gimbel and Pablo Beltran Ruiz

Performed by Michael Bublé

Courtesy of 143 Records/Reprise Records

By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

"Taking the Plunge" from LIFE AS A HOUSE

Written by Mark Isham

Courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc.

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

Written by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore

Performed by Lebo M.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Records

"Un Bel Di Vedremo" from Madame Butterfly"

Written by Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Giacosa, Luigi Illica and Julian Smith

Performed by Rome Opera House and Chorus,

Victoria de Los Angeles, soprano

Courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.

Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

"Libiamo Libiamo" from "La Traviata"

Written by Giuseppe Verdi

Performed by Rome Opera House and Chorus,

Carlo de Monte, tenor

Courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.

Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

"The Chronicle"

Written by Jethro Heysen-Hicks and Henrik Linde

Performed by Heysen-Hicks/Linde/Howard

"O Mio Babbino Caro" from "Gianni Schicchi"

Written by Giacomo Puccini and Giovacchino Forzano

Performed by Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino,

Lamberto Gardelli, conductor

Courtesy of Decca Music Group Limited

Under License from Universal Music Enterprises

"Count On My Love"

Written by Liz Phair and John Shanks

Performed by Liz Phair

Courtesy of Capitol Records

Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

"Colosimo Dies" from "Martha"

Written by Friedrich von Flotow

Arranged by David Raksin

"A Healing Touch" from LIFE AS A HOUSE

Written by Mark Isham

Courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc.

"Dennis' Funeral" from LADDER 49

Written by William King Ross

Courtesy of Beacon Pictures

"The Promise" from LIFE AS A HOUSE

Written by Mark Isham

Courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc.

"Celeste Aida" from "Aida"

Written by Giuseppe Verdi

Performed by Sofia National Chorus and Orchestra,

Ivan Marinov, conductor

Courtesy of LaserLight

By arrangement with Source/Q

"Mambo Gelato"

Written by Peter Tomasso

Performed by Ray Gelato

Courtesy of Telstar Music Group

Photographs generously provided courtesy of the Herbert List Estate and Magnum Photos New

York

permission

"Gourmet" and "Bon Appetit" Magazines courtesy of Condé Nast Publications

(ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris

Sidewalk Fairy Image based on the art of Hilary Knight

Water image by Scott Hicks provided courtesy of the photographer

1010 Wins

Jerry Seinfeld Live on Broadway "I'm Telling You For The Last Time" clip

provided by Columbus 81

Restaurant Artwork by Paul Chojnowski

The Producers Wish to Thank

The People of The City of New York

New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture & Television Development

NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting

"Made in NY" Incentive Program

Mayor of New York City

NYPD Movie & TV Unit

Filmed with ARRIFLEX Cameras and Lenses from Camera Service Center

Camera Cranes by CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.

Technocrane provided by PANAVISION ® New York

Color by TECHNICOLOR ®

KODAK Motion Picture Products

FUJIFILM Motion Picture Products

DOLBY Digital DTS Digital SDDS

Approved #43219 IATSE

Motion Picture Association of America

This motion picture

Screenplay

Original Score

NO RESERVATIONS

Warner Bros. Distribution

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August 7

Warner Home Video Breaks Another High Definition Record with ``300,'' the Fastest Selling Title with More Than 250K Copies Sold in Its First Full Week

Today Warner Home Video (WHV) announced that it has the fastest and highest-selling high definition title in the market with the epic action-adventure, "300." Since July 31, 2007, "300" has sold more than 250,000 copies to consumers on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

"300" provides another high definition milestone for Warner Home Video which was the first studio to break the 100K sold mark with "The Departed." Overall WHV has six of the top 10 selling high definition titles with "300," "The Departed," "Superman Returns," "Planet Earth - The Complete Collection," "Batman Begins," and "Happy Feet." Warner also has the highest grossing high definition title with the dual-format release of "Planet Earth."

"'300' is an amazing film, and the high definition sales we are seeing underscores the positive business benefits of supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray," said Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video. "This phenomenal response to '300' is the latest proof that our approach makes the most sense in today's market and has enabled Warner Home Video to continue to lead the market in high definition sales."

As a result of its dual format strategy, WHV has more than 30% market share of DVD sales in the high definition market, selling more high definition product and releasing more titles than any other studio. Because of two competing high definition formats in the market, it is widely recognized that hardware prices for both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD have fallen faster than would normally be expected at this stage in the product cycle. However, research organizations, such as ABI Research(a), predict that further price reductions of hardware are needed to fuel mass adoption of high definition formats.

Based on the stylized graphic novel from icon Frank Miller ("Sin City"), "300" is an epic action-adventure about the 300 Spartan warriors led by the heroic King Leonidas who challenged Xerxes and his massive Persian army at the ancient Battle of Thermopylae. Leveraging the capabilities that the high definition formats enable, "300" on HD DVD incorporates exclusives interactive features. Any HD DVD player connected to the internet can take advantage of the web enabled features, which include the ability for viewers to pick their favorite scenes to assemble montages and share them with friends. Users can also rate scenes within the Warner connected community as well as purchase and collect wall paper and ring tones for mobile phones. Both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats include additional bonus material.

Warner Home Video HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

(a) ABI Research, January 2007, "There will be downward pressure on prices for players of all types: ABI Research believes that prices will have to drop below $200 before true mass adoption takes off."

July 27

A Backstage Look at the Raw Beginnings of Hip Hop's Biggest Event: Rock the Bells

Featuring Performances By The Wu-Tang Clan, Redman, Dilated Peoples, MC Supernatural, Sage Francis, Eyedea + Abilities, Chali 2na and DJ NuMark Available on DVD July 31, 2007

Jul. 27, 2007 Warner Home Video presents Rock the Bells on DVD, a riveting documentary account of the 2004 Rock the Bells Hip Hop festival in San Bernardino, California. Entrepreneur Chang Weisberg and his Guerilla Union production team put together an unforgettable roster of hip hop stars for this first annual, history making mega-concert event. Featuring a who's who of Hip Hop royalty including Redman, Dilated Peoples, MC Supernatural, Sage Francis, Eyedea + Abilities, Chali 2na and DJ NuMark, this double-sided DVD offers an exhilarating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the real world of Hip Hop, plus more than three hours of enhanced content including filmmaker commentary, artist profiles, backstage interviews and a special tribute to late Wu-Tang Clan founding member ODB. Rock the Bells will sell for $19.98 SRP.

When Weisberg achieves his seemingly impossible dream of reuniting the legendary Wu-Tang Clan for the first time in six years, the drama is just beginning. As the Clan members begin to arrive separately, there is no sign of the infamously unreliable rapper ODB. Weisberg and his team are putting everything on the line for the most notorious no-show in Hip Hop history. The production team freestyles its way through 100-plus degree heat, faulty equipment and capricious talent to deliver the history-making show they have promised to thousands of impatient fans - by any means necessary. When ODB miraculously shows up and the Wu-Tang Clan is reunited on stage, it's magic from beginning to end. Sadly, this monumental concert also marks the last performance of the legendary group. Troubled superstar ODB would die just four months later.

"If this event had been run by a large corporation, a disaster would have occurred," say the filmmakers. "The split-second decision making and grace under pressure exhibited by the promotion team are innately human traits. It is this kind of interpersonal, organic touch that corporations will never be capable of, and it is the reason we must fight to support the independent spirit in the arts, whether it's found in a group like the Wu-Tang Clan or a business like Guerilla Union."

Rock the Bells opened in limited theatrical release beginning in April 2007. This theatrical run helped to support the 2007 Rock the Bells Festival by generating awareness. This year's 16-city tour, headlined by Wu-Tang Clan and Rage Against the Machine, kicks off on July 26 in Boston and continues through August 11, with dates in New York City, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto and San Bernardino, California. The five-week long hip-hop extravaganza, hosted by freestyle legend Supernatural and Rahzel, "The Godfather of Noyze," will also include performances by Cypress Hill, UGK, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, David Banner, Immortal Technique and Jedi Mind Tricks. The DVD release is supported by an extensive online, print, trailer and radio marketing campaign.

An official selection at more than a dozen film festivals including Slamdance and Tribeca, Rock the Bells is directed, produced and edited by Open Road Films' Casey Suchan and Denis Henry Hennelly, the team behind the Hip Hop documentary hits Beef, Beef 2, Thug Angel and The Freshest Kids. Rock the Bells is a presentation of Mayfly Films, Civilian Pictures and Guerilla Union.

According to Eva Davis, Warner Home Video Vice President, Targeted Marketing & Acquisitions, "Casey Suchan and Denis Henry Hennelly have once again captured the spirit and energy of Hip Hop with Rock the Bells. Warner Home Video is proud to bring to home entertainment consumers this thrilling documentary which tells the true story of the private passion behind this amazing public event. It is a must-own DVD for every fan of contemporary music and documentary fans alike."

Rock the Bells DVD Special Features include more than three hours of enhanced content including:

-- Who is Wu Tang?

-- ODB R.I.P.

-- Dirty's Last Days

-- Alternate Opening

-- Extended interviews with Jarred Weisfeld, Jerome Baldwin and Cherry Jones

-- Commentary with filmmakers Casey Suchan and Denis Henry Hennelly

-- Commentary with Guerilla Union

-- Artist profiles including Redman, Eyedea + Abilities, Sage Francis, Dilated People, Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killah, Method Man, RZA, Buddha Monk and Silkski

-- Deleted scenes -0-

Rock the Bells (2006)

Street Date: July 31, 2007

$19.98 SRP/ No MAP

Rating: (Not rated)

Run Time: 227 Minutes.

English Dolby Digital 5.1

ABOUT WARNER HOME VIDEO

BazanPR

WARNER BROTHERS NEWS

Posted by Bill at 05:58 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

July 20, 2007

Sema News

August 2

Vol. 10, No. 31

SEMA eNEWS

August 02, 2007

To access all of this week's eNews headlines, visit
http://www.sema.org/main/IssueDetail.aspx?issueID=22

What Has SEMA Done For You Lately?

NEXT WEEK'S WEBCAST DOUBLE-HEADER: WINNING SEMA SHOW STRATEGIES; SUPREME COURT IMPACT ON MINIMUM RESALE PRICING

Breaking News

INDUSTRY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE HALL OF FAME HONOREES, SUPPORT CHARITY

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR SEMA PERSON OF THE YEAR

WRENCH WITH THE WEST COAST CUSTOMS CREW IN VEGAS

SEMA WARRANTY PROGRAM OFFERS 36-MONTH/36,000-MILE PROTECTION ON PARTS AND INSTALLATION

NEXT FRIDAY IS DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MPMC MEDIA CONFERENCE

CONTINENTAL TIRE SIGNS ON AS 2007 SEMA SHOW MEDIA CENTER SPONSOR

HUGE CROWD ATTENDS FIRST-EVER INTERNET SYMPOSIUM

Market Snapshot

VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AMONG ETHNIC GROUPS GROW, SAYS R.L. POLK

WHY MANUFACTURERS MAY SELL AROUND WDS, ACCORDING TO STUDY

ACTIVE CONSUMERS BUYING MORE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

WILL THE NEW CHRYSLER LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AFFECT YOU?

NUMBER-ONE SELLING CAR GETS PRICE CHANGE

CONSUMERS PAY PREMIUM FOR USED DIESELS

A SIMPLE APPROACH TO SIX SIGMA-HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT

TWIN-INJECTION ENGINE ONE OF THE 10 BEST, SAYS WARDS

Business Tools

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT—TURNING THE OFF-ROAD INDUSTRY'S UNIQUE CHALLENGES INTO PROFITABLE OPPORTUNITIES

INTAKE AND FUEL-DELIVERY PARTS SALES SURGE IN LATE JULY

WHEEL AND TIRE INDUSTRIES UNITE FOR COMMON GOALS

New Products & Technology

SPY SHOTS: NEW SEBRING-BASED DODGE CROSSOVER WITH V6 AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

Law and Order

FEDS ESTABLISH NEW PROCEDURE FOR TESTING CHILD-SEAT RESTRAINTS

People, Places & Racing News

ROBERT YATES AND NEWMAN-HAAS-LANIGAN ANNOUNCE MERGER AND OTHER RACING NEWS

ONLY 70 POINTS SEPARATE SIX TOP FUEL DRIVERS AND OTHER NHRA NEWSMAKERS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: FRED BENTLEY, TERRY KOHL, GARY ALLEN AND MORE

SBN, SCC, WTC AND YEN ANNOUNCE AWARD NOMINATIONS AND OTHER SEMA COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS

Exhibitor Update

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR 2007 SEMA SHOW PROJECT-VEHICLE BUILDERS

90 DAYS UNTIL THE 2007 SEMA SHOW: DEADLINES AND UPDATES HERE

Shows & Events

PHOTO GALLERY—SCIONS FROM THE 2006 SEMA SHOW

'48 NASH COUPE, '50 CHEVY HARDTOP CHOSEN AMONG THE FINEST IN THE NORTHEAST

WHO'S THE INDUSTRY'S MOST IMPORTANT WOMAN THIS YEAR? YOU TELL US

YEN'S SEMA SHOW RECEPTION TAKES IT BACK TO MILKSHAKES AND THE DINER

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Hot Links to Cool Sites

The following links represent the companies that comprise the current Select Committee of the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA).As a SEMA council, LTAA is dedicated to the prosperity of the businesses with the light-trick accessory industry. For more information on LTAA, visit www.sema.org/ltaa or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

LTAA Select Committee

Ron DiVincenzo, Chairman, Cap World: www.capworld.com
Kelly Kneifl, Chair-elect, Shur-Co: www.shurco.com
Bryan Baker, A.R.E.: www.4are.com
Steve Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates: www.raceindustry.com/index.html?detailedlisting=19217
Tom Brooks, Truckin Thunder: www.4are.com/dealers/dealer.php?WC=TTYFG
Jason Bruce, Street Scene Equipment: www.streetsceneeq.com
Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories: www.4vehicleaccessories.com
Fred Fishburne, The Truck Outfitters Inc.: www.thetruckoutfitters.com
Russ Fletcher, Fletcher's Truck Caps
Rick Hermann, ACI - Agri-Cover Inc.: www.agricover.com/index.php/products/category/C9
Eric Kwasnicka, DuPont Performance Coatings: www.performancecoatings.dupont.com/bowstreet5/webengine/dpc/common/Controller
Jeff Johnson, Yakima: www.yakima.com
George Lathouris, Keytone Automotive: www.ekeystone.com/WebPage.aspx?pn=1100000login&p1=loginHighLights
Casey Miser, All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers: www.allamericancanopies.com
Ronald Towry, Truck Gear SuperCenter: www.truck-gear-supercenter.com
Todd Yeoman, Advisor, American Technology Components: www.atcomp.com
Anne Johnson, SEMA BOD Liaison, California Truck Works: www.4wheelparts.com

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SEMA eNews is published each Wednesday evening by SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, and is distributed to SEMA members and industry professionals in the specialty-equipment market. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

Questions, comments or suggestions about the publication: Contact Jason Catullo.

Terms under which this service is provided to you: sema.org/disclaimer

SEMA's mailing address: 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

July 27

Vol. 10, No. 30

SEMA eNEWS

July 26, 2007

To access all of this week's eNews headlines, visit
http://www.sema.org/main/IssueDetail.aspx?issueID=20

What Has SEMA Done For You Lately?

TODAY'S WEBCAST, 10 A.M. (PST)-THE URBAN LIFESTYLE MARKET

Breaking News

FULL HOUSE EXPECTED FOR SEMA INSTALLATION BANQUET & GALA FUNDRAISER

READY YOUR BIDS FOR NASCAR TICKETS, CANNONDALE BIKE, NEW HARLEY FAT BOY IN CHARITY AUCTION

HEAD TO ST. LOUIS FOR A PREVIEW OF THE GENERAL'S NEW G-SERIES VANS

CHUCK BLUM JOINS SAVE THE WORLD AIR, INC.

Market Snapshot

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS TO REACH $52 BILLION, SAYS LATEST REPORT

STUDY SHOWS MORE CONSUMERS CONSIDER CLEAN DIESEL

HYBRID SUPRA WINS ENDURANCE RACE CONVINCINGLY

THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE FEATURES, SAYS ICONOCULTURE

VM MOTORI TO PRODUCE NEW V6 TURBO DIESEL

WHAT CARS ARE BUYERS MOST INTERESTED IN? CLICK HERE

DEMAND WATCH: LATEST STUDY SHOWS GROWTH IN SPECIALTY-EQUIPMENT PURCHASE PLANS

GOOD NEWS FOR CADDY SHOPS: NEW CTS DUE NEXT MONTH

SCION XD OFFERS ACCESSORY OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEALERS AND TUNERS

A BELOVED AMERICAN PONY GETS A LITTLE GREENER

HOW TO GET YOUR PROMOTIONAL MESSAGES TO YOUR AUDIENCE

Business Tools

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT—REAL JEWELRY FOR YOUR RIDE

MEMBER OPPORTUNITY: PARTICIPATE IN TRUCK TREND'S TRUCK CAP AND TONNEAU COVER BUYER'S GUIDE

RESTYLERS SHARE SECRETS ON EXPANDING THEIR BUSINESS

New Products & Technology

SPY SHOTS: PORSCHE GT2-530 HORSES SCREAMING TO 204 MPH

Law and Order

FEDERAL PANEL TO STUDY SAFETY OF U.S. IMPORTS

MINIMUM-WAGE HIKE TOOK EFFECT ON JULY 24

Global Update

GOVERNMENT HIGHLIGHTS EMERGING AUTO MARKETS IN CHINA

People, Places & Racing News

FORCE CLIMBS BACK INTO TOP 8 AND OTHER NHRA NEWSMAKERS

GINN RACING NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES TEAM SOLD TO DALE EARNHARDT INC. AND OTHER RACING NEWS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: JOHN SIMMONS, FRED VAN SENUS, BRANDON BELKEN, JOE BAGWELL AND MORE

TRUCK-ACCESSORY INDUSTRY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR SEMA GALA FUNDRAISER

ARMO AND MRC NAME NEW SELECT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHER COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS

Exhibitor Update

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR 2007 SEMA SHOW PROJECT-VEHICLE BUILDERS

2007 SEMA SHOW EXHIBITOR UPDATES

Shows & Events

PHOTO GALLERY—SUBARU AT THE 2006 SEMA SHOW

MANUFACTURERS' REP CONFERENCE: WHERE REPS, WDS AND MANUFACTURERS CREATE PROFITABLE RELATIONSHIPS

RACES, CAR SHOWS, CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES-ALL OF THE INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS HERE

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Hot Links to Cool Sites

The following links represent the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) new, re-elected and returning select committee members. HRIA is a SEMA council dedicated to the prosperity of the businesses with the hot rod industry. For more information on HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

New HRIA Select Committee Members

Mike Kinney, Las Vegas Rod & Custom: www.lasvegasrodandcustom.com
Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products: 166.82.96.3/homeframes.html

Re-elected HRIA Select Committee Members

Del Austin, Street Thunder Magazine: www.northamericanmediagroup.com/PrintOverview/sm_printoverview.htm
Tommy Daniels, Yearwood Speed & Custom: www.yearwood.com
Rick Love, Vintage Air Inc.: www.vintageair.com
Ross Ortman, Dakota Digital Inc.: www.dakotadigital.com

Returning HRIA Select Committee Members

Jeanette Ladina, Chairman, Flaming River Industries Inc.: www.flamingriver.com
Dennis Overholser, Chair-elect, Painless Performance: www.painlessperformance.com
Ed Capen, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association: www.good-guys.com
Chico Kodama, Mooneyes USA Inc.: www.mooneyesusa.com
John McLeod, Classic Instruments Inc.: www.classicinstruments.com
John Menzler, Comp Performance Group: www.compperformancegroup.com
Yogi Somerville, Yogi's Inc.: www.yogisinc.com/index.cfm
David Stutts, Advisor, Hot Rod Air Inc.: www.hotrodair.com
Stacy Tucker, Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.: www.detroitspeed.com

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Questions, comments or suggestions about the publication: Contact Jason Catullo.

Terms under which this service is provided to you: sema.org/disclaimer

SEMA's mailing address: 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

July 20

Vol. 10, No. 29

SEMA eNEWS

July 19, 2007

To access all of this week's eNews headlines, visit
http://www.sema.org/main/IssueDetail.aspx?issueID=19

What Has SEMA Done For You Lately?

SEMA SHOW 2007 EXHIBITOR SERVICES MANUALS START ARRIVING THIS WEEK

Breaking News

ALCOA SIGNS ON AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF SEMA INSTALLATION BANQUET & GALA FUNDRAISER

NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL, NASCAR PACKAGES, CANNONDALE ROAD BIKE UP FOR AUCTION AT GALA FUNDRAISER

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR 2008 FORD FOCUS MEASURING SESSION IS THIS FRIDAY!

HOW TO CREATE MORE REVENUE IN THE CHANGING AUTOMOTIVE MARKET

SEMA SHOW EDUCATION PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED—WHICH ONES WILL HELP YOUR BUSINESS?

Market Snapshot

MAZDA INTRODUCES PERSONAL SHOPPER

CONVERTIBLE ADDED TO ROLLS-ROYCE LINEUP

QUALITY PROGRAMS—WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

HOW FAST CAN A FUEL CELL GO?

WILL TECHNOLOGY KILL OUR LOVE OF CARS?

CHRYSLER CONFIRMS CHALLENGER SRT-8

FORD'S V8 POWER WITH V6 FUEL ECONOMY

ON-TRACK RECORD TRANSLATES TO INCREASED SALES

ETHANOL MAY CREATE MORE PROBLEMS THAN ONCE THOUGHT

MITSUBISHI INTRODUCES TWIN-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION

Business Tools

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT—ADDING CUSTOM STYLE TO WORK TRUCKS

HOT-ROD INDUSTRY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS 7% ANNUAL GROWTH

NEW SEMA DATABASE CONNECTS MEMBER COMPANIES WITH MOTORSPORTS INSIDERS

DODGE SECOND-HAND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES MARKET CLEARS MORE THAN $4M LAST MONTH

HOW MICROSOFT'S NEW PROGRAM WILL MANGLE YOUR E-MARKETING EFFORTS

TAP INTO NICHE MARKETS AND STREAMLINE YOUR INVENTORY—SEMA WEBCASTS SHOW YOU HOW

New Products & Technology

SPY PHOTOS—PRE-PRODUCTION DODGE CHALLENGER CAUGHT ON THE HIGHWAY

Law and Order

FEDS FOLLOW CALIFORNIA LEAD TO REGULATE VOCS FROM AEROSOL SPRAY PAINTS

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED ON ILLEGAL EMISSIONS CONTROL "DEFEAT DEVICES"

NHTSA AMENDS TPMS RULE REGARDING MALFUNCTION WARNINGS

Global Update

EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS WORLDWIDE WITH SEMA INTERNATIONAL-RELATIONS PROGRAM

People, Places & Racing News

LEGISLATION AND EDUCATION TOP PRIORITIES, SAYS NEW HRIA CHAIR

LTAA ANNOUNCES NEW SELECT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHER SEMA COUNCIL & COMMITTEE NEWS

SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE COUNCIL IN CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: MINDY MARTY, NATALIE RENEE BROWN, STACY TUCKER AND MORE

STEPHANIE EGGUM WINS THIRD STRAIGHT NHRA XPLOD SPORT COMPACT HOT ROD TITLE AND OTHER NHRA NEWSMAKERS

NO U.S. GRAND PRIX FOR 2008 AND OTHER RACING NEWS

Exhibitor Update

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR SEMA SHOW 2007 PROJECT-VEHICLE BUILDERS

Shows & Events

PHOTO GALLERY—CUSTOM MITSUBISHIS FROM THE SEMA SHOW

RECORD NUMBER OF NEW RESTO PRODUCTS ENTERED IN ARMO SHOWCASE

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Hot Links to Cool Sites

The following links represent the Automotive Restoration Market Organization's (ARMO) new, re-elected and returning select committee members. ARMO is a SEMA council dedicated to the prosperity of the businesses with the restoration industry. For more information on ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

New ARMO Select Committee Members

Mark Vogt, Classic Industries/OER: www.classicindustries.com
Steve Moskowitz, Antique Automobile Club of America: www.aaca.org

Re-elected ARMO Select Committee Members

Todd Bidwell, Parts Unlimited Inc.: www.pui.cc
Roger Niehaus, Auto Custom Carpets Inc.: www.accmats.com
Sandy Patterson, Primedia: www.primedia.com
Jim Vinarski, Carlisle Productions: www.carsatcarlisle.com

Returning ARMO Select Committee Members

Ernie Silvers, ARMO Chairman, Egge Machine Co.: www.egge.com
Jim Barber, ARMO Chair-Elect, CARS: www.classicautomotiverestoration.com
Laura Bergan, American Collectors Insurance Inc.: www.americancollectorsins.com/index.php
Jeff Broadus, Car Collector Magazine: www.carcollector.com
Dennis Gage, Bradley David Productions/My Classic Car: www.myclassiccar.com
Marshall Giorgi, Rare Parts Inc.: www.rareparts.com
Kim Mitchell, Eaton Detroit Spring Inc.: www.eatonsprings.com
Sheila Perkins, Bradley David Productions: www.bradleydavid.com
Alex Tainsh, Trim Parts Inc.: www.trimparts.com
Walter Vaughan, Steele Rubber Products Inc.: www.steelerubber.com
Dave Mihalko Jr., ARMO Advisor, Restoration Specialties & Supply: www.restorationspecialties.com

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Questions, comments or suggestions about the publication: Contact Jason Catullo.

Terms under which this service is provided to you: sema.org/disclaimer

SEMA's mailing address: 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Vol. 10, No. 28

SEMA eNEWS

July 12, 2007

To access all of this week's eNews headlines, visit
http://www.sema.org/main/IssueDetail.aspx?issueID=18

What Has SEMA Done For You Lately?

WILLIAM MILLER JOINS SEMA AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Breaking News

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, VANCE & HINES, AND COMP PERFORMANCE DONATE H-D MOTORCYCLE TO SILENT AUCTION

BADGES AND BADGEHOLDERS IN THE MAIL FOR SEMA SHOW ALUMNI

TODAY'S WEBCAST, 10 A.M. (PST)-FACING THE CHALLENGES OF TIRE-PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS

Market Snapshot

CARS STILL A HIGHER PRIORITY THAN ENTERTAINMENT

MERCEDES-BENZ ANNOUNCES C-CLASS PRICING

WHAT'S NEW FOR LINCOLN IN 2008?

MORE DIESELS TO HIT THE MARKET

NEXT-GENERATION HUMMER H2

MERCEDES-BENZ NEW AMG MODEL TO HIT SPRING 2008

VOLKSWAGEN'S NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR WILL BE HARD TO GET

ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATORS COULD REPLACE HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS

HONDA'S FUEL-CELL CONCEPT

Business Tools

AHEAD OF NEW C-CLASS LAUNCH, MERCEDES-BENZ ACCESSORIES AVERAGING NEARLY $2 MILLION A MONTH ONLINE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT-SPECIALIZED TIPS FOR RESTORING BRITISH VEHICLES

WHAT BLUETOOTH IS DOING NOW, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOUR BUSINESS

TIPS DESIGNED TO INCREASE PROFITS FOR YOUR RETAIL STORE

HOW TO CREATE MORE REVENUE IN THE CHANGING AUTOMOTIVE MARKET
SEMA Vice President John Waraniak Joins Panel of Experts to Discuss Shifting From Mass Markets to Low-Volume, High-Mix Production

New Products & Technology

SPY PHOTOS—LEXUS LF-A SUPERCAR: 500 HP FROM A V10

Global Update

THE PRODUCTS THAT EXPERTS SAY ARE TOP SELLERS IN BRAZIL

SEMA INTERNATIONAL BUYERS GUIDE OFFERS FREE GLOBAL EXPOSURE

SEMA SHOW OFFERS INTERNATIONAL VISITORS SPECIAL SERVICES

People, Places & Racing News

TEAM MOPAR READY TO BRAVE THE RAPIDS AND OTHER NHRA NEWSMAKERS

NAME CHANGE FOR NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES AND OTHER RACING NEWS

HRIA AND SBN NAME NEW SELECT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHER SEMA COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: MATHEW LONG, BOB DEFAUW, MARK PHIPPS, JAMES BARNES, JEFF PRESSMAN AND MORE

Exhibitor Update

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR SEMA SHOW 2007 PROJECT-VEHICLE BUILDERS

Shows & Events

ALL OF THE NISSANS FROM THE 2006 SEMA SHOW

MANUFACTURERS SEEK BUYERS IN MEXICO
July 11-13 Event Brings Leading Products Suppliers in Touch With Latin American Buyers

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Hot Links to Cool Sites

The links and company names below represent 2007 SEMA Show first-time exhibitors in the Show's Restoration Marketplace and Hot Rod Alley. The 2007 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday, October 30 - Friday, November 2. Show information and registration is available online at www.SEMAshow.com.

Restoration Marketplace

Concours Parts & Accessories, www.concoursparts.com
Eckler Industries Inc., www.ecklers.com
Master Power, www.mpbrakes.com
Mustang Project, www.mustangproject.com

Hot Rod Alley

Alves Precision Engineered Products, www.alvesprecision.com
American Autowire, www.factoryfit.com, www.americanautowire.com
American Speed Co., www.americanspeedcompany.com
Bourget's Bike Works, www.bourgets.com
Detroit Speed and Engineering, www.detroitspeed.com
FPM Polished Metals, www.fpmmetals.com
JR Distributor International Inc., www.classic-new.com
Steve's Auto Restorations Inc., www.stevesautorestorations.com

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Sema News

Posted by Bill at 07:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Comic-Con

July 28

Director Zack Snyder Announces Cast for Highly Anticipated Motion Picture Adaptation of the Seminal Graphic Novel Watchmen at Comic-Con
Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson to Play ‘Masks’

Comic-Con International 2007

Filmmaker Zack Snyder (300), who is set to direct Warner Bros. Pictures’ feature film adaptation of the award-winning graphic novel Watchmen, today announced the cast of the highly anticipated epic before 6,500 fans during a presentation at this year’s Comic-Con International convention in San Diego, California. Watchmen will be produced by Lawrence Gordon (Die Hard), Lloyd Levin (United 93) and Deborah Snyder (300), with Herbert W. Gains serving as executive producer. The film is targeted for a March 6, 2009, release.

Playing the film’s core group of “masks,” the masked adventurers at the center of the story, are Malin Akerman (upcoming The Heartbreak Kid) as Laurie Juspeczyk, aka Silk Spectre; Billy Crudup (The Good Shepherd) as Jon Osterman, aka Dr. Manhattan; Matthew Goode (Match Point) as Adrian Veidt, aka Ozymandias; Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children) as Walter Kovacs, aka Rorschach; Jeffrey Dean Morgan (TV’s Grey’s Anatomy) as Edward Blake, aka the Comedian; and Patrick Wilson (Little Children) as Dan Dreiberg, aka Nite Owl.

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the “Doomsday Clock” – which charts the USA’s tension with the Soviet Union – is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed-up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion – a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers – Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity…but who is watching the watchmen?

Watchmen was originally published by DC Comics as a 12-comic book series between 1986 and 1987, before subsequently being collected into a trade paperback. It is the only graphic novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award or to be named among Time magazine’s “100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present.”
was originally published by DC Comics as a 12-comic book series between 1986 and 1987, before subsequently being collected into a trade paperback. It is the only graphic novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award or to be named among magazine’s “100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present.”

Warner Bros. Pictures

July 27

Paramount Pictures/ Dreamworks Pictures/ Nickelodeon Movies Unveil Exclusive Footage and Major Casting Announcements at Comic-Con International
J.J. Abrams Announces Two Mr. Spocks for New 'Star Trek' Film: Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy
Steven Spielberg Reveals Return of Karen Allen For Fourth 'Indiana Jones' Film
First Footage of 'Iron Man' Shown by Director John Favreau
World Premiere Trailers For 'Beowulf' and 'Drillbit Taylor'

-- The halls of the San Diego Convention Center were abuzz with the news that came pouring out of the panel today hosted by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. Exclusive footage and major casting announcements included:

Director/Producer J.J. Abrams revealed his first casting for the "Star

Trek" adventure: Zachary Quinto (Sylar on "Heroes") will step into the

ears of the young Mr. Spock and veteran Leonard Nimoy will return to the

role he made famous. Both Quinto and Nimoy made surprise appearances and

were greeted with wild applause. Abrams, producers Damon Lindelof and

Bryan Burk and writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman answered questions

from the audience. The new "Star Trek" film will be released on Christmas

Day in 2008.

Appearing live via satellite from the set of the new "Indiana Jones"

adventure, director Steven Spielberg and three of his cast members

Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf and Ray Winstone discussed the film, and

Spielberg revealed that Karen Allen, the co-star of "Raiders of the Lost

Ark," will be returning for the fourth installment, which debuts over the

Memorial Day weekend 2008.

In another surprise, director Jon Favreau shared world premiere footage

from his upcoming "Iron Man" starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard,

Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. The action/adventure based on the Marvel

Comic launches the summer season on May 2, 2008.

Paramount Pictures, Shangri-La Entertainment and Warner Bros. hosted the

world premiere trailers, the first, for Robert Zemeckis' epic adventure

"Beowulf," due for release November 16, 2007, which was introduced by the

film's writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary. Later in the day, there were

invitation-only screenings of select 3-D footage for "Beowulf."

Producer Judd Apatow and director Steven Brill sent a taped greeting to

introduce the first-ever viewing of the trailer for the Owen Wilson comedy

"Drillbit Taylor," which opens nationally on March 21, 2008.

Other highlights of the afternoon panel included appearances by "Hot Rod"

director Akiva Schaffer and actors Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, who

jointly introduced a clip from the film that is due for release August 3,

2007. Neil Gaiman also presented a clip from the film version of his

graphic novel "Stardust," which opens August 10, 2007. The film was

screened at Comic-Con Thursday evening. A trailer from the upcoming "The

Spiderwick Chronicles" was followed by a Q&A with the film's director Mark

Waters, Oscar(R)-winning special effects whiz Phil Tippett and Tony

DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, authors of the "Spiderwick" book series. "The

Spiderwick Chronicles" opens February 15, 2008. And the first poster art

was revealed for Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet

Street" starring Johnny Depp. "Sweeney Todd" opens December 21, 2007 in

exclusive runs and nationally on January 11, 2008.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About DreamWorks Pictures

DreamWorks Studios was formed in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The company won three consecutive Best Picture Academy Awards with "American Beauty," "Gladiator" and "A Beautiful Mind" (both co-produced with Universal.) Among the company's other successes have been such films as "Saving Private Ryan," "War of the Worlds," "Dreamgirls" (all co-produced with Paramount), and "Blades of Glory." Among its upcoming productions are "Things We Lost in the Fire," "The Kite Runner (distributed by Paramount Classics), and "Sweeney Todd" (co-produced with Warner Bros.)

July 26

STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES TRANSPORTS INTO
HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S NEW FRONTIER WITH THE LAUNCH OF SEASON ONE ON HD DVD/DVD COMBO Disc SET
TRANSPORTS INTO HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S NEW FRONTIER WITH THE LAUNCH OF SEASON ONE ON HD DVD/DVD COMBO Disc SET Out of this World 10-Disc Set Featuring Fully Remastered Episodes,
Exclusive HD DVD Interactive Features and Rare On-Set Home Movie Footage Arrives on November 20, 2007
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment invite you to experience STAR TREK: The Original Series as never before when the legendary first season arrives for the first time ever in a 10-disc
HD DVD/DVD combo disc set on November 20, 2007. Meticulously remastered from the original camera negative specifically for this high-definition release, each classic episode is presented in pristine condition with state-of-the-art digital visual effects. 1960s special effects have been replaced with 21^st century computer-generated imagery to give new depth and atmosphere to various elements including the main title sequence, the galaxy shots frequently seen from the Enterprise’s bridge, the battle scenes, planets and alien ships, some of the matte paintings used as backdrops for new worlds, as well as the Enterprise and other Starships, which have been replaced with state-of-the-art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
– CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment invite you to experience as never before when the legendary first season arrives for the first time ever in a 10-disc HD DVD/DVD combo disc set on November 20, 2007. Meticulously remastered from the original camera negative specifically for this high-definition release, each classic episode is presented in pristine condition with state-of-the-art digital visual effects. 1960s special effects have been replaced with 21 century computer-generated imagery to give new depth and atmosphere to various elements including the main title sequence, the galaxy shots frequently seen from the Enterprise’s bridge, the battle scenes, planets and alien ships, some of the matte paintings used as backdrops for new worlds, as well as the Enterprise and other Starships, which have been replaced with state-of-the-art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The refurbished episodes also feature higher quality sound for the famous opening theme. The original score by Emmy® Award-winning composer Alexander Courage has been re-recorded in state-of-the-art digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer belting out the famous vocals. A digitally remastered version of William Shatner’s classic original recording of the 38-word “Space, the final frontier…” monologue continues to open each episode.

In addition, the extraordinary set features true HD audio and exclusive HD DVD interactive features produced by New Wave Entertainment. Interactive menus and a “Starfleet Access” interface will allow viewers to activate icons which provide such features as Picture in Picture video commentaries and an interactive tour of the starship Enterprise. Both the standard definition and high definition presentations also include rare on-set home movie footage, an inside perspective on what it took to transport Trek into the 21^st century and much more. Housed in a futuristic clear case, the STAR TREK: The Original Series HD DVD/DVD set will be available for the suggested retail price of $217.99.

STAR TREK: the Original Series is a 10-disc collection presented in the original aspect ratio (1.33:1) screen. The standard definition presentation includes Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, LAS Mono and French Mono as well as English, LAS and French subtitles. The HD DVD presentation features English Dolby True HD and LAS Mono with English and LAS subtitles. The DVD is not rated in the U.S. and rated G in Canada.
is a 10-disc collection presented in the original aspect ratio (1.33:1) screen. The standard definition presentation includes Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, LAS Mono and French Mono as well as English, LAS and French subtitles. The HD DVD presentation features English Dolby True HD and LAS Mono with English and LAS subtitles. The DVD is not rated in the U.S. and rated G in Canada.

Bonus features on the HD DVD side are as follows:

Starfleet Access – On-screen graphical interface allows viewers to access Picture in Picture video commentaries, comparisons of re-mastered vs. original effects, encyclopedic information (science, life forms, technology), episode trivia and more on the following episodes:

Where No Man Has Gone Before

The Menagerie, Part 1

The Menagerie, Part 2

Balance of Terror

The Galileo Seven

Space Seed

Errand of Mercy

Spacelift: Transporting Trek into the 21st Century

From new visual effects to sound, this documentary provides an in-depth exploration of the remastering of classic Star Trek episodes.

Billy Blackburn’s Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories

Join crew member and “extra-extraordinaire” Billy Blackburn as he shares his own behind-the-scenes home movie footage of life on the set of Star Trek.

Interactive Enterprise Tour

Viewers will explore the Enterprise interior and exterior in detail as they pilot their own shuttlecraft in this spectacular 3D simulated feature.

Perpetual Entertainment’s “Star Trek Online” MMO Game Preview

Bonus features on the standard DVD side are as follows:

Spacelift: Transporting Trek into the 21^st Century

The Birth of a Timeless Legacy

Reflections on Spock

Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner

To Boldly Go…Season One

Sci-Fi Visionaries

Billy Blackburn’s Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories

Kiss & Tell: Romance in the 24^th Century

Trek Connections

Star Trek: Beyond the Final Frontier

Episode Preview Trailers

Perpetual Entertainment’s “Star Trek Online” MMO Game Preview

HD DVD offers up to six times the picture resolution of standard DVD, with brighter, sharper and more vivid images and color. HD DVD also offers incredible audio with support for Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby True HD.

CBS Home Entertainment manages the worldwide DVD business for the CBS Corporation across all lines of content including current hits and classic series from the vast CBS library, as well as new releases from Showtime Video. CBS Home Entertainment products are released on the CBS DVD label.

Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA, VIA.B), a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group. PHE is responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, PBS and Hasbro and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

HD DVD is the next generation, post-DVD standard for high capacity, high definition optical discs, approved by the DVD Forum, which develops and defines DVD formats. Its more than 220 strong membership brings together leaders in movies and entertainment, computing, consumer electronics and software. HD DVD is fast becoming the primary visual medium for the age of high-definition TV. The North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. is an organization established to promote the HD DVD format and educate consumers in North America. For more information and a complete listing of HD DVD launch titles please visit http://www.TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect.com.

Visit www.startrek.com to access Star Trek news, product information,

online community and more

# # #

STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES Season One HD DVD/DVD
Street Date: November 20, 2007

Pricing: $217.99 U.S.
Runtime: 24 hours, 21 minutes (HD DVD)

24 hours, 20 minutes (DVD)

U.S. Rating: Not rated

Canadian Rating: G

D3PUBLISHER OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES COMPANION COMIC BOOK FOR ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED THIRD PERSON ACTION VIDEO GAME DARK SECTOR Comic To Feature The Talents of Fan Favorites Bill Sienkiewicz And David Wohl LOS ANGELES - July 26, 2007 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced that it will partner with Top Cow Productions to produce a companion comic book for Dark Sector, its upcoming third person action video game developed by Digital Extremes. Incorporating the heart-pounding intensity of the game, the Dark Sector comic book will provide backstory to the world of the upcoming video game. The Dark Sector comic book will feature cover and interior art from acclaimed comic book creator and artist Bill Sienkiewicz, famous for his work on Elektra: Assassin and New Mutants, and the story line will be penned by esteemed writer, David Wohl, known for work on Witchblade and The Darkness. Developed by acclaimed developer Digital Extremes, co-creators behind the award-winning Epic Games' Unreal franchise, Dark Sector is an all-new and original action-thriller designed exclusively for next-generation consoles. The game thrusts players into the role of Hayden Tenno, an elite black-ops agent sent on a dangerous mission into a decaying Eastern European city that hides a deadly Cold War secret. Attacked by an unknown enemy, he awakens to find part of his body altered by an infection that has granted him inhuman abilities; he must learn to evolve along with his powers, to survive and to become a hero. A dark, gritty experience packed with fast action, incredible superpowers and an engaging story; Dark Sector is anticipated for release in Q1 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
To Feature The Talents of Fan Favorites Bill Sienkiewicz And David Wohl LOS ANGELES - July 26, 2007 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced that it will partner with Top Cow Productions to produce a companion comic book for Dark Sector, its upcoming third person action video game developed by Digital Extremes. Incorporating the heart-pounding intensity of the game, the Dark Sector comic book will provide backstory to the world of the upcoming video game. The Dark Sector comic book will feature cover and interior art from acclaimed comic book creator and artist Bill Sienkiewicz, famous for his work on Elektra: Assassin and New Mutants, and the story line will be penned by esteemed writer, David Wohl, known for work on Witchblade and The Darkness. Developed by acclaimed developer Digital Extremes, co-creators behind the award-winning Epic Games' Unreal franchise, Dark Sector is an all-new and original action-thriller designed exclusively for next-generation consoles. The game thrusts players into the role of Hayden Tenno, an elite black-ops agent sent on a dangerous mission into a decaying Eastern European city that hides a deadly Cold War secret. Attacked by an unknown enemy, he awakens to find part of his body altered by an infection that has granted him inhuman abilities; he must learn to evolve along with his powers, to survive and to become a hero. A dark, gritty experience packed with fast action, incredible superpowers and an engaging story; Dark Sector is anticipated for release in Q1 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. PROFILES IN HISTORY TO EXHIBIT A HUGE ARRAY OFAUTHENTIC SCREEN-USED PROPS, COSTUMES AND ARTWORK AT COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL

Exclusive "Sneak Preview" of Profiles' August 2-3 worldwide auction will include Anakin Skywalker's and McGregor "Obi-Wan Kenobi" light saber, screen-used ET's hands, a Fortress of Solitude crystal, a Kryptonite box, the Facehugger from Aliens, George Clooney's Batman cowl and Freddy Krueger's fedora

WHO: Joseph M. Maddalena, President & CEO of Profiles in History

WHAT: PROFILES IN HISTORY (www.profilesinhistory.com <http://www.profilesinhistory.com>), the world's leading company for the sale of genuine, authentic Hollywood memorabilia will be offering a special treat to Comic Con visitors by displaying a huge array of screen-used Hollywood props and costumes. This is an exclusive sneak preview of their upcoming August 2-3 auction. These are NOT toys or commercially produced promotional merchandise! Highlighted items include Anakin Skywalker's light saber from Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones, Ewan McGregor "Obi-Wan Kenobi" light saber from Star Wars: Episode 1-The Phantom Menace, screen-used ET hands from ET: The Extra Terrestrial, a Fortress of Solitude crystal from Superman: The Movie, the Kryptonite box from Superman III, the Facehugger prop from Aliens, George Clooney's Batman cowl from Batman & Robin, Freddy Krueger's fedora from A Nightmare on Elm Street III: Dream Warriors, Ridley Scott's crew jacket from Bladerunner, a hero Earth Directorate laser pistol used in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, the hero Excalibur sword, Lament configuration puzzle box from Hellraiser: Bloodline, a prop gun from Mars Attacks!, David Kelly "Grandpa Joe" goggles from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, John Haymes Newton's Superboy costume and a screen-used Energizer Bunny!

Other Hollywood memorabilia that will be exhibited include props, costume and artwork from films and TV shows including The Star Wars movies, The Superman movies, ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Frankenstein, Dracula, The Jetsons Movie, Logan's Run, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Aliens, Star Trek, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Lost in Space and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century among others. All these items and many more will be available at Profiles in History's next auction, August 2-3, 2007.

DETAILS: Profiles in History is the world's leading company for Hollywood memorabilia. This is Profiles in History's 4th visit to Comic Con. In recent years, sales by Joe Maddalena and his company, Profiles in History have included the original "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz for $805,000, the Command Chair and platform from the "U.S.S. Enterprise" ($304,750), the original "Robot" from Lost in Space ($264,500), Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from Star Wars ($195,500), the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000) George Reeves' Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500) the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from the film Alien ($126,500), Christopher Reeve's 'Superman' costume from Superman: The Movie. ($115,000) and The Wizard of Oz 'Winkie' Guard Costume ($115,000).

This sneak preview will give Comic Con visitors a taste of the more than 1000 items that Profiles in History will be offering on August 2-3. Worldwide bidding begins at 12:00 noon (PST) both days and bids can be placed either in person, via mail, phone, fax or the Internet via eBay Live Auctions (www.ebayliveauctions.com <http://www.ebayliveauctions.com>). Items that will be available include an original screen-used "General Lee" car from The Dukes of Hazzard TV Show (*$180,000-$220,000), the original "Johnny-Five" robot from Short Circuit and Short Circuit 2 (*$100,000-$150,000), an original Chewbacca head from Star Wars (*$80,000-$100,000), an original Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (*$20,000-$30,000), an original Klingon Disruptor from Star Trek (*$20,000-$25,000), a hero laser gun from the Lost in Space TV show (*$20,000-$25,000), The Alien "Space Jockey" miniature, designed and built by H.R. Giger (*$15,000-$20,000), the hero Rocket Plane miniature from the film, X-15 (*$10,000-$15,000), the "Grumpy" figure puppet from Land of the Lost (*$10,000-$12,000), screen-used "E.T." hands from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (*$8,000-$10,000), aTaun Taun head casting from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (*$8,000-$10,000), William Shatner's and DeForest Kelley's screen-worn costumes from Star Trek: The Motion Picture (*$4,000-$8,000 each), Harrison Ford's blazer from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (*$10,000-$12,000), Sean Connery's suit from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (*$10,000-$12,000), Freddy vs. Jason "Freddy" AND "Jason" costumes and displays (*$10,000-$12,000 each), George Clooney's screen-used cowl from Batman & Robin (*$6,000-$8,000), Alicia Silverstone's complete Batgirl costume from "Batman & Robin" (*$20,000-$30,000), Chris O'Donnell's Robin torso costume and cape from Batman Forever (*$12,000-$15,000), Robert Englund's screen-worn Freddy Krueger fedora from A Nightmare on Elm Street III: Dream Warriors (*$6,000-$8,000), Robin Williams' full-size costume from Bicentennial Man (*$12,000-$15,000), Ray Park's Headless Horseman costume from Sleepy Hollow (*$4,000-$6,000), John Haymes Newton's Superboy costume (*$3,000-$5,000), Tony Soprano's Chevy Suburban from The Sopranos (*$30,000-$50,000), Tom Cruise "Cole Trickle" stock car from Days of Thunder (*$40,000-$60,000), Uncle Rico's van from Napoleon Dynamite (*$12,000-$15,000) the center rocket from Disneyland's Tomorrowland "Rocket Jets" ride (*$20,000-$30,000),) a pair of Walther PPK pistols used by Roger Moore as 'James Bond' (*$5,000-$10,000 each) and an original screen-used Energizer Bunny (*$6,000-$8,000)!

For more information about Profiles in History and to download a complete catalog of items available for auction on August 2-3, as well as past auction catalogs, please visit www.profilesinhistory.com <http://www.profilesinhistory.com/>.
RENEGADE INVESTIGATORS USE ALIEN TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE CRIME IN THE U.S. PREMIERE OF BBC AMERICA ’S TORCHWOOD
Exclusive "Sneak Preview" of Profiles' August 2-3 worldwide auction will include Anakin Skywalker's and McGregor "Obi-Wan Kenobi" light saber, screen-used ET's hands, a Fortress of Solitude crystal, a Kryptonite box, the Facehugger from , George Clooney's Batman cowl and Freddy Krueger's fedora: Joseph M. Maddalena, President & CEO of Profiles in HistoryPROFILES IN HISTORY (), the world's leading company for the sale of will be offering a special treat to Comic Con visitors by displaying a huge array of screen-used Hollywood props and costumes. This is an exclusive sneak preview of their upcoming August 2-3 auction. Highlighted items include Anakin Skywalker's light saber from , Ewan McGregor "Obi-Wan Kenobi" light saber from , screen-used ET hands from , a Fortress of Solitude crystal from , the Kryptonite box from , the Facehugger prop from , George Clooney's Batman cowl from , Freddy Krueger's fedora from , Ridley Scott's crew jacket from , a hero Earth Directorate laser pistol used in , the hero sword, Lament configuration puzzle box from , a prop gun from , David Kelly "Grandpa Joe" goggles from , John Haymes Newton's costume and a screen-used Energizer Bunny!Other Hollywood memorabilia that will be exhibited include props, costume and artwork from films and TV shows including The movies, The movies, , , , , , , , , , , and among others. Profiles in History is the world's leading company for Hollywood memorabilia. This is Profiles in History's 4th visit to Comic Con. In recent years, sales by Joe Maddalena and his company, Profiles in History have included the original "Cowardly Lion" costume from for $805,000, the Command Chair and platform from the "U.S.S. Enterprise" ($304,750), the original "Robot" from ($264,500), Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from ($195,500), the Black Beauty car from ($192,000) George Reeves' Superman costume from ($126,500) the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from the film ($126,500), Christopher Reeve's 'Superman' costume from . ($115,000) and 'Winkie' Guard Costume ($115,000). This sneak preview will give Comic Con visitors a taste of the more than 1000 items that Profiles in History will be offering on August 2-3. Items that will be available include an original screen-used "General Lee" car from TV Show (*$180,000-$220,000), the original "Johnny-Five" robot from and (*$100,000-$150,000), an original Chewbacca head from (*$80,000-$100,000), an original Stormtrooper helmet from and (*$20,000-$30,000), an original Klingon Disruptor from (*$20,000-$25,000), a hero laser gun from the TV show (*$20,000-$25,000), The "Space Jockey" miniature, designed and built by H.R. Giger (*$15,000-$20,000), the hero Rocket Plane miniature from the film, (*$10,000-$15,000), the "Grumpy" figure puppet from (*$10,000-$12,000), screen-used "E.T." hands from (*$8,000-$10,000), aTaun Taun head casting from (*$8,000-$10,000), William Shatner's and DeForest Kelley's screen-worn costumes from (*$4,000-$8,000 each), Harrison Ford's blazer from (*$10,000-$12,000), Sean Connery's suit from (*$10,000-$12,000), "Freddy" AND "Jason" costumes and displays (*$10,000-$12,000 each), George Clooney's screen-used cowl from (*$6,000-$8,000), Alicia Silverstone's complete Batgirl costume from "Batman & Robin" (*$20,000-$30,000), Chris O'Donnell's Robin torso costume and cape from (*$12,000-$15,000), Robert Englund's screen-worn Freddy Krueger fedora from (*$6,000-$8,000), Robin Williams' full-size costume from (*$12,000-$15,000), Ray Park's Headless Horseman costume from (*$4,000-$6,000), John Haymes Newton's costume (*$3,000-$5,000), Tony Soprano's Chevy Suburban from (*$30,000-$50,000), Tom Cruise "Cole Trickle" stock car from (*$40,000-$60,000), Uncle Rico's van from (*$12,000-$15,000) the center rocket from Disneyland's Tomorrowland "Rocket Jets" ride (*$20,000-$30,000),) a pair of Walther PPK pistols used by Roger Moore as 'James Bond' (*$5,000-$10,000 each) and an original screen-used Energizer Bunny (*$6,000-$8,000)!For more information about Profiles in History and to download a complete catalog of items available for auction on August 2-3, as well as past auction catalogs, please visit .
- An acclaimed new sci-fi drama created by Russell T Davies-

From Russell T Davies, writer of the new Doctor Who series and Queer as Folk, comes Torchwood an action-packed, adrenalin-fuelled new sci-fi series following the adventures of a team of investigators who use alien technology to solve crime. Torchwood premieres Saturday, September 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The team, led by the enigmatic, ever-watchful Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman, Doctor Who, De-Lovely), uses scavenged alien technology to solve present day crime - both alien and human. They’re separate from the government, outside the police and beyond the United Nations. Torchwood sets its own rules, delving into the unknown and fighting the impossible.

Everyone who works for Torchwood is young, under 35. Some say that's because it's a new science. Others say it's because they die young.

Alongside charismatic Captain Jack is Gwen (Eve Myles). Initially an outsider, her first meeting with the team sparks a burning curiosity to get to the truth, throwing her into an unfamiliar but exciting world. Clear and instinctive, she understands people and is, at times, the group’s conscience. But can she completely separate herself from her normal life?

The rest of the bold and passionate team is made up of charming medic Owen Harper (Burn Gorman), young, hedonistic and utterly brilliant; reserved Toshiko Sato (Naoko Mori) who specialises in computers, surveillance and all things technical; the super-intelligent and intense Suzie Costello (Indira Varma) who has devoted her life to the strange alien artefacts under her control; and Ianto Jones (Gareth David Lloyd) who is far more important than his receptionist role suggests.

From an underground base built on a rift in time and space, the team respond to any alien threat – a meteorite crash landing, sightings of extra-terrestrial technology, an unusual autopsy report, the spread of a deadly alien virus.

Part X-Files, part Angels, Torchwood is the team we’d all love to be part of, where excitement comes before morality and the rules are made as you go along…

For up-to-the-minute information on BBC AMERICA , forthcoming U.S. premieres, art work and news from the channel, log on to www.press.bbcamerica.com.

BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring razor-sharp comedies, provocative dramas, life-changing makeovers and news with a uniquely global perspective. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. BBC AMERICA is distributed by Discovery Networks. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV.

For more information about BBC AMERICA visit www.bbcamerica.com

CAST AND PRODUCTION CREDITS

Captain Jack Harkness John Barrowman (Doctor Who, De-Lovely)

Gwen Cooper Eve Myles (Soundproof)

Owen Harper Burn Gorman (Bleak House, Low Winter Sun)

Toshiko Sato Naoko Mori (Absolutely Fabulous, MI-5)

Suzie Costello Indira Varma ( Rome, Canterbury Tales)

Ianto Jones Gareth David Lloyd (Mine all Mine)

Rhys Jones Kai Owen (Rocket Man)

Creator, Lead Writer and

Executive Producer Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk)

Lead Writer Chris Chibnall (Life on Mars)

Writers Helen Raynor (Brief Encounters)

Peter J Hammond (Wycliffe)
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Toby Whithouse (Hotel Babylon)
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Cath Tregenna (Casualty)
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Andy Rattenbury
Noel Clarke (Doctor Who)
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Directors Brian Kelly ( Sea Of Souls)

Colin Teague ( Holby City)
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James Strong (Doctor Who, Mile High)
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Alice Troughton (EastEnders)
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Andy Goddard (Hex)
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James Erskine ( Holby City)
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Ashley Way (Doctor Who)
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Producer Richard Stokes (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries)

Executive Producer Julie Gardner (The Girl in the Café)

WHAT THE BRITISH SAID

“…shaping up to be one of the best programs on TV.” Observer

“There are monsters aplenty, from resurrections of murder victims to an alien addicted to sex…Exciting, spooky stuff.” Sunday Mirror

“…this splendid new Russell T Davies drama…action-crammed…” Daily Express

“…fabulous…Two episodes in and I’m already hooked on this show. It’s got the drama, action, imagination and humour of Doctor Who – plus sex and swearing. How could it fail? Strictly between you and me, I’ve even found myself fancying new recruit Gwen Cooper, the ex-cop.” Daily Star

“…Torchwood has real potential and got off to a cracking start. Imagine Doctor Who but with swearing, lesbian kisses and a bit more gore. Creator Russell T Davies has done a brilliant job.” People

“It not only has a touch of The X Files, but was inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel…You can certainly see the American influence at work. Torchwood has that glossy feeling about it that we don’t normally associate with British television.” Sunday TimesSunday Times

“It all sounds a bit like a Welsh X-Files, but essentially this is best viewed as the Angel to Doctor Who’s Buffy, a darker, more grown-up drama with added violence, lots of striding through rain-lashed Cardiff streets and some wickedly delivered one-liners. There’s also a wonderful, and very dark, twist towards the end of the first episode. Forget the Doctor for now, some of us are making a date with Jack.” Observer

“…the show’s so good, and its quick-fire dialogue and sets so replete with cross-referential details, that many fans will be back for second helpings…” Mail on Sunday

EPISODE SYNOPSES
Episode one: Everything Changes

When Gwen Cooper, a cop, witnesses the resurrection of a murder victim, it begins her journey into a dangerous underworld of savage monsters and alien hunters. Her chance encounter with the enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness and the Torchwood team will change her life forever.

Premieres Saturday, September 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode two: Day One

An alien addicted to sex is let loose on Cardiff ’s nightlife, leaving a trail of gruesome deaths in its wake. Captain Jack and Torchwood must track down the creature’s new host and in doing so, confront a violent new form of love in the 21st Century.

Premieres Saturday, September 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode three: Ghost Machine

When Gwen retrieves an alien object from a fleeing thug, she’s haunted by a vision of a lonely young boy. As the team track down the object’s elusive owner, Owen experiences an even more terrifying vision and a long buried crime resurfaces.

Premieres Saturday, September 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode four: Cyberwoman

In the basement of the Torchwood building, Ianto Jones hides a terrible secret. As a Japanese doctor attempts to rescue the soul of a half-Cybernised woman (Caroline Chikezie, Footballers Wive$, Brothers and Sisters), a quiet day in Torchwood quickly becomes a living nightmare. Has Ianto unleashed a force that will destroy his colleagues?

Premieres Saturday, September 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode five: Small Worlds

Supernatural forces stalk the suburbs of Cardiff : but are they friendly or malevolent? And what do they want with the seemingly normal Pierce family? As nightmares of his past haunt Jack, can his old friend Estelle Cole (Eve Pearce) help him prevent the tragedy brewing in a suburban household?

Premieres Saturday, October 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode six: Countrycide

Concerned that the space-time rift is spreading, Torchwood investigates a series of gruesome deaths in the village of Brynblaidd in the picturesque Welsh Brecon Beacons. What sort of creature could cause such shocking injuries? Stranded without communications or equipment, and isolated from one another, the team confronts a terrifying enemy.

Premieres Saturday, October 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode seven: Greeks Bearing Gifts

Toshiko is given an alien pendant which enables her to hear other people’s thoughts. As the rest of the Torchwood team puzzle over a centuries-old skeleton, the pendant forces Toshiko to question her commitment to Torchwood: is her new-found ability a blessing or a curse?

Premieres Saturday, October 20 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode eight: They Keep Killing Suzie

Torchwood is linked to a series of brutal murders around the city. As Jack and the team investigate further, it becomes clear somebody wants their attention. What is Pilgrim? And how is it connected to a figure from Torchwood’s past? The resurrection days are far from over.

Premieres Saturday, October 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode nine: Random Shoes

When Eugene (Paul Chequer, Sinchronicity) wakes to find himself (a) dead and (b) invisible to the rest of the world, he knows something has gone wrong. Eugene knows there is one person he can rely on to discover the truth behind his death: Gwen Cooper.

Premieres Saturday, November 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode ten: Out of Time

When a plane from 1953 makes an unexpected landing in present-day Cardiff , its three passengers are shocked to learn they can never go back to their own time. Torchwood helps them to settle into contemporary society, but this simple task has painful emotional consequences.

Premieres Saturday, November 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode eleven: Combat

Savage aliens are being kidnapped from the streets of Cardiff and Torchwood wants to know why. Owen is sent undercover to find out who is behind it and soon befriends the charismatic Mark Lynch (Alex Hassell). Beneath the veneer of normal city life, Owen discovers a shocking subculture. Can he avoid being sucked in?

Premieres Saturday, November 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode twelve: Captain Jack Harkness

While investigating reports of ghostly music, Jack and Toshiko find themselves stranded in a packed dance hall – in 1941. As Gwen, Owen and Ianto work to rescue their colleagues, Jack and Toshiko meet a handsome young American squadron leader by the name of… Captain Jack Harkness.

Premieres Saturday, November 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episode thirteen: End of Days

The rift has been opened, and time is splintering all over the world. As events spiral out of control, the Torchwood team members are faced with fragments of their pasts – and terrifying visions of their futures. Can Captain Jack save the world?

Premieres Saturday, December 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
ABOUT TORCHWOOD

· Torchwood is an anagram of Doctor Who. When the first season of the new Doctor Who (2005) was being made, television pirates were desperate to acquire the preview tapes. One of the people in the office had the idea of labelling the tapes with the anagram ‘Torchwood’ rather than Doctor Who, as a security measure to disguise the tapes when they were delivered from Cardiff to London . Writer Russell T Davies liked this idea so much that it later inspired him to use it as a title when creating this spin-off series.

· Torchwood was formed in 1879 by the Royal decree of Queen Victoria as a result of her experiences in Doctor Who: Series 2: Tooth & Claw.

· Torchwood is separate from the Government, outside the Police, beyond the United Nations. More secret than MI5 or MI6, not even the Government is supposed to know about them.

· The Torchwood hub is situated deep beneath the Cardiff Millennium Center .

· John Barrowman first appeared as Captain Jack Harness in Episode 9 (The Empty Child) of the first season of Doctor Who. He also appeared in The Doctor Dances, Boom Town , Bad Wolf and The Parting of the Ways in the same season, and again in the episodes Army of Ghosts and Doomsday in the second season.

· John used to present the UK children’s show Live and Kicking in 1993. He has also starred in a number of West End stage musicals.

· The part of Gwen in Torchwood was written specially for Eve Myles. She first appeared as Gwyneth in Episode 3 (The Unquiet Dead) of the first season of Doctor Who.

· Burn Gorman (Owen Harper) received critical acclaim for his hugely popular role of Guppy in the BBC’s award-winning adaptation of Dickens’ Bleak House.

· Naoko Mori (Toshiko Sato) is best known for her role as Saffy’s best friend Sarah (aka Titicaca), in Absolutely Fabulous. She first appeared as Dr. Sato in Episode 4 (Aliens of London) in the first season of Doctor Who.

MEET TORCHWOOD
Captain Jack Harkness

A man with an enigmatic past, Jack leads his team through danger and temptation. The team know very little about this mysterious figure: only that someone with that name disappeared in the middle of the Second World War – but that couldn’t be him, could it? Looks late 30s, but probably much, much older, Jack is from the far future but, for undisclosed reasons, has chosen to head up Torchwood. The heart and soul of the team, Jack is pragmatic and practical – if sacrificing a life to save many is the only option, he’ll take it. Ambivalent to sexual boundaries, Jack’s life remains private.

Suzie Costello

Second-in-charge and an expert in alien hardware, Suzie is conscientious and hard-working. Her focus is to catalog and understand the devices that come into Torchwood’s possession and her enthusiasm borders on an obsession. To Suzie, there is no better job than working for Torchwood – in fact, there is no other job for her.

Gwen Cooper

Gwen’s daily routine as a cop and devoted girlfriend to Rhys is turned upside-down when she encounters Torchwood. Intrigued by her resourcefulness, they make her part of the team. Passionate and driven, Gwen is the first (sometimes only) Torchwood member to see the human side to their work, but will she be able to maintain her ordinary life as she becomes more drawn into Torchwood’s world?

Owen Harper

Owen Harper is Torchwood’s scientist and medic. He’s brilliant, but unfortunately knows it, and is too arrogant to have much consideration for the rules. Owen is charming but also thoughtless and insolent, which sometimes leads him into confrontations with other members of the team.

Toshiko Sato

Quite simply, Tosh is a genius. She specializes in all things technical – from her computer terminal in the Torchwood hub, she can make it look like you never existed. Her love of technology means she is rarely parted from it. This has consequences for her private life, which she ensures remains exactly that – private. Tosh is the least outgoing of the team.

Ianto Jones

Ruthlessly efficient, Ianto holds Torchwood together with his polite and calm exterior, ensuring the rest of the team has everything it needs. And let’s not forget he looks good in a suit. No one could be that restrained all the time, could they?

Rhys

Gwen’s boyfriend is a transport manager. He’s caring and in love with Gwen, but has no knowledge of what her job at Torchwood involves.

AN INTRODUCTION TO TORCHWOOD BY RUSSELL T DAVIES
The Creator, Lead Writer & Executive Producer of Torchwood describes the show.

The Torchwood team is a small group of cops and investigators who use alien technology in a very real world. All the bits of future technology that fall to Earth are captured, scavenged, plundered by the Government, and Torchwood finds ways to use them. A very British operation, away from the prying eyes of America and the UN.

Everyone who works for Torchwood is young, under 35. Some say that's because it's a new science. Others say it's because they die young.

It’s bleak, brutally funny, full of all the sex and swearing that usually gets cut from sci-fi. And the sci-fi is very ‘real’. Few alien creatures in themselves - though if they appear, they’re not the Moxx of Balhoon, they’re nightmarish and savage and profoundly strange.

There’s minimal CGI, with the occasional blow-out to take people by surprise. But it should feel different to the usual sci-fi stuff - this show doesn’t need gorgeous spaceships, it needs to manipulate the texture of the picture, as Jacob’s Ladder once did, to frighten in all sorts of new ways.

The whole show picks up that feel - rough, wild, with a hefty dose of Shameless. And with that show’s sense of humor! Reflected in the scripts as well - The X Files meets This Life.

The series consists of one-off stories - using alien tech to investigate human crimes; to investigate alien happenings amongst ordinary people; and to research new alien devices in themselves. But stories about the central characters are continuous throughout - affairs between team members, traitors, sinister bosses, the misuse of their powers, and then even more affairs - so that the 13 episodes have a shape and an arc.

The Torchwood team first appear in Doctor Who, and spin off into this series - though the link isn’t too heavy, since this is for a very different audience.

A dark, clever, wild, crime/sci-fi paranoid thriller cop-show. What else is television for?!

INTERVIEW - JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman didn’t need a Tardis (Doctor Who’s famous spacecraft and time machine) to take him into space. All it took was the news that Captain Jack Harkness would be getting his own show and he was over the moon.

When viewers last saw Captain Jack in Doctor Who, he was stranded on a satellite many thousands of years in the future. He had heroically faced down a Dalek invasion to protect his new friends, The Doctor and Rose – but his fate was unknown.

Now Jack is back, and in Russell T Davies’s dark and sexy sci-fi thriller the Time Agent from the 51st Century is at the helm of Torchwood, an elite, alien-fighting organization on the front line in the battle to protect the human race.

“Jack heads up a team of secret agents who are separate from the Government, outside police jurisdiction and beyond the United Nations. At Torchwood, they answer to no one but themselves. They make their own rules,” explains John Barrowman, who plays the enigmatic action man with the mysterious past.

“Jack’s the leader and the glue – he keeps everyone together. He’s the hero … although I don’t think he’d call himself a hero, he’d just call himself a man who does the job because it needs doing.”

But, says the actor, the journey from his terrifying Dalek encounter to 21st-Century Cardiff – home of the hub, Torchwood’s top-secret HQ – has left its mark on Jack. “Jack’s a little bit darker and he’s a little bit angrier than when we last saw him. After all, he was ditched on that satellite and who wouldn’t be angry about that?” he says.

“Towards the end of Doctor Who, Jack was becoming more human – I mean human in the sense that he was starting to feel for other people rather than just thinking about himself. As Torchwood begins, he’s lost some of that. He doesn’t always consider other people’s feelings – his priority is the good of the world.”

Some things, however, never change. “He’s still fun, he still has his dry sense of humor and I think he’s still sexy,” says the actor, revealing that Jack is back to his old tricks, putting his moves on everyone and, well, everything. “It doesn’t have to have a pulse for Jack to fancy it. And if it’s got a zip code, he’ll sleep with it,” he quips.

For John (38), making Torchwood has been a huge thrill. “When Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner and I first sat down to talk about giving Captain Jack his own series, I was completely bowled over. It was a childhood dream to be a character in Doctor Who, so to have my own series was just unimaginable.

“I’m a grown man who gets to go to work every day and fight aliens, play with guns and kiss beautiful people – what more could I ask for?”

Born in Glasgow , John moved to Joliet , Illinois , with his family when he was eight years old. At high school, he starred in an end-of-term musical and never looked back. On a visit to the UK in 1989, he chanced upon an open audition for a West End production of Anything Goes and, after wowing leading lady Elaine Paige, was plucked from obscurity to star in the Cole Porter classic. Acclaimed roles in a string of hit musicals followed, including Miss Saigon, Phantom Of The Opera, Sunset Boulevard and Beauty And The Beast.

The actor has also appeared in the BBC kids’ show Live And Kicking, the 2004 film De-Lovely, celebrity reality show Dancing On Ice and, most recently, as a judge on the BBC series How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, the search for a new London West End star for The Sound of Music.

A life-long fan of Doctor Who, John admits that his home is stuffed with Captain Jack memorabilia, including his racy leather trousers, squareness gun and the bullets he aimed at the Daleks when we last saw him.

It’s no surprise, then, that he was every bit as eager to find out more about Jack as the Time Agent’s fans (or “Woodies” as John dubs them). “When we first met Jack last year, he was a bit of a rogue, an intergalactic con man who had become that way because of something in his past. Two years of his life had been wiped from his memory and he had no idea why or what went on. Now he’s on a mission to find out more about himself,” he explains. And there’s no better place to do that than Torchwood, which is located on a rift in time and space in modern-day Cardiff .

“Jack’s not a time traveler, he’s a Time Agent and he can only travel through time with the assistance of someone like The Doctor. Now, Cardiff has this rift in it and so it’s one of the places the Tardis is likely to return to, so Jack is just waiting. He never leaves, he never sleeps,” says John.

It can be a lonely existence but Jack does find someone to confide in. “Jack gets on with everyone in Torchwood but the only person who knows anything about him is Gwen. Gwen comes in and she brings something new to the team – she brings heart. And, for some reason, Jack starts to reveal things to her.”

But even Gwen and Jack have their disagreements, he admits. “Every now and then there are major in-house battles. There are always tensions bubbling away because they’re facing life-or-death situations every day. Sometimes Jack gets very angry because the team doesn’t understand why he’s doing what he’s doing. But Jack has seen Earth’s future and he knows that the 21st Century is when it all changes – and they’ve got to be ready.”

Cardiff’s space-time rift is the key, reveals John, because it acts as a gateway to Earth for a bone-chilling procession of aliens, including the Weevils, a race of wolf-like creatures that live in the city’s sewers. “The Weevils are one freaky bunch of aliens,” he chuckles. “And every once in a while a Weevil goes rogue and attacks. That’s when we have to step in because they can be mighty vicious.”

Sewer-dwelling aliens aside, John loves working in Cardiff and has even bought a house overlooking the bay, which he shares with his partner, architect Scott Gill, and their two cocker spaniels, Penny and Lewis. “When you see Cardiff on film, it looks like LA; it looks amazing,” he says. “I’ve seen the first episode and Cardiff surprised even me. I think a lot of people are going to want to come here, not just because of Torchwood but because it’s such a great place – it’s buzzing every single day and it’s beautiful.”

John is hoping to find the time to give his family a guided tour of the state-of-the art BBC studio complex where Torchwood is filmed. “It’s a great place to work,” says John. “Doctor Who is filmed there, too, and the Tardis and the Hub are right next to each other – the only thing that separates us is a curtain. We all arrive at work and go off to our separate areas and then we have a big shared lunch place. So you might sit down with your salad next to a Weevil or share a pizza with a Dalek … that’s pretty normal for us,” he laughs.

But not everyone shares the actor’s enthusiasm for the BBC canteen. In fact, it was all a bit much for one little boy, the son of one of the Torchwood crew, who recently accompanied his dad to work.

John explains: “We were having lunch and suddenly this very recognizable alien walked by and the child just freaked out. He screamed and his dad grabbed his hand and said, ‘You’ll be fine – you’re with me’. But the kid shouted: ‘No! You can’t do anything – I have to be with Jack!’ He literally ran over, grabbed onto my leg and wouldn’t let go. And the poor old alien was only going outside to have a cup of coffee and a cigarette!”

HD DVD Goes Big at Comic-Con 2007: Hit Movies, Blockbuster TV Shows, and a Price Drop on the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player
Movie and TV fans get first look at Heroes: Season 1, 300, and STAR TREK: The Original Series on HD DVD

-- The HD DVD Promotional Group today announced at Comic-Con International 2007 that companies supporting HD DVD showcased some of the most anticipated movie and TV titles for fantasy and sci-fi fans, including Heroes: Season 1 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, 300 from Warner Home Video, and STAR TREK: The Original Series from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. Microsoft Corp. announced that it would reduce the price of its popular Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in the United States to $179, as well as adding five free HD DVD movies with the purchase of every player.

"HD DVD is the format of choice for great sci-fi content, from movies and hit TV shows to the classics," said Ken Graffeo, co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group. "Heroes: Season 1 and the original Star Trek series are only available on HD DVD, and blockbuster titles such as 300 have interactive features you can only find here. HD DVD is the format that caters to the fan base."

Heroes: Season 1, available August 28th, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, will offer exclusive features only on HD DVD, including a web-enabled Download Center, a Heroes Abilities Test, The Helix Revealed, Character Connections and Picture-in-Picture Commentary. The seven-disc HD DVD set provides a personal experience for viewers of television's hottest must-see series and immerses them in the program. The exclusive interactive features showcase HD DVD web-connectivity which is a first for Universal and only the second title to include this new feature. HD DVD is the only high definition format that offers web connectivity today. The boxed set will retail for $99.98.

To drive more attention to the Heroes: Season 1 HD DVD boxed set, Xbox LIVE will offer the show's pilot episode to its members for free for a limited time, courtesy of Xbox and Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Members will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting the Heroes: Season 1 boxed set on HD DVD. Xbox LIVE will also offer 300 on demand in HD starting August 14th, 2007 and is working with Warner Bros. on a "Bringing it Home" cross-promotional campaign.

To further sweeten the deal for Xbox 360 owners, Microsoft announced a price reduction on the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in the United States to $179 effective August 1, keeping the player as the most affordable high definition drive on the market. In addition to the price drop, Microsoft is extending the highly successful "Perfect Offer" of five free HD DVD discs to Xbox 360 consumers. Previously exclusive to Toshiba HD DVD Players, with the purchase of an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player at the new low price of $179, consumers can choose five HD DVD titles for free from a selection of 15 popular titles via a mail-in offer.

For fans of the original Star Trek series, CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment announced the upcoming release of STAR TREK: The Original Series in a 10-disc HD DVD/DVD combo disc set. The completely remastered edition goes where no fan has gone before with pristine HD audio and video, and exclusive HD DVD interactive features including picture-in-picture video commentaries and an in-depth tour of the starship Enterprise. The combo disc format offers a high definition version on one side for playback on any HD DVD player, and a standard DVD version on the other side for playback on any DVD player. This historic boxed set goes on sale in time for the holidays on November 20, 2007 for the suggested retail price of $199.00.

About HD DVD

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: HD DVD Promotional Group

Web site: http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/

Lucasfilm Ltd. and Get Solo(TM) Introduce Star Wars(TM) Social Networking Cards
Fans Identify with Revolutionary Contact Cards Introduced at Comic-Con International

-- For 30 years, Star Wars fans have escaped the confines of this galaxy by living in the virtual world born from the mind of filmmaker George Lucas. Today at Comic-Con International: San Diego, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Get Solo, LLC announced they have joined forces to help enthusiasts express their passion for the saga by creating personalized Star Wars Social Networking Cards that fans can proudly exchange. Get Solo, a provider of innovative marketing media and solutions, is taking orders for the cards starting today at starwars.getsolo.com.

"Millions of people of all ages have a deep bond with the characters and stories of Star Wars. These new products are unique, because they capture that personal connection. Fans will find the social networking cards to be a fun way to express themselves when meeting other fans, because they can personalize them with their favorite Star Wars images, include interesting personal information, and even build a collection," says Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing.

Fun and Convenient Personal ID

Star Wars Social Networking Cards provide a stunning and more personal alternative to traditional business cards for true fans who want their own customized 'calling card'. Cards can be tailored by selecting from 75 full- color images for the front, and can be personalized to include interesting facts and personal contact information. Fans can create cards for themselves, and as a gift for a friend or a family member. They can be exchanged at events, parties and school to make new friends and promote oneself, or even one's virtual self. For online networking, an electronic card is included for free with every order.

"The event season is hot right now, and we can see why fans will be very excited to get and hand out their cards. Hundreds of thousands of people attend events like Star Wars Celebration IV, Celebration Europe and Comic-Con International every year, because they love to meet other fans. Most keep in touch long after the show is over, and cards like these are a fun and convenient way to make those new friends," says Mary Franklin, Events Manager at Lucasfilm.

Bridging the Online and Offline Gap

The internet is teeming with ways to express oneself. E-mail, blogs, instant messaging, MySpace.com, YouTube.com and other innovations have created a new foundation for free speech and broadcasting. Social Networking Cards from Get Solo are a perfect way to take that phenomenon offline, and to promote favorite online links or share key information with others. For fans who participate in reality games, cards can even be created for their characters or avatars.

"Online, there are many ways to promote, build and join a social network. However, people told us that when they meet, they want a more convenient way to drive people to their favorite web destinations, and to invite others to join their social networks. The desire to bridge that gap is what drove us to create Star Wars Social Networking Cards. Fans are incredibly excited," according to Ashesh Shah, founder and Chairman of Get Solo.

Regardless of one's online passions, one thing is true -- interaction with others is what makes the experience the most vibrant. Voicing personal opinions, sharing information and demonstrating creative flair requires an audience and feedback to be fulfilling. That need for a community is exactly why social networking is so hot. With these new cards, now people can experience that thrill every time they meet someone in person.

Available Now

Star Wars Social Networking Cards are available in quantities of 100, 500 and 1,000 for as little as $29.99 (shipped). To order cards, visit: starwars.getsolo.com.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading movie and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts; Lucasfilm Animation; and Lucas Licensing. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses.

About Get Solo, LLC

Get Solo is a privately held company that provides unique marketing solutions and member services for organizations. Get Solo is revolutionizing how personal business is conducted, by providing fun and convenient ways to identify oneself and exchange personal information. With its innovative technology and marketing expertise, Get Solo can help organizations create unique social networking, promotional and loyalty marketing solutions that build brand awareness and drive revenue.

Source: Get Solo, LLC

CONTACT: Jessy Adams, FD, for Get Solo, +1-212-850-5684, or
Jessy.adams@fd.com

Web site: http://starwars.getsolo.com/StarWars

Spike TV Partners With Comic-Con to Announce Second Annual SCREAM 2007
San Diego Convention (July 26-29) Featured "Frack The Oscars!" Panel Session Moderated By Henry Rollins With Linda Blair, Mark Burg, Sid Haig and Robert Kirkman; Special Guest Appearance By Neil Gaiman, SCREAM 2007's "Comic-Con Icon Award" Recipient
SCREAM 2007 Will Tape October 19 At The Greek Theatre In Los Angeles

This October, a full moon will be out when Spike TV presents the second annual televised SCREAM 2007, a two-hour event honoring the best in the Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Comic genres. At the San Diego Convention today, Spike TV partnered with Comic-Con to announce the "Comic-Con Icon Award" as well as this year's location and tape date for SCREAM 2007.

Today, Spike TV held a SCREAM 2007 panel session moderated by musician, actor and poet Henry Rollins, which featured Linda Blair ("The Exorcist"), Mark Burg ("Saw" franchise producer), Sid Haig ("The Devil's Rejects") and comic book writer Robert Kirkman. The discussion focused on the long overdue need to honor the creative talent behind Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Comic genres that drive pop culture and the box office. A special guest appearance was also made by one of the top writers in modern comics, Neil Gaiman, the new recipient of SCREAM 2007's "Comic-Con Icon Award." To see all the action from Spike TV's SCREAM 2007 panel at Comic-Con, viewers can log-on to ifilm.com and spiketv.com.

"I'm thrilled to announce the return of SCREAM and our continuing partnership with Comic-Con International," said Casey Patterson, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President, Event Production for Spike TV. "Together with Comic-Con we're honored to announce Neil Gaiman as The 2007 recipient of the Comic-Con Icon Award, which will be presented on the Scream 2007 telecast. Scream was one of the most successful events in Spike TV history and this year's show will feature more world premieres, fan generated award categories, the biggest stars from the horror, sci-fi, fantasy and comic book genres and killer musical performances. Scream 2007 will tape on October 19th under a full moon at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles."

Upon receiving the "Comic-Con Icon Award," Gaiman said, "Good to know I'm an icon. Maybe they'll make little dolls of me and put it on their dashboards!"

Additional highlights of Spike TV's participation at Comic-Con from July 26-29 include a SCREAM 2007 booth offering autograph sessions with Blair, 10 autographed Stan Lee Hasbro Figure sweepstakes and premium giveaways every hour. In addition, Spike TV will be holding a casting call everyday from 1-3 PM at the booth for people in costume to get the chance to win tickets to the upcoming SCREAM 2007 taping. Dimpy Sethi, head costume designer for SCREAM 2007, will serve as judge. This contest will also be filmed for an upcoming episode of SpikeTV.com's original digital series, "Geek-Ray Vision." This series brings viewers a weekly inside scoop on the coolest films, music, gadgets, comic books and video games from the hottest geek locations.

SCREAM 2006 was the first event to pay homage to the multi-billion dollar horror, sci-fi and fantasy industries. Hosted by Rosario Dawson, Rose McGowen and Marley Shelton -- the women of Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez's horror film "Grindhouse" -- SCREAM 2006 was the #1 rated awards show launch in Spike TV history. The event was also #1 with Men 18-34 in all of broadcast and cable in it's time period.

Spike TV is available in 91.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Source: Spike TV

Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
http://ifilm.com/

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CONSUMER PRODUCTS GROUP
ANNOUNCES HEROES LICENSING PARTNERS

Product Tied to Television's #1 New Series to Release in Q3/Q4 2007

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group today announced the first partners tapped to create product based on Heroes, the #1 new series on television for the 2006-2007 season. The group named industry leaders DC Comics, Random House, Mezco Toyz, Topps and others to lead the charge across a full range of product categories. Starting with an extensive publishing program, trading cards, apparel, stationery/social expression, action figures and an interactive game, initial Heroes product will begin to appear on store shelves in time for the new season launch on NBC Sept. 24, 2007, and shortly after the launch of Season 1 on DVD and HD DVD on Aug. 28, 2007.

"Heroes is an unbelievable breakout hit and one of the most popular series in NBC's history," said Cindy Chang, Vice President of Global Business Development, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "There is a dedicated fanbase out there who has proven through various online applications to have a strong hunger for Heroes beyond the TV screen, and this new merchandising program will provide them with a fulfilling Heroes experience."

"We are very pleased to announce this very select group of heroic partners. With every Heroes branded product, we hope to immerse our fans in the world of their favorite show," said Tim Kring, creator-executive producer, Heroes.

The Heroes merchandising line will capitalize on the rich storylines seen in the popular series, and in some instances, extend the story beyond what is seen on television.

The publishing category is the cornerstone of the early licensing program. Expanding on the comic book lore created by the series, DC Comics will develop a hardcover compilation book of the popular online Heroes graphic novels currently available on NBC.com. The new book, which is slated to be available worldwide this fall, will also include the original Tim Sale artwork as seen on the show, offering fans a one-of-a-kind entertainment collectible. Random House will introduce "Saving Charlie," an original novel based on the characters Hiro and Charlie created by Tim Kring. The story is scheduled for release in late 2007. Finally, Titan Publishing will launch the official Heroes magazine. A bi-monthly publication uniquely presented in comic book style, the magazine will lift the lid on the lives of the stars of the show, from the actors and actresses to the back room special effects experts.

In addition to the publishing program, Universal has named several top-tier partners to create product for release this fall and winter in the U.S. and Canada. Trading card manufacturer Topps has been tapped for a full line of trading cards featuring the Heroes characters and in-depth episodic coverage. The trading card packs will also include randomly inserted one-of-a-kind rare cards such as autographs, hand-drawn artist sketches and cards embedded with a piece of actual costume material worn on the show. WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps and creator of the award-winning "Clix" Collectible Miniatures Game system, will be adding Heroes into their HeroClix line, which already includes characters from the DC, Marvel and Dark Horse universes. MeadWestvaco will introduce a 2008 calendar, and Scorpio Posters will add traditional wall posters to the merchandising mix. In addition, Changes will develop an officially licensed Heroes apparel line.

Premier collectibles maker, Mezco Toyz will be responsible for developing toys and specialty product including collectible action figures, dioramas and deluxe figures in a variety of scale sizes ranging from 3" to 18", all inspired by the characters and themes from the Heroes universe. Mezco's Heroes product will hit retail in early 2008.

Finally, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group and Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, are partnering to create an interactive video game based on and inspired by the Heroes universe.

At San Diego International Comic-Con (July 26-29, 2007), fans can learn about the upcoming second season at the Heroes Screening and Panel taking place Saturday, July 28. Fans eager for more information on the forthcoming consumer products may visit NBC's Heroes-themed booth (#3912) or licensee booths including DC Comics (#1915), Mezco Toyz (#4145), Random House (#1135), Titan Publishing (#5437), Topps (#5536) and WizKids (#2743). In addition, Topps and NBC will be distributing new collectible Heroes promotional trading cards at their booths each day of the show while Tim Sale will be signing at the DC Comics booth on Friday, July 27 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 28, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Random House will celebrate the announcement of its Heroes book by asking fans to help make 1,000 cranes at their booth by the end of the show. Random House will offer prizing for every 100th crane submitted.

Heroes, which airs domestically Mondays at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC, racked up critical acclaim and became a fan favorite in its first season. Named one of Time magazine's 10 Best U.S. TV shows of 2006, the show scooped up eight Emmy® nominations, two Golden Globe® nominations and also received the 2007 People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama. Season 2 of the series has been picked up by NBC for a full 2007-2008 order, launching Sept. 24, 2007.

On the international front, several licenses have been confirmed with product launching in late 2007. GBEye Limited will launch a series of posters in the UK while Trademark will handle apparel in that territory and Danilo Promotions Ltd. will develop 2008 calendars for both the UK and Ireland. In Italy, Edibas Srl. will unveil a series of calendars, stickers and photo albums later this year while partner ZigZag will launch posters in Germany during the same timeframe.

The Heroes television series has so far been licensed in nearly 150 international territories and began launching with great success in markets across the globe beginning in January 2007. In Australia, it premiered on the Seven network as the #1 program of the day among programs on all channels -- and produced the largest premiere audience in Australia since Lost and Desperate Housewives in 2005.

In the United Kingdom, Heroes delivered the largest audience ever in SCI FI UK's history and is gearing up for its launch on BBC Two this summer. In Spain, it delivered the #1 and #2 highest-rated telecasts in the history of SCI FI Spain, and also ranks as the #1 telecast so far in 2007 of any U.S. series on the FORTA regional channels Canal 2 (Andalusia), TV3 (Catalonia), Telemadrid (Madrid) and Canal 9 (Valencia). Heroes secured another #1 milestone in Singapore as the #1 program of the day on Star World versus all entertainment channels in the territory. Similar success was found in New Zealand, where the series was TV3's highest rated program of the entire week, and Latin America also saw significant time period wins in Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia. Upcoming international premiere launches include Germany and Russia, with additional territories to be announced. Heroes is distributed outside of the U.S. and Canada by NBC Universal International Television Distribution.

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is further developing the Heroes product line and is seeking licensing partners across a range of additional categories, including headwear, fashion bags and other accessories; fine art; games; collectible figures; novelty items; and more. New licensing partners will be announced by Universal in the near future.

SERIES SYNOPSIS
From creator/writer Tim Kring (NBC's "Crossing Jordan") comes the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated "Heroes," (Mondays 9-10 p.m. ET on NBC) an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. In its first season, "Heroes" was honored with a People's Choice Award, an AFI Award, a Multicultural Prism Award and this year's TV Land Future Classic Award, as well as nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, NAACP Image Awards, WGA Awards and Satellite Awards.

As a total eclipse casts its shadow across the globe, a genetics professor (Sendhil Ramamurthy, "Blind Guy Driving") in India is led by his father's murder to uncover a secret theory -- there are people with super powers living among us. A young dreamer (Milo Ventimiglia, "Gilmore Girls") who tries to convince his politician brother (Adrian Pasdar, "Judging Amy") that he can fly. A high school cheerleader (Hayden Panettiere, "Ice Princess") learns that she is totally indestructible while trying to relate to her father (Jack Coleman, "Dynasty") who has a keen interest in people with special abilities. A Las Vegas single mother (Ali Larter, "Final Destination") struggles to make ends meet to support her young son (Noah Gray-Cabey, "My Wife & Kids") and discovers that her mirror image has a secret. A fugitive from justice (Leonard Roberts, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") continues to baffle authorities who twice have been unable to contain him. A gifted artist (Santiago Cabrera, "Empire"), whose drug addiction is destroying his life and relationship with his girlfriend (Tawny Cypress, NBC's "Third Watch"), can paint the future. A down-on-his-luck Los Angeles beat cop (Greg Grunberg, "Alias") can hear people's thoughts, which puts him on the trail of an elusive serial killer. In Japan, a young man (Masi Oka, NBC's "Scrubs") develops a way to stop time through sheer will power. Their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world.

Joining Kring as executive producer are Dennis Hammer (NBC's "Crossing Jordan"), Allan Arkush (NBC's "Crossing Jordan") and Greg Beeman ("Smallville"). The drama is produced by Universal Media Studios in association with Tailwind Productions.

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of the extensive catalogue of NBC Universal properties. Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

July 24

Cartoon Network’s Massively Multiplayer Online Game Unveils Playable Demo at Comic-Con 2007

Event-Goers to Get First Look at Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall

FusionFall Producers and Designers Present Latest Information at Thursday Evening Panel
Producers and Designers Present Latest Information at Thursday Evening Panel

Comic-Con International 2007

Cartoon Network’s first massively multi-player online game (MMOG), Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall, has its debut at Comic-Con 2007 in San Diego, beginning Wednesday, July 25. Scheduled for a summer 2008 release, the game will have playable demos at Cartoon Network’s booth on the Comic-Con show floor. In addition, a panel of FusionFall creators will provide an in-depth look at the game at Comic-Con on Thursday, July 26 at 5:00 p.m. (PT) in Room 3 of the San Diego Convention Center.

FusionFall is an MMOG set in a re-imagined Cartoon Network universe. As a kid in this world, players will team up with other players and Cartoon Network characters to defend it from an alien invasion of epic proportions. The game is a mix of all the action of a 3-D console platform game and all the customization, character development and open-ended world exploration of an MMORPG (massively multi-player online role-playing game). In addition, small, super-deformed versions of Cartoon Network characters are collected along the way and travel with players, providing powers and abilities to assist during missions.
is an MMOG set in a re-imagined Cartoon Network universe. As a kid in this world, players will team up with other players and Cartoon Network characters to defend it from an alien invasion of epic proportions. The game is a mix of all the action of a 3-D console platform game and all the customization, character development and open-ended world exploration of an MMORPG (massively multi-player online role-playing game). In addition, small, super-deformed versions of Cartoon Network characters are collected along the way and travel with players, providing powers and abilities to assist during missions.

“We’re thrilled to present a first look at FusionFall at this year’s Comic-Con,” said Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager of Cartoon Network New Media. “Our current offering of online games continues to be the main driver of Cartoon Network New Media’s success, and we’ve surpassed 2 billion game plays annually for the past three years. FusionFall fulfills our goal of increasing the range of game play we offer, and we expect it to significantly expand our audience.”

“One of the things we’re most excited about in FusionFall is the game play,” said Chris Waldron, executive producer of FusionFall. “With our audience and Cartoon Network characters, we knew we wanted to create a new kind of MMOG and develop a game that takes all the great action of popular console games and merges it with all the elements of MMORPGs that are so enticing to players.”

The development of FusionFall is a first for the industry. Created through a partnership with leading Korean MMOG developer, Grigon Entertainment, the game brings Cartoon Network’s beloved characters and sensibility to the fast-growing online gaming realm with an “East-meets-West” creative approach. Grigon Entertainment is best known for successfully developing and launching several online games in Asia, including Seal Online, a light-hearted role-playing game (RPG) that took the online gaming world by surprise.

In addition to the playable demo and panel at Comic-Con, new information can be found at www.fusionfall.com, beginning Wednesday, July 25. News updates, images and game-play footage will be available and users will be able to sign up for the official newsletter and a chance to beta test the game.

About Grigon Entertainment

Grigon Entertainment, one of the most prominent developers in Korea, the world’s online game leader, is renowned for its depth of tradition and talent, and strongly believes and practices the ultimate goal of ‘Games have to be fun!’ Along with the successful launch of Seal Online, which caused sensations in six countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Korea, Grigon Entertainment has developed numerous titles for over eight years varying in all areas of genre (horror, racing, adventure, action, RPG) up to the charming fairytale-based QRing and casual tennis game, Gamebledon. Grigon Entertainment’s titles are highly rated and respected for their technical and design ingenuity, brilliantly incorporating the developers’ wit into the game, hence leading to the creation of “Grigon manias.”

About Cartoon Network New Media

Cartoon Network New Media is responsible for the production of Cartoon Network’s popular Web sites, which include CartoonNetwork.com and CartoonNetworkYa.com (the Spanish-language site for kids). CartoonNetwork.com is one of the most popular entertainment sites in the world for kids, attracting more than 6 million unique users each month (Nielsen NetRatings). Its top attraction is its roster of games, which drew more than 2 billion game plays in 2006.

In addition, Cartoon Network New Media is the creative force behind Cartoon Network’s video-on-demand offerings, interactive TV and mobile offerings, which include partnerships with such major carriers as Sprint, Cingular and Verizon.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and

10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable

July 23

Fox Atomic Announces Presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2007

-- Fox Atomic announced today its plans for the upcoming Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, CA on July 26-29. The initiatives planned will include signings and giveaways on behalf of the Fox Atomic graphic novels The Nightmare Factory (retails 9/07), 28 Days Later: The Aftermath, and The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning; an online sweepstakes to win the 1969 Ford Mustang from the film Death Sentence (8/31), starring Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, and Kelly Preston, and directed by James Wan (Saw); and a contest at the Fox Atomic booth where fans enter to win a Fender Stratocaster guitar signed by the cast of The Rocker, which stars Rainn Wilson and Christina Applegate.

On September 4, 2007, Fox Atomic Comics will release The Nightmare Factory, a compilation of short stories based on the work of horror writer Thomas Ligotti. The Nightmare Factory is the third graphic novel to be released by Fox Atomic Comics, the graphic novel publishing arm of the studio that enjoyed glowing reviews and exceptional sales for its debut book 28 Days Later: The Aftermath, written by horror master Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), as well as for their second novel The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, written by comics veterans Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. On hand at the booth throughout the day to discuss these novels will be artists Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, and Michael Gaydos, and writers Joe Harris and Stuart Moore (The Nightmare Factory); writer Steve Niles and cover artist Tim Bradstreet (28 Days Later: The Aftermath); and writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning).

On behalf of Fox Atomic's upcoming film Death Sentence (8/31), Kevin Bacon, Garrett Hedlund, and director James Wan (Saw) will be participating in a booth signing on Saturday, 7/28 at 3 PM. Fox Atomic will also launch an online sweepstakes to win the 1969 Ford Mustang from the film. The contest officially begins when the doors to Comic-Con open on Wednesday, 7/25. Fans can enter to win at the computer kiosks set up at the booth or at the official movie website, http://www.deathsentencemovie.com/, until opening day, 8/31. Moreover, Fox Atomic will release a limited edition poster of the film that will be exclusive to Comic-Con.

In anticipation of the forthcoming film The Rocker, starring Rainn Wilson, Christina Applegate, Josh Gad, Emma Stone, and Jeff Garlin, Fox Atomic will launch a contest at the booth where fans enter to win a Fender Stratocaster guitar signed by the cast. The contest commences when the doors to Comic-Con open on Wednesday, 7/25 and closes when the Convention ends on Sunday, 7/29.

About Fox Atomic

Fox Atomic is a culturally branded entertainment company providing theatrical movies and digital content targeting the 17-24 year old demographic. Their next release will be the sports comedy The Comebacks (October 26th). Atomic also houses a graphic novel division, with distribution through sister company HarperCollins. Their next graphic novel, "The Nightmare Factory," will be released on September 4th. "28 Days Later: The Aftermath," Atomic's first graphic novel, hit shelves on April 3rd. Shortly following was "The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning" (July '07). Formed in 2006, this new entity of Fox Filmed Entertainment produces and acquires product spanning all media platforms, and various genres.

Source: Fox Atomic

Web site: http://www.foxatomic.com/
http://www.deathsentencemovie.com/

July 20

G4’S COMPREHENSIVE “COMIC-CON ’07 LIVE” DRAWING VIEWERS INSIDE LEGENDARY COMIC BOOK AND POP CULTURE CONVENTION

Exclusive Live Reports from Annual Celebration of Comics, Movies, TV and More Air July 26 and July 27

LOS ANGELES, July 20, 2007 – It isn’t gamma rays, space radiation or a spider’s bite that have turned the once mild-mannered Comic-Con into the ultimate pop culture event. Instead, a recent explosion in comic book popularity has transformed the annual gathering from a modest convention into one of the greatest fan experiences in the known universe. For the second year in a row, G4 will deliver the unique sights and sounds of Comic-Con with live reports that give viewers a first-hand look at this year’s event, including sneak peeks at the most eagerly anticipated films, comics and TV series, exclusive interviews, in-depth reviews and footage from around the jam-packed show floor. Two consecutive days of “Comic-Con ’07 Live” coverage begin Thursday, July 26 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET/PT, and continue Friday, July 27 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET/PT, only on G4.

With more than 100,000 attendees in 2006, attendance at this year’s convention is expected to break new records as hordes of eager fans unite in San Diego to experience the ultimate pop culture party. For the millions who can’t travel to the event or don’t make it into the sold-out convention, hosts Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn will provide a complete Comic-Con overview that provides the scoop on everything from industry trends to the best (and worst) homemade costumes.

Extensive coverage of major presentations guarantees that viewers get an insider’s view of the entire event. “Comic-Con ’07 Live” will also include exclusive interviews with a wide array of celebrities and surprise special guests, including JJ Abrams, Rosario Dawson, Ridley Scott, Zack Snyder, Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale, Jon Favreau and “Superbad” stars Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Pence and Seth Rogen.

In addition to all the on-air action, g4tv.com will deliver additional Comic-Con interviews, exclusive trailers, photos, news and reviews. Further interactive elements including Video Viewer Mail, live chat rooms and viewer voting will enable viewers to truly become a part of the Comic-Con action. G4’s “Comic-Con ’07 Live” online coverage is available at http://www.g4tv.com/comiccon2007/index.html.

About Comcast Entertainment Group

Based in Los Angeles , recently formed Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming; and G4 offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity, and "Internet culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to more than 90 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the United States . In 2006, E! launched the E! Everywhere initiative underscoring the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere -- from online to broadband at The Vine @E!Online to wireless to satellite radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 57 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America , is available in 63 million cable and satellite homes nationwide

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Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology

October 11

www.montebubbles.net for more entertainment news

KB Toys Announces Hot Holiday Toy List for 2007
Shining Stars, Hannah Montana, and Baby Genius top the List

PITTSFIELD, Mass., Oct. 11 KB Toys, the nation's largest mall-based specialty toy retailer, today announced its annual Hot Holiday Toy List for 2007, featuring a wide selection of the season's "must have" toys that will delight children and parents alike. Featured toys are available this holiday season at KB Toys stores nationwide, and include toys that laugh, dance, race and are most importantly, fun!

"We are really excited about this year's toy offerings. Some of the big trends are television and film-inspired merchandise and the new line of fun and educational toys from Baby Genius," said Andy Bailen, CEO of KB Toys.

KB Toys has trained its staff and hired additional seasonal sales help to assist busy shoppers find just the right gift. KB Toys closely follows the hottest trends to offer the most popular toys, and new this year is an exciting collection of "Super Value" toys at great low prices.

"Our new Super Values program has been a clear hit for customers," adds Bailen. "These toys offer exceptional value and with hundreds to choose from and new arrivals every week, it's no surprise that this collection has really taken off."

Plus KB Toys Gift Cards are available featuring popular characters such as Dora The Explorer and Hot Wheels. These are perfect for the gift giver that knows a child's favorite character or interest but not a specific toy he or she wants.

KB Toys HOT HOLIDAY Toy List FOR 2007 (alphabetical)

7' x 7' Bounce House Ages 3 & Up Radco, LTD

Baby Genius Preschool Toys Ages 6 months & Up Creative

Innovations

& Sourcing

Grand Canyon Express R/C Ages 4 & Up EZ Tec Radio

Train Set Control

Hannah Montana Dolls & Ages 6 & Up Mattel(R)

Accessories

Hot Wheels Turbo Town Garage Ages 3 & Up Mattel(R)

Lightning McQueen R/C Vehicle Ages 3 & Up Mattel(R)

Shining Stars Ages 3 & Up Russ(R)

Turbo Twister R/C Somersault Car Ages 5 & Up Simbable

International

We Did It Dancing 12" Dora Ages 2 & Up Fisher-Price (R)

WWE 6" Figures Ages 8 & Up Jakks Pacific(R)

KB Toys has your holiday shopping list covered with a range of toys to suit children of all ages!

Ages 6 Months & Up

Baby Genius Preschool Toys

With Baby Genius ... Music Makes a Difference! Baby Genius is the premier

musical edu-tainment brand for infants & toddlers, offering child-

friendly, quality content with play patterns that nurture & stimulate.

Ages 6 months & up.

Manufacturer: Creative Innovations & Sourcing

Ages 2 & Up

We Did It Dancing 12" Dora -- A KB Exclusive Super Value

Dora talks in English & Spanish & dances! Ages 2 & up.

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price

Ages 3 & Up

7'x7' Bounce House

Perfect for indoor & outdoor fun. Self inflates in minutes. Features

continuous air-flow. Ages 3 & up.

Manufacturer: Radco, LTD

Lightning McQueen Remote Control Vehicle - A KB Exclusive Super Value

Easy to steer star of the movie Cars! Approx. 10" long. Batteries sold

separately. Ages 3 & up.

Manufacturer: Mattel

Hot Wheels Turbo Town Garage -- A KB Exclusive Super Value

Multi-level service garage playset with working elevator. Includes one Hot

Wheels vehicle. Ages 3 & up. Additional vehicles sold separately.

Manufacturer: Mattel

Ages 4 & Up

Radio Control Grand Canyon Express Train Set

G-gauge train set features wireless remote controller & authentic sound

effects. Track layout measures over 20 feet. Batteries sold separately.

Ages 4 & up.

Manufacturer: EZ Tec Radio Control

Ages 5 & Up

Turbo Twister Radio Control Somersault Car

Radio control stunt car does it all -- super flipping stunts, spins &

more. Features light-up wheels. Batteries sold separately. Ages 5 & up.

Manufacturer: Simbable International Industries Limited

Ages 6 & Up

Hannah Montana Dolls & Accessories

Rock out with the hottest Hannah Montana toys around! Ages 6 & up.

Manufacturer: Play Along

Ages 8 & Up

WWE 6" Figures

Ultra-realistic sculpt, design & battling accessories. Styles may vary.

Ages 8 & up.

Manufacturer: Jakks Pacific

About KB Toys

KB Toys, Inc. is the nation's largest mall-based specialty toy retailer, operating more than 560 stores across America, the American Territory of Guam and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Pittsfield, Mass., the privately-held company has been delighting children and parents alike with the fun of toys for more than 80 years.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071011/NETH010LOGO

Source: KB Toys

Web site: http://www.kbtoys.com/

August 14

“Lonesome”Meets Alloy Orchestra at Academy

Beverly Hills, CA — Rediscovered masterpiece “Lonesome,” an early “partial talkie” from 1928, will be accompanied by the Alloy Orchestra in a presentation by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, September 14, at 8 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

“Lonesome” is director Paul Fejos’s portrayal of the frenzy of life and the loss of new love over the course of one day in the “big city,” New York. The film’s stunning views of Coney Island and other Gotham locations will be shown to full advantage in the newly tinted print to be screened courtesy of the George Eastman House and Universal.

The Alloy Orchestra, whose original score for “Lonesome” premiered alongside the restored print at the 1994 Telluride Film Festival, is noted for its combination of traditional and invented instruments. The three-man musical ensemble, under the direction of Ken Winokur, frequently uses electronic synthesizers alongside such outrageous objects as musical saws and toilet seats – part of its “rack of junk” – to create its renowned silent film scores.

Tickets to “Lonesome” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. They may be purchased by mail or at the Academy box office during regular business hours. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.oscars.org/events until noon PDT on the day of the event. There are no minimum order requirements and no transaction or processing fees.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For additional information, call (310) 247-3600.

August 13

INFINITY STUDIOS, LLC ONLINE STORE TO STOCK HIGH END PVC FIGURINES High Quality PVC Figurines Available For Purchase RICHMOND, CA August 13, 2007 Infinity Studios, LLC announced today that the official company¹s online store will be a direct distributor for the world re-known lines of Kotobukiya Anime and Manga PVC figurines. More information can be found on the company¹s website at http://www.infinitystudios.com. In addition to the company¹s highly rated graphic novel titles, Infinity Studios, LLC will also offer all Kotobukiya high-end toys and collectibles in the Anime/Manga category. Kotobukiya Collectible PVC figurines include licenses from popoular manga/anime titles such as BRAVE STORY, SHUNYA YAMASHITA, MY HIME, FATE, TO HEART. PIA CARROT GO, NEONE GENESIS EVANGELION and PLEASE TWINS. Discussions on this or any Infinity Studios, LLC series/titles/products can be found on online in the forum area of the Infinity Studios, LLC website located at www.infinitystudios.com <http://www.infinitystudios.com> . About Infinity Studios, LLC Headquartered in Richmond, California, Infinity Studios, LLC is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of Asian Graphic Novels. Founded in 2004, Infinity Studios, LLC maintains operations in the U.S., Japan and Korea. More information about Infinity Studios, LLC and its products can be found on the company¹s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.infinitystudios.com <http://www.infinitystudios.com/> . The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Infinity Studio, LLC¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, retail acceptance of our products, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

DAN RATHER REPORTS” to Present Conclusive Evidence of Voting Machine Failures
Screener Clip of Controversial Findings Now Available for Download

What: This Tuesday, DAN RATHER REPORTS presents conclusive evidence of the failure of touch screen voting machines across the country. The episode, “The Trouble with Touch Screens”, is an entire hour devoted to new information on this story. From scientists involved in testing the equipment, to manufacturers in third world countries who shipped these defective voting machines to the United States DAN RATHER REPORTS will present new information showing that these defective machines may have altered the outcome of multiple elections.

A screener clip from this controversial episode is now available at the following link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1826549866685179676&hl=en

When: Dan Rather Reports “The Trouble with Touch Screens” will air Tuesday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The program also airs at 11:00 p.m. ET to accommodate west coast prime time.
Dan Rather Reports “The Trouble with Touch Screens” will air Tuesday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The program also airs at 11:00 p.m. ET to accommodate west coast prime time. About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming.

HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report”, “Dan Rather Reports” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather and “NASA on HDNet” (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010). HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR Grand National Division, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup re-broadcasts, boxing and Mixed Martial Arts; groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including U2, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani and more, plus original music programs “Sound Off with Matt Pinfield”, and “True Music w/Katie Daryl”; entertaining interview shows including “Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone” and “Higher Definition”, in addition to fun and irreverent lifestyle programming including “Geek to Freak with Dennis Rodman”, “Deadline!”, “Art Mann Presents”, and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to the critically acclaimed and award winning programs such as the Emmy Award winning “Arrested Development”, “The Black Donnellys”, “Blade: The Series”, “Star Trek: Enterprise”, “Dead Like Me”, “Smallville”, “Joan of Arcadia”, “Boomtown” and “Andy Richter Controls the Universe”.

HDNet Movies also features a wide selection of major studio theatrical releases – all uncut, unedited, and appearing in their original aspect ratio so that HDNet Movies viewers get the best possible home theater experience.

Only HDNet Movies exclusive “Sneak Previews” bring feature films to viewers before they premiere in theaters! Some of the HDNet Movies “Sneak Previews” have included the Academy Award nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”, Toronto Film Festival nominee “The War Within”, and “Bubble”, the first of six movies by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and produced exclusively for HDNet Films and, most recently, “Broken English”, from Zoe Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo and Griffin Dunne. Upcoming Sneak Previews include “Quid Pro Quo”, starring Nick Stahl and Vera Farmiga, “Hunter”, the story of the life and death of infamous gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson from director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter, “Cashback”, written and produced by Sean Ellis, “Flawless”, starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore, and ”Closing Escrow”, a real estate mockumentary featuring April Barnett and Allen Friedman.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.

Contacts

MTVN's NOGGIN and The N Channels to Split into Two Separate 24-Hour Services, Dec. 31, '07
NOGGIN to Become 24-Hour Commercial-Free Preschool Service
The N to Become First 24-Hour Tween/Teen Channel, Will Feature 'TEENick' Programming During Day and The N's Content at Night
The N Adds to Hit Schedule with New Original and Acquired Programming for Fall and Winter

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of MTV Networks' (MTVN) niche programming strategy to super-serve targeted audiences, the award-winning NOGGIN and The N, the two Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group brands that currently share space on a single channel, will be separated into two 24- hour services beginning Dec. 31, '07, it was announced today by Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. NOGGIN and The N will be carried by all cable operators, DirecTV, AT&T U-verse and Verizon FiOS.

"Having NOGGIN and The N as two separate channels alongside our Nicktoons network gives our core audiences of preschoolers, kids 6-11 and tweens/teens their own dedicated 24-hour services, as well as more places for us to cultivate and develop future hits," Zarghami said. "Making these highly valued channels separate and distinct will also provide us with the opportunity to explore serving audiences adjacent to these demos, and will provide demo- specific home bases for our vast programming library."

"Splitting these channels into two 24-hour services provides MTV Networks and our partners with wonderful growth opportunities to further reach and serve our audiences," said Denise Dahldorf, Executive Vice President, MTVN Content Distribution and Marketing. "The demos that NOGGIN and The N serve are important drivers with VOD, broadband and interactive applications, which adds to these brands' already incredible value."

On Dec. 31, commercial-free preschool channel NOGGIN will expand to 24- hours, as will ad-supported The N, which will serve tweens and teens with programming from Nickelodeon's popular TEENick block during the day and continue as The N at night. The N will move into the transponder currently occupied by the Nick Games and Sports channel (GAS), which will evolve into a new broadband service for TurboNick.

NOGGIN, with its mission to be a place where preschoolers gain key curricular knowledge through interactivity and narrative, features a schedule of original programming like Jack's Big Music Show, Oobi and The Upside Down Show, as well as hit shows including Franklin, Max & Ruby, Little Bear, Pinky Dinky Doo, and Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! NOGGIN also offers Nick Jr. favorites like Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, The Wonder Pets!, Blue's Clues and The Backyardigans.

For The N's move to 24 hours, its featured hit TEENick programming in the day will include Drake and Josh, The Amanda Show, All That and The Nick Cannon Show, among others. Programming at night from The N will include its current stable of hits including Degrassi: The Next Generation, Beyond the Break and South of Nowhere, as well as brand-new programming just greenlighted.

Some of the new, forthcoming programming for The N includes brand-new seasons of Degrassi (October 2008), Instant Star (February 2008) and the return of South of Nowhere (February 2008) in addition to the following four new original series:

-- About A Girl, The N's first-ever scripted comedy series, is a 13-

episode college-based show written in LA and shot on location in

Vancouver, premiering Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. The comedy, produced by

Brightlight Productions Inc., chronicles Amy Ryan (Chiara Zanni, Good

Luck Chuck), a college sophomore whose campus dorm turns out to be more

of a dud than a dream, and she finds herself in need of a new address.

Effectively homeless, she quickly bunks up with not one, but four male

roommates in an off-campus house where everyday courtesies such as

hygiene and privacy are about to go out the window;

-- Interns (working title), a new half-hour scripted comedy from creators

Will McRobb & Chris Viscardi (The Adventures of Pete & Pete), and

produced by The Tom Lynch Company, the creators of The N's South of

Nowhere. Interns begins production in Vancouver in August and is

scheduled to premiere in 2008;

-- Gigantic (working title) Did you ever wonder what a silver spoon tastes

like? This half-hour dramedy co-created by cult filmmaker Ben

Wolfinsohn (High School Record) and Debby Wolfinsohn takes a fictional

inside look at the chaotic, hilarious, entitled and often trying lives

of the teen kids growing up in the shadow of Hollywood's mega stars.

Gigantic is scheduled to premiere in 2008;

-- Queen Bees (working title) is an eight-episode reality series produced

by Endemol USA that brings a group of teen "Queen Bees" together to

live under one roof. We all knew them growing up. From the girl who

is nice to you one minute but completely cruel the next, to the know-

it-all who tries to be the center of attention and thinks she's better

than everyone else, to the girl who'll steal your guy while you watch

in horror. Each episode will focus on a different Queen Bee trait to

see who is really the leader of this hive. Through a series of

outrageous challenges filled with temptations, these Queen Bees will be

forced to reveal their true selves. Queen Bees is scheduled to

premiere in 2008;

-- The Degrassi Spring Break Movie, the network's first Degrassi TV movie,

scheduled to premiere in April 2008, will feature the cast from

Degrassi Community High as they take their first college road trip;

-- The N also has acquired the hit That '70s Show (June 2008), which will

join the recently added Laguna Beach (45 eps) and The Hills (23 eps).

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 94 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 13 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

About MTV Networks and Viacom

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 137 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT, TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: Nickelodeon

Web site: http://www.nick.com/
http://www.viacom.com/

COMEDY CENTRAL(R) Cleans Up Its Act and Starts To Address The Mess With Pro-Social Initiative Geared To Reducing Waste and Reviving The Planet
Network To Launch Public Service Announcements, a Comprehensive Digital Media Site, Recycling Components Of Its COMEDY CENTRAL Live Stand-up Tours and Produce First Carbon Neutral "Roast"
First Stage Of Campaign To Focus On E-Ware Recycling, Proper Waste Disposal and Fossil Fuel Emissions
Will Partner With Experts Including The Natural Resources Defense Council, Earth 911 And GreenDimes To Educate And Provide Real, Tactical Ways To Take Action

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that Pluto is gone as a back-up, COMEDY CENTRAL is poised to step up and Address the Mess. The network has launched a new pro-social campaign committed to showing viewers easy ways to reduce waste, improve their lives and help revive the planet, it was announced today by Michele Ganeless, executive vice president and general manager for COMEDY CENTRAL, part of Viacom's (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks.

The first phase of Address the Mess features a Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign designed to introduce the initiative and prompt a call-to- action to visit AddressTheMess.com (www.addressthemess.com) , an engaging, interactive and educational Web site that will inform visitors on a variety of environmental issues and provide links to partner sites such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earth 911 and GreenDimes that offer specific information about what people can do and how they can effect change by providing real, tactical ways to take action.

"Address the Mess takes on a critical issue at a critical time with a flexible and far-reaching approach," said Ganeless. "The Address the Mess message will extend across multiple COMEDY CENTRAL platforms and will support people looking to make a difference not just on the national and global scale, but on an individual level and in their own communities."

"A lot of people in the COMEDY CENTRAL audience want to do their part; they just aren't sure where to begin. We want to help them find that starting point and inspire and move others to act as well," said Kelleigh Dulany, vice president, public responsibility, COMEDY CENTRAL and Spike TV. "Environment concerns are especially relevant to our audience and we've made the message of this initiative accessible to them by putting it in the unique COMEDY CENTRAL voice. We can be direct and concise without appearing pushy or preachy."

Address the Mess aims to help individuals identify their own carbon footprint and offer information on how to reduce it. Visitors to AddressTheMess.com will be invited to take a quiz to determine how large or small of an impact their footprint makes. Specific area of focus will be education on proper trash disposal of household items, motor oil and e-ware (COMEDY CENTRAL's audience has one of the largest concentration of early- adopters to the latest and greatest gadgets -- what's the best way to dispose of that six-month old cell phone they now consider hopelessly outdated?), as well as ways to reduce the amount of junk mail cluttering mailboxes and claiming trees. Also on a personal and local level, Address the Mess will encourage action with community clean-up projects and the revitalization of neighborhoods and historic venues.

Along with its presence on-air and online, COMEDY CENTRAL will spread the message of Address the Mess through the network's successful COMEDY CENTRAL Live stand-up tours, beginning with a college tour this fall which will include student involvement in recycling drives. The network is also in discussions with its national advertising and affiliate partners to build the reach and impact of the initiative (details to be announced at a later date). COMEDY CENTRAL has previously announced that, with the help of NativeEnergy, a national marketer of carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs), this year's "COMEDY CENTRAL Roast of Flavor Flav" was the network's first-ever carbon neutral production.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is www.comedycentral.com. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Press Central, COMEDY CENTRAL's press web site at www.comedycentral.com/press.

Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
http://www.addressthemess.com/

Christopher Cain's 'September Dawn,' Starring Jon Voight and Terence Stamp, About 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre, Opens Nationwide Aug. 24, 2007

Highlighted Links

Official Movie Site

Christopher Cain's film "September Dawn" that stars Jon Voight as a zealot Mormon bishop and Terence Stamp as Brigham Young and chronicles the controversial real-life 1857 massacre by Mormons of 120 men, women and children traveling through Utah in a wagon train from Arkansas to California, will open theatrically in 800 to 1,000 theaters on August 24, 2007. "September Dawn" will open this month as one of the most anticipated films of the year at a time when issues of Mormonism are in heightened areas of the news.

Although occurring 150 years ago, "September Dawn" graphically dramatizes a tragedy about religious fanaticism that resonates strongly today. The film costars Trent Ford, Tamara Hope, Lolita Davidovich, Dean Cain, Jon Gries, Taylor Handley, Huntley Ritter, Krisinda Cain and Shaun Johnston. The film that includes a Romeo & Juliet relationship love story is being released through Black Diamond Pictures in association with Slowhand Cinema Releasing.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre, as it is known, occurred on September 11, 1857, and was the first known act of religious terrorism on U.S. soil. A group of Mormons, many disguised as Paiute Indians, slaughtered all but 17 small children on a wagon train on its way to California. One man, the adopted son of Mormon leader Brigham Young, was eventually executed for the crime -- 20 years after the event. The film is deemed controversial because it presents a point of view held strongly by hundreds of direct descendants of the massacre: that the iconic Brigham Young had complicity in the massacre, a view denied by the Mormon Church, even today.

Cain says he was drawn to the project because "it so closely resembles the religious fanaticism the world is seeing today. People were killed in the name of God 150 years ago and they're still being killed in the name of God."

Excerpts of initial reviews herald the film as follows:

"Stunning... shocking... powerful. Jon Voight gives a compelling performance." -- Jeffrey Lyons, NBC & Reel Talk

"Gripping and fascinating... a pulse-pounding experience that is bound to create waves of controversy." -- Pete Hammond, Maxim

"A shocking piece of history about a particularly vicious religious war fought right here on American soil... told with artistry, conviction, power, and entertainment value. It opens your eyes and packs a wallop!" -- Rex Reed, The New York Observer

"Bound to incite controversy... a stirring drama with a timely, pertinent message." -- Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate

"Paints an incendiary portrait... of a paranoid religion." -- Stephen Schaeffer, Boston Herald

The trailer for the film narrates the following message:

"On September 11, 1857, in an unspoiled valley of the Utah territory -- and in the name of God -- 120 men, women and children were savagely murdered. Who ordered the massacre, and why, has been hidden in a cloak of secrecy and conspiracy. And the reputation of one of this nation's mightiest religious figures has been preserved and protected. Until Now."

Cain ("Young Guns") also co-wrote and produced "September Dawn." The film was produced by Scott Duthie and Kevin Matossian, and co-written by Carole Whang Schutter. Michael Feinberg, Patrick Imeson and Wendy Hill-Tout were executive producers. Handling U.S. and international distribution for "September Dawn" is Marty Zeidman. The film is MPAA rated "R" and has a running time of 110 minutes. The trailer and other information is available on the website, www.septemberdawn.net

ASCAP Tops 300,000 Members
Milestone Underscores Diversity and Growth of World's Leading Performing Rights Organization

From Irving Berlin to Beyoncé, George Gershwin to Green Day, Henry Mancini to Joan Sebastian, Duke Ellington to Hans Zimmer, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the first and leading performing rights organization, has long been driven by the talent and vision of its music creator members. Today, ASCAP announced a new milestone: the number of songwriters, composers and music publishers to join the Society has now surpassed 300,000, providing the voice of the music creator with increasing strength and influence in the future of the music industry.

With reported record revenues of $785 million and royalty payments of $680 million for 2006, as well as an all-time low operating expense ratio of 12.0 percent, ASCAP emphasizes that its membership is the focal point of the organization. Founded in 1914, ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization created and controlled by composers, songwriters and music publishers, with a Board of Directors elected by and from the membership. During its 93-year history, ASCAP has developed a robust membership. In 2006 alone ASCAP elected over 40,000 new members.

"Today, the range of media, delivery systems and venues for performances of music is vast and expanding," said ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento. "Music is everywhere and the fact that the public wants to discover new music and listen to music all the time, wherever they are and whatever they are doing, attests to music's popularity and importance. Music creators are joining ASCAP in record numbers because, in the face of such great change in the music industry, they see the value in a member-run organization whose sole interest is in protecting their rights and cultivating their careers."

Reflecting the continuing evolution of the musical spectrum, ASCAP's repertory of over 8.5 million songs represents all genres of music. And, with ASCAP membership now growing by over 700 music creators a week, to celebrate the 300,000th member milestone, ASCAP presents the profiles of new members that are typical of today's ASCAP: up-and-coming pop/rock bands The Amaury and The Undeserving; established bluegrass family band Cherryholmes, teenage rap phenomenon Lil' Mama; award-winning television composers Jeff Lippencott and Mark T. Williams; and legendary Regional Mexican music icon Ramon Ayala. Cherryholmes, Ayala, Lippencott and Williams switched from another performing rights society to join ASCAP, further emphasizing ASCAP's leadership and the advantages of member-ownership. To view profiles of these new members and check out their music, please visit http://www.ascap.com/playback/2007/summer/new_members/.

As music creators pursue their goals in the industry and make their living writing music, many join ASCAP to leverage the organization's wide range of customized member benefits. Some of the value-added benefits ASCAP has created for its members include: MusicPro Insurance®, which provides affordable insurance for music professionals; Mediaguide, a state-of-the-art music tracking service; and the annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO which helps attendees obtain the knowledge, tools and contacts to maximize their success and inspire their work. ASCAP also offers a wide variety of retail, travel and association discounts. For more information about ASCAP or how to become a member, please visit http://www.ascap.com

About ASCAP

Established in 1914, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 300,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP also represents the repertories created by the international affiliates of 90 foreign performing rights organizations. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American Performing Rights Organization owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

Applications for the 2008 JCK Show ~ Las Vegas Design Center Are Now Being Accepted

- JCK Events are searching for jewelry designers to participate in the 2008 Design Center at the JCK Show ~ Las Vegas. The Design Center will provide a warm, inviting environment for a small selection of designer-owned companies with similar artistic product and marketing missions; as well as offer retail buyers an organized and varied assortment of designer jewelry expertise and products from all facets of the design jewelry world.

To participate in the Design Center, companies must complete the 2008 Design Center Application and return it with six (6) digital images and any support materials (press kit, photos, marketing materials, and catalogs). Applications can be found online at www.jckshows.com. The deadline for submission is October 12, 2007.

Once all applications have been received they will be reviewed by a jury of industry members including designers, retailers and other trade representatives who have experience in evaluating the design of fine jewelry. Overall appearance, originality, and salability are what will be taken into consideration. Following the jury, all available booths will be assigned based on the results of the jury tally. This year's Jury will take place in November 2007 and results will be announced the first week in December. Applicants will be contacted within two weeks following the jury tally.

In addition, the Jury will also choose The Rising Stars, which offers several designers the chance to make their debut in the fine jewelry market.

The 17th Annual JCK Show ~ Las Vegas will run Friday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at the Sands Expo Center/Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. JCK Events are produced by JCK, the leading producer of trade events in the fine jewelry industry and include JCK Toronto: August 12-14, 2007 in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Ontario, Canada; the 6th Annual Swiss Watch by JCK: May 30 through June 3, 2008 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino; the 9th Annual LUXURY by JCK and the 2nd Annual PREMIERE: May 27 -29, 2008 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino; and JCK New Delhi: July 4-6, 2008 at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre in India. For more information on any of JCK Events, please visit us at www.jckshows.com or call 1-800-257-3626.

August 10

Ed Begley, Jr.
Brings Back Popular Musical Production
Based On Life of Labor Activist

(Los Angeles) Six-time Emmy nominated actor and Co-star of the HGTV series, LIVING WITH ED, Ed Begley, Jr. is bringing back his popular musical production, CESAR & RUBEN about the life of labor activist, Cesar Chavez. The play chronicles the life of Chavez after his death when he meets the late Los Angeles Times reporter, Ruben Salazar in the cafe where Salazar was tragically killed 23 years prior.

The original production- written, produced and directed by Begley at the El Portal Theater in 2003 played to sold out audiences and gained critical acclaim. The production won a Nos Otros Award and four Valley Theater Awards while gaining enthusiastic support from the Cesar Chavez Foundation, the United Farm Workers and Chavez’ widow and children.

The current production will run from August 10th thru September 9th with 8:00 pm performances Thursday-Sunday nights and a 3:00 pm matinee on Sundays. Previews begin on August 3rd. Tickets prices are $35 with Senior and Student discounts. The play will run at the NoHo Arts Center at 11136 Magnolia Boulevard in North Hollywood. To order tickets call 818-508-7101 or www.thenohoartscenter.com.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment Completes Historic Licensing Deal for Entire Philadelphia International Records Catalog to Bring the Classic Philly Soul Sound to a New Generation Through its Commercial Music Group & Legacy Recordings
Monumental Philly Soul Music Reissue Project - Directly Supervised by PIR Founders & Catalog Creators Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff - to Launch In October 2007 with Double CD Compilations: 'The Essential Lou Rawls' & 'The Essential Teddy Pendergrass'

Sony BMG Music Entertainment has entered into an historic agreement to license the complete catalog of music from Philadelphia International Records (PIR), the groundbreaking hit-making label founded by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971, to be released through Sony BMG Music Entertainment's Commercial Music Group and Legacy Recordings.

The monumental PIR reissue project will be conducted under the direct auspices of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the Grammy-winning multi-platinum- selling writing and production team who created one of the most recognizable and influential catalogs of pop and soul music ever recorded.

The Gamble-Huff collaborative chemistry generated a series of massive hits throughout the 1960s including "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (a regional hit for Dee Dee Warwick later covered by Diana Ross & the Supremes and the Temptations), the Soul Survivors' "Expressway To Your Heart," the team's first Top 5 record, and the Intruder's 1968 breakout "Cowboys To Girls," blueprints for the emerging trademark sound of Philly Soul.

In 1971, Gamble and Huff founded PIR as the outlet for their creative vision. Building a stable of Philly-based talent -- including Patti LaBelle, Archie Bell & the Drells, Jerry Butler, the Ebonys, the Intruders, the O'Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, MFSB, the Three Degrees, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, to name a few -- PIR recordings reached the tops of the charts from day one, at one point selling more than 10 million records in a nine month period, with hits like Billy Paul's "Me & Mrs. Jones," a Grammy-winning #1 pop and R&B smash, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me By Now," and the O'Jay's "Backstabbers" and "Love Train."

"We are extremely glad and ecstatic about being back home with Sony BMG to continue the partnership that helped launch this incredible music 35 years ago," said PIR co-founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. "This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the sounds of Philly Soul to new and established audiences in fresh and exciting ways. We're honored to know that the R&B and soul music we love so much will continue to provide the soundtrack to the lives of so many fans, young and old, all over the world."

"The sounds of PIR are a vital and indispensable part of American pop music history," said John Ingrassia, President of Sony BMG Music Entertainment's Commercial Music Group. "It's a thrill and an honor to be working directly with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff to find new ways of bringing classic Philly Soul music into the lives of music fans everywhere."

In the early 1960s in Philadelphia, songwriter and performer Kenny Gamble and in-demand session pianist Leon Huff wrote more than 14 songs together during their first chance meeting. That fortuitous encounter led to one of the most prodigious songwriting and production partnerships in R&B and pop music history.

By 1973, PIR was second only to Motown as the largest African-American owned company in America. Over the years, the Gamble and Huff team has been responsible for 70 #1 pop and R&B singles and 175 RIAA gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications. To-date, the Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff partnership has produced more than 3,500 songs and won 5 Grammys.

Having been covered or sampled by a vast array of artists including Jay-Z, Babyface, Nelly, OutKast, Angie Stone, Simply Red (whose 1989 version of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" was a #1 record earning Gamble and Huff the Best R&B Song Grammy), Bette Midler, Mary J. Blige, Michael Buble, Kanye West, 50 Cent and T.I., among many others, Gamble and Huff songs and productions have entered the musical DNA of contemporary culture. It has been reported that one of Gamble and Huff's songs is played on the radio somewhere in the world every 13.5 minutes.

One of the most sought-after and heavily licensed catalogs of music in the world, the sounds of Gamble and Huff have figured prominently in television programs, films and advertising spots for more than 30 years. MFSB's #1 hit from 1974, "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)," is best-known as the theme song for "Soul Train" while the O'Jay's funk/soul classic "For The Love Of Money," first released in 1973, enjoyed a massive resurgence as the theme song for Donald Trump's reality show, "The Apprentice" in 2004. Gamble-Huff songs may be heard in the soundtracks for a host of recent Hollywood films including the Bernie Mac-Ashton Kutcher romantic comedy "Guess Who" (2005) and Eddie Murphy's 1996 hit "The Nutty Professor." Gamble-Huff songs have been used in high-profile television ad campaigns for Verizon, Old Navy, the Gap and Coors Beer, among many others.

With a catalog that has lasted more than 35 years, Gamble and Huff continue to receive national and international accolades with the duo's music being prominently featured on such top-rated shows as Donald Trump's "The Apprentice," "Dancing With The Stars," and "American Idol," which have showcased such Gamble and Huff produced hit recordings as "For The Love Of Money," "If You Don't Know Me By Now," "Don't Leave Me This Way" and others throughout their respective seasons. Most recently, the NBC "Today" show honored Gamble and Huff for their more than 45 years of creative work as music producers.

Gamble and Huff and the PIR catalog have been bestowed with countless accolades and honors including the 1999 Trustees Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS & the Grammy Foundation) for their "significant contributions ... to the field of recording." For their historic contributions to dance, soul and disco music, Gamble and Huff were inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in September 2005. As prolific songwriters for a host of artists, Gamble and Huff were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994. Gamble-Huff artists and productions have received multiple awards from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. Gamble and Huff were recipients of the prestigious Ivor Novello Award, presented in London by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, in 2006.

PIR became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the Philly Soul sound, a unique blend of R&B rhythms, sweet soul vocals, deep funk grooves, pulsing horn charts and lush string arrangements with melodic structures combining elements of pop, jazz and world music. A sophisticated sound lovingly crafted in the studio by some of the 20th century's most influential producers and production teams -- including Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Linda Creed, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, Bunny Sigler, Dexter Wansel, Joe Tarsia and others -- Philly Soul set the stage for disco, smooth jazz, adult contemporary music and more.

The new PIR licensing agreement will allow Legacy Recordings and the Sony BMG Music Entertainment Commercial Music Group to release PIR recordings drawn from the entire history of the label. The PIR reissue project will consist of releases in physical and digital media (including ringtones and other cell phone and PDA applications) and will include artist-specific and thematic compilations, new additions to the "Essentials" series, live and unreleased material, and many more secret finds and rarities to be mined from the deep and coveted collection of classic recordings in the PIR vaults.

The PIR reissue project will debut in October with two new double-disc collections: "The Essential Lou Rawls" and "The Essential Teddy Pendergrass."

A major roll-out for the PIR reissue project is being planned for 2008 -- the 45th anniversary of the first Gamble-Huff collaboration -- with major releases scheduled throughout the year.

Legacy Recordings, the Grammy Award-winning catalog label of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, produces and maintains the world's greatest catalog of digitally remastered titles in the historic reissue field, encompassing the genres of pop, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, folk, country, gospel, Broadway musicals, movie soundtracks, world music, comedy and more. Legacy's primary resource is the vast 20th century archives of Columbia Records (including ARC, Brunswick, OKeh, and Vocalion), the Epic family of labels (including PIR), the archives of RCA Records (including Victor, Bluebird, Buddah, Kama Sutra, Groove and Vik), the BMG family of labels including Arista (including Amy Mala Bell), Jive, Profile, Silvertone, and Windham Hill, as well as such associated imprints as American, Bang!, CTI, Mainstream, Monument, Ode, and others.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070810/NYF001

Tom.Cording@sonybmg.com

Web site: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/

August 9

In the Middle of the Dog Days of Summer Things Heat Up with The Next Big Thing in Theatre: Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is a Slam-Dunk and the 'Sleeper-Hit' Nobody Saw Coming

While most people were enjoying their weekend, a phenomenon was unfolding on stage at Chicago's LaSalle Bank Theater (formerly the Shubert Theater) in the guise of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, the Disney steamroller that is sure to change the course of things to come.

The editors at BroadwayWorld.com, who proudly have their radar spinning 24/7, zeroed in on Chicago and went to work to track down the players and put together a comprehensive piece on the "little show that could" and is about to take over the world.

Meet the people who are guiding this juggernaut -- Jeff Calhoun, the director, Freddie Gershon, Chairman of Musical Theatre International, Steve Fickinger, Vice President of Licensing for Disney Theatrical Productions, and other assorted players and contributors. We also think that you'll be surprised that greed is not a driving force in the unique calculation of the future for this show.

At BroadwayWorld.com, you will also be able to see footage of the first mounted national tour and "clicks" that will send you to all things HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.

Click Here: http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=20513

All of this happens as the airdate approaches for Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, launching on the Disney Channel August 17th and moving this already skyrocketing enterprise further into the stratosphere.

BroadwayWorld.com is the premiere theatre site on the net, visit http://www.broadwayworld.com/ for more information.

Source: BroadwayWorld.com

Web site: http://www.broadwayworld.com/

Jessica Alba Joins Mike Myers in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment's 'The Love Guru' Due in Theaters June 20, 2008
Romany Malco and Verne Troyer Also Added to Cast of Comedy That Begins Shooting This September in Toronto

-- Paramount Pictures, which has scheduled Mike Myers' new comedy "The Love Guru" -- his first original character since Austin Powers -- in a prime summer tentpole position on June 20, 2008, has announced major casting for the film, which begins production in September in Toronto, Canada.

Joining Myers, who plays Pitka, the "Love Guru," will be Jessica Alba, who was most recently seen in the blockbuster action sequel "The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and will star in the romantic comedy "Good Luck Chuck" with Dane Cook and the thriller "The Eye" for Cruise-Wagner Productions.

Other additions to the cast include Romany Malco, who starred in Will Ferrell's hit comedy "Blades of Glory" and Judd Apatow's smash "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", and Verne (the immortal Mini-Me) Troyer.

The Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment presentation of a Nomoneyfun Films production is directed by Marco Schnabel, who served as second unit director on "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and "Meet the Parents." The screenwriters are Myers and Graham Gordy. The producers are Myers and Michael De Luca ("Ghost Rider"). Donald J. Lee, Jr. ("World Trade Center"), Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber are the executive producers.

In the comedy, "The Love Guru" (MIKE MYERS), Pitka is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus. He moves back to the U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality, specializing in settling intimacy issues between couples. His unorthodox methods are put to the test when he must settle a rift between major league star hockey player Darren Roanoke (ROMANY MALCO) and his estranged wife. After the split, Roanoke's wife starts dating the star member of a rival team, out of revenge, sending her husband into a major professional skid -- to the horror of the team's owner Jane Bullard (JESSICA ALBA) and Coach Cherkov (VERNE TROYER). Pitka must return the couple to marital nirvana and get Roanoke back on his game so the team can break the 40-year-old "Bullard Curse" and win the championship.

Alba is represented by Endeavor, Thruline Entertainment and Sloane Offer Weber and Dern, LLP.

Malco is represented by Paul Kohner Agency, Mosaic Media Group, and Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo.

Troyer is represented by Elena Fondacaro of Fonolli Management Inc.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

30th Anniversary of 'Elvis Week' Live From Graceland Exclusively On Sirius' Elvis(R) Radio
Week Of Programming Will Include Live Coverage of Candlelight Vigil Hosted By George Klein and Exclusive Backstage Interviews From 'Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert'

-- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) will air exclusive coverage of Elvis Week 2007 on Elvis Radio, channel 13. Fans can tune in August 11 through August 17 to hear live special broadcasts, including back-stage coverage of Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert, and The 3rd Annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio Candlelight Vigil show hosted by long time Elvis friend George Klein.

Elvis Week is an annual event that attracts fans from around the globe to converge on Memphis and Graceland to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the rock 'n' roll icon. This year's Elvis Week will mark the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing and is expected to draw record crowds. Elvis Radio will bring complete in-depth coverage with live celebrity interviews, guest DJs, and memories from fans. Highlights from Elvis Week 2007 will include:

Sat. August 11 (4 pm ET)

Elvis Radio hosts TY and Argo live from downtown Memphis at the Elvis Week

Opening Ceremonies with Memphis Redbirds

Mon. August 13 (1 pm ET)

The GK Super Session with Jerry Schilling & Joe Esposito, George Klein

hosts an intimate conversation with Elvis' closest friends.

Tues August 14 (6 pm ET)

Guest DJ is Joe Moscheo, the Imperials' Bassman and author of a brand new

book, The Gospel Side of Elvis.

Wed. August 15 (4 pm ET)

Guest DJ Joe Guercio, Elvis' Maestro

Wed. August 15 (8 pm ET)

The 3rd Annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio Candlelight Vigil, hosted by George

Klein (Elvis Radio host and close friend of Elvis Presley)

Thurs. August 16 (6 pm ET)

Live exclusive backstage coverage of Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert

Elvis Radio is broadcast live and commercial-free exclusively from studio located at Graceland. For a full Elvis Week schedule and more information, visit www.sirius.com/elvisradio.

To learn more about SIRIUS, please visit www.sirius.com.

Elvis Radio is made possible through a licensing arrangement with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Elvis, Elvis Presley and Graceland are registered

trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., a CKX company. For all the details about Elvis Week 2007 events visit www.ElvisWeek.com.

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NASCAR and NBA, and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL and NBA, as well as live NASCAR races. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.

SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet-only version of the SIRIUS radio service, without the use of a radio, for the monthly subscription fee of $12.95. SIR delivers more than 75 channels of talk, entertainment, sports, and 100% commercial free music.

SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com.

SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercury, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country.

Click on www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription.

Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the significant factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed are: our pending merger with XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. ("XM"), including related uncertainties and risks and the impact on our business if the merger is not completed; any events which affect the useful life of our satellites; our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming providers; and our competitive position versus other audio entertainment providers.

Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Web site: http://www.sirius.com/
http://www.elvisweek.com/

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: 'Elizabeth'
On DVD September 18, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

-- OVERVIEW: The critically acclaimed "Elizabeth" will be more popular than ever this fall when its highly anticipated sequel, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age", hits theaters! Relive all of the excitement and intrigue of the original "Elizabeth" starring Academy Award(R) winners Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Richard Attenborough. Nominated for 7 Academy(R) Awards, "Elizabeth" includes an all-new sneak peek of "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and a digitally remastered picture that will please any fan of the Queen!

BONUS FEATURES:

* Sneak Peak of Elizabeth: The Golden Age

* The Making of Elizabeth

* Theatrical Trailer

* Photo Gallery

* Elizabeth Featurette

* Feature Commentary with Director Shekhar Kapur

SYNOPSIS: Academy Award(R)-winners Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Richard Attenborough lead a distinguished cast in "Elizabeth" -- the critically acclaimed epic of the Queen's turbulent and treacherous rise to power! Before the Golden Age, Elizabeth was a passionate and naive girl who came to reign over a land divided by bloody turmoil. Amidst palace intrigues and attempted assassinations, the young Queen is forced to become a cunning strategist while weighing the counsel of her mysterious advisors, thwarting her devious rivals, and denying her own desires for the good of her country. Relive the majesty and drama of one of history's greatest monarchs in this stunning production that was honored with 7 Academy Award(R) nominations including Best Picture!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Street Date: September 18, 2007

Price: $14.98

Selection Number: 61101937 WS

Running Time: 2 Hours 4 Minutes

Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1

Rating: R for Violence and Sexuality

Languages/Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: English Dolby 5.1 Surround

CAST AND FILMMAKERS

Cast: Cate Blanchett ("The Man Who Cried"), Geoffrey Rush ("Munich"),

Richard Attenborough ("Jurassic Park"), Christopher Eccleston ("Heroes"),

Joseph Fiennes ("Shakespeare in Love")

Directed By: Shekhar Kapur ("The Four Feathers")

Produced By: Alison Owen, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Written By: Michael Hirst

Costume Designer: Alexandra Byrne

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/

COMEDY CENTRAL(R) and AtomFilms(R) Announce the Winner of Second Annual User-Generated Broadband Video Competition 'COMEDY CENTRAL Test Pilots'
'Super Sam' Selected by comedycentral.com Users as the Grand Prize Winner of 'COMEDY CENTRAL Test Pilots'
'Super Sam' Pilot to Be Featured On-Air in COMEDY CENTRAL's Late Night Series 'Web Shows'
To View 'Super Sam' Click on the comedycentral.com and AtomFilms.com Links Below
http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/index.jhtml?ml_video=89359
http://testpilots.atomfilms.com

-- COMEDY CENTRAL and AtomFilms, both divisions of Viacom's (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTVN Entertainment Group, announced today that "Super Sam" is the grand prize winner of the second annual "COMEDY CENTRAL Test Pilots," an online competition in search of the next big broadband show. In addition to being featured on comedycentral.com and atomfilms.com, "Super Sam," from Wilmington, North Carolina creator Brent Triplett, will also be featured on-air in COMEDY CENTRAL's late night series "Web Shows."

"COMEDY CENTRAL continues to be in the forefront of creating, discovering and showcasing original broadband content," said Lou Wallach, SVP, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL. "By partnering with AtomFilms, the preeminent broadband entertainment studio, we were able to both broaden our audience as well as tap into an even greater wealth of creative and imaginative talent. We applaud the comedycentral.com and atomfilms.com audience for their submissions, participation and selection of the 'Test Pilots' grand prize winner 'Super Sam.'"

"COMEDY CENTRAL's Test Pilots" accepted submissions from June 1 through July 10, 2007. COMEDY CENTRAL partnered with AtomFilms as the exclusive destination to upload and share their one-to-five-minute pilots. During the competition, COMEDY CENTRAL chose a series of "staff picks" and those pilots were featured on both comedycentral.com and AtomFilms.com. The panel of judges, which consisted of COMEDY CENTRAL and AtomFilms executives, narrowed down the entries to four semi-finalists. Viewers then voted online at comedycentral.com for their favorite pilot.

The grand prize winner, "Super Sam," as determined by the online voting, will receive $5000.00 and the potential for a development deal with COMEDY CENTRAL to produce an episodic broadband series. In addition, "Super Sam" will air on COMEDY CENTRAL's late night series "Web Shows." Last year's winner, "Awesome Friends" was signed for a six episode broadband series deal.

"COMEDY CENTRAL Test Pilots" is sponsored by the new Subway Fresh Fit Meals.

A 2007 Webby Award finalist, AtomFilms is unique among online video services, licensing and developing original content in partnership with filmmakers and animators. Since pioneering the online video category in 1998, AtomFilms has attracted a loyal audience of millions of users with its consistently outstanding short-form programming. AtomFilms compensates filmmakers and animators based on revenues generated from its advertising and distribution businesses, and its payments to creators have totaled millions of dollars. AtomFilms is a division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks.

Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

aileen.budow@comedycentral.com

Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
http://www.atomfilms.com/

Virgin Mobile USA Debuts the Re*Generation Art Gallery in Online Auction to Benefit Homeless Youth
Commissioned Works By Twenty-One Internationally Renowned Artists Including Denise Tassin, Eric White and Rich Jacobs
Auction Runs Until Benefit Gala in New York in November To Recognize Congressional Designation of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

-- Virgin Mobile USA, a leading provider of no-annual-contract wireless phone services targeted at the youth market, today announced it has commissioned a special gallery of works of art created by 21 internationally renowned artists on behalf of The RE*Generation, Virgin Mobile's pro-social initiative to raise awareness of the plight of at-risk and homeless youth. The works, which represent the artists' interpretations of what it's like to be alone and on the fringe, were first shown this past weekend at the Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile in Baltimore, MD.

As of this week, the art is available for viewing and bidding online at www.regenerationgallery.com and will remain there for a period preceding a benefit gala planned in New York in November where the items will be auctioned off. All proceeds benefit Virgin Mobile's charitable partners in The RE*Generation: StandUp For Kids, YouthNoise and Children's Health Fund.

Each piece has been created on a 24" x 24" wood panel by the artists, some emerging, some established: Diane Barcelowsky, Melinda Beck, Calef Brown, Thomas Campbell, Clayton Brothers, Daniel Davidson, James Gallagher, Julie Goldstein, Matt Hansel, Caroline Hwang, Jordan Isip, Chesiel John, Greg Lamarche, Matt Leines, Julia Marchand, Taylor McKimens, Jean-Pierre Roy, Antonio Sanchez, Denise Tassin, and Eric White, all of whom were specifically chosen by artist and curator Rich Jacobs for their youthful and powerful imagery.

"The RE*Generation Art Gallery and Auction was a successful event last year, contributing to the more than $1 million invested in The RE*Generation and our charitable partners. We take our commitment to these groups and this issue very seriously, and integrate building awareness about the millions of homeless young people into everything Virgin Mobile does," said Dan Schulman, CEO, Virgin Mobile USA. "We're very proud of this program, and the activities planned in November for National Homeless Youth Awareness Month."

Through the efforts of The RE*Generation, a Congressional resolution was passed last month designating November as a time to focus on the crisis of homeless youth in the U.S.

"The artists participating again this year, as well as those new to The RE*Generation, are thrilled to contribute to this worthwhile project," said consultant and private dealer Alix Sloan. "I'm confident these works will produce an extremely successful event for this meaningful cause." Sloan, who organized Marilyn Manson's first art exhibit, serves as The RE*Generation Gallery Coordinator for the second time.

Brief biographical information about each artist is attached.

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:

The nation's leading wireless youth network, Virgin Mobile USA provides more than 4.8 million customers with control, flexibility and choice in wireless service, rich data content and innovative products without annual contracts. Voice pricing plans range from monthly options with unlimited nights and weekends to by-the-minute offers, allowing consumers to adjust how and what they pay according to their needs. Virgin Mobile's full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets, including the popular Switch_Back and Slice, are available at top retailers in more than 35,000 locations nationwide and online at www.virginmobileusa.com, with Top-Up cards available at more than 130,000 locations.

Virgin Mobile USA's national coverage is powered by the Nationwide Sprint PCS(R) Network and the company, which launched in 2002, is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint Nextel. Virgin Mobile provides some of the highest customer satisfaction levels in the industry with its own customers reporting a 94% satisfaction rate. Virgin Mobile contributes 5% of profits from downloadable content to The RE*Generation, its pro-social initiative to help homeless teens, through donations to charitable partners or funding of programs that support and raise awareness for young people in need; and provides postage-paid return envelopes in every new package for customers to recycle old phones.

About The RE*Generation

Virgin Mobile USA, together with Virgin's charitable arm, Virgin Unite, is helping a generation to help its own through The RE*Generation. Behind The RE*Generation is a pioneering three-way campaign connecting Virgin Mobile's 4.8 customers with non-profit organizations working on the front lines of activism. For more information, visit www.virginmobileusa.com/regeneration.

The RE*Generation 2007 Gallery Artists

Diane Barcelowsky

Diane Barcelowsky's work has been exhibited in several galleries including Alona Kagan Gallery in New York, Allston Skirt Gallery in Boston, Pickled Art Center in Beijing, Found Gallery in Los Angeles, Reg Vardy Gallery in the UK and Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona. Her work has also been recognized in publications including New York Arts Magazine and The New York Times. Barcelowsky currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Melinda Beck

Melinda Beck is a fine artist, illustrator and graphic designer based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work has been exhibited at numerous galleries, including a recent new acquisitions show at The Library of Congress. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration, The Art Directors Club Society of Publication Designers, Communication Arts and many others. This is Melinda Beck's second year participating in The RE*Generation Gallery.

Calef Brown

Visual artist and writer Calef Brown has exhibited his works of art in galleries in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and included in "America Illustrated," the inaugural exhibit at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. He is the author and illustrator of four critically acclaimed books for children and his work has been published in Time, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, The New York Times and many other publications. Brown currently lives in Pasadena.

Thomas Campbell

Thomas Campbell is a self-taught painter, photographer, filmmaker, and writer. Campbell's artworks combine scribbles and scriptures, taking slogans and anecdotes from his unique vocabulary and juxtaposing them with a profound look at human nature. Campbell has mounted solo exhibitions in New York, Paris, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Morocco. In 1999, he completed his first feature length surfing film, The Seedling, and in 2004 released his second, Sprout. Thomas Campbell lives and works in Santa Cruz, California.

Clayton Brothers

Rob and Christian Clayton's collaborative process begins when one brother starts a piece and then hands it off to the other for his interpretation. The Clayton Brothers' work has been exhibited worldwide at galleries and museums such as Bellwether Gallery, The Drawing Center and Clementine Gallery in New York; V1 Gallery in Denmark, Mackey Gallery in Houston, Dallas Museum of Art and Madison Museum of Contemporary Art in Wisconsin. A book of their work, "The Most Special Day of My Life," was published in 2003. Rob and Christian Clayton both currently reside in Southern California, but are originally from Aurora, Colorado.

Daniel Davidson

Daniel Davidson, a San Francisco native, has exhibited his works of art in galleries and museums including the Corcoran Gallery of Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The Carnegie Mellon Museum of Art, and the San Diego Museum of Art. He is also the recipient of the Rome Prize from The American Academy in Rome. Davidson currently resides in Brooklyn.

James Gallagher

James Gallagher is a fine artist, illustrator and art director. His collaged images have been shown in galleries all over the world and have been spotted in Arkitip, J&L Books and numerous Die Gestallen publications This is James Gallagher's second year participating in The RE*Generation Gallery. He attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn.

Julie Goldstein

Julie Goldstein explores a variety of mediums including large-scale hand burnished, woodcut printing, found fabrics and traditional sewing techniques. Topics range from gender roles in contemporary society to the artist's own, deeply personal stories. Julie Goldstein's works have been exhibited in museums and galleries in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Japan and Brazil. She lives and works on Long Beach Island N.J., a barrier island outside of NYC.

Matt Hansel

Matt Hansel grew up in suburban West Virginia. He earned his BFA from Cooper Union School of Art and his MFA from Yale. His work has been exhibited in group shows in New York City, Brooklyn and Austin. He will have his first solo exhibition in 2008. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

Caroline Hwang

Caroline Hwang was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has exhibited her work at numerous galleries including Clementine Gallery and Aidan Savoy Gallery in New York, sixspace and New Image Art in Los Angeles, and Motel Gallery in Portland. She has also been featured in Paper Magazine and Swindle Quarterly and has created illustrations for The New York Times, Bust Magazine and HOW Design. Caroline Hwang, who now lives in Brooklyn, is a second year participant in The RE*Generation Gallery.

Jordin Isip

Jordin Isip is from Queens, New York and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. He has exhibited nationally in galleries in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, and also abroad in Berlin, London, Manila, Paris and Rome. His artwork has been published in numerous magazines including Arkitip, The Atlantic Monthly, Juxtapoz, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and many other publications. This is Jordin Isip's second year participating in The RE*Generation Gallery.

Rich Jacobs

Rich Jacobs is an artist/curator based in San Francisco and is the curator of The RE*Generation Gallery for the second year. He was born in Long Beach, CA and his artwork has appeared on skateboards and snowboards, in magazines, books and on record and CD covers. For the last ten years, he has curated large, well-received group exhibitions featuring the work of many of his talented friends and colleagues.

Chesiel John

Participating in The RE*Generation Gallery for the second year, Chesiel John's first publicly recognized work, "Peace Mural," was created in 1996 for a Stop the Violence community campaign. Her work has been exhibited primarily in New York City galleries, but also in San Francisco and the Philippines, and has been featured in Jazz IZ magazine, The Financial Times, and many others. She is currently living in Brooklyn.

Greg Lamarche

Hailing from Queens, New York, Greg Lamarche works primarily in collage and painting. He has exhibited his artwork throughout the United States, most recently at White Walls Gallery in San Francisco, OK OK Gallery in Seattle and David Krut Projects in New York. Also an accomplished illustrator, in the last year Lamarche has worked with Zoo York, Carhartt, and Seventh Letter, among others. His artwork has been featured in the magazines Arkitip, Swindle, Garage, Mass Appeal, Alarm, Juxtapoz and Vapors.

Matt Leines

Matt Leines, born and currently based in Montclair, New Jersey, is known for his drawing style, mixing elements of the baroque with the dreamlike narratives of the surrealists. His work has been exhibited across the United States, Europe, Japan and also featured as part of the acclaimed RVCA Artists Network Program. Matt graduated form the Rhode Island School of Design in 2002.

Julia Marchand

Southern California native, Julia Marchand's painting and drawings have been exhibited in galleries in London, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Palm Springs and Austin. She has an upcoming solo exhibition of new works at Perihelion Arts in Phoenix, AZ in early 2008.

Taylor McKimens

While growing up in the tiny town of Winterhaven, California, Taylor McKimens drew inspiration from comic books and daily life in the Southwest. As a current New York City resident, his work has been shown at galleries and museums including P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center, Deitch Projects and Clementine Gallery in New York, The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art in Japan and Perugi Artecontemporanea, in Italy.

Jean-Pierre Roy

Jean-Pierre Roy, raised in Venice, California earned his BFA from Loyola Marymount University and his MFA from The New York Academy of Art. Since graduating, his work has been shown extensively in galleries nationwide including two successful solo shows. He currently lives in Brooklyn and teaches painting and drawing at Parsons School of Design. Roy grew up in Southern California.

Antonio Sanchez

Antonio Sanchez is a painter and film editor who lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. As a painter, his works have been exhibited in galleries in Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York. As an editor, he has worked on a variety of award-winning short films and documentaries. Antonio is currently working on an upcoming solo exhibition in Washington DC and a published collection of black and white illustrations of New York from a recent exhibition at advertising agency Foote Cone and Belding.

Denise Tassin

Denise Tassin's work is in the permanent collections of the Baltimore Museum of Art, Sheppard Pratt Health System and University of Baltimore as well as numerous private collections; and has been exhibited worldwide in museums and galleries including the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Baltimore Contemporary Museum and the Delaware Art Museum. The Maryland State Arts Council has recognized her work with four Individual Artist Fellowships in the areas of drawing, installation and painting and she is the 2005 third place winner of The Trawick Prize. Originally from Louisiana, she currently resides in Baltimore, MD.

Eric White

Eric White grew up in Ann Arbor, MI and now resides in Brooklyn. He has shown extensively in galleries and museums such as The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore; Gracie Mansion, Clementine Gallery, Feigen Contemporary and PPOW in New York; Robert Berman and Track 16 in Los Angeles, and Moda Politica in Tokyo. A fine art monograph of his work, "It Feeds Itself," was published in 2003, followed by a book based on his solo exhibition "Who Are Parents?" in 2005. This is Eric White's second year participating in The RE*Generation Gallery.

Source: Virgin Mobile USA

Web site: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/
http://www.regenerationgallery.com/
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/regeneration

August 8

Universal Music Group (UMG) to Invest With Loud.com
Deal Further Expands UMG's Portfolio of Strategic Media Investments

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, has made an equity investment in Loud.com, which operates the popular portals http://www.loud.com/ and http://www.battlerap.com/. The announcement was made today by Nick Henny, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of UMG, Joseph Safina, co-Founder & co-Chief Executive Officer of Loud.com, and Steve Rifkind, Chief Executive Officer of SRC Entertainment and co-Founder & co-CEO of Loud.com.

This agreement further expands UMG's growing portfolio of strategic media investments while increasing commercial opportunities for its market-leading roster of artists and musical products.

"Universal's strategy is to become actively involved in all areas of media where our artists and our music are present," stated Mr. Henny. "Loud.com has created an incredibly vibrant and growing on-line hip-hop community that features not only compelling user-generated content, but also the means for users to create their own music and compete for a record deal. Loud.com is quickly emerging as one of the leading new online ventures that successfully reaches the new generation of international and multicultural youth."

"We are delighted that UMG is joining the Loud.com family," commented Mr. Safina. "When Steve and I started Loud.com, our hope was to create a virtual home for hip-hop fans around the world. To our delight, it has quickly evolved into an online community, competition, A&R site and marketing company all rolled into one. And with UMG now on board, we'll be able to offer even more compelling services to our members."

"Through SRC, I've enjoyed a long-standing and successful relationship with Doug Morris (Chairman & CEO, UMG), Zach Horowitz (President & COO, UMG) and Nick, and I am delighted to extend it even further with this new agreement," added Mr. Rifkind. "Loud.com is a great opportunity for hip-hop fans from around the world to showcase their creativity in a public forum. And I'm thrilled that UMG has decided to get involved in this exciting endeavor."

The Loud.com portal is a free competition open to all registered users that offers the ability to download professional beats from some of today's leading hip-hop producers at 99 cents apiece and overlay rap tracks while going head-to-head with other DJs and MCs from around the world. The series of battles will be judged by celebrity hip-hop producers such as Cool and Dre, David Banner, Midi Mafia, DJ Khaled and Sha Money, with the ultimate winner of the Showdown awarded $100,000 in cash and a recording deal with SRC Records, Steve Rifkind's UMG-distributed label that is home to such platinum-plus, Grammy-nominated superstars as Akon and Wu-Tang Clan. Additional judges will be announced shortly.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is the world's largest music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's largest global music publishing operation.

Universal Music Group consists of record labels Decca Label Group, Deutsche Grammophon, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Philips, Polydor Records, Universal Music Latino, Universal Motown Records Group, Universal Records South, and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, a new media and technologies division, and Universal Music Mobile.

Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.

About Loud.com

Loud.com puts the user at center stage, providing them with professional "beats" from leading hip-hop artists along with powerful online editing tools which will allow them to create their own raps and compete with other aspiring MCs and DJs around the world. There is no charge except the 99 cents for the downloaded beats. Each battle is officiated by a panel of celebrity hip-hop producers, with a 10-round head-to-head elimination resulting in a Loud.com Showdown final. The final winner will receive $100,000 in cash and a recording deal with SRC Records.

Source: Universal Music Group; Loud.com

Web site: http://www.loud.com/

LANA CLARKSON PLANNED PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN SOON BEFORE HER MURDER

The clock is ticking and the end of the trial is near.
So Today we have posted the following on our web site.

Beverly Hills - Lana Clarkson was not in any mood for suicide because she was preparing to launch a live comedy tour based on her characters from the video" Lana Unleashed". The video was shown in court last week. How do we know this? Lana herself contacted our office to discuss directly with Edward Lozzi, her former publicist and long time friend, the publicity campaign to launch Lana Unleashed. Arianna Huffington's Huffington Post, quoted this information recently from an article about Lana Clarkson and Edward Lozzi.

" ...in fact she was developing a motion picture and a comedy road series when she was murdered. She had called me during her last Christmas holidays in this life to talk about the possibility of ( us) providing publicity for her amazing one-woman comedy show, Lana Unleashed...." Edward Lozzi

Both the prosecution and defense regard Edward Lozzi as a hostile witness due to his outspoken four years of guest appearances on CNN, MSNBC, INSIDE EDITION and Court TV in defense of Clarkson and his controversial statement that Lana was an expert in firearms due to her training as an action/adventure star at the Beverly Hills Gun Club. Lozzi is also at odds with the lawyers who represent Lana's mother and sister for their Wrongfull Death civil suit.

" These two mute lawyers have muzzled the two people who should be speaking the most about their beloved daughter and sister. Their silence over these past four years and their contempt for the media has sent the wrong message to the jury and the public during this criminal murder trial." Edward Lozzi

Last month Judge Larry Fidler ruled that a defense witness could not testify at the trial or even mention Lana Clarkson's name or refer to the trial outside of his courtroom. Fidler justified his decision by stating that even though the jury was ordered not to watch or listen to the news, there was a chance that outside courtroom news reports of this trial could filter down to those jury members that are following the media. That is precisely what this posting will attempt to do. We hope this information gets to the jury.

Edward Lozzi, former publicist and long time friend of Lana Clarkson

Click on this link for the full article below
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/edward-lozzi/mods-and-rockers-festival_b_58046.html
Beverly Hillswas not in any mood for suicide because she was preparing to launch a live comedy tour based on her characters from the video The video was shown in court last week. How do we know this? Lana herself contacted our office to discuss directly with , her former publicist and long time friend, the publicity campaign to launch . quoted this information recently from an article about Lana Clarkson and Edward Lozzi."Edward LozziBoth the prosecution and defense regard Edward Lozzi as a hostile witness due to his outspoken four years of guest appearances on CNN, MSNBC, INSIDE EDITION and Court TV in defense of Clarkson and his controversial statement that Lana was an expert in firearms due to her training as an action/adventure star at the Beverly Hills Gun Club. Lozzi is also at odds with the lawyers who represent Lana's mother and sister for their Wrongfull Death civil suit.Edward LozziLast month ruled that a defense witness could not testify at the trial or even mention Lana Clarkson's name or refer to the trial outside of his courtroom. Fidler justified his decision by stating that even though the jury was ordered not to watch or listen to the news, there was a chance that outside courtroom news reports of this trial could filter down to those jury members that are following the media. former publicist and long time friend of Lana Clarkson Click on this link for the full article below

NOGGIN Promotes Bike Safety Education Through a National Partnership With St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R) and Supports Nationwide Trike-A-Thon Program Beginning Monday, August 13
*DID YOU KNOW THAT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING BIKES, MOTOR VEHICLES AND CHILDREN CAUSE AN ESTIMATED 800 FATALITIES AND 45,000 INJURIES EACH YEAR?

-- NOGGIN, the commercial-free educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, has teamed up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the world's premier center for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases, to help promote bike safety education and the hospital's national Trike-A-Thon program, established more than 20 years ago. Beginning Monday, August 13, NOGGIN and St. Jude will commence an ongoing on-air and online partnership to raise awareness for bicycle and tricycle safety and to help encourage families to participate in one of the 14,000 local Trike-A-Thon events around the country.

The St. Jude Trike-A-Thon is a special program developed for early childhood educators and childcare centers to teach children riding safety tips while helping to continue St. Jude's mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. Each Trike-A- Thon event is a week-long activity involving young children, their parents and teachers, which introduces key concepts of riding safety, and concludes with a fun-filled event where the participants bring their riding toys from home and show off the skills they have learned.

"Bike safety is a critical issue that affects preschoolers, so it's an issue that is crucial to NOGGIN," said Brown Johnson, Executive Vice President, Executive Creative Director, Nickelodeon Preschool and General Manager, NOGGIN. "We are proud to be partnering with St. Jude, whose widespread Trike-A-Thon events expose thousands upon thousands of kids and their families to proper riding safety habits. Biking is also fun for everyone so this important initiative combines education and a great activity in the true tradition of Nick Preschool."

"We are honored to have NOGGIN on board this year to help with our Trike- A-Thon fundraising program," said John P. Moses, CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "The commitment of this wonderful children's network to show our on-air PSAs truly demonstrates its deep dedication to the life-saving mission of St. Jude, and we are so very grateful. It is our hope that these PSAs will not only increase riding safety for children, but also help teach children the great difference they can make in the lives of others through volunteering."

In support of the initiative, NOGGIN will help solicit participants for the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon events through a series of four PSAs that will debut on-air and on the network's award-winning website, www.noggin.com. Beginning Monday, August 13 through Sunday, September 30, the spots will air on NOGGIN 2-3 times each day, and will feature a "Trike-A-Thon Quiz" for preschoolers. The quizzes teach key bike safety tips, including always wear a helmet, never ride in the street, be careful around driveways, and always watch where you are going. Each spot will also feature clips from a new bike safety song and video, "Different Spokes for Different Folks" written and performed by kids' group Hot Peas 'N Butter who are also featured on NOGGIN's hit music series Jack's Big Music Show. NOGGIN will air the PSAs again in regular rotation from December 2007 through January 2008.

Also beginning August 13, St. Jude's website, www.st.jude.org/trike and noggin.com will stream the full music video from Hot Peas 'N Butter, with additional behind-the-scenes footage interviews with Nickelodeon Preschool's Brown Johnson, and Daniel Lapidus and Francisco Cotto from Hot Peas 'N Butter. They address the importance of bike safety and the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon program.

Beginning August 13 through May 2008, NOGGIN's Gold Star Club will present each Trike-A-Thon preschooler with a customizable bike safety workbook and certificate for successful completion of the Trike-A-Thon program. In addition, NOGGIN will thank participating groups for promoting bike safety and hosting a St. Jude Trike-A-Thon by naming all qualifying schools and centers both on-air and online during Summer 2008.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

NOGGIN, the commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, currently reaches 57 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite TV. NOGGIN, which airs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ET), is like preschool on tv, with educational programming both on-air and online at www.noggin.com. NOGGIN and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

*Source: NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis 2005

Source: NOGGIN; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Web site: http://www.stjude.org/
http://www.noggin.com/
http://www.nick.com/
http://www.st.jude.org/trike

The People Have Spoken: Rap Artist Common Achieves First Career #1 on Billboard Album Chart With Finding Forever

-- On his 7th album, Finding Forever, Grammy winning rap superstar Common hits the jackpot, scoring his first career #1 on the Billboard Album Chart.

The G.O.O.D. Music/Geffen Records album scanned 155,329 in its first week, 32,187 more than the next best selling title. Common's previous best ranking on the chart was #2 for 2005's BE. Like BE, Finding Forever has fellow Chicagoan Kanye West in the role as executive producer. Guest artists on the album include West, Lily Allen, will.i.am, D'Angelo, and Gang Starr's DJ Premier. Along with production by West, will.i.am and the late Detroit legend J. Dilla (So Far To Go) produce tracks.

What's extraordinary about the best selling Finding Forever is that it was truly the people who made Common #1. With songs and an album that have received critical acclaim and consumer interest, Common's music has not yet penetrated mainstream commercial radio. Those who bought the album bought it for the artist and his brand, not a particular song. Very few artists make the connection with the public as Common does. As his hometown paper Chicago Tribune wrote, "Common has become the rarest of pop success stories: a mainstream hip-hop artist who projects a mature, compassionate image and thrives on thoughtful, soul-fired albums designed for repeated listening rather than short-lived singles."

Common is an anomaly, who thrives with the multi-impressions he gets outside the traditional hip hop avenues from his Gap television commercial a few months back to him being the face of Converse's (Product) Red campaign to his album being carried at Starbucks as well as him playing and doing a very successful album signing at a Starbucks in Santa Monica, which according to the Fire Marshal drew over 1,500 people. On-line, Common has been everywhere. Finding Forever and Common have been the main feature at iTunes, and were featured with Verizon, to currently being Artist of the Month at Microsoft Windows Media, to performing for Live Sets on Yahoo! and AOL's "Sixteen Bars" and the album previewed with MTV.com's The Leak.

In the press, which has always been with Common from his 1992 debut Can I Borrow a Dollar?, through 2000's acclaimed Like Water for Chocolate and 2005's multi-Grammy-nominated BE, Common is often cited as one of the best observers and masters of wordplay in rap history, and critics believe that Finding Forever continues that legacy. In a stellar review XXL wrote: "Common makes timeless hip-hop seem easy." Both People and USA Today bestowed their highest rankings on the album. Rolling Stone wrote, " ... his ear grabbing command stands up to almost any MC out there." And for the first time in his career Common graces the cover of the Source in their August 2007 issue. In the last few months Billboard, Ebony, and Uptown magazine have put him on their cover.

On top of his music success Common has recently launched a burgeoning acting career with roles in Smokin' Aces with Jeremy Piven as well as the soon-to-be released American Gangster with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington as well as filming both Wanted with Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman and The Night Watchman with Keanu Reaves and Forest Whitaker.

There are very few artists who consistently deliver such thought provoking cutting edge material who are accepted by the mainstream as Common. The chart topping may have signaled a new era in not just hip hop, but in credible music overall, and Common and his fans have led the charge to this era.

Source: Geffen Records

Beyonce's Fall Continues to Trip up Web Users as Top Term on Lycos; 'High School Musical 2' Propels Disney Back into Top 10; 'Psych,' Most-Searched Summer TV Show
'Bourne Ultimatum,' Mary Louise Parker, Corey Haim ... Big Search Gainers
The Lycos 50(TM) for Week Ending Aug. 4, 2007

Lycos, Inc. (http://www.lycos.com/), a leading community destination for broadband entertainment content, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending Aug. 4, 2007. For a complete list of The Lycos 50 and for in-depth text of The Lycos 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com/ . Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.

Biggest Movers and Shakers for Week Ending Aug. 4, 2007:

1. Bourne Ultimatum 900 %

2. Ugly Betty 733 %

3. Mary Louise Parker 700 %

4. Corey Haim 700 %

5. South Beach Diet 300 %

6. eMule 163 %

7. Whoopi Goldberg 100 %

8. David Duchovny 100 %

9. Julia Stiles 36 %

10. Shakira 34 %

Notes of Interest:

Beyonce (#1) dominates web search interest for the second straight week, following her fall from a concert stage in Orlando nearly two weeks ago, while MySpace (#2) and YouTube (#3) continue to see a spike in search activity due in part to searches for the video of Beyonce's fall. Meanwhile, web users appear to be tiring of Lindsay Lohan's (#11) downward spiral, as search interest for Lohan drops 54 percent over the past week. But while former Disney alum Lohan cools off, Disney (#8) jumps from the number 11 spot last week, as the world awaits the debut of "High School Musical 2," coming to the Disney Channel Aug. 17. Searches for "High School Musical 2" have increased 180% since the first week in June, and searches for star Zac Efron have jumped 95%. Efron is undoubtedly the most popular star of "High School Musical" with web users, receiving 203% more search activity this week than second most popular star, Ashley Tisdale. Check out the "High School Musical 2" hoopla on Lycos MIX at http://mix.lycos.com/mix/disneys-high-school-musical-2 .

The Lycos 50 Most-Searched summer TV shows for the week ending Aug. 4, 2007:

1. Psych

2. Big Brother

3. Greek

4. Kyle XY

5. Fallen

6. Entourage

7. Eureka

8. Age of Love

9. The Closer

10. The Singing Bee

Search Gainers:

"The Bourne Ultimatum," which won big at the box office last weekend, is also a hit with web users, grossing 900% in search activity, with search interest for one of the film's costars, Julia Stiles, also rising 36% this week. Stiles dominates online interest over the star of the film franchise, Matt Damon, generating 2,100% more searches than Damon. Two Showtime stars, Mary Louise Parker and David Duchovny, also increase this week as Season 3 of Parker's sitcom, Weeds, debuts on August 13 and Duchovny's soon to air new series, "Californication," centers around a troubled LA novelist. Corey Haim, currently co-starring with Corey Feldman in the A&E reality show, "The Two Coreys," also jumps 700% this week.

The Lycos 50(TM) Top 10 Search Terms for the Week Ending Aug. 4, 2007:

1) Beyonce 6) Paris Hilton

2) MySpace 7) Britney Spears

3) YouTube 8) Disney

4) Pokemon 9) Clay Aiken

5) Naruto 10) WWE

About Lycos, Inc.

Lycos, Inc. (http://www.lycos.com/) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daum Communications Corp., a leading Internet portal and e-commerce destination in Korea with a growing presence throughout the Asian markets. Lycos, Inc. operates search and technology websites that foster online communities, including the new Lycos Cinema and Lycos MIX video platforms, combining community with high-quality broadband video content. Other Lycos products and sites include Lycos.com, Hotbot.com, Tripod.com, Angelfire.com, Gamesville.com, Lycos Mail, Lycos Phone, Lycos Entertainment, Lycos Music and Lycos Planet. Lycos was acquired by Korean Daum Communications Corp. in October 2004 and has its U.S. headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Daum Communications Corp. is traded on the KOSDAQ: 035720, http://www.daum.net/.

Lycos(R) is a registered trademark of Lycos, Inc. All other product or service marks mentioned herein are those of Daum Communications Corp., Lycos, Inc. or their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Source: Lycos, Inc.

http://www.daum.net/
http://50.lycos.com/
http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog
http://mix.lycos.com/mix/disneys-high-school-musical-2

La Boheme Gentlemen's Cabaret Presents 'THE 4th ANNUAL ADULT FILM STAR BALL'
Hosted By Rock Legend Dave Navarro & Digital Playground Contract Superstar Jesse Jane(R)

-- EVENT: Rock Legend Dave Navarro & Digital Playground Contract Super Star Jesse Jane(R) host the "4th Annual Adult Film Star Ball"

DATE: Saturday, August 25th, 2007

TIME: 6PM-2AM

VENUE: La Boheme Gentlemen's Cabaret

ADDRESS: 1443 Stout St. Denver Co. 80202 USA

INFO: http://www.adultfilmstarball.com/

http://www.labohemegc.com/

"The 4th Annual Adult Film Star Ball", an 8-hour extravaganza fusing the best of music and adult entertainment will be hosted by Digital Playground contract super star Jesse Jane(R) and rock legend Dave Navarro. The ball will showcase over 40 of the world's top adult performers, four of the worlds biggest DJs, and 200 stunning "La Boheme" girls. If that's not enough, the pair will be sharing hosting responsibilities with adult super stars Ron Jeremy, Jenna Haze, Nikki Benz, Shy Love, and Club Jenna Contract Girls Brea Bennett, Lela Star, Joanna Angel and Roxy Jezel. All these magnificent stars will be partying the night away at La Boheme Gentlemen's Cabaret.

Lance Migliaccio, the club owner and president, is pleased with the hype the event is generating, "This event continues to grow beyond everyone's expectations and it's really exciting to have Dave Navarro, Jesse Jane(R), and our favorite adult stars here in person ... "

Digital Playground's Jesse Jane is looking forward to the party. She says, "I'm so excited to host this event. It's going to be a good time and a lot of fun. We're all crazy. Get crazy with us! You don't want to miss it! WOO HOO!"

La Boheme's huge line up of performers also includes the following stars: Adriana Sage, Alektra Blue, Ashlyn Brooke, Bridget the Midget, Brooke Haven, Casey Parker, Sunny Lane, Claudia Monet, Courtney Cummz, Dayton, Exotica, Ginger Lee, Jana Jordan, Katarina Kat, Kim Chambers, Krystal Steal, Lexi Lamour, Lizzy Borden, Lynn Monroe, Mary Carey, Megan Reece, Memphis Monroe, Monica Mayhem, Naomi Knight, Nina Ferrari, Porcelain Twins Zen & Zero, Puma Swede, Shayla LaVeaux, Shy Love, Sydnee Steele, Tatiana Stone, Trina Michaels, Trisha Uptown, and Vivian West. All of the stars will be performing, hanging out and signing autographs for fans all night long.

Rock Stars, Adult stars, Playboy Models, Penthouse Models, Celebrity Athletes, and the nations Top Mash-Up DJ's ... will again make "The 4th Annual Adult Film Star Ball" the "not to be missed" party of the year!

For more information about the event, visit the Adult Film Star Ball official websites, http://www.adultfilmstarball.com/ or http://www.labohemegc.com/

For more information about Jesse Jane(R), visit her online at http://www/. JesseJane.com or http://www.digitalplayground.com/

Source: La Boheme Gentlemen's Cabaret

Web site: http://www.labohemegc.com/
http://www.fusion-e.com/
http://www.adultfilmstarball.com/

The Death of Reality TV: Viewers are Tuning Out the Apprentice, Survivor, and American Idol as InfoMedia Announces the World's First Competitive Internet Reality Show

-- Where have all the viewers gone? If the buzz being generated on the Internet is any indication, it seems they're turning off their TV sets and getting ready to tune into the world's first competitive internet reality show.

A mainstay of primetime television for the past decade, reality programming is attracting fewer viewers than ever before. Network executives and producers are watching their audiences dwindle at an increasing pace as consumers are presented with more viewing choices from different mediums. A large number of viewers are turning to the Internet for entertainment, though there has been very little original programming designed to keep their attention for more than a few minutes.

The major networks have been scrambling to put more content online. In February, NBC released a study of its online streaming video player. "Our viewers responded strongly to the streaming video on our site," said Jeff Gaspin, the president of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, Digital Content and Cross Network Strategy. "Contrary to conventional wisdom, consumers are ready to watch long-form entertainment on the web and we plan on making more available." At the time of the study, nearly 42 million full length episodes had already been streamed from their website.

While the networks have found a new revenue stream by re-broadcasting their TV shows, they have yet to produce a full-fledged made-for-internet series. In April, The New York Times reported that Mark Burnett (creator of Survivor and other reality series) might produce a political themed reality show to be hosted on MySpace in 2008. Whether it will happen remains to be seen, but if it does, it will not be the first reality show to hit the web.

Television execs and those in the entertainment industry are watching closely as Internet entrepreneur, Joel Comm, is set to premier the world's first competitive Internet reality show, "The Next Internet Millionaire." Designed to appeal to reality fans of all ages, Comm's original program intends to entertain as well as educate how he and others generate millions of dollars on the Internet.

Today "The Next Internet Millionaire" announced a website and one-minute teaser promoting the August 15th premier of the program. Both the website and the new teaser demonstrate first-rate production values unlike anything the Internet has ever seen.

"I believe the Internet is ready for prime time programming," says Joel Comm, Host and Executive Producer of 'The Next Internet Millionaire.' "With the popularity of reality programming and online video, the time is right for the two to converge. Audiences are ready to embrace quality, original web-based content that will become the talk at the water cooler." Comm continues, "'The Next Internet Millionaire' is a historical production that will forever raise the bar for online video production."

Online video auditions were solicited earlier this year, with hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs applying for the opportunity to win $25,000 cash and a large-scale joint venture with Comm, a successful Internet businessman and author of the New York Times Best Seller, 'The AdSense Code.' Twelve contestants were culled from the auditions and brought on location to learn strategies and techniques for generating income online from the leading Internet marketing experts. The roster includes such prolific teachers as Mark Joyner, Armand Morin, Mike Filsaime, Rich Schefren, Marlon Sanders, and Brad Fallon, all of whom regularly generate millions of dollars per year online.

The contestants include six men and six women from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Costa Rica. With varying levels of online experience, the contestants will learn from the experts and compete in a variety of individual and team challenges designed to test their leadership ability, persuasion skills, creativity, and other business related skills. The goal is to find the ideal joint venture partner for Comm.

Beginning August 15th and concluding in November, the world will watch as these twelve contestants compete for an opportunity of a lifetime; the ultimate joint venture with one of the world's most respected Internet marketers.

The Next Internet Millionaire is a joint venture between InfoMedia, Inc., Eric Holmlund and Deluge Films of Northern Colorado. InfoMedia, Inc. is a new media company based in Loveland, Colorado. Providing a twelve-year track record of building profitable Internet sites, InfoMedia leads the way in innovative, entertaining and educational uses of the Internet.

To interview Joel Comm, for sponsorship opportunities or for more informationSource: InfoMedia, Inc.

Web site: http://www.nextinternetmillionaire.com

'Puppet Up! - Uncensored' Finds a Home in Hollywood
Internationally renowned adult puppet comedy show from The Jim Henson Company will appear monthly at Avalon Hollywood Opening August 17th, 2007
'These brilliant American puppeteers are seducing all they meet ... the apparently effortless technical excellence is matched only by some of the quickest and wickedest humor in town.' - The Telegraph (UK)
'The puppeteers' quick-wit and nothing-is-taboo attitude make this show a riot of very wrong things.' - The Stage (UK)
'It's naughty, fast, funny and has freaky-looking puppets. It's unshackled creativity.' - Daily Telegraph (AUS)
' ... marvelous puppets, top-drawer improvisation and mild filth that is bound to please.' - The Age (AUS)
' ... a mind boggling degree of on-demand creativity' - Aspen Times (US)

-- After critically acclaimed standing-room-only performances in Aspen, Edinburgh, Sydney and Melbourne, "Puppet Up! -- Uncensored" has found a home in Los Angeles for a monthly engagement at Avalon Hollywood. Performances will begin on Friday, August 17th with additional dates confirmed for Saturday, September 22nd and Saturday, October 20th. Monthly shows will continue to be scheduled thereafter. Tickets are available at http://www.avalonhollywood.com/ or by calling (323) 462-8900.

The live stage show from The Jim Henson Company features more than 75 puppets and a cast of puppeteers who perform sketches on the spot using suggestions from the audience. "Puppet Up! -- Uncensored" was conceived by Brian Henson ("Farscape", "Muppet Treasure Island") and began as a class where performers in the Company's troupe could hone their improvisational and comedic skills. Quickly, the irreverent hilarity and fascinating puppeteering techniques proved to be appealing to comedy audiences and the show was invited to festivals around the world. Since its premiere at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen in March 2006, the show has played at the Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland, The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, The Big Laugh Comedy Festival in Sydney and The Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Additionally, TBS aired the show as a television special last November and web clips can currently be seen at http://www.tbs.com/shows/puppetup/

"'Puppet Up! -- Uncensored' is like a high-wire act. It combines the technical challenges of puppeteering with the quick-thinking needed for each sketch -- along with the high stakes of performing in front of a live audience. It is quite an adrenaline rush and a lot of fun," says Brian Henson, co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company and producer of the show. "We have been thrilled with the excellent response the show has received around the world and we are excited to partner with Avalon Hollywood to bring 'Puppet Up! -- Uncensored' to a local audience."

About The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and computer graphics. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets (the rights to which are now owned by The Walt Disney Company), Henson is the recipient of over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Credits include the Saturn Award-winning "Farscape" and the features "MirrorMask", "Five Children and It" and "Good Boy!". With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot complete with soundstage and post-production facilities. Independently owned and operated by the five adult children of founder Jim Henson, the Company is also home to Jim Henson's Creature Shop, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry's top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state of the art and vintage equipment. The Company recently launched "Puppet Up! -- Uncensored", a live puppet improvisational show that has played to sold out crowds in Aspen, Hollywood, Edinburgh, Sydney and Melbourne and premiered as a special on TBS. The Company has also announced the creation of Jim Henson Designs, a merchandise collection inspired by Jim Henson's earliest sketches. The Jim Henson Company's website is located at: http://www.henson.com/

About Avalon Hollywood

In 2002 the original Hollywood Playhouse, and previously infamous Palace, was transformed by a state-of-the-art face lift orchestrated by John Lyons and Steve Adelman. Avalon Hollywood has grown into one of the most prestigious venues for live performances and special events. Its stage is home to the Beatles first west coast performance and the first broadcast of the American Music Awards. The list of performers is legendary: Rolling Stones, Madonna and Nirvana, to current entertainers such as Kanye West, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas to name a few.

Source: The Jim Henson Company

preston@avalonhollywood.com

Web site: http://www.henson.com/
http://www.avalonhollywood.com/
http://www.tbs.com/shows/puppetup

BlingPlayer Makes Television Debut on Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Popular Artists Purple Popcorn Featured Wearing the Iced-out Player

, a provider of innovative interactive, media-convergent entertainment devices, is pleased to announce that its MediaREADY BlingPlayer was featured on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Monday night. The airing featured popular rap artist MIMS performing with Purple Popcorn. Purple Popcorn wore the BlingPlayer during their performance on the music segment of the show.

MIMS debut album Music Is My Savior, features the album's lead single, This Is Why I'm Hot, has hit no.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. MIMS has also released a rock remix entitled "This Is Why I Rock" with Miami rock group Purple Popcorn.

"This is an exciting day for MediaREADY as the BlingPlayer made its national television debut on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" Monday night," said Jeffrey Harrell, CEO of MediaREADY, Inc. "As the product begins to make a buzz, this kind of national attention is a great start."

The MediaREADY BLINGPLAYER is a high fashion portable media player that makes a new kind of fashion statement. Initial jewel encrusted designs include the traditional polished, brushed, and a skull and crossbones dog tags versions. This ultra-stylish MP3 and MPEG-4 2GB portable player stores over 30+ hours of music or 16+ hours of video. The hip new portable also features a built-in FM radio tuner and FM recording feature with 30 Channel station memory in an all new wearable design. Its small, portable design lets you roll everywhere with your music, video and photos around your neck. The BLINGPLAYER supports simple conversion of various video formats to MPEG-4 and no additional drivers are needed for its' High Speed USB 2.0 connection to other MediaREADY components or your Vista, Windows 2000, XP or ME based personal computer. Sporting a vivid 1.5" screen with 65K color display, 7 user chosen Equalizer settings, a built-in voice recorder and Telbook portable address book function, this unique portable media device makes it easy to rock out with your friends.

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with NBC Universal Television Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" airs Monday - Friday at 11:35pm (EDT) on NBC.

To view the music segment of the show, click here: http://www.mymediaready.com/bling/homevideo.php

To purchase the MediaREADY BlingPlayer visit our website at http://www.blingplayer.com/.

About MediaREADY Incorporated:

MediaREADY, Inc (BULLETIN BOARD: MRED) is a pioneer in the media center and portable media device markets offering products and services that provide consumers with new gateways to today's digital media and online services; therefore influencing how consumers are entertained, become informed, and communicate. The Company has launched several products in categories including; media center and portable media center products, customer support and affiliate promotion services. MediaREADY is focused on delivering products and solutions that are innovative, affordable, and easy to use. For more information on the MediaREADY product line, including purchasing information, visit http://www.mediareadyinc.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations or beliefs, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the Company's operations, financial performance and, condition. For this purpose, statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, pricing and new technology; changes in consumer preferences and tastes; and effectiveness of marketing; changes in laws and regulations; fluctuations in costs of production, and other factors as those discussed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. In addition, the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Source: MediaREADY, Inc.

Web site: http://www.mediareadyinc.com/
http://www.blingplayer.com/

Beyonce and Justin Timberlake Lead the Way With Seven Nominations Each Followed by Kanye West and Rihanna With Five Nods and Amy Winehouse Vying for Three Moonmen
MTV Announces New Categories Honoring Year-Long, All-Around Achievements of Artists

The "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" is set to take over the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas Sunday, September 9th at 9PM (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT.) To get things started, today the VMA's hijacked a special edition of "TRL" to announce nominees, performers and much more for the September 9th musical extravaganza. Artists nominated for the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" include Justin Timberlake and Beyonce with seven nominations each; Kanye West and Rihanna received five nominations while Amy Winehouse received three nods. Timbaland, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters and Rihanna are all scheduled to perform at the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards." In addition, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland are set to host their own Fantasy Suite party. Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly.

In tune with the total reinvention of this year's show, MTV has pared down the categories to eight to be awarded during the live two hour show including new categories:

-- Male Artist of the Year / Female Artist of the Year -- recognizes the

artist's complete body of work throughout 2007.

-- Most Earthshattering Collaboration -- a new award that recognizes the

best teaming of creative minds in 2007.

-- Monster Single of the Year -- awarded to that unavoidable super smash

that you just can't get outta your head!

-- Quadruple Threat award --- honors those boundary-busting artists who

have conquered multiple worlds including, but not limited to; music,

fashion, philanthropy, business, acting and dance.

"What great nominees! They truly reflect a stellar year in music and videos and show some love to the new faces that burst onto the scene this year," said MTV President Christina Norman.

The Ballots for "The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards" were sent out for the first time to artists and musical tastemakers as well as to an exclusive industry group and viewers who determined the nominees for the telecast. Approximately 50 viewers and individuals representing record labels, music journalists, video directors and music producers, selected the nominees for awards categories encompassing such wide-ranging contemporary music forms as rap, dance, R&B and rock. Ballots are cast online and duplication is avoided through a special control number assigned to each ballot, which can only be tallied once.

Shugoll Research is the Official Business Advisor of the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards".

Voting for "Best New Artist" begins August 7th through the show Live on September 9th. Viewers can vote by visiting www.vma.mtv.com.

Jesse Ignjatovic is the Executive Producer, Den of Thieves for the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards." Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Chris Choun is Co-Executive Producer. Jen Jones and Jane Mun are Co-Producers. Amy Doyle and Joanna Bomberg are Music Talent Executives. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive. Garrett English is Executive in Charge of Production. Hamish Hamilton is Director.

Following are the nominees for the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards"

GENERAL CATEGORIES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

AMY WINEHOUSE

"Rehab"

Back To Black

Universal Republic

Director: Phil Griffin

Producer: Hywit Abate

Production Company: Bikini Films

BEYONCE

"Irreplaceable"

B'Day

Columbia Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Kim Bradshaw

Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

JUSTICE

"D.A.N.C.E."

Vice Records

Director: Jonas & Francois

Producer: Jonas & Francois

Production Company: 75 Prod

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

"What Goes Around ... Comes Around"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Samuel Bayer

Producer: Veronica Zelle

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

KANYE WEST

"Stronger"

Graduation

Hip Hop Since 1978/Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

RIHANNA featuring JAY-Z

"Umbrella"

Good Girl Gone Bad

Def Jam

Director: Chris Applebaum

Producer: John Hardin

Production Company: Reactor Films

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

AKON

"Don't Matter"

Konvicted

Universal Motown

Director: Gil Green

Producer: Jeff Panteleo

Production Company: Partizan Entertainment

Featuring EMINEM

"Smack That"

Konvicted

Universal Motown

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: David Duarte

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Featuring T.I.

"Let Me Talk To You/My Love"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Paul Hunter

Producer: Veronica Zelle

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

Featuring TIMBALAND

"Sexy Back"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Michael Haussman

Producer: Nina Huang

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

And SNOOP DOGG

"I Wanna Love You"

Konvicted

Universal Motown

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: Jeff Panteleo

Production Company: Partizan Entertainment

"Love Stoned/I Think She Knows Interlude"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Robert Hales

Producer: Richard Weaver & Oualid Mousaness

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

"What Goes Around ... Comes Around"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Samuel Bayer

Producer: Veronica Zelle

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

KANYE WEST

"Can't Tell Me Nothing"

Graduation

Roc-A-Fella

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

"Stronger"

Graduation

hiphopsince1978/Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

With NAS, KRS-ONE & RAKIM

"Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been DJ Premier Remix)"

Nike Air Force (25th Anniversary)

Nike

Director: Thibaut de Longeville

Producer: Jeff Tammes

Production Company: Partizan Entertainment

ROBIN THICKE

"Can U Believe"

The Evolution of Robin Thicke

Star Trak/Interscope Records

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: Roger Ubina

Production Company: Uncle Music

"Lost Without You"

The Evolution of Robin Thicke

Star Trak/Interscope Records

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: Roger Urbina

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Featuring BUSTA RHYMES & PHARRELL

"I Wanna Love You Girl (Remix)"

The Evolution of Robin Thicke

Star Trak/Interscope Records

Director: P.R. Brown

Producer: Michael Angelos

Production Company: Anonymous

T.I.

"Big Things Poppin' (Do It)"

T.I. vs T.I.P.

Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records

Director: Eric White

Producer: Joyce Washington

Production Company: Uncle Films, L.L.C

Featuring WYCLEF JEAN

"You Know What It Is"

T.I. vs T.I.P.

Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records

Director: Chris Robinson

Producer: Joyce Washington

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

"What You Know"

KING (The Album), ATL (The Movie)

Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records

Director: Chris Robinson

Producer: Melissa Larsen

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

AMY WINEHOUSE

"Rehab"

Back To Black

Universal Republic

Director: Phil Griffin

Producer: Hywit Abate

Production Company: Bikini Films

"You Know I'm No Good"

Back To Black

Universal Republic

Director: Phil Griffin

Producer: Kate Phillips for Alchemy

Production Company: Alchemy

BEYONCE

"Irreplaceable"

B'Day

Columbia Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Kim Bradshaw

Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

And SHAKIRA

"Beautiful Liar"

B'DAY Deluxe Edition & Video Anthology

Columbia Records

Director: Jake Nava

Producer: Ben Cooper

Production Company: Anonymous Content

FERGIE

"Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)"

The Dutchess

Wil.I.Am Music Group/A&M Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Gina Leonard

Production Company: Cyclops Productions

"Glamorous"

Featuring LUDACRIS

The Dutchess

Wil.I.Am Music Group/A&M Records

Director: Dave Meyers

Producer: Gina Leonard

Production Company: @radical.media

Featuring WIL.I.AM

"Fergalicious"

The Dutchess

Wil.I.Am Music Group/A&M Records

Director: Fatima Robinson

Producer: Dawn Rose

Production Company: Black Dog Films

NELLY FURTADO

"Maneater"

Loose

Mosley Music/Geffen Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Ciarro Pardo, Grace Miguel, Lou Miguel

Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

"Say It Right"

Loose

Mosley Music/Geffen Records

Director: Rankin & Chris

Producer: Nicole Acacio

Production Company: North By North Six

RIHANNA featuring JAY-Z

"Umbrella"

Good Girl Gone Bad

Def Jam

Director: Chris Applebaum

Producer: John Hardin

Production Company: Reactor Films

BEST NEW ARTIST

AMY WINEHOUSE

"Rehab"

Back To Black

Universal Republic

Director: Phil Griffin

Producer: Hywit Abate

Production Company: Bikini Films

"You Know I'm No Good"

Back To Black

Universal Republic

Director: Phil Griffin

Producer: Kate Phillips

Production Company: Alchemy

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

"Before He Cheats"

Some Hearts

Arista Nashville

Director: Roman White

Producer: Randy Brewer

Production Company: Rev-o-lution Pictures

GYM CLASS HEROES

"Clothes Off"

As Cruel As School Children

DecayDance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jose Carlos Mangual

Production Company: The Kompany

"Cupid's Chokehold/Breakfast in America"

As Cruel As School Children

DecayDance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jacqui Frisco

Production Company: Anonymous Content

LILY ALLEN

"Alfie"

Alright, Still

Capitol Records

Director: Sarah Chatfield

Producer: Fiona Wright

Production Company: Colonel Blimp

"Smile"

Alright, Still

Capitol Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Rob Small

Production Company: Factory Films

"LDN"

Alright, Still

Capitol Records

Director: Nima Nourizadeh

Producer: Grace Bodie

Production Company: Partizan Entertainment

PETER BJORN & JOHN

"Young Folks"

Writer's Block

Almost Gold Recordings

Director: Ted Malmros

Producer: Ted Malmros

Production Company: Oktan

BEST GROUP

FALL OUT BOY

"This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race"

Infinity On High

Island Records

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jacqui Frisco

Production Company: Anonymous Content

"THNKS FR TH MMRS"

Infinity On High

Island Records

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jacqui Frisco

Production Company: Anonymous Content

GYM CLASS HEROES

"Clothes Off"

As Cruel As School Children

DecayDance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jose Carlos Mangual

Production Company: The Kompany

"Cupid's Chokehold/Breakfast in America"

As Cruel As School Children

DecayDance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jacqui Frisco

Production Company: Anonymous Content

LINKIN PARK

"What I've Done"

Minutes To Midnight

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Joseph Hahn

Producer: Bill Boyd

Production Company: @radical.media

MAROON 5

"Makes Me Wonder"

It Won't Be Soon Before Long

A&M/Octone Records

Director: John Hillcoat

Producer: Shelli Jury

Production Company: Oil Factory

WHITE STRIPES

"Icky Thump"

Icky Thump

Third Man Records/Warner Bros. Records

Director: The Malloys & Jack White

Producer: John Hopgood

Production Company: Frames Per Second Productions, Inc.

MOST EARTHSHATTERING COLLABORATION

AKON featuring EMINEM

"Smack That"

Konvicted

Universal Motown

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: David Duarte

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

BEYONCE & SHAKIRA

"Beautiful Liar"

B'DAY Deluxe Edition & Video Anthology

Columbia Records

Director: Jake Nava

Producer: Ben Cooper

Production Company: Anonymous Content

GWEN STEFANI featuring AKON

"The Sweet Escape"

The Sweet Escape

Interscope Records

Director: Joseph Kahn

Producer: Maryann Tenado

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE featuring TIMBALAND

"Sexy Back"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Michael Haussman

Producer: Nina Huang

Production Company: H.S.I. Production

U2 featuring GREEN DAY

"The Saints Are Coming"

U218 Singles

Interscope Records

Director: Chris Milk

Producer: Barbara Benson

Production Company: @radical.media

QUADRUPLE THREAT OF THE YEAR

BEYONCE (Columbia Records)

BONO (Interscope)

JAY-Z (Roc-A-Fella)

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE (Jive Records/Zomba Label Group)

KANYE WEST (Roc-A-Fella)

MONSTER SINGLE OF THE YEAR

AVRIL LAVIGNE

"Girlfriend"

The Best Damn Thing

RCA

Director: The Malloys

Producer: John Winters

Production Company: Black Dog Films

DAUGHTRY

"Home"

Daughtry

RCA

Director: Danny Clinch

Producer: Lindha Narvaez

Production Company: Three on the Tree Productions

FALL OUT BOY

"THNKS FR TH MMRS"

Infinity On High

Island Records

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Jacqui Frisco

Production Company: Anonymous Content

LIL' MAMA

"Lip Gloss (No Music)"

The Voice of the Young People

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Malcolm Jones

Producer: Brian Quinlan

Production Company: @radical.media

MIMS

"This Is Why I'm Hot"

M.I.M.S. (Music Is My Savior)

American King/UBO

Director: Dale Resteghini

Producer: Kim Resteghini

Production Company: Raging Nation Films

PLAIN WHITE T'S

"Hey There, Delilah"

All That We Need

Fearless Records

Director: Jay Martin

Producer: Kwame Amoaku

Production Company: 5 Guns No Cables

RIHANNA featuring JAY-Z

"Umbrella"

Good Girl Gone Bad

Def Jam

Director: Chris Applebaum

Producer: John Hardin

Production Company: Reactor Films

SHOP BOYZ

"Party Like A Rock Star"

Rockstar Mentality

ONDECK Records/Universal Republic

Director: Marc Klasfeld

Producer: Billy Parks

Production Company: Rockhard Films

TIMBALAND featuring KERI HILSON, D.O.E. & Sebastian

"The Way I Are"

Timbaland Presents: Shock Value

Interscope Records/Mosley Music Group/Blackground Records

Director: Shane Drake

Producer: Hiywet Abate & Kate Phillips

Production Company: Merge

T-PAIN featuring YUNG JOC

"Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin')"

Epiphany

Jive Records

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: Joyce Washington

Production Company: Uncle Music

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

BEST DIRECTOR

BEYONCE & SHAKIRA

"Beautiful Liar"

B'DAY Deluxe Edition & Video Anthology

Columbia Records

Director: Jake Nava

Producer: Ben Cooper

Production Company: Anonymous Content

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

"Candyman"

Back To Basics

RCA

Director: Mathew Rolston & Christina Aguilera

Producer: Barbara Benson

Production Company: @radical.media

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

"What Goes Around ... Comes Around"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Samuel Bayer

Producer: Veronica Zelle

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

KANYE WEST

"Stronger"

Graduation

Hip Hop Since 1978/Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

LINKIN PARK

"What I've Done"

Minutes To Midnight

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Joseph Hahn

Producer: Bill Boyd

Production Company: @radical.media

RIHANNA featuring JAY-Z

"Umbrella"

Good Girl Gone Bad

Def Jam

Director: Chris Applebaum

Producer: John Hardin

Production Company: Reactor Films

BEST EDITING IN A VIDEO

BEYONCE & SHAKIRA

"Beautiful Liar"

B'DAY Deluxe Edition & Video Anthology

Columbia Records

Director: Jake Nava

Producer: Ben Cooper

Production Company: Anonymous Content

Editor: Jarett Figl

GNARLS BARKLEY

"Smiley Faces"

St. Elsewhere

Downtown/Atlantic Records

Director: Robert Hales

Producer: Coleen Haynes

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions, Inc.

Editor: Ken Mowe

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

"What Goes Around ... Comes Around"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records

Director: Samuel Bayer

Producer: Veronica Zelle

Production Company: H.S.I. Productions

Editor: Hollee Singer

KANYE WEST

"Stronger"

Graduation

Hip Hop Since 1978/Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

Editor: Peter Johnson & Corey Weisz

LINKIN PARK

"What I've Done"

Minutes To Midnight

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Joseph Hahn

Producer: Bill Boyd

Production Company: @radical.media

Editor: Igor Kovalik

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO

BEYONCE & SHAKIRA

"Beautiful Liar"

B'DAY Deluxe Edition & Video Anthology

Columbia Records

Director: Jake Nava

Producer: Ben Cooper

Production Company: Anonymous Content

Choreographer: Frank Gatson

CHRIS BROWN

"Wall To Wall"

Exclusive

Jive Records/Zomba

Director: Erik White

Producer: Roger Urbina

Production Company: Uncle Music

Choreographer: Rich & Tone and Flii Styles

CIARA

"Like A Boy"

Ciara: The Evolution

Laface/Zomba Label Group

Director: Ms. D

Producer: Michael Angelos

Production Company: DNA

Choreographer: Jamaica Craft (lead choreographer)

EVE

"Tambourine"

Here I Am

Aftermath/Geffen/interscope/Full Surface

Director: Melina

Producer: John Winter

Production Company: Black Dog Films

Choreographer: Tanesha Scott

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE featuring TIMBALAND

"My Love"

Future Sex/Love Sounds

Jive Records

Director: Michael Haussman

Producer: Nina Huang

Production Company: H.S.I. Production

Choreographer: Marty Kuldeka

The official sponsors of the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" are Chevy, Herbal Essences, Neutrogena, Pepsi Smash, Sprint and Taco Bell.

About MTV

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services. The network also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About the Palms Casino Resort

The Palms Casino Resort, heralded as one of Las Vegas' hippest resorts, is an all-encompassing, one-stop resort destination. Owned by the Maloof family, the 703-room property boasts a diverse mix of bars and restaurants and a 95,000-square-foot casino. Amenities include the legendary Playboy Club - the first and only club of its kind to open in 25 years; The Pearl Concert Theater; Moon Nightclub; Nove Italiano; Little Buddha; The Palms Pool & Bungalows; Palms Spa and AMP salon; Brenden Theatres, a 14-theatre Cineplex; Rain Night Club; ghostbar; Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company; and over 60,000 square-feet of meeting space. The Palms is home to the Real World: Las Vegas and Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown, as well as E!'s Party at the Palms, hosted by Jenny McCarthy, and A&E's Inked. The resort features the hottest collection of Fantasy Suites including the Erotic Suite with its trademark Show Shower, the Real World Suite, as seen on MTV, and the Hardwood Suite, the only hotel room in the world with its own basketball court. E!'s Girls Next Door, VH1, MTV and CSI feature the Palms on a regular basis and the Victoria's Secret Angels made the Palms a featured destination on their "Angels Across America" tour. The Palms Casino Resort is located just west of the Las Vegas Strip and I-15 on Flamingo Road. For room reservation information, call toll free at (866) PALMS-RES, (866) 725-6773, or visit www.palms.com. For groups of 15 rooms or more, contact the Sales Department at (866) PALMS-MTG or (866) 725-6768.

Source: MTV

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.vma.mtv.com/
http://www.palms.com/

BarbieGirls.com, The First Global Virtual World Designed for Girls, Celebrates 4 Million Registered Users, Making It the Fastest Growing Virtual World Online

Highly Anticipated Barbie Girl(TM) Device Arrives in Stores This Week, Allowing BarbieGirls.com Fans to Discover Even More Online Features and Experience Summer's Hottest Tech Toy

Within just three months of its launch, BarbieGirls.com (http://www.BarbieGirls.com) has become the fastest growing virtual world, touting 4 million registered users to-date and growing by an average of 45,000 girls per day. This week, BarbieGirls.com looks to build on this unprecedented growth with the highly anticipated debut of the Barbie Girl(TM) device. Rolling into stores now, with a suggested retail price of $59.99, the multi-functional Barbie Girl(TM) device will be one of the most exciting tech gadgets introduced for girls this year, functioning as a portable music/MP3 player, next generation fashion doll and a "key" to unlock exclusive play features and trillions of character and room combinations on the popular BarbieGirls.com website. The portable, doll-inspired Barbie Girl(TM) device connects to a girl's computer via a USB-enabled docking station and allows girls on BarbieGirls.com to adopt pets, such as a puppy, bunny or monkey; enter exclusive hangout spots within the world; "buy" or "gift" special fashions, including everything from a tiara to a cowboy hat; and decorate their rooms with girl-favorites such as an aquarium, tiki hut, and even a juke box that plays music.

In addition to unlocking trillions times more play on BarbieGirls.com (on top of what is already a robust play experience for non-Barbie Girl(TM) Device owners), the sleek, handheld 4 1/2-inch Barbie Girl(TM) device is a music player for MP3- and WMA-file songs. Not only a music player but also the next generation of fashion doll play, the Barbie Girl(TM) device features a range of snap-on, mix-n-match fashions and accessories, so girls can customize and style out their Barbie Girl(TM) device, while also making a fashion statement of their own with clip-on earrings and beads for the device's earphones.

"Barbie continues to lead and evolve as the way girls play evolves, and Barbie Girls has proven to directly deliver against what today's girl wants, combining the perfect trio of fashion, music and an online virtual world," said Chuck Scothon, general manager and senior vice president, Girls, Mattel Brands. "We are thrilled to be the first global, virtual online world designed exclusively for girls and offer girls an unparalleled online/offline hybrid play experience."

Barbie Girls(TM) - "Biggest Bit of News in the Online World..."

In late April, the beta version of BarbieGirls.com launched globally, providing girls with "virtually" everything they could want online, including giving girls the opportunity to create a highly personalized avatar and "move" it throughout the Barbie Girls(TM) world, design their own rooms, shop with B Bucks (virtual currency) that girls can also earn, play games, watch videos and have real-time chats with other girls online. With 4 million users registered to-date, the site has been a runaway success in its beta phase and is scheduled to come out of beta in late August, receiving notice by industry experts.

"The biggest bit of news in the online world industry didn't come from E3 in Los Angeles...in the first 60 days of its existence, the new online virtual world Barbie Girls has signed up three million members, and they're adding new ones at the rate of 50,000 a day," said Wagner James Au, GigaOM. "This is staggering growth by any standard, but even more so because Mattel's MMO is still in Beta."

In addition to being a favorite among girls, moms alike will endorse BarbieGirls.com, as it is designed to be a safe place for girls to play and interact online. The site features a four-pronged safety approach:

1. Chatting on BarbieGirls.com prevents the exchange of personal information between users who do not know each other in real life, and prevents inappropriate, hurtful or offensive language.

2. Easy-to-use safety features give a girl the ability to lock or open her room to other characters, the ability to block users and prevent them from contacting her on the site, and the ability to report other users for inappropriate behavior.

3. Robust moderation tools provide BarbieGirls.com administrators with the ability to monitor chat that occurs in the environment, track and monitor reported users, and ban users who attempt objectionable behavior.

4. Finally, later this summer, parental controls will be implemented, which will require parental permission via e-mail for girls to register on BarbieGirls.com. Additional parental permission will be required to access certain chat functionality.

Parents are also encouraged to spend time online with their children to monitor their online use, and "Valuable Tips for Girls" and a "Message to Parents" are featured on the site.

On August 13, Barbie Girls websites will go live in five additional languages including: -0-

French: http://www.barbiegirls.fr (France)

Spanish: latina.barbiegirls.com (Latin America)

http://www.barbiegirls.es (Spain)

Italian: http://www.barbiegirls.it (Italy)

German: http://www.barbiegirls.de (Germany)

Portuguese: br.barbiegirls.com (Brazil)

http://www.barbiegirls.com.pt (Portugual)

Barbie Girl(TM) Device - Tech Specs and Availability

The Barbie Girl(TM) device has 512 MB of on-board memory to hold up to 120 MP3 or 240 WMA-file songs, and it has an expandable miniSD slot that holds a memory card up to 2 GB (available at retailers nationwide). The Barbie Girl(TM) device is available beginning now for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (U.S.) at major retailers across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. There will also be a 1 GB version available at select retailers beginning in October. Both versions can play any non-DRM-encrypted MP3 or WMA files, comes with Windows(R) Media Player 11 and has a built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery that charges via the USB port. Recommended system requirements include: broadband Internet connection; Windows XP or Windows Vista(TM); DirectX 9.0 or above; Pentium(R) III 800 MHz or above (or equivalent processor); 512 MB RAM; 200 MB free hard drive space; Internet Explorer 6.0 or later with SP1 and Macromedia Flash Plug In; CD-ROM drive and a USB 2.0 Port.

A belt clip, adjustable-sized earbuds and durable storage case are included with the Barbie Girl(TM) device. Accessory packs are sold separately for $9.99 (U.S.) and include various fashions, accessories and pets, as well as additional, exclusive content that comes to life online.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT) (http://www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica:(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R) brands, including Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

Mattel

CMA Announces Ralph Emery, Vince Gill and Mel Tillis as Newest Members of Country Music Hall of Fame
Announcement Made at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum With Special Guests Brenda Lee, Barbara Mandrell and Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell

The Country Music Association announced today that influential radio and television personality Ralph Emery, multi-award-winning entertainer Vince Gill and legendary singer/songwriter Mel Tillis will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.

Emery will be inducted in the "Non-Performer" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Career Achieved National Prominence Prior to World War II" and "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" categories. Gill will be the third artist inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present" category, which was created in 2005. Tillis will be inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975" category.

"Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame is the highest musical honor a Country Music artist and industry veteran can attain," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "All three of these extraordinary men are highly deserving of this honor.

"Ralph Emery brought more than just Country Music into our homes via radio and television. His entertaining and thought-provoking interviews have always provided a unique glimpse into the personal side of our favorite performers.

"As a singer, songwriter and performer, Mel set a high standard for all entertainers. His presence in movies and TV alongside the top actors of that time gave Country Music a higher profile in the '70s and made Mel a pop culture icon.

"Vince is the ultimate triple threat: a singer with the voice of an angel, a songwriter who conveys the joys and heartbreaks of life with every word he writes, and a consummate musician, who is equally at home playing guitar with Chet Atkins or Eric Clapton. As the longtime host of the CMA Awards, Vince also represented Country Music with dignity and humor for 12 years."

Emery, Gill and Tillis will be officially inducted in October during the traditional, invitation-only Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum.

"It is with great pride that CMA will induct these three outstanding artists and personalities into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where they will join a small yet monumental group of entertainers and industry veterans whose influence on Country Music is enormous," said Genovese.

"The Country Music Hall of Fame's Medallion Ceremony, which takes place during the annual reunion of the membership, has historically been the occasion where new inductees are presented the keepsake medal commemorating their ownership of Country Music's paramount honor," said Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Director Kyle Young. "The medals traditionally are presented by a member of the Hall of Fame during an intimate and emotional evening of homecoming, storytelling, music, memories and fellowship.

"We are honored that CMA sees our ceremony as the appropriate setting for the official induction of new members. Including the formal induction as part of the evening will certainly seal the event's reputation as Country Music's most prestigious night."

The announcements were made this morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in a press conference hosted by Genovese. Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell congratulated the new inductees on behalf of Music City U.S.A. Emery was introduced by his longtime friend and former two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Barbara Mandrell. Gill was introduced by Young, while Tillis was introduced by his good friend and Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee.

All inductees are chosen by CMA's Hall of Fame Panel of Electors, consisting of more than 300 anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors. Emery, Gill and Tillis will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 98 to 101 inductees.

Ralph Emery - Walter Ralph Emery was born March 10, 1933 in McEwen, Tenn. From an early age he loved Country Music and the artists who performed it, and developed a passion for radio. After high school graduation, he worked a variety of jobs in Nashville before enrolling in the Tennessee School of Broadcasting. Soon after, Emery took the first step in his radio career by accepting a job at WTPR/Paris, Tenn. in 1951. He later worked at WNAH/Nashville and WAGG/Franklin before obtaining a job at his first major network radio station WSIX/Nashville. He made a brief sojourn to a Baton Rouge radio station before returning to Nashville at WMAK.

The pivotal moment of Emery's career was in 1957 when WSM/Nashville hired him to be their late-night disc jockey. Due to the 50,000-watt, clear-channel broadcasting range of the station at night, Emery's Country Music show was heard over much of the southern and central United States, making him one of the most listened to DJs in the nation. Emery interviewed all the Country Music artists of the day, from the top names to the aspiring stars, and often hosted impromptu jam sessions on air when artists dropped in to be on his show. If a Country artist wanted to increase the national exposure of their current single, one of their first bookings was a live interview on Emery's late night radio show. But Emery was more than just a radio host to most of the artists. He soon grew to be a friend and trusted confidante to the biggest Country stars while also winning the Country Disc Jockey of the Year Award six times.

The 1960s and '70s were a great period for Emery that saw him stretch beyond his all-night radio duties. In 1961, he became an announcer on the legendary Grand Ole Opry, which was broadcast nationally on WSM. A few years later he began hosting and producing a 90-minute, live morning television show on WSM-TV/Nashville that would run uninterrupted for nearly 30 years. The television show featured an in-studio band of local session musicians and rising singers. Lorrie Morgan and The Judds were among the featured performers on "The Ralph Emery Show" who later became nationally known Country artists. In its prime, two out of three Nashville homes tuned into "The Ralph Emery Show" every weekday morning, establishing the program as the strongest lead-in for NBC-TV's "Today" of any NBC affiliate in the nation at the time. Using the same format, he also hosted "Sixteenth Avenue South," an afternoon program for WSM-TV in the late '60s.

Emery appeared as himself in three movies: "Country Music on Broadway" (1965); "Nashville Rebel" (1966); and "The Road to Nashville" (1967). He acted alongside good friend Tex Ritter in the 1966 film "The Girl from Tobacco Row" and with Loni Anderson and Linda Hamilton in the 1982 television movie "Country Gold." He gave up his all-night radio show in 1972 because of the demands on his time and his growing television popularity; however, he continued to work in radio and radio syndication throughout the next several decades. From 1974 to 1980, he hosted the syndicated television series "Pop! Goes The Country" and in 1976 he served as the announcer for Dolly Parton's syndicated television series "Dolly." In 1981 and 1982, Emery hosted "Nashville Alive," a television show filmed in the Stagedoor Lounge at the Opryland Hotel. The program aired on the WTBS cable channel, marking Nashville's first foray into cable television.

WSM created The Nashville Network (TNN), a national cable network devoted to Country Music, in 1982. One year later, Emery was a natural choice to host the network's flagship program "Nashville Now," a nightly interview and performance program similar to "The Tonight Show." Infused with Emery's personable style, and introducing his new sidekick puppet Shotgun Red, during the 10 year run of the show Emery interviewed every major and rising Country artist. The show's popularity also drew non-Country guests including then- President George H.W. Bush, future President Bill Clinton, and non-Country celebrities Steve Allen, Jay Leno, Mickey Rooney, Cybill Shepherd and Lily Tomlin, among others. In 1986, Cable Guide Magazine named Emery its Favorite Cable Personality of the Year over competition including Dick Cavett and Larry King.

In 1989, he was inducted into the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame.

While still at "Nashville Now," Emery released his first book Memories: The Autobiography of Ralph Emery in 1991, co-written with Tom Carter. Filled with anecdotes about his life and the artists he had known and interviewed, the book was a huge success and stayed high on the New York Times Best-Seller List for more than six months. Three more books were released over the next decade, including More Memories (also with Carter) in 1993; The View From Nashville (with Patsi Bale Cox) in 1998; and 50 Years Down a Country Road (also with Cox). These memoirs established Emery as a true historian and master storyteller, relating the behind-the-scenes stories about the Country Music artists and industry.

After ending "Nashville Now" in 1993, Emery moved on to produce and host a variety of specials for TNN. Among the most popular were his "On the Record" specials that featured in-depth interviews with celebrities such as Vince Gill, Andy Griffith, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette, and the first, nationally televised in-depth interview with former President George Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush after leaving the White House. He also hosted TNN's first daytime talk/variety television series and produced "Ryman Country Homecoming" and "Ralph Emery's Country Homecoming," a series of specials featuring the legends of Country Music performing and sharing stories from their lives. In 2000, Emery was named "Country Radio's Greatest Personality" in a survey of broadcasting professionals conducted by Radio and Records.

Remaining active on both the local and national scene, Emery launched a new live morning television show on WZTV-TV/Nashville in 2001, but left soon after it began due to health reasons. He continues to share Country Music and its artists with viewers nationwide on "Ralph Emery Live," his current television series on RFD-TV.

Earlier this year, Emery celebrated 40 years of marriage with his wife Joy. He has three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Vince Gill - Vincent Grant Gill was born April 12, 1957 in Norman, Okla. His father encouraged him to learn to play guitar and banjo, which he did along with bass, mandolin, dobro and fiddle. While in high school, he performed in the bluegrass band Mountain Smoke, which built a strong local following and opened a concert for Pure Prairie League.

After graduating high school in 1975, Gill moved to Louisville, Ky., to be part of the band Bluegrass Alliance. After a brief time in Ricky Skaggs's Boone Creek band, Gill moved to Los Angeles and joined Sundance, a bluegrass group fronted by fiddler Byron Berline. In 1979, he joined Pure Prairie League as lead singer and recorded three albums with the band, the first of which yielded the Top 10 pop hit "Let Me Love You Tonight" in 1980. Departing the group in 1981, Gill joined Rodney Crowell's backing band the Cherry Bombs, where he met and worked with Tony Brown and Emery Gordy Jr., both of whom would later produce many of his future solo albums.

In 1983, Gill signed with RCA Records and moved with his then-wife Janis and daughter Jenny to Nashville to pursue his dream of being a Country Music artist. His debut mini-album Turn Me Loose (produced by Gordy) was released the following year, featuring his first charting solo single, "Victim of Life's Circumstances." The Things That Matter, his first full album that was released later that year, featured two Top 10 hits -- a duet with Rosanne Cash on "If It Weren't For Him" and a solo hit with "Oklahoma Borderline." In 1987 he achieved his first Top 5 single, "Cinderella," from his album The Way Back Home. In addition to performing as a solo artist, Gill also worked frequently as a studio musician, wrote songs for other artists and toured with Emmylou Harris.

Gill signed with MCA Records in 1989, reuniting with Brown as a producer, and released the album When I Call Your Name. While the debut single "Oklahoma Swing" (a duet with Reba McEntire) reached the Top 20, it was the title cut that firmly established the singer as new force on the Country Music scene. The song peaked at No. 2 and earned Gill his first CMA Award (Single of the Year) and his first Grammy Award (Best Male Country Vocal Performance) in 1990. The next single, "Never Knew Lonely," peaked at No. 3 and the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales of more than 1 million copies.

Declining an offer from Mark Knopfler to join Dire Straits as a full-time member, Gill went on to record his next album Pocket Full of Gold, which also became a Platinum certified album after it was released in 1991. The album featured four Top 10 hits including the title cut, "Liza Jane," "Look at Us" and "Take Your Memory With You." That year he also earned his first CMA Vocal Event of the Year Award for his performance with Mark O'Connor and the New Nashville Cats (featuring Gill, Ricky Skaggs and Steve Wariner). In 1992 he released the quadruple-Platinum certified I Still Believe In You. The title cut became Gill's first No. 1 single, followed quickly by "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away." The album also featured the hits "One More Last Chance," "Tryin' to Get Over You" and "No Future in the Past." Gill also topped the charts with "The Heart Won't Lie," his second duet with McEntire, which was featured on her album It's Your Call.

Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards for the first time in 1992. He continued to host "Country Music's Biggest Night(TM)" for 12 consecutive years, ending his run in 2003. Gill not only set a record for the most times anyone has consecutively hosted a televised awards show, but he set the bar for other television awards emcees with his mix of respect for his peers and the audience, quick ad libs and gentle humor.

Gill recorded his first Christmas album Let There Be Peace on Earth in 1993, before releasing When Love Finds You in 1994. This album also sold more than 4 million copies and featured six hits including the title cut, "What the Cowgirls Do," "Whenever You Come Around," "Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)," "You Better Think Twice" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain." Becoming an in-demand duet partner, Gill sang with Amy Grant on "House of Love," the title cut of her 1994 album, which became a hit on adult contemporary radio stations. That same year he also sang with Gladys Knight on "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" from the all-star Rhythm, Country and Blues album, and with Dolly Parton on a duet version of her signature "I Will Always Love You" from her Something Special album that earned the duo the CMA Vocal Event of the Year Award in 1996.

His 1996 album High Lonesome Sound leaned back towards his bluegrass days, with hits including the title cut, "My Pretty Little Adrianna," "Worlds Apart," "You and You Alone" and "A Little More Love." The Key, released in 1998, was a return to hardcore Country while chronicling the turmoil in his life including the death of his father and the breakup of his first marriage. The album, which was one of his most critically acclaimed releases and his first to top the Billboard Country Albums Chart, featured the hits "If You Ever Have Forever In Mind," and his duet with Patty Loveless on "My Kind of Woman/My Kind of Man." His status as an in-demand duet partner continued with his 1999 duet "If You Ever Leave Me" with Barbra Streisand on her album A Love Like Ours.

Gill married singer Amy Grant in 2000, and released Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye that same year. The album commemorated his new relationship and featured the hit "Feels Like Love." The couple celebrated the birth of their daughter Corinna Grant Gill in 2001. Three years later, Gill released Next Big Thing, his first solo-produced album, featuring the title cut and "Young Man's Town." He reunited with Rodney Crowell, Tony Brown, Richard Bennett and Hank Devito (as well as new additions Eddie Bayers, John Hobbs and Michael Rhodes) as the Notorious Cherry Bombs, and the supergroup released an album in 2004 on Universal South Records.

In 2006, Gill released These Days, a groundbreaking, four-CD set featuring 43 new recordings of diverse musical stylings. The project featured a variety of guest performers including John Anderson, Guy Clark, Sheryl Crow, Phil Everly, daughter Jenny Gill, wife Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Diana Krall, Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood and more.

Gill has sold more than 22 million albums. He has earned 18 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1993 and 1994. He is tied with George Strait for having won the most CMA Male Vocalist Awards (five), and is currently second only to Brooks & Dunn for accumulating the most CMA Awards in history. Gill is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and has received 18 Grammy Awards to date, the most of any male Country artist. Gill currently serves as president of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Board of Officers and Trustees. An avid golfer, he helped create the annual Vince Gill Pro-Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament ("The Vinny") in 1993 in order to help support junior golf programs throughout Tennessee. Besides being known for his talent as a performer, musician and songwriter, Gill is regarded as one of Country Music's best known humanitarians, participating in hundreds of charitable events throughout his career.

Mel Tillis - Lonnie Melvin Tillis was born Aug. 8, 1932 in Tampa, Fla. At age 3, the young Tillis suffered from malaria, which is believed to have caused his life-long stuttering problem. Interested in music at an early age, he learned to play guitar, drums and violin. His first public performance was at age 16 in a local talent show. After high school graduation, Tillis joined the United States Air Force and served in Okinawa, Japan where he joined a musical group called The Westerners that performed at most military clubs in that city.

Tillis exited military service in 1955 and moved to Dover, Fla., where he worked as a fireman on the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. This enabled him to use his railroad pass to travel to Nashville. A year later he moved to Music City to follow his dreams of being a songwriter. Webb Pierce recorded his song "I'm Tired," which earned Tillis a songwriter contract with Pierce's Cedarwood Music Publishing Company. Pierce went on to have success with several more Tillis compositions, including "I Ain't Never," "No Love Have I," "Honky Tonk Song," "Tupelo County Jail" and "Sawmill." During this time other artists also recorded his songs, including Bobby Bare ("Detroit City"), Patsy Cline ("Strange" and "So Wrong"), Stonewall Jackson ("Mary Don't You Weep"), Brenda Lee ("Emotions") and Ray Price ("One More Time," "Burning Memories" and "Heart Over Mind").

Tillis enjoyed writing songs for others, but he also wanted to be a performer in his own right. His first single, a cover of "It Takes a Worried Man to Sing a Worried Song" was released in 1957. Tillis charted a Top 40 single in 1958 with his song "The Violet and a Rose" (which later became a hit separately for both Little Jimmy Dickens and Wanda Jackson) and again in 1959 with "Finally." He also succeeded with "Sawmill" and "Georgia Town Blues," two duets with Bill Phillips. Heart Over Mind, his first album, was released on Columbia Records in 1962. Tillis teamed with Pierce for the duet "How Come Your Dog Don't Bite Nobody But Me" in 1963. While on Columbia, Tillis also released singles such as "The Brooklyn Bridge," "Loco Weed" and "Walk On, Boy," before moving to Kapp Records.

In the mid-to-late 1960s, Tillis achieved greater success as both a performer and as a songwriter. After reaching the Top 15 in 1965 with "Wine," he had success with "Stateside" in 1966 (he named his band The Statesiders after this song), "Life Turned Her That Way" in 1967, and his first Top 10 hit "Who's Julie?" in 1968. Kenny Rogers and the First Edition had a Top 10 pop hit with the Tillis-penned "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" in 1969. Other artists who recorded hits with Tillis compositions include Waylon Jennings ("Mental Revenge") and Charley Pride ("The Snakes Crawl at Night").

Moving from the '60s into the '70s, Tillis became a major force on the Country charts. He hit the Top 10 twice in 1969 with "These Lonely Hands of Mine" and "She'll Be Hanging Around Somewhere." The next year he reached the Top 5 twice with "Heart Over Mind" and "Heaven Everyday" while also scoring big on the charts that year with "Commercial Affection" and "Arms of a Fool." He began a series of duets with Sherry Bryce in 1971, including "Take My Hand" and "Living and Learning," and in 1972 topped the charts for the first time with "I Ain't Never." Tillis recorded a series of Top 5 smashes including "Neon Rose," "Midnight, Me and the Blues," "Stomp Them Grapes," "Memory Maker" and "Woman in the Back of My Mind." Most of these songs were recorded while Tillis was signed to MGM Records.

In 1976 Tillis was named the CMA Entertainer of the Year. That same year he was also inducted into the Nashville Songwriters International Hall of Fame and he signed with MCA Records. During this time period he scored many No.1 hits including "Good Woman Blues," "Heart Healer," "I Believe in You" and "Coca Cola Cowboy." Tillis moved to Elektra Records in 1979, achieving hits including "Blind in Love," "Lying Time Again," "Your Body is an Outlaw," "Steppin' Out," "A Million Old Goodbyes," and his No. 1 hit, "Southern Rains" in 1981. That same year he released Mel and Nancy, a duet album with Nancy Sinatra featuring the hit "Texas Cowboy Night." Switching back to MCA Records, Tillis recorded several more hit singles including "In the Middle of the Night" in 1983, and his Top 10 hit, "New Patches" in 1984. Tillis would later record for RCA Records, Mercury Records and Curb Records. To date, Tillis has scored 36 Top 10 singles, six of which peaked at No. 1.

After making his acting debut in a 1973 episode of the television series "Love, American Style," Tillis acted in several television and movie productions over the next decade. He made guest appearances on the television series "Nashville 99" (1977), "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979), "The Tim Conway Show" (1980) and "Love Boat" (1983). He co-hosted a short-lived ABC television series with Susan Anton in 1978 entitled "Mel and Susan Together," and acted in several made-for-television movies, including "Skinflint: A Country Christmas Carol" (1979), "The Stockers" (1981) and "Bandit: Bandit Goes Country" (1994). Tillis also graced the silver screen, beginning with "W.W. and Dixie Dancekings" in 1975 alongside Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed. He went on to appear in several other movies including "The Villain" (1977) with Kirk Douglas and Arnold Schwarzenegger, "Every Which Way But Loose" (1979) with Clint Eastwood, "Smokey and the Bandit II" (1980) with Reynolds, Reed, Sally Field and Jackie Gleason, "Cannonball Run" (1980) and "Cannonball Run II" (1984) both alongside Reynolds and an all-star cast and "Uphill All The Way" (1986) with Roy Clark and Glen Campbell.

In the 1980s, Tillis remained an in-demand songwriter, writing a No.1 hit for Ricky Skaggs ("Honey (Open That Door)") among others. He opened a theater in Branson, Mo., where he performed more than 4,000 shows, entertaining sold- out audiences regularly until 2002 when he sold his theater and returned home to Florida. He wrote his autobiography Stutterin' Boy in the late '80s and released his first gospel album, Beyond the Sunset, in 1993. He teamed with Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings and Jerry Reed in 1998 as The Old Dogs. The quartet recorded a two-CD set of songs written by Shel Silverstein and was nominated for CMA Vocal Event of the Year a year later. In 1999, BMI named Tillis the "Songwriter of the Decade" for two decades. He was named the Golden Voice Entertainer of the Year in 2001, the same year he received the Golden R.O.P.E. Songwriter Award. In 2002, Tillis's daughter, Country Music artist Pam Tillis, released the album It's All Relative: Tillis Sings Tillis, a tribute album to her father. The project featured father and daughter performing together on the last track, "Come On and Sing." Fulfilling his long-time dream, Tillis joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in June.

Tillis, who has six children and six grandchildren, continues to perform approximately 100 concerts per year with his band The Statesiders. He currently resides in Florida, where he enjoys painting, fishing, gardening, cooking and University of Florida ballgames.

Quotes from today's Hall of Fame announcement are below.

VINCE GILL QUOTES

How did you react after learning that you will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year?

I was pretty overwhelmed, to put it mildly. After I found out, I got in the car and took off driving ... and weeping.

How did you prepare for this announcement?

I'm not a speechwriter. I've lived my life off the cuff. It's so heady that I don't know if I can get my arms around it, even when it comes. I've been involved so much, just being on the Board here at the Hall of Fame for so many years and watching so many of the medallion ceremonies the Hall of Fame does down here, which are so respectful of those going into the Hall. I sing at them, play at them, and I'm always a part of them. So this will really be a mind-bender [laughs].

How is the Hall of Fame unique even among the other honors you've received?

This is the pinnacle of a career, hands-down. As a kid learning to play, I knew there was a baseball Hall of Fame. I knew there was a football Hall of Fame, because I was such a little athlete. But I learned music for the love of music, never with a result in mind.

Right now, how do you feel?

I'm just overwhelmed. An awful lot of people deserve to be here before I do, but I didn't have anything to do with the voting or how it happened and I'm grateful that people thought enough of me to select me for this.

MEL TILLIS QUOTES

How did you learn that you will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year?

I was out on my 400-acre farm in Ashland City [Tenn.], in my garden. I got a call on my cell phone from Tammy [Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer]. She let me know -- and I dropped an eggplant [laughs]. Anyway, I'm thankful that I won. I hope I deserve it.

How do you prepare for this event?

Well, I wrote down a little speech, and Kathy said, "You ought to just do it from the heart." I said, "My speech is from my heart, but I can't remember it like I used to." So I got some notes.

How is the Hall of Fame unique even among the other honors you've received?

Man, I've been in the business for 51 years. I was at the first meeting of the CMA, at the Nashville Life and Accident Insurance Company Building, at Seventh and Union. It's gone now, but it was upstairs, where they had the Friday night Opry. We had our first meeting there, and I remember Connie B. Gay, Jim Denny ... Old Jim Denny, he told a buddy of mine, a songwriter, Wayne Walker, "I want you boys to be there." We worked for Jim Denny and Webb Pierce at the Cedarwood Music Publishing Company. We didn't want to go, so he said, "If you don't go, I'm gonna whup your ass!" So we went [laughs]. It was the first meeting. We joined CMA and we've been members ever since.

How do you feel at this moment, right before the induction?

It's a feeling of accomplishment. It's a nice birthday present; I'll be 75 years old tomorrow. It's like icing on the cake.

RALPH EMERY QUOTES

How did you learn that you will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year?

Tammy [Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer] called me. I'd only met her briefly. Anyway, somebody called the house and said, "You don't need to come down. It'll take about 15 minutes." I said, "No, I want to go. I want to meet this lady. She's the head of the CMA, so I want to get to know her." I went down. I waited in the conference room, she came in, we said hello, and she began to ask me if I knew various people down south of here in Alabama and Mississippi. Then I said, "Why did you call me?" She said, "To tell you that you are now in the Hall of Fame." Later, I thought, "What a mean trick!"

What makes membership in the Hall of Fame unique among awards?

Number one, you never feel you will get there, at least in your own lifetime, because there are so many people who should be here. So why you? And there's nothing we can do to control it. Most of these people in show business exert a certain amount of control, but there's no control over this. You can't do anything to get in. You can't pay to get in. It just has to happen as a result of your work. Mel, Vince and I were having this same conversation: If the work is sufficient, maybe someday they'll recognize it.

You can't tell me who won the Grammy three years ago or who was CMA Entertainer of the Year four years ago. But here, once you're in the Country Music Hall of Fame, people remember it forever.

How do you prepare for this ceremony?

I've been writing speeches since Friday. I've written four. I've only brought one [laughs]. But I wrote it this way and that way. Even after doing the television show last night, I had more revisions. And we made the final revisions this morning. So I guess I'm ready. They wrote on there, "You can speak as long as you want to" and I assumed about anything I want to. I told Vince a while ago, "You know, you've got the tough job. You've got to follow Mel Tillis." But I'm really honored by this. I can't really imagine my being in the Hall of Fame.

So how do you feel now?

I have mixed feelings. I once asked Barbara Mandrell ... She rode with the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy equivalent of the Thunderbirds. She said, "It's so hard to tell people what that's like. It's like trying to tell people who've never had sex what that is like." [laughs] I'm using that as a metaphor. It is difficult for me to tell you how I feel, how excited I am, and how in wonder I am that this has happened.

Source: Country Music Association

2007 MTV VMA's Mission: Revolutionize the Awards Show
MTV Taps Super-Producer Timbaland as Maestro
Everything That Happens in Vegas Will be Televised for One Night Only As Rihanna, Timbaland, Foo Fighters, Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Lily Allen, and Chris Brown Are Set to Perform
Justin Timberlake and Timbaland Set to Host Fantasy Suite Party
Mark Ronson Heats Up the 1's and 2's With Special Guests

-- In an unprecedented move, MTV remixes the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" by teaming with innovative music producer Timbaland to be the show's Maestro and by bringing together today's hottest artists to create unique and collaborative "one time only" performances at the 24th annual awards show. Timbaland, Foo Fighters, Kanye West, and Fall Out Boy will be performing with special guests live from The Palms Fantasy Suites. Its HOT fun in the desert as Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Lily Allen and Chris Brown have also been added to the list of powerhouse performers with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland hosting their own Fantasy Suite party. In addition, celebrity DJ/Producer Mark Ronson will rock the party in The Pearl with help from his turntables, horn section and surprise guests. The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT). Presenters and additional performers for the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" will be announced at a later date.

"We may not own Las Vegas yet, but for one weekend the VMAs will rock this town," said Christina Norman, President, MTV. "From Justin to Rihanna to the Foo Fighters, the sheer amount of star power and talent is tremendous and will no doubt blow the roof off The Palms. And, seriously, this is just the beginning."

As previously announced, MTV is set to program a whole VMA weekend featuring not-to-be-missed events, appearances and sizzling performances culminating with the star-studded music extravaganza. In addition, the show will ONLY air on September 9th in its original form -- so what happens in Vegas really will stay in Vegas. Encore presentations of this year's VMAs will be remixed versions that will be programmed by and for the viewers, deeply connecting them to a complete music experience across multiple platforms.

Shugoll Research is the Official Business Advisor of the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards".

Voting for "Best New Artist" begins August 7th through the show Live on September 9th. Viewers can vote by visiting http://www.vma.mtv.com/.

The "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" marks the fourth time Laurie Ziegler, Branded Entertainment is doing the official VMA gift bag.

The official sponsors of the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" are Chevy, Herbal Essences, Neutrogena, Pepsi Smash, Sprint and Taco Bell.

About MTV

About the Palms Casino Resort

The Palms Casino Resort, heralded as one of Las Vegas' hippest resorts, is an all-encompassing, one-stop resort destination. Owned by the Maloof family, the 703-room property boasts a diverse mix of bars and restaurants and a 95,000-square-foot casino. Amenities include the legendary Playboy Club -- the first and only club of its kind to open in 25 years; The Pearl Concert Theater; Moon Nightclub; Nove Italiano; Little Buddha; The Palms Pool & Bungalows; Palms Spa and AMP salon; Brenden Theatres, a 14-theatre Cineplex; Rain Night Club; ghostbar; Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company; and over 60,000 square-feet of meeting space. The Palms is home to the Real World: Las Vegas and Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown, as well as E!'s Party at the Palms, hosted by Jenny McCarthy, and A&E's Inked. The resort features the hottest collection of Fantasy Suites including the Erotic Suite with its trademark Show Shower, the Real World Suite, as seen on MTV, and the Hardwood Suite, the only hotel room in the world with its own basketball court. E!'s Girls Next Door, VH1, MTV and CSI feature the Palms on a regular basis and the Victoria's Secret Angels made the Palms a featured destination on their "Angels Across America" tour. The Palms Casino Resort is located just west of the Las Vegas Strip and I-15 on Flamingo Road. For room reservation information, call toll free at (866) PALMS-RES, (866) 725-6773, or visit http://www.palms.com/. For groups of 15 rooms or more, contact the Sales Department at (866) PALMS-MTG or (866) 725-6768.

Source: MTV

Starz Entertainment's Weekly Hot Items List August 20-26

http://starz.mediaroom.com/

Tuesday, August 21

Dirty Dance-A-Thon

Celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the theatrical release of Dirty

Dancing (Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach) with a 24-hour

marathon of the film.

Begins at 6 a.m. (ET/PT) on Encore Love

Friday, August 24

Summer of Stars (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=728)

Flightplan -- (Jodie Foster, Sean Bean, Peter Sarsgaard)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz

Starz Cinema World Television Premiere Weekend hosted by Jeff Goldblum

(More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=752)

Shut Up and Sing

10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz Cinema

Country music superstars The Dixie Chicks were riding high when they

made an onstage statement critical of the U.S. President. Follow the

story as the band struggles to re-define itself amidst a barrage of

negative critical heat.

Saturday, August 25

Starz Saturday Premiere

The Grudge 2 -- (Amber Tamblyn, Jennifer Beals, Sarah Michelle

Gellar)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz

Starz Cinema World Television Premiere Weekend hosted by Jeff Goldblum

(More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=752)

The Heart of the Game

10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz Cinema

The true story of the Roosevelt High girls basketball team led by a

tax professor-turned-coach. The perennial losers become contenders

while their explosive, self-destructive superstar fights to stay

with the team.

Indie Icons (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

Dazed and Confused -- (Richard Linklater)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex

The contemporary cult classic focuses on the final day of high

school in 1976 for a group of teens who are truly dazed, confused

and wondering where to go next. An early role for Matthew

McConaughey, directed by Richard Linklater.

Kings of Cool (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737 )

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly -- (Clint Eastwood)

8 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex

The final chapter of the Man With No Name trilogy. Director Sergio

Leone's Spaghetti Western classic about a drifter, an outlaw and a

sadistic gunman racing to claim a treasure buried during the Civil

War.

The Beguiled -- (Clint Eastwood)

11:05 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex

A wounded Union soldier creates tension while recuperating at a

Confederate girls school.

Sunday, August 26

Starz Cinema World Television Premiere Weekend hosted by Jeff Goldblum

(More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=752)

Pittsburgh

10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz Cinema

Does love conquer all? Jeff Goldblum seeks to find that out in

Pittsburgh. After the actor gets engaged to his Canadian

actress/girlfriend (whom he's known for three weeks), she tells him

that her visa in the States will expire unless she gets an acting

job. Why work on Broadway when you can do the "The Music Man"

regionally in Pittsburgh? Thinking she'll have a better chance of

getting the lead as 'Marian, the Librarian,' the couple decides to

do a "buy one -- get one free audition." Goldblum bypasses a Michael

Bay film, which baffles his Hollywood manager, and returns to his

hometown with girlfriend and friends Ed Begley, Jr. and Illeana

Douglas in tow. Also stars musicians Moby and Alanis Morissette,

Conan O'Brien, and Keith Addis, Goldblum's manager.

Indie Icons (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

The English Patient -- (Anthony Mingella)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex

During WW II, a pilot suffering from massive burns is cared for by

a military nurse in rural Italy and slowly his story of lost love

and tragedy is revealed. Winner of nine Oscars(R), including Best

Picture and Best Supporting Actress.

Source: Starz Entertainment LLC

August 7

Academy Issues Campaign Regulations for 80th Academy Awards®

Beverly Hills, CA — Regulations for marketing campaigns for the up-coming 80th Academy Awards have been approved by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and are being distributed to film companies this week.

This year’s Regulations strongly encourage companies to reduce the volume of surface mail by consolidating multiple mailings into a single one whenever possible or by using email instead. “We have been troubled in the past by the vast amount of surface mail that film companies generate in connection with their campaigns,” said Academy President Sid Ganis. “While we very much want our members to continue to take advantage of the many scheduled screenings, we hope this change in the Regulations will encourage companies to be more thoughtful and conservation-minded when they disseminate their screening information.”

The Regulations also note that companies should, whenever possible, allow members to opt out of receiving any or all mailings.

With regard to screenplays, the Regulations permit companies to place downloadable versions on a Web site for Academy members to access if they choose. Another notable change is that eligible music may no longer be sent to any members at any time. This prohibition includes recordings, sheet music and music videos.

Campaign Regulations are issued by the Academy each year to ensure fairness in the Awards competition and to remind all involved that the Academy’s decisions are based solely on the merits of the eligible films and achievements. Violations of the Regulations are subject to penalty, though in recent years the level of compliance has been very high.

Academy Award® nominations in all categories will be announced on January 22, 2008. The 80th Academy Awards presentation will be telecast live by the ABC Television Network on Sunday, February 24, 2008.

Note: Regulations concerning the promotion of films eligible for the 80th Academy Awards are available at http://www.oscars.org/regulations.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®

“Bugsy” Hits “Great To Be Nominated”

Beverly Hills, CA — The 1991 Best Picture nominee “Bugsy” will be screened as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The film, centered on the life of gangster Bugsy Siegel during the Golden Age of Hollywood and the rise of Las Vegas, will screen on Monday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Oscar® nominees cinematographer Allen Daviau and writer James Toback, along with actor Don Calfa (“Louie Dragna”) and casting director Ellen Chenoweth will participate in an onstage discussion following the screening.

“Bugsy” is the fourth Warren Beatty-produced film to be featured in the “Great To Be Nominated” series.

“Bugsy” received a total of 10 Academy Award® nominations, taking home the Oscars® for Art Direction (Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh) and Costume Design (Albert Wolsky). The film also received nominations for Best Picture (Mark Johnson, Barry Levinson and Warren Beatty, producers), Actor in a Leading Role (Warren Beatty as Bugsy Siegel), Actor in a Supporting Role (Harvey Keitel as Mickey Cohen), Actor in a Supporting Role (Ben Kingsley as Meyer Lansky), Cinematography (Daviau), Directing (Levinson), Music – Original Score (Ennio Morricone) and Writing – Screenplay written directly for the screen (James Toback).

The Oscar®-nominated shorts “Birch Street Gym” and “Blackfly” will be screened prior to the feature.

Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets also may be purchased online at www.oscars.org/events. There are no minimum order requirements and no transaction or processing fees. Tickets may be purchased online until noon PST on the day of the event.

Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

August 4

Spike TV Television Highlights - September 2007

NEW YORK, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- PREMIERES

* THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: TEAM SERRA VS. TEAM HUGHES

New Season Premieres Wednesday, September 19

(11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

The Ultimate Fighter: Team Serra vs. Team Hughes features sixteen of

the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists in the 170 lbs

welterweight division from around the world. The two finalists will

square off in a live finale in December, with the winner netting a

six figure contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R), the

premier mixed martial organization in the world. Current

welterweight champion, Matt Serra, and former champ, Matt Hughes,

will serve as coaches and battle one another in a live UFC pay-per-

view event following the finale in December.

* MANSWERS

Premieres Wednesday, September 19 (Midnight - 12:30 AM, ET/PT);

Encores Wednesday, September 19 (12:30 AM - 1:00 AM, ET/PT),

Thursday, September 20 (Midnight - 12:30 AM, ET/PT) & Friday,

September 21 (1:00 AM - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).

Whether its questions about booze, sex, or violence, MANswers is

trivia for men that delivers real answers that guys need to know. In

each episode, "MANswers" races through re-enactments, expert one-on-

ones and man-on-the-street interviews to educate Spike viewers on the

taboo topics in terms only guys can relate to. The truth is never

what you would expect and will inevitably end up being talked about

around the water cooler the next day.

EVENTS/SPECIALS

* MONSTER SHARK 2007

Premieres Monday, September 3 (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encore

Saturday, September 8 (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, ET/PT) & Saturday,

September 8 (1:30 AM - 2:30 AM, ET/PT).

The ocean's most lethal hunter becomes the hunted in this one-hour

special following the 2007 Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament, the

world's supreme showdown for shark. With big money and reputations on

the line, nearly 300 boats and 1000 big game fisherman from across

the country compete to catch the largest sharks in the waters off

Martha's Vineyard.

* COUNTDOWN TO UFC 75: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION

Premieres Wednesday, September 5 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT);

Encore Thursday, September 6 (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) &

Saturday, September 8 (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).

A preview of the September 8th UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion event to

be held at the 02 Arena in London, England.

* TNA: ROAD TO NO SURRENDER

Premieres Friday, September 7 (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT);

Encore Saturday, September 8 (Midnight - 1 AM, ET/PT) &

Saturday, September 8 (2:30 AM - 3:30 AM, ET/PT).

Preview all of the exciting matches and hear from your favorite

wrestlers as they prepare for the Road to No Surrender pay-per-view,

live from Orlando on Sunday, September 9th.

* UFC 75: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION

Premieres Saturday, September 8 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT);

Encores Friday, September 14 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

Tune into Spike TV for the first ever basic cable presentation of a

UFC Title Fight. From the 02 Arena in London, England, Quinton

'Rampage' Jackson battles Dan Henderson in a five round bout for the

Light Heavyweight Championship.

* UFC FIGHT NIGHT LIVE

Premieres Live Wednesday, September 19 (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/Tape

delay West Coast). Encore Saturday, September 22 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM,

ET/PT) & Friday, September 28 (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

Leading into the sixth season of The Ultimate Fighter is UFC Fight

Night LIVE. Spike TV takes it to the Octagon with its eleventh LIVE

UFC fight card featuring the most popular fighters in the UFC.

* COUNTDOWN TO UFC 76

Premieres Thursday, September 20 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT);

Encore Friday, September 21 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT) &

Saturday, September 22 (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).

A preview of the September 22nd UFC 76 pay-per-view event to be held

at the Anaheim Honda Center.

* FIGHTIN' FRIDAY NIGHTS

Spike TV brings you at least two hours of fightin' action with encore

presentations of previous UFC Fight Nights. Schedule will air as

follows:

-- UFC 70: Nation's Collide from Manchester: Gonzaga vs. Filipovik

Telecasts Friday, September 7 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

-- UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion: Jackson vs. Henderson

Telecasts Friday, September 14 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

-- UFC Fight Night: Stout vs. Fisher

Telecasts Friday, September 21 (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

-- UFC Fight Night: Thomas vs. Fisher

Telecasts Friday, September 28 (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

* LABOR DAY WEEKEND MARATHONS

Tune into Spike TV Labor Day Weekend for a mixture of action

and forensics.

MOVIE MARATHON

Telecasts Saturday, September 1 (2:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

-- PREDATOR (1987, Action/Science Fiction)

Telecasts 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM, ET/PT.

A team of commandos, on a mission in a Central American jungle,

find themselves hunted by an extra-terrestrial warrior. Starring

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers and Elipidia Carrillo.

-- ROADHOUSE 2 (2006, Action/Drama)

Telecasts 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, ET/PT.

While he's deep undercover in New York, DEA agent Shane Tanner

learns that his uncle Nate Tanner has been beaten up by a group of

men because he doesn't want to sell the Black Pelican, his bar in

Tyree, Louisiana. Starring Johnathon Schaech, Jake Busey and

Crystal Mantecon.

-- ROADHOUSE (1989, Action/Drama)

Telecasts 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, ET/PT.

A tough bouncer is hired to tame a dirty bar. Starring Patrick

Swayze, Kelly Lynch and Sam Elliott.

-- NEXT OF KIN (1989, Action/Crime)

Spike Premiere Telecasts 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT.

A Chicago policeman who comes from Appalachia seeks revenge on a

mobster who killed his brother. Starring Patrick Swayze, Liam Neeson

and Adam Baldwin.

CSI MARATHON

Telecasts Sunday, September 2 (3:30 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT).

Lady Heather's Box

Telecasts 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, ET/PT.

Grissom is attracted to a dominatrix until she becomes a murder

suspect, and a family crisis strikes Catherine.

Gum Drops

Telecasts 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, ET/PT.

Nick takes the lead on a case where in the house of a family of four,

three pools of blood are found. Nick thinks that a little girl may

still be alive, but Sara is doubtful, thinking that Nick's recent

near-death experience is affecting his judgment.

Secrets and Flies

Telecasts 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT.

A 28 year-old single mother is found dead. Initially, it's believed to

be a suicide, but Catherine determines she was murdered. Also, Ecklie

summons Grissom to refute the testimony of an entomologist in a murder

trial.

Dog Eat Dog

Telecasts 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, ET/PT.

Catherine and Brass investigate the case in which a man is found dead

in a dumpster. It soon turns out the man had a serious food problem.

The trail of his death soon leads to a hotdog-eating contest.

Meanwhile, Nick and Sara investigate a not-so-amicable divorce with a

bizarre twist. So bizarre it eventually lead to murder when both are

found dead and it looks like the dog killed one of them.

Still Life

Telecasts 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT.

The CSI's are called out to investigate the disappearance of a boy

whose father died four years ago. Soon a couple is arrested at a

convenience store with a boy matching the description of the missing

kid. The only problem is they both claim it is their son. Both parents

have exactly the same picture of the boy, with a scar on exactly the

same place on his face. They hope a DNA-test could confirm who the

real parents are, but when this information comes to light, it leads

to another bizarre twist, possibly murder.

CSI MARATHON

Telecasts Monday, September 3 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).

Join Spike TV for a marathon featuring premiere episodes of Season 7 of

CSI. Schedule is as follows:

Toe Tags

Premieres 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, ET/PT; Encores 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, ET/PT.

Coming straight from the perspectives of five people: Donna, Rebecca,

Jack, Lou and Ray. All with one thing in common. They're all dead.

Brass and Catherine get to handle the case of Donna, who's a cop from

San Francisco, moonlighting as a bodyguard. Warrick and Greg work the

case of Rebecca, who's a former supermodel who died while hiking with

her new husband Gavin. Nick and Sofia handle the case of Jack, a

returning veteran from Iraq, who was killed in front of his wife and

baby daughter who he just met for the first time. Grissom and Sara

take the case of Lou and Ray whose bodies were found in Lou's garage.

Fannysmackin'

Premieres 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, ET/PT; Encores 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, ET/PT.

Three tourists are beat up, badly. One is dead, Alfonzo. Jessica is

badly beaten but is still alive. Stanley, the last tourist is saved by

Greg who ends up severely hurt in turn and ends up hospitalized after

having to make a life altering decision.

Guest Star(s): Kevin Federline, Dov Tiefenbach, Daniel Franzese

Double-Cross

Premieres 11:00 AM - Noon, ET/PT; Encores 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, ET/PT.

Grissom and Sara may be secret lovers, but they still find ways to

surprise each other like when their religious beliefs surface when two

nuns find a body of a woman crucified on a makeshift cross. The woman

was found in a church where the priest may be a man of sin instead of

a man of God.

Burn Out

Premieres Noon - 1:00 PM, ET/PT; Encores 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, ET/PT.

Grissom attempts to get a confession from a neighborhood pedophile by

having him help in locating two missing boys. The sex offender is the

main suspect. The investigation is more complex than the team ever

thought it would be.

Guest Star(s): Alan Tudyk

Post Mortem

Premieres 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, ET/PT; Encores 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT.

While investigating an elderly woman's murder, Grissom receives a

miniature crime scene replica; Greg attends a hearing to ascertain his

culpability in a teenager's accidental death.

* SEAGAL VS. VAN DAMME MARATHON

On Sunday, September 9, Steven Seagal and Jean Claude Van Damme go

head-to-head in a Spike TV movie marathon. Schedule is as follows:

-- OUT OF REACH (2004, Action/Drama)

Telecasts Sunday, September 9 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, ET/PT).

Billy Ray Lancing, a former covert agent turned survivalist,

discovers that the foster program he is using to help a young girl

is actually a human trafficking network. Lancing heads overseas to

find the girl and shut down the operation. Starring Steven Seagal,

Ida Nowakowska and Agnieszka Wagner.

-- WAKE OF DEATH (2004, Action/Adventure)

Telecasts Sunday, September 9 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).

After his wife is brutally murdered, an ex-cop wages war against

the Chinese triads. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Simon Yam and

Philip Tan.

-- TODAY YOU DIE (2005, Action/Crime)

Telecasts Sunday, September 9 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT).

A former thief who is trying to go straight seeks vengeance on

those who framed him. Starring Steven Seagal, Anthony 'Treach'

Criss and Sarah Buxton.

-- DERAILED (2002, Action/Thriller)

Spike Premiere Sunday, September 9 (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

On an out of control train holding hostages and high-tech bio-

weapons, agent Kristoff becomes a one man army to derail the

terrorists and save the lives of everyone on board. Starring Jean-

Claude Van Damme, Tomas Arana and Laura Harring.

007 ACTION

James Bond is not one to shy away from a high-stakes challenge.

Catch him " Casino Cinema" Mondays in September.

-- DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002, Action/Adventure)

Telecasts Monday, September 10 (9:00 PM - 12:30 AM, ET/PT).

It's up to James Bond to discover the connection between a North

Korean terrorist and an adventurous diamond broker whose looks may

be deceiving. Starring Pierce Brosnan,

-- THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (1999, Action/Adventure)

Telecasts Monday, September 17 (9:00 PM - 12:30 AM, ET/PT).

James Bond protects an oil tycoon's daughter while battling her

former kidnapper, a terrorist who can't feel pain. Starring Pierce

Brosnan, Sophie Marceau and Robert Carlyle.

-- GOLDENEYE (1995, Action/Adventure)

Telecasts Monday, September 24 (9:00 PM - 12:30 AM, ET/PT).

James Bond teams up with the lone survivor of a destroyed Russian

research center to stop the hijacking of a nuclear space weapon by

a fellow agent believed to be dead. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Sean

Bean and Izabella Scorupco.

MURDER MARATHON

Telecasts Sunday, September 30 (7:00 PM - 4:00 AM, ET/PT).

Catch up on an entire season of Spike TV's alternative series Murder,

where real people attempt to correctly solve real crimes pulled directly

from police files. Marathon leads up to the series finale on Tuesday,

October 2.

ORIGINALS

-- MURDER

New Episodes Premiere Tuesdays (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM, ET/PT);

Encores Thursdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

In each episode of MURDER two amateur sleuth teams compete to be the

first to solve a gruesome crime ripped from the closed case files of

homicide departments across the U.S.

-- UFC UNLEASHED

UFC Unleashed is the best of the best from the UFC archives.

Unleashed features the semifinals and finals of The Ultimate Fighter,

best of the pay-per-view fights, quickest Knockouts, legendary

fighters and fights, and much more. Premiere episodes air on:

* Wednesday, September 12 (10:00 PM- 11:00 PM, ET/PT)

* Wednesday, September 19 (8:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT)

* Wednesday, September 26 (9:00 PM -10:00 PM, ET/PT)

-- TNA: iMPACT!

Telecasts Thursdays (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling's "iMPACT!" features stars such

as Kurt Angle, Sting, Christian Cage, AJ Styles, Abyss, Team 3D, The

Latin American Xchange and the Knockout babes battling it out for

supremacy inside the ring. Watch what millions of fans are now

calling "The New Face Of Professional Wrestling". TNA also features

the high-flying, no-limits stars of the "X Division" as well as

signature, innovative matches like "The Ultimate X Match" and "Six

Sides Of Steel."

-- GAME HEAD

New episodes premiere Fridays (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).

Spike TV presents a weekly showcase on the world of video games.

From the latest reviews, cheat codes, the hottest game of week and

more, GAME HEAD offers viewers an uncompromised look at the hardcore

culture of videogames.

MOVIE PREMIERES

THE DEEP (1977, Horror/Mystery)

Spike Premiere Saturday, September 8 (9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, ET/PT).

A couple of vacationers find trouble with treasure hunters when they

discover underwater treasure. Starring Nick Nolte.

LORDS OF DOGTOWN (2005, Action/Drama)

Broadcast Premiere Sunday, September 9 (11:00 PM - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).

Follow the legendary Z-Boyz and the rising trend of surf and

skateboarding in California. Starring John Robinson and Heath Ledger.

ACQUIRED SERIES

STAR TREK: VOYAGER

Telecasts Monday - Thursday (4:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT) &

Fridays (5:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT); will not air Monday,

September 3 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, ET/PT.

The 3rd installment of the Star Trek television franchise examines the

USS Voyager and her crew, who have become stranded in the Delta

Quadrant, seventy thousand light-years from Earth. Unless they can find

some kind of shortcut, it will take them seventy-five years to return to

the space of the United Federation of Planets. Starring Kirk Mulligan.

CSI: NY

Telecasts Tuesdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

The third edition of the "CSI" franchise sets up shop in the Big Apple,

where taciturn Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) and his partner,

Detective Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes), lead a crime-solving

team. Like his counterparts in Las Vegas and Miami, Taylor knows that

people may lie, but the evidence rarely does.

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (TV-PG)

Telecasts Monday - Friday (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) & Monday -

Wednesday (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT); will not telecast Monday,

September 3 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) & Wednesday, September 19

(8:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) &

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION revolves around a team of forensic Crime

Scene Investigators in the Las Vegas police department's Criminalistics

Bureau. By relentlessly analyzing every detail at the scene of a crime,

no matter how seemingly irrelevant or grotesque in nature, the team has

science and experience on their side to solve the case. The series

stars William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George Eads,

Jorja Fox and Paul Guilfoyle.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMING

WEEKEND POWERBLOCK

Spike TV puts sexy car enthusiast Courtney Hansen in the driver's seat as

host of the network's "Power Block" lineup, a weekend (Saturdays Noon -

2:00 PM, ET/PT and Sundays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT) two-hour block of

auto related programming.

Saturdays:

Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT

HORSEPOWER TV

Host Joe Elmore and tech expert Mike Galley work out of their to-die-for

performance garage sharing speed secrets on how to transform everyday

cars into road burners and how to get the most out of them on the street

and at the strip. This series captures the performance lifestyle taking

viewers to America's best events, rallies and races.

12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT

MUSCLE CAR

Celebrating America's love affair with these fabled 60's and 70's era

muscle cars, the series focuses on finding, restoring and modifying

iconic Detroit iron like the Pontiac GTO, the Hemi Cuba, the Boss Mustang

and the Chevelle SS.

1:00 - 1:30 PM, ET/PT

XTREME 4X4

Hosted by Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, this series features hardcore 4x4

build-ups and off-road truck projects, plus extreme action events -- rock

crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail riding

adventure.

1:30 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT

TRUCKS!

This how-to/new vehicle series addresses the light truck market with

special emphasis on pickups and sport utility vehicles. From the wildest

jet drag trucks and monster trucks to the world's most radical 4x4 rock

crawlers and customs, each episode takes viewers step-by-step modifying,

customizing, restoring and testing classic and sport trucks, off-roaders

and race trucks.

Sundays:

11:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT

HORSEPOWER TV

11:30 AM - Noon, ET/PT

MUSCLE CAR

Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT

XTREME 4X4

12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT

TRUCKS!

Source: Spike TV

August 3

VEOH NETWORKS AND Collegiate images team up to bring ncaa football content online
--Dedicated NCAA Football Channel to Launch on Veoh.com This September--
--Channel to Feature Exclusive Customization Features--
SAN DIEGO & FORT LAUDERDALE-- (August 2, 2007) – Veoh Networks (www.veoh.com), the leading innovator in Internet television, and Collegiate Images, the centralized licensing and rights clearance agency of still images and video focusing exclusively on college sports, have teamed up to create a dedicated NCAA Football channel on Veoh.com. Through this deal, Veoh will gain access to football game highlights each week to spotlight on the channel. The NCAA Football channel will kick-off in early September, in time for the 2007 season.
(August 2, 2007) – Veoh Networks (), the leading innovator in Internet television, and Collegiate Images, the centralized licensing and rights clearance agency of still images and video focusing exclusively on college sports, have teamed up to create a dedicated NCAA Football channel on Veoh.com. Through this deal, Veoh will gain access to football game highlights each week to spotlight on the channel. The NCAA Football channel will kick-off in early September, in time for the 2007 season.

As part of the channel, Veoh is building a proprietary customization engine that will enable users to personalize their NCAA Football experience. More details of these unique and interactive elements will be unveiled closer to the launch.

“We are very pleased to partner with Collegiate Images to bring this unique service to college sports fans,” said Steve Mitgang, CEO of Veoh Networks. “Moving forward, Veoh will continue to seek strategic partnerships with content providers, advertisers and publishers that advance our mission of making Veoh the most innovative and comprehensive video platform on the Internet."

"We are excited about bringing Veoh Networks' technology to NCAA Football fans across the country this fall," said David Bertram, Executive Director for NCAA Football. "The mission of NCAA Football is to promote the sport of college football, and through this new NCAA Football channel from Veoh, we will be able to reach fans nationwide to share the great highlights from the football season."

Rich Routman, SVP of Business Development for Collegiate Images, added, “We are very excited to work with Veoh in offering this incredibly innovative product, which will bring the best of college football to our fans’ desktops, where they can view it when they want and how they want.”

This deal furthers Veoh’s mission to provide the best and most comprehensive selection of video content on the Internet. To date, more than 85,000 video publishers -- from independent producers to some of the best known brands in music, sports, politics, and entertainment -- have chosen Veoh, including CBS, Billboard, Paramount Pictures, Us Weekly, Car and Driver, National Lampoon, Lionsgate, Road and Track, and PBS. Through its powerful syndication system, Veoh automatically syndicates content published on its site to YouTube, Google Video, and MySpace Video, allowing Veoh’s publishers to reach the largest audience in the world.

This content agreement comes as Veoh’s user base continues to experience strong growth. In June, the company announced that its user base grew to 14.3 million unique users – marking a 223% overall rise in traffic since Veoh launched in February with a 4.4 million user base.

About Collegiate Images

Collegiate Images (CI) is the centralized licensing and rights clearance agency that manages the distribution of copyrighted intellectual property content, focusing exclusively on college sports. CI partners with copyright holders to define, claim, protect and manage their intellectual property, allowing each copyright holder to control and monetize those rights in the ever-changing digital landscape. CI provides these services for moving images, still images and live data rights. CI’s partners include premier athletic programs, collegiate conferences, bowl games, national and regional sports networks and a multitude of other rightsholders.

About NCAA Football

NCAA Football USA, Inc. (NCAA Football) is 501c4 not-for-profit corporation and represents a coalition of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA), the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It serves as the collective voice to promote college football.

About Veoh Networks

Veoh Networks is an innovative Internet Television company that delivers broadcast-quality video programming via the Internet.

The Veoh Networks’ portfolio includes Veoh.com - one of the most popular video hosting services on the Internet with over 85,000 content publishers – from Paramount Pictures, Lions Gate, PBS, National Lampoon, Road and Track and Us Magazine to thousands of independent filmmakers and content producers – that currently attracts over 15 million unique users per month., and VeohTV – a free downloadable application that turns online video into Internet Television. VeohTV makes it easy to turn any computer into a digital video recorder that allows viewers to watch and record shows from thousands of Internet video sources. For advertisers, Veoh offers compelling ways of engaging with a targeted audience and measuring performance of their ad buys.

Veoh Networks is a privately held company that is backed by leading technology and media investors, including Shelter Capital Partners, Spark Capital, Goldman Sachs, Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company, and Time Warner Inc. The company’s principal offices are in Los Angeles and San Diego , California .

Sci-Tech Council Links with the Library of
Congress to Preserve Creative America

Beverly Hills, CA — The Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has entered into a three-year collaborative partnership with the Library of Congress’ “Preserving Creative America,” a program designed to collect, manage and preserve digital content, including motion pictures, for future generations.

The Library of Congress, through its National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP), will provide matching funds toward the Academy’s pioneering efforts in the preservation of digital motion picture content. The Academy is one of eight private sector organizations selected to participate in “Preserving Creative America.”

Unlike film elements that have been proven to last for more than a century, digital storage technologies used in creating today’s motion picture elements become obsolete in as little as three to five years.

“We’ve arrived at a point in our motion picture history where preserving digital content is as important as preserving our old Hollywood treasures,” said Academy President Sid Ganis. “That’s why the Academy is committed to supporting the development of archival technologies and practices that will take us through the 21st century.”

The Council’s Digital Motion Picture Archive Framework Project will build on the Academy’s current research on digital preservation issues and help define the technologies and standards necessary to preserve digitally mastered and “born digital” motion pictures. The project will develop specifications for digital file formats, provide support for industry-wide research on promising technologies and practices, and create educational materials on digital archive requirements, software application guides and online resources.

“The Library of Congress is delighted to welcome the Academy to its growing network of NDIIPP partners,” said Associate Librarian for Strategic Initiatives Laura E. Campbell, who is leading NDIIPP for the Library of Congress. “We respect the Academy’s early contributions to motion picture technology and know that its Science and Technology Council is ideally placed to contribute to the development of preservation standards.”

The Council’s work involves more than 100 of the industry’s leading technologists who represent major movie studios, technology and service providers, not-for-profit archives and independent filmmakers.

“Preserving Creative America” is the most recent initiative of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program at the Library of Congress, authorized by the U.S. Congress in December 2000. The authorizing legislation specifically asked the Library to enlist the private sector to help address the long-term preservation of digital content. The “Preserving Creative America” projects will target preservation issues across a broad range of creative works, including digital photographs, cartoons, motion pictures, sound recordings, and even video games, and will be conducted by a combination of content industry trade associations, private sector companies and non-profits, and cultural heritage institutions.

Information on NDIIPP can be found at www.digitalpreservation.gov.

Established in 2003 by the Academy's Board of Governors, the Science and Technology Council provides a forum for the exchange of information, promotes cooperation among diverse technological interests within the industry, sponsors publications, fosters educational activities and preserves the history of science and technology of motion pictures.

ANIMETV REVIEWS BLEACH AND SAMURAI GIRL REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL IN 10TH EPISODE Hottest Online Video Podcast Program Also Interview Anime Stars Johnny Yong Bosch and Wendee Lee Burbank, California (August 2, 2007) ‹ Anime fans galore will drool over the 10th podcast episode of AnimeTV as the cast enter the realm of BLEACH and the ³Under Exposed² title SAMURAI GIRL REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL. More information can be found on the website www.goanimetv.com <http://www.goanimetv.com> . The cast of AnimeTV will be reviewing both titles as well as the voice actors behind the main characters, one who happens to be the host of AnimeTV, Johnny Yong Bosch (BLEACH; character-Kurosaki Ichigo). During the ³Under Exposed² segment, the cast of AnimeTV interviews the legendary Wendee Lee (SAMURAI GIRL REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL; character-Ryoko Mitsurugi) who has voiced such recognizable characters as Faye Valentine (COWBOY BEBOP), Vanessa Leeds (ROBOTECH) and MOST recently Haruhi Suzumiya (THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA). BLEACH (Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Shounen, Supernatural) Plot Summary: Kurosaki Ichigo (played by Johnny Yong Bosch) is a 15 year old boy who has the ability to see ghosts/spirits. That all changes when a Death God named Kuchiki Rukia pans into his bedroom and introduces him to "Hollows". To save his family, Ichigo takes on the powers of the Death God after Rukia is badly injured. After two Death God's from Soul Society take Rukia away for breaking the law of transferring Death God powers to a human and being in the human word longer than allowed, Ichigo vows he will save the life of the Death God who saved his life. However, there are traitors in Soul Society and Ichigo and the rest of Soul Society must figure out who these traitors are and what they want with Rukia. The Soul Society, along with Ichigo, must be prepared for what these traitors wish to do to Soul Society and the rest of the human world. SAMURAI GIRL REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL (Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen) Plot Summary: At Daimon High School, kids settle their disputes by dueling with each other in the school's official K-Fight battle arena. Ryoko Mitsurugi (played by Wendee Lee), samurai girl and the undefeated K-Fight champion, is called upon by a mysterious Priestess to protect the Earth from an invasion from the alternate universe of Solvania. Ryoko faces battles that will test her skills, her friendships, and her heart in order to find her true inner strength as a samurai warrior. The 10th episode of AnimeTV is now available on www.goanimetv.com <http://www.goanimetv.com> and a host of other outlets including Comcast Video On Demand, iTunes and Akimbo. Watch for new episodes every other Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time. ³AnimeTV Go!!!² About AnimeTV AnimeTV is a free fifteen (15) minute online video podcast program produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. (Headquartered in Burbank, CA) appearing every other Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time on www.goanimetv.com and a host of other outlets including including Comcast Video On Demand, iTunes and Akimbo. More information can be found on the show¹s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.goanimetv.com. About Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, electronic entertainment, anime and direct to home entertainment projects. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. maintains operations in the U.S. with three buildings, six recording/mixing stages and just under 200 staff of actors, writers, directors and technicians. Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is also committed to carrying out projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. and its products can be found on the company¹s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.bangzoomentertainment.com <http://www.bangzoomentertainment.com> . The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, retail acceptance of our products, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Meal or No Meal features only one performance. The Oak Ridge Boys' "Did I make a Difference" from their "Front Row Seats Cd. The showing of "Songs From The Heart" features songs from their "Songs From the Heart" CD
Listings valid for the week of 8/3/07 – 8/9/07
ABC Family Channel

(Runs same time in EST and PST, 1 hour earlier in CST and MST)

· Thursday 8/9/07 1:00 am – “Meal or No Meal”

Ion Media (Formerly PAX)

(Runs same time EST, MST and PST, 1 hour earlier in CST)

· Sunday Night Midnight -“Meal or No Meal”

Daystar

(Runs in CST)

Wednesday 1:00 pm –“Meal or No Meal”

Inspiration Network

(Runs in EST)

· Sunday 11:00 pm– “Meal or No Meal”

· Wednesday 7:00 pm – “Meal or No Meal”

WGN

(Runs in CST)

Tuesday 5:00 am – “Meal or No Meal”

TCT (Tri-State Christian Television Network)

(Runs in CST)

Sunday 1:00 pm – “Songs From the Heart

“Meal or No Meal” (Call toll-free: 1-800-215-7549)
(Call toll-free: )

August 1

Academy Boogies to “Saturday Night Fever” in NYC

New York, NY – In a special 30th anniversary celebration, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Monday Nights with Oscar®” (MNWO) will present a screening of “Saturday Night Fever” on Monday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Theater in New York City. The program will feature a post-screening onstage discussion with actresses Karen Lynn Gorney and Donna Pescow, costume designer Patrizia Von Brandenstein and casting director Shirley Rich.

Based on a magazine article by Nik Cohn and adapted for the screen by Norman Wexler, “Saturday Night Fever” is a classic boy-meets-girl story. John Travolta, who earned an Academy Award® nomination for his performance, stars as Tony, a 19-year-old paint store worker from Brooklyn who is struggling to break out of his limited world. At night, Tony dons a white suit and becomes the king of the local disco dance floor, where he meets Stephanie (Gorney), a talented dancer who is also looking to overcome her working-class status.

The 1977 film features a soundtrack dominated by disco era hits by the Bee Gees, including “Staying Alive,” “Night Fever” and “If I Can’t Have You,” and incorporates such themes as drugs, sex, unrequited love, homophobia and racial tension.

MNWO is a monthly series showcasing high-quality prints of films that have been nominated for or won Academy Awards®. This screening will feature a newly struck print from the Academy Film Archive, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

The Academy Theater is located at 111 East 59th Street in New York City. Tickets for “Saturday Night Fever” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be reserved by calling 1-888-778-7575. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased on the night of the screening. Doors open at 7 p.m. All seating is unreserved.

©A.M.P.A.S.®

July 31

HOPE LIVES WHEN PEOPLE REMEMBER
~SIMON WIESENTHAL
SIMON WIESENTHAL

FROM THE MORIAH FILMS COLLECTION OF THE SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

STARZ HOME ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENTS

THE SIMON WIESENTHAL COLLECTION

Available on DVD September 11, 2007

Burbank, CA – Experience the extraordinary diversity of Jewish life and the legacy of the Holocaust with a set of touching and inspirational DVDs in The Simon Wiesenthal Collection. The collection features narration by Hollywood legends including Elizabeth Taylor, Orson Welles, and Nicole Kidman. These documentaries, from the Moriah Films unit of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, recount harrowing yet uplifting tales that form an informative mosaic of the Jewish experience in the 20th century. SRP for the collection is set at $59.97 and pre-book is Aug. 9, 2007. The Simon Wiesenthal Collection will be available at retail September 11, 2007 in time for the High Holy Days.

Born in the Ukraine, Simon Wiesenthal was educated in architectural engineering, a background that may have helped save his life more than once during the war. In all, Wiesenthal spent time in 12 concentration camps, including one where he was seconds away from death at the hands of the SS, but was saved by an empathetic SS commander. Simon and his wife, Cyla, together lost at least 89 family members during the Holocaust. In his last internment, at the Mauthausen concentration camp, freedom arrived with the Allied liberation of the camp in May 1945. Soon after, Wiesenthal set upon a remarkable campaign to bring Nazi criminals to justice, an effort that evolved to truly global proportions. With no formal training as an investigator, Wiesenthal assisted U.S. and Israeli officials in tracking and capturing more than 1,100 of Nazi Germany’s worst war criminals, including the Gestapo officer who arrested Anne Frank, and the mastermind of Hitler’s Final Solution, Adolf Eichmann.

Wiesenthal was honored in 1977 by the dedication of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, based in Los Angeles, which promotes awareness of anti-Semitism, monitors neo-Nazi organizations and manages the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. Though very few Nazi war criminals are thought to be alive, the Center continues the struggle to bring these individuals to justice.

The Simon Wiesenthal Collection features the following films:
features the following films:
I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU – The powerful new documentary on the life and legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, narrated by Oscar^® winner Nicole Kidman.
– The powerful new documentary on the life and legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, narrated by Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. ECHOES THAT REMAIN – Rare photos and unseen footage create this poignant portrait of Eastern European Jewry before the Holocaust.
– Rare photos and unseen footage create this poignant portrait of Eastern European Jewry before the Holocaust. GENOCIDE – The 1981 landmark Academy Award^®-winning documentary narrated by Elizabeth Taylor and Orson Welles.
– The 1981 landmark Academy Award-winning documentary narrated by Elizabeth Taylor and Orson Welles. UNLIKELY HEROES – Discover the unknown and long-untold stories of the men and women of the Jewish Resistance during the Nazi reign.
– Discover the unknown and long-untold stories of the men and women of the Jewish Resistance during the Nazi reign.
LIBERATION – Patrick Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg and Sir Ben Kingsley narrate this gripping look at the transgressions and triumphs of the Allied war effort.
– Patrick Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg and Sir Ben Kingsley narrate this gripping look at the transgressions and triumphs of the Allied war effort. THE LONG WAY HOME – The 1997 Academy Award^®-winning documentary explores the plight of Jewish refugees who survived the Holocaust.
– The 1997 Academy Award-winning documentary explores the plight of Jewish refugees who survived the Holocaust. EVER AGAIN – A startling study of violent anti-Semitism throughout modern Europe and its connection to recent terrorism.
– A startling study of violent anti-Semitism throughout modern Europe and its connection to recent terrorism. IN SEARCH OF PEACE – The epic story of the creation of Israel, narrated by Michael Douglas with Anne Bancroft, Edward Asner and Richard Dreyfuss.
– The epic story of the creation of Israel, narrated by Michael Douglas with Anne Bancroft, Edward Asner and Richard Dreyfuss. BEAUTIFUL MUSIC – The unforgettable true story of an Orthodox Jewish music teacher and a blind, autistic Palestinian piano prodigy.
– The unforgettable true story of an Orthodox Jewish music teacher and a blind, autistic Palestinian piano prodigy.

In addition to the collection, Starz Home Entertainment will be releasing Ever Again and I Have Never Forgotten You individually. Both films will carry a SRP of $19.97 and are also available on September 11, 2007.

Narrated by Oscar^®-winner Kevin Costner, Ever Again had a limited theatrical release in the fall of 2006. Directed by Academy Award^®-winner Richard Trank and produced by Oscar^®-winner Rabbi Marvin Hier, the film was a production of the Moriah Films unit of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Trank is the principal writer and director for Moriah Films. His award-winning films have been screened at the Sundance, Berlin, Chicago and Jerusalem Film Festivals, among others.

I Have Never Forgotten You had a limited theatrical release this summer and was the official film selection of the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival. Narrated by Oscar^®- winner Nicole Kidman, I Have Never Forgotten You is the stirring new documentary of Wiesenthal. This account of the legendary Nazi hunter's fight for justice is a compelling journey of untiring determination in seeking out those responsible for the Holocaust.
had a limited theatrical release this summer and was the official film selection of the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival. Narrated by Oscar- winner Nicole Kidman, is the stirring new documentary of Wiesenthal. This account of the legendary Nazi hunter's fight for justice is a compelling journey of untiring determination in seeking out those responsible for the Holocaust.
Moriah Films, the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, was created to produce theatrical documentaries to educate both national and international audiences. It focuses on the 3,500-year old Jewish experience as well as contemporary human rights and ethics issues. Moriah has produced nine films to date, two of which have received the Academy Award^®-for best feature documentary, The Long Way Home (1997) and Genocide (1981).
, the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, was created to produce theatrical documentaries to educate both national and international audiences. It focuses on the 3,500-year old Jewish experience as well as contemporary human rights and ethics issues. Moriah has produced nine films to date, two of which have received the Academy Award-for best feature documentary, (1997) and (1981).
Starz Home Entertainment

Starz Home Entertainment, along with its label Anchor Bay Entertainment, is a division of Starz Media. Starz Media is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide. It includes the Film Roman and Manga Entertainment brands. Its units create animated and live-action programming – including theatrical films – and programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that programming, and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, theaters, broadcasters, ad supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video distributors in the US and internationally. Starz Media is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group. www.starz.com.

THE SIMON WIESENTHAL COLLECTION

Street Date: September 11, 2007

Pre-Book: August 9, 2007

Catalog #: 15257

UPC: 0-1313-15257-9 3

Run Time: 811 Min

Rating: Not Rated

SRP: $59.97

I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU

Street Date: September 11, 2007

Pre-Book: August 9, 2007

Catalog #: 15256

UPC: 0-1313-15256-9 4

Run Time: 105 Minutes

Rating: PG-13

SRP: $19.97

EVER AGAIN

Street Date: September 11, 2007

Pre-Book: August 9, 2007

Catalog #: 15255

UPC: 0-1313-15255-9 5

Run Time: 74 Minutes

Rating: Not Rated

SRP: $19.97

“Great To Be Nominated”
Dons
“The Godfather, Part III”

Beverly Hills, CA — “The Godfather, Part III,” a 1990 Best Picture nominee and the final film in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Godfather” trilogy, will be screened as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The film, which completes the tragic saga of the Corleone family, will screen in its original theatrical release version on Monday, August 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Actors Don Calfa (“Louie Dragna”), Franc D’Ambrosio (“Anthony Corleone”), Joe Mantegna (“Joey Zasa”) and Al Ruscio (“Leo Cuneo”); rerecording mixer Michael Minkler; co-producer Fred Roos; and stunt coordinator Buddy Jo Hooker will participate in a panel discussion following the screening.

“The Godfather, Part III” received a total of seven Academy Award® nominations: Best Picture (Coppola, producer), Actor in a Supporting Role (Andy Garcia), Art Direction (Dean Tavoularis; Set Decoration: Gary Fettis), Cinematography (Gordon Willis), Directing (Coppola), Film Editing (Barry Malkin, Lisa Fruchtman, Walter Murch) and Music – Original Song (“Promise Me You’ll Remember,” Music by Carmine Coppola; Lyric by John Bettis).

The Academy Award-nominated animated short “A Grand Day Out,” starring Wallace and Gromit, will be screened prior to the feature.

Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®

INFINITY STUDIOS, LLC ANNOUNCES ONLINE PRE-ORDERING OPTION Fans Now Have Option To Obtain Hot New Manga Titles Sent Straight to Their Doors Before They Are Available at Retail Bookstores RICHMOND, CA July 31, 2007 Infinity Studios, LLC announced today that in August 2007, manga fans will be able to purchase Infinity Studios, LLC manga titles at least one month, prior to the title hitting retail bookshelves at the company¹s online store located within the official company¹s website. More information can be found on the company¹s website at http://www.infinitystudios.com. ³Pre-orders will become available for each and every upcoming title approximately 1 to 2 months prior to each particular book¹s/volume¹s release date. It¹s possible we may offer slight discounts for pre-orders but there won¹t be any uniform discount rate so visitors will have to check the individual title information for any possible discounts. In addition, some of our future pre-order titles will come with promotional items and freebies which will be announced at the time of the title¹s release², states, Infinity Studios, LLC President and CEO, Jay Chung. Mr. Chung also states, ³A lot of our hard core readers, who like to get their manga ASAP, have noticed that we release our titles sooner (at least one month prior to the title hitting retail shelves) on our website and asked us to create a pre-order system so they can obtain their manga as soon as the title is released.² This pre-order feature is only available on the Infinity Studios, LLC website at www.infinitystudios.com <http://www.infinitystudios.com> . Titles that will be released in August include ICHIGEKI SACCHU HOIHOI-SAN Vol. 1 and NININ GA SHINOBUDEN (2X2=SHINOBUDEN) Vol. 3. Upon activation of the online pre-ordering system, fans will be able to immediately pre-order hit titles such as KYOUHAKU DOGS Vol. 1, UNBALANCE UNBALANCE Vol. 2 and CHUN RHANG YHUR JHUN Vol. 4. Discussions on this or any Infinity Studios, LLC series/titles/products can be found on online in the forum area of the Infinity Studios, LLC website located at www.infinitystudios.com <http://www.infinitystudios.com> . About Infinity Studios, LLC Headquartered in Richmond, California, Infinity Studios, LLC is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of Asian Graphic Novels. Founded in 2004, Infinity Studios, LLC maintains operations in the U.S., Japan and Korea. More information about Infinity Studios, LLC and its products can be found on the company¹s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.infinitystudios.com <http://www.infinitystudios.com/> . The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Infinity Studio, LLC¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, retail acceptance of our products, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

July 27

LOU FERRIGNO, ACTOR, AUTHOR, WORLD CHAMPION BODY BUILDER
& LOS ANGELES RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF
GRADUATES TO LEVEL II FROM SHERIFF'S RESERVE ACADEMY

THE FORMER MR. UNIVERSE AND INCREDIBLE HULK
WILL BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT SHERIFF'S GRADUATION
CEREMONIES WITH SHERIFF LEE BACA ON JULY 30TH

Hollywood Meets Law Enforcement as Sheriff Lee Baca Presides

This Just In: Lou Ferrigno has Just Been Cast in
the New Universal INCREDIBLE HULK motion picture
which is Now in Production starring Edward Norton

Los Angeles - (LMS )- Lou Ferrigno, actor, two time consecutive Mr. Universe, champion body builder, author, LA County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and health & fitness expert, has been chosen as the keynote speaker for this year's graduation ceremonies for the new Los Angeles Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. And yes, Lou will be wearing his uniform with the white gloves and his gun. On July 30th at the Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles, Lou Ferrigno, who was sworn-in last year as a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, will be certified to an upgrade Level II training classification. This designation required many hard hours of on the job training and study in advanced weaponry, as well as anti-terror tactics and procedures. Mr. Ferrigno has been required to complete at least twenty hours of service per month this past year on top of his training and study time. He has been assigned to the Sheriff's Reserve Forces Bureau, Headquarters Unit and works on the recruitment of new deputies. He also works with the Sheriff's Youth Activities League (YAL) and the Special Victims Bureau, which works with abused children. He has become an Ambassador of good will and opportunities from the Sheriff's Department to a generation demographic of young city kids who had never thought before of getting involved in law enforcement.

Mr. Ferrigno's new spectacular line of Ferrigno Fitness equipment www.louferrigno.com is now available along with the complete LOU FERRIGNO home gym package for all ages. He continues his successful personal training business that includes such star clientele as Mickey Rourke, Michael Jackson, and Chuck Norris. He also wrote three books: " Lou Ferrigno's Guide to Personal Power, Bodybuilding and Fitness", " My Life as the Incredible Hulk", and " The Incredible Lou Ferrigno".

Ferrigno successfully transferred his bodybuilding fame to a career on stage and film. His first film was a documentary, " Pumping Iron", a film with cult status that chronicled his exploits as the youngest person to become Mr. Universe. In less than a year after "Pumping Iron", Lou was again larger than life and created a new cult legend as the title character of the hit TV show " The Incredible Hulk". And just recently he was offered a role in the new Universal Pictures "Hulk" motion picture starring Edward Norton now in production. And if that's not enough, the producers of the hit TV show Dancing With The Stars, just met with Lou and he is in the radar about appearing as a contestant. Stay tuned.

Ferrigno and wife Carla currently have a recurring role as the new neighbor in " King of Queens", one of the nations highest rated network TV programs which is about to go into syndication.

Lou Ferrigno has invited many of his family, celebrity friends and co-workers to attend and share in this happy event with him.

Los Angeles - (LMS )- Lou Ferrigno, actor, two time consecutive Mr. Universe, champion body builder, author, LA County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and health & fitness expert, has been chosen as the keynote speaker for this year's graduation ceremonies for the new Los Angeles Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. And yes, Lou will be wearing his uniform with the white gloves and his gun. On July 30th at the Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles, Lou Ferrigno, who was sworn-in last year as a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, will be certified to an upgrade Level II training classification. This designation required many hard hours of on the job training and study in advanced weaponry, as well as anti-terror tactics and procedures. Mr. Ferrigno has been required to complete at least twenty hours of service per month this past year on top of his training and study time. He has been assigned to the Sheriff's Reserve Forces Bureau, Headquarters Unit and works on the recruitment of new deputies. He also works with the Sheriff's Youth Activities League (YAL) and the Special Victims Bureau, which works with abused children. He has become an Ambassador of good will and opportunities from the Sheriff's Department to a generation demographic of young city kids who had never thought before of getting involved in law enforcement.Mr. Ferrigno's new spectacular line of Ferrigno Fitness equipment is now available along with the complete LOU FERRIGNO home gym package for all ages. He continues his successful personal training business that includes such star clientele as Mickey Rourke, Michael Jackson, and Chuck Norris. He also wrote three books: " Lou Ferrigno's Guide to Personal Power, Bodybuilding and Fitness", " My Life as the Incredible Hulk", and " The Incredible Lou Ferrigno". Ferrigno successfully transferred his bodybuilding fame to a career on stage and film. His first film was a documentary, " Pumping Iron", a film with cult status that chronicled his exploits as the youngest person to become Mr. Universe. In less than a year after "Pumping Iron", Lou was again larger than life and created a new cult legend as the title character of the hit TV show " The Incredible Hulk". Ferrigno and wife Carla currently have a recurring role as the new neighbor in " King of Queens", one of the nations highest rated network TV programs which is about to go into syndication.Lou Ferrigno has invited many of his family, celebrity friends and co-workers to attend and share in this happy event with him.

Sheriff's Graduation & Swearing In Ceremony with Lou Ferrigno as Keynote Speaker
Monday July 30th, 2007 starting at 7:00 PM
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 381-B
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Los Angeles Church Responds to Media Inquiries About Pastor's Defamation Lawsuit Against ABC News and John Stossel

Jul. 27, 2007 In response to multiple media inquiries, the 22,000-member Crenshaw Christian Center announced today that it had placed on the Internet a copy of its pastor's defamation lawsuit against ABC News and correspondent John Stossel along with a short video that sets the record straight.

Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center in South Central Los Angeles, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court in connection with a story that falsely implied he had improperly diverted his congregation's donations. The suit names ABC parent The Walt Disney Company, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., ABC Inc., Stossel, 20/20 producer Glen Ruppel, the Trinity Foundation Inc., and Trinity founder Ole Anthony as defendants.

The ABC story that aired March 23 on both ABC's Good Morning America and 20/20 programs was headlined "Enough!" and featured Stossel introducing the topic by saying "How much of what you give do they keep?" According to the lawsuit complaint, the story included a film clip of one of Dr. Price's televised sermons in which he is seen telling his congregation, "I live in a 25 room mansion, I have my own $6 million yacht, I have my own private jet and I have my own helicopter and I have seven luxury automobiles."

The ABC story said Dr. Price owned these luxurious items and lived the extravagant lifestyle he was describing. In fact, the lawsuit states, Dr. Price was preaching a sermon about a hypothetical person who has great wealth but lives a spiritually unfulfilled life.

"Well I was pointing out that there is such a thing as bad success," Dr. Price told his congregation in the sermon that was first televised on The Lifetime Network in 1997. He then outlined this person's great wealth, but said at the same time the man's wife was sleeping with the gardener, all of his children were on drugs and he didn't know whether his friends really liked him or just liked what he could do for them. "Friends, to me that's bad success," Dr. Price told the congregation.

"In broadcasting the clip as alleged, defendants breached fundamental journalistic guidelines and acted in reckless disregard for the truth or falsity of that which was broadcast," the lawsuit states.

The church produced a short video report of its own that included the offending ABC footage that was taken out of context and compared it to the full context of Dr. Price's remarks in a 1997 sermon. The video was shown to the congregation at the July 22 church service in Los Angeles.

The church has invited the public to download and watch the video from the Internet at the following web address: http://www.crenshawchristiancenter.net/ecomm/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=117 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) The public can also download a copy of the lawsuit complaint at the same web address.

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Price founded CCC in 1973. Since then it has grown to more than 22,000 members and a worldwide television ministry entitled "Ever Increasing Faith." The church finances missions to some of Africa's poorest communities in Namibia, Ghana and Zimbabwe and supports food and housing programs in its largely African-American South Los Angeles community.

Dr. Price also founded the Fellowship of Inner-City Word of Faith Ministries, an international fellowship of pastors and ministers from around the globe whose religious philosophy is based on the belief that economic prosperity can be achieved through a faith-based, God-centered life.

According to the complaint, the entire sermon was broadcast on the Lifetime Television channel, which, like ABC, is owned by Disney. "Therefore, the broadcaster defendants could have discovered the context in which the clip appeared at any time if they had bothered to look in their own archives," the complaints states.

The lawsuit alleges that the film clip was given to ABC News by defendants Ole Anthony and the Trinity Foundation, a Dallas-based organization founded by Anthony that is vehemently hostile to evangelical church leaders. The suit states that Stossel and Ruppel knew that Anthony and Trinity were "biased and unreliable sources."

Dr. Price and CCC demanded that ABC air an apology that included the full context of the pastor's sermon. In response, ABC aired a correction and apology on both Good Morning America and 20/20, but refused to air the full context of the sermon. Instead, the network aired the offending film clip again as part of the apology.

In addition, ABC failed to broadcast the purported correction in as conspicuous a manner as they had promoted the false and defamatory broadcast, which was repeatedly promoted on Good Morning America by co-anchors Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts.

The correction failed to repair the damage, the complaint argues, noting it failed to comply with California law that provides that a retraction must be 'published or broadcast in substantially as conspicuous a manner in said newspaper or on said broadcasting station as were the statements claimed to be libelous.'"

The lawsuit asks for general, special, exemplary and punitive damages according to proof at trial. Dr. Price is represented by Anthony M. Glassman of Glassman, Browning, Saltsman & Jacobs.

Source: Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, pastor and founder, Crenshaw Christian Center.

Sitrick And Company

Tony Knight, 310-788-2850

July 26

Hiltons in Court. Paris Hilton's Auntie Francesca Hilton

Zsa Zsa Gabor & Husband Prinz Frederick Von Anhalt
v.
Daughter, Francesca Hilton -Law Suit

JUDGE ORDERS Zsa Zsa FOR THE LAST TIME TO APPEAR in Court
this FRIDAY 7/27/07 pursuant
to Local Rule 7.9(d) and the Court’s order.

Attached is Motion to the Court by Francesca Hilton for Sanctions/Damages
Against Zsa Zsa for Defying the Court

Santa Monica- In June 2005, Zsa Zsa Gabor, the mother of Francesca Hilton, her only child from Hotel magnet Conrad Hilton, filed a law suit against her for Elder Abuse, Negligence, Fraud and other charges. The co-Plaintiff and alleged instigator of this suit is Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband, Frederick VonAnhalt who recently claimed that he was possibly the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby at a press conference in his Belair driveway in earshot of his wheel chair bound wife Zsa Zsa Gabor. He also sued the manufactrers of Viagra for $11 million dollars claiming it made him impotent. The current motion for sanctions by Hilton against Zsa Zsa Gabor states that Zsa Zsa herself wants this litigation to end and that she is being forced to continue it. (see attached motion)

Constance Francesca Hilton, comedian, writer, and the aunt of Paris Hilton, has countered against each and every claim in this case all revolving around the alleged-multi-million dollar fraudulent refinancing of the famous Gabor Belair Estate owned for over 40 years exclusively by Zsa Zsa Gabor. Francesca Hilton claims she was wrongfully accused on all counts and has suffered serious damages as a result of these false accusations. After two years of legal haggling, both parties have agreed to appear in Santa Monica Court for a mediation conference.

"Zsa Zsa Gabor has been ordered to appear in Court Friday pursuant to Local Rule 7.9(d) and the Court’s order. The Court specifically ordered Zsa Zsa to appear. If she fails to appear, the defense will move to strike her answer or issue an OSC re: sanctions.", said attorney Ronald Richards representing Francesca Hilton. Last month Zsa Zsa was a no show which ruffled the feathers of the judge but he gave her one more chance to appear this Friday because of a note from her doctor claiming that she had an infected leg.

Zsa Zsa Gabor, a retired actress and socialite, has been a recluse for over two and a half years. She was seriously injured in a car crash on Sunset Blvd. a few years back and has been confined to a wheelchair. She no longer gives interviews or ventures out in public. She is in an uncomfortable position once again having to make a decision to appear, or not appear, in court Friday. If she does appear she would have to testify under oath against her own daughter. If she does not appear the court could sanction her and remove her previous statements from the record.

Francesca Hilton, a resident in the Hollywood Hills, was at one time a public relations executive, an expert equestrian with her famous mother, and a producer/writer. She also performs as a stand-up comic at the infamous Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd where she was discovered by owner Mitzi Shore. She is currently writing her memoirs for publication about life as a Hilton.

Francesca Hilton and her attorney Ron Richards shall appear as ordered and will be available for interviews at the Court House.

ZSA ZSA Gabor and Frederic Von Anhalt
v.
Constance Francesca Hilton et al. CASE # SCO85767 DEPT I
Friday July, 27th 2007 at 9:00 AM
Superior Court For the State of California County of Los Angeles- West District
Santa Monica Courthouse
1725 Main Street
Santa Monica California

Starz Entertainment's Weekly Hot Items List July 29 - August 4 & August 5 - 11

Sunday, July 29

Super Mutts

Starz Kids & Family goes to the dogs with an all-day mutt marathon. (All

times are ET/PT).

-- Eight Below at 12:20 a.m. - (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Jason Biggs)

-- Beethoven's 2nd at 2:30 a.m. - (Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Nicholle

Tom)

-- All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 at 4:30 a.m. - (Charlie Sheen, Sheena Easton,

Ernest Borgnine)

-- Soccer Dog: The Movie at 6:30 a.m. - (James Marshall, Olivia D'Abo,

Jeremy Foley)

-- The Shaggy Dog at 8:15 a.m. - (Tim Allen, Danny Glover, Kristin Davis)

-- Eight Below at 10:00 a.m. - (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Jason Biggs)

-- An All Dogs Christmas Carol at 12:05 a.m. - (Steven Weber, Dom Deluise,

Sheena Easton)

-- All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 at 1:20 p.m. - (Paul Sabella, Larry Leker)

-- Miracle Dogs at 2:45 p.m. - (Kate Jackson, Ted Shackelford, Stacy

Keach)

-- Beethoven's 2nd at 4:20 p.m. - (Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Nicholle

Tom)

-- Doogal at 6 p.m. - (Jon Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, William H. Macy)

-- The Shaggy Dog at 7:20 p.m. - (Tim Allen, Danny Glover, Kristin Davis)

-- Eight Below at 9:00 p.m. - (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Jason Biggs)

-- Soccer Dog: The Movie at 11:05 p.m. - (James Marshall, Olivia D'Abo,

Jeremy Foley)

Indie Icons (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

Bullets Over Broadway (Woody Allen)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex

A gangster with a gift for writing assists a struggling playwright whose

cast includes a snooty stage diva and a crime boss's talentless

girlfriend. Written and directed by Woody Allen, Best Supporting

Oscar(R) for Dianne Wiest.

Monday, July 30

Musaic (More Information: http://www.starz.com/appmanager/seg/s?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=template&template_ dir=/features/musaic/&template_file=content.html)

Michael Franti & Spearhead: Live in Sydney

10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz Cinema

This energetic 10-song performance from the Hordern Pavillion in Sydney

highlights Michael Franti's growth from angry political rapper to an

artist fluent in old-school R&B, soul and hip-hop.

Friday, August 3

Summer of Stars (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=728)

Fun With Dick and Jane - (Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni, Alec Baldwin)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz

Saturday, August 4

Starz Saturday Premiere

The Prestige - (Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, David Bowie)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz

Indie Icons (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

Wild at Heart - (David Lynch)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex

David Lynch directs this fast-paced tale of a couple's wild, sinful

adventures from the Carolinas to Texas.

Kings of Cool (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

The Hot Rock - (Robert Redford)

8 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex

Peter "Bullitt" Yates directs Robert Redford and George Segal as hapless

jewel thieves who bungle the perfect crime. From Donald Westlake's

classic caper novel.

The Sting - (Robert Redford)

9:45 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex

Two con-artists in 1930s Chicago swindle a racketeer crime boss via an

elaborate gambling scheme in this witty, hilarious story. Winner of

seven Oscars(R), including Best Picture.

Hot Items List for August 5 - 11

Sunday, August 5

Indie Icons (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

Miller's Crossing - (Joel Coen)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex

The right-hand man of an Irish mob boss plays all the angles in a

Prohibition gangland story. From the creators of Fargo.

Friday, August 10

Before They Were Stars

Take a look at today's stars' earlier work with a 48-hour marathon

beginning at 8 p.m. on Encore. (All times listed are ET/PT).

Friday, August 10

-- Selena at 8 p.m. - (Jennifer Lopez)

-- Fear at 10:15 p.m. - (Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon)

Saturday, August 11

-- Class at 12 a.m. - (John Cusack)

-- Amazing Stories: The Movie at 1:40 a.m. - (Kevin Costner, Kiefer

Sutherland, Anthony Lapaglia, Mary Stuart Masterson)

-- Rumble Fish at 3:10 a.m. - (Nicolas Cage)

-- The Man in the Moon at 4:50 a.m. - (Reese Witherspoon)

-- Angels in the Outfield at 6:35 a.m. - (Adrien Brody, Matthew

McConaughey)

-- Jack at 8:20 a.m. - (Jennifer Lopez)

-- Ulee's Gold at 10:20 a.m. - (Jessica Biel)

-- Love Potion No. 9 at 12:20 a.m. - (Sandra Bullock)

-- Thelma & Louise at 2 p.m. - (Brad Pitt)

-- Hackers at 4:15 a.m. - (Angelina Jolie, Matthew Lillard, Marc Anthony)

-- American Graffiti at 6:05 p.m. - (Harrison Ford)

-- Dazed and Confused at 8 p.m. - (Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck)

-- Encino Man at 9:45 p.m. - (Brendan Fraser)

-- Mallrats at 11:15 p.m. - (Jason Lee, Ben Affleck)

Sunday, August 12

-- From Dusk Till Dawn at 1 a.m. - (Salma Hayek)

-- Once Bitten at 2:50 a.m. - (Jim Carrey)

-- Race the Sun at 4:30 a.m. - (Halle Berry, Casey Affleck, Eliza Dushku)

-- Are You In the House Alone? at 6:15 a.m. - (Dennis Quaid)

-- Fried Green Tomatoes at 8 a.m. - (Chris O'Donnell)

-- King of the Hill at 10:15 a.m. - (Adrien Brody)

-- Sling Blade at 12 p.m. - (Billy Bob Thornton)

-- Enemy of the State at 2:30 p.m. - (Jack Black)

-- 10 Things I Hate About You at 4:45 p.m. - (Heath Ledger)

-- Buffy the Vampire Slayer at 6:30 p.m. - (Hillary Swank)

Summer of Stars (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=728)

The Prestige - (Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, David Bowie)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz

Saturday, August 11

Starz Saturday Premiere

Gridiron Gang - (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Xzibit, Vanessa Ferlito)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz

Indie Icons (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

A Life Less Ordinary - (Danny Boyle)

9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex

A fired janitor kidnaps his boss's daughter in revenge, only he gets way

more than he bargained for - especially when two rambunctious angels

must convince the pair to fall in love. Co-starring Holly Hunter and

Delroy Lindo.

Kings of Cool (More Information:

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=737)

The French Connection - (Gene Hackman)

8 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex

Based on true events: A pair of NYC detectives stumble into an

international heroin ring. Includes one of the most exciting car chases

ever filmed. Winner of five Oscars(R), including Best Picture and Best

Actor (Gene Hackman).

French Connection II - (Gene Hackman)

9:50 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex

Savvy New York cop Popeye Doyle is out of element in France as he

pursues heroin kingpins to Marseilles. Directed by John Frankenheimer

(The Manchurian Candidate, Reindeer Games). A continuation of The French

Connection.

'Hairspray' Soundtrack Hits a High Note and Launches into Billboard's Top 5

LOS ANGELES, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- New Line Records' soundtrack of the hit musical comedy "Hairspray" (now playing in theaters nationwide) sold 71,625 units this week, boosting the album to #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, #1 on the Billboard Independent Label chart, #2 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart, and #2 on the Billboard Digital Album chart. It is also ranking #1 at retailers across the country.

"The 'Hairspray' soundtrack got off to a great start before the movie's release, but now as more people see the film and discover the music, the soundtrack has just exploded. It's great cross-promotion; each fuels the other," says Jason Linn, New Line's Executive Vice President of Music. "Once they see the film, audiences feel like they need to immediately own this record because it features amazing performances and, just like the film, is a fun, high-energy ride."

The "Hairspray" soundtrack, released on July 10, includes three original numbers that were created specifically for the film version of the hit Broadway musical -- "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl In Town," and "Come So Far." Also featured on the soundtrack are the songs "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the '60s," "Nicest Kids In Town," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." The songs are performed by cast members John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Elijah Kelley among others. Also featured is the track, "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" performed by Rikki Lake, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Nikki Blonsky.

The "Hairspray" soundtrack is produced by Marc Shaiman and features music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. It features tracks mixed by Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bette Midler), Peter Mokran (Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera) as well as Frank Wolf.

Sixteen years after the release of the original film, New Line Cinema is bringing a feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of "Hairspray" to life. Featuring new and original material based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, the comedy features a remarkable collection of talent including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, director and choreographer Adam Shankman (Bringing Down The House), and producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Chicago). The new screenplay for "Hairspray" was written by Leslie Dixon (Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune). "Hairspray" debuted in theatres nationwide on July 20.

About New Line Records:

New Line Records, a division of New Line Productions, has been releasing recorded music since 2002. Distributed through Warner Music Group's independent arm ADA, NLR has released over 50 titles including the soundtracks to "Elf," "Wedding Crashers," "The Notebook," "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Hairspray." It is also the artist home to The Sounds, Albert Hammond Jr., OFFICE and Robbers on High Street, among others.

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary year, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (NYSE:TWX) .

International recording artist and Grammy award winner Alannah Myles releases exclusive EP Available on iTunes 8.14.07
In tribute to Elvis Presley on the 30th anniversary of his passing (8.16.77)
www.linusentertainment.com/alannah

TORONTO, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In honour of Elvis Aaron Presley, international, Grammy award winning recording artist, Alannah Myles has re-recorded and is releasing a brand new updated version of her original Billboard #1 hit Black Velvet - the song that introduced a whole new generation to a soulful country groove depicting metaphors that told a story of the King when it topped the charts worldwide in 1990.

Black velvet and that little boy smile

Black velvet with that slow southern style

A new religion that'll bring you to your knees

Black velvet... if you please...

An inspiration to all recording artists around the world, Alannah Myles has hit the highest highs - winning a Grammy award and selling multi-millions of records, and hit the lowest of lows - left uncompensated for the success of her sales. Through the highs and the lows, Alannah has met every challenge an artist can be hit with, facing them head on with the tenacity of one of the most determined artists in the history of the music business.

Her first self titled album (1989) produced four Top 40 hits, "Love Is", "Lover of Mine", and "Still Got This Thing", as well as the number one international smash, "Black Velvet", which she won a Grammy award for best female rock performance, along with several Juno Awards, a Diamond award for sales in excess of 1,000,000 in Canada - the only artist who still retains this status for her debut record. ASCAP awarded the song a 'Millionaire Award' in 2005 for over 4 million radio plays of "Black Velvet" in the USA. SOCAN awarded the songs, "Black Velvet" and "Lover Of Mine" each with an award for over 100,000 plays in Canada in 2005 with her #1 hit song "Instead Of A Kiss" to follow.

Alannah's re-recorded Black Velvet 2007 along with two other songs from the album - Only Wings, and Faces in the Crowd are being released on August 14, 2007 as a digital EP exclusively on iTunes in tribute to Elvis on the 30th anniversary of his passing, on August 16, 1977.

Source: Linus Entertainment

FUNimation Entertainment Announces November Release of First Blu-ray Title
Dragon Ball Z Movie Double Feature Showcased In High-Definition Blu-ray Disc(TM) Format

-- At this year's San Diego Comic-Con International, FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Navarre Corporation, is announcing that it is bringing the next generation entertainment to anime fans and will release its first high-definition home entertainment product on Blu-ray disc. Dragon Ball Z blasts onto Blu-ray with two Broly movies: Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming, two of the largest selling DBZ movies of all time.

"After seeing demos of each next generation platform, it was clear that the Blu-ray platform was ideal for FUNimation," said Ward Thomas, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Operations at FUNimation Entertainment. "The capabilities of the Blu-ray technology allows our fans to enjoy their favorite FUNimation titles like never before."

These two movies have been remastered in high-definition, digitally restored and enhanced with an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix. The video has been transferred directly from the original 35mm Japanese film creating a higher visual quality to match the dynamic action seen in the series and movies. All the special features on the disc are in full 1920 x 1080p HD, including a featurette about the restoration, remastering and high definition processes called "Dragon Ball Z: A New Look."

Dragon Ball Z Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming (TVPG) hit shelves November 13, 2007.

After Dragon Ball Z Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming, FUNimation Entertainment will start releasing high definition versions of some of its most popular catalog titles in the U.S. Further details, including street dates and pricing, will be released at a later date.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Navarre Corporation, is a brand management company and one of the nation's leading independent home video entertainment companies. The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights with its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, and home video sales and distribution.

About Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray Disc is the next-generation optical disc format for high-definition video and high-capacity software applications. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 25GB of data, and a double-layer Blu-ray Disc will hold up to 50GB of data. A standard definition DVD holds less than 10GB by comparison. This greater storage capacity enables the Blu-ray Disc to store up to five times the amount of content than is possible with current DVDs, and is particularly well suited for high definition feature films with extended levels of additional bonus and interactive material. Blu-ray Disc is supported by the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and gaming companies.

Blu-ray Discs deliver a truly unique high-definition viewing experience with a crystal-clear 1920x1080p picture (the number "1080" represents 1,080 lines of vertical resolution, while the letter "p" stands for progressive scan) and astounding 5.1 channel surround and 48 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio.

Consumers will benefit from Blu-ray Disc's improvements over current DVD technology including enhanced menu navigation, increased capacity for bonus features and new interactive capabilities.

Blu-ray Disc can deliver entertainment content in full high-definition (HD), under a secure environment made possible through advanced copyright protection technology. Blu-ray Disc playback products are expected to be backward compatible with the current DVDs, allowing continued enjoyment of existing DVD collections.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment

Web site: http://www.funimation.com/

Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon to Star in New Line Cinema Comedy 'Four Christmases'

-- Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are in final negotiations to star in New Line Cinema's upcoming comedy "Four Christmases", it was announced today by New Line Production President Toby Emmerich.

In the film, Vaughn and Witherspoon will play a couple who struggle to visit all four of their divorced parents' homes on Christmas day.

"Four Christmases" is based on a screenplay by Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson. It is being produced by Spyglass Entertainment's Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum and Jon Glickman. Vaughn and Witherspoon will also produce.

Project will be overseen for New Line by Emmerich and production executives Mark Kaufman and Michael Disco.

Vaughn and Witherspoon have both worked on recent New Line projects, with Vaughn starring in the 2005 hit comedy "Wedding Crashers" and Witherspoon starring in the upcoming thriller "Rendition", which is scheduled for an October 19th release.

Vaughn will next be seen in the holiday comedy "Fred Claus" and the 2008 Picturehouse release Vince Vaughn's "Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days and 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland." He has also starred in "The Break-Up", "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", "Be Cool", "Dodgeball", "Starsky and Hutch", "Old School", "Made" and "Swingers."

Vaughn is represented by UTA and The Gold Company.

Witherspoon, who won the Academy Award in 2005 for the musical bio-pic, "Walk the Line", has also starred in "Legally Blonde I & II", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Election" and the New Line comedy, "Pleasantville."

Witherspoon is represented by CAA and Management 360.

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

New Line Cinema's 'Hairspray' Continues to Hit All the Right Notes at the Box Office
Highest-Opening Musical Holds Strong In Midweek Screenings And In The UK

New Line Cinema's musical comedy "Hairspray" continues to draw big crowds in theaters on the heels of its strong opening weekend, with the film grossing $4.5 million on Monday, $4.3 million on Tuesday and $3.8 million on Wednesday to bring its cumulative domestic gross to $40.1 million since its July 20th debut. The film's $27.4 million opening made it the highest opening movie musical in film history.

"We got off to a great start with "Hairspray" last weekend, and the film's performance in these first midweek showings is very strong -- we only dropped off 4 percent last night," says David Tuckerman, New Line's President of Theatrical Distribution. "Audiences are enjoying the film and spreading the word. That's a recipe for a long and successful run."

Internationally, "Hairspray" is also off to a strong start as the film had the highest grossing stage-to-screen musical debut of all time in the UK with a $4.2 million bow (approximately a $12,000 per-screen average) last weekend despite the fact that the "Hairspray" stage show has yet to open outside the United States (it will debut in the UK this Fall). "Hairspray" will open in France on August 22 and in Australia on Sept. 13.

As the film continues to draw big crowds in theaters, its official soundtrack is finding equal success. The soundtrack from New Line Records sold 71,625 units this week, boosting the album to #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, #1 on the Billboard Independent Label chart, #2 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart, and #2 on the Billboard Digital Album chart. It is also ranking #1 at retailers across the country.

Sixteen years after the release of the original film, New Line Cinema has brought the feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of "Hairspray" to life. Featuring new and original material based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, the comedy features a remarkable collection of talent including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("Chicago"), and director Adam Shankman ("Bringing Down The House"). The new screenplay for "Hairspray" was written by Leslie Dixon ("Freaky Friday," "Outrageous Fortune").

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

Grand-Prize Winner of TCM's 8th Annual Young Film Composers Competition Announced

-- Oscar(R)-winning composer Hans Zimmer, whose numerous scores include The Lion King, The Da Vinci Code and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, led a blue-ribbon panel of judges in selecting James Schafer as the grand-prize winner of Turner Classic Movies' (TCM) 8th Annual Young Film Composers Competition last night, July 25, in Los Angeles. The five finalists were announced earlier this year from more than 800 aspiring film composers who submitted entries from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Spain for the competition this year.

In the running for the grand prize were Jaebon Hwang from New York City; Jeremy Schrepple from Los Angeles; Garth Neustadter from Appleton, Wisc.; James Schafer from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; and Edward White from London, England. Each participant scored a 90-second clip from the silent classic Beau Brummel (1924), starring John Barrymore and Mary Astor, for the final round of judging. Schafer, the grand-prize winner, received $15,000 and a chance to score a feature-length film for premiere on TCM. Runners up also received prizes, including Apple laptops and Logic Pro Software.

Talent competing in TCM's 8th Annual Young Film Composers Competition were challenged to score a brief clip from Beau Brummel, matinee idol Barrymore's portrayal of the arrogant 19th-century style mogul who enjoyed life among England's upper class until he insulted his good friend, the Prince of Wales. The competition, which ran from Jan. 1, 2007 - March 31, 2007, was opened this year for the first time to participants from not only the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada but also France and Spain.

Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined Time Warner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. The network also offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including the Emmy-winning Stardust: The Bette Davis Story, Brando and Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool. Please visit tcm.com for more information.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Spike TV Powers Up Its Mobile Content and Announces the First-Ever Ringtone Deal With Comic Book Icon Stan Lee
Ringtones Will Include Famous Quotes From Stan

-- At Comic-Con today, Spike TV, a division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTVN Entertainment Group, announced its first-ever original ringtone deal with Spider-Man(R)(1) co- creator and legendary comic book writer Stan Lee and POW! Entertainment, Inc. (POWN.PK). Ringtones featuring Stan's famous quotes will be available cross carrier.

Featured ringtones will include messages about your secret identity, or messages for your arch-nemesis, or sidekick, and more. Users can download Spike TV's Stan Lee ringtones and callback tones directly from their carriers.

"We are thrilled to partner with the legendary Stan Lee for the launch of his original ringtones on Spike TV mobile," said Erik Flannigan, EVP, digital media, Spike TV. "Stan has created some of the most beloved superheroes in comic book history and his genius can now be experienced in the digital arena."

Said Stan, "Wow! What a kick to be using my own quotes as ring tones for good ol' Spike TV! The gang at Spike must like to live dangerously 'cause they let me say whatever I want-- so consider this fair warning, O True Believers-- you're in for some wild and wacky verbal wonderment!"

Known to millions as the man whose Super Heroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry, Stan Lee's creations and co- creations include Spider-Man(R), The Incredible Hulk(R), X-Men(R), The Fantastic Four(R), Iron Man(R), Daredevil(R), Silver Surfer(R) and Dr. Strange(R) and hundreds of others.

POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment Inc. (POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company, founded by world famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman, esq. POW!'s principals extensive backgrounds encompass the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time (i.e. some of Stan Lee's characters have dominated the comic book genre and transcended to the big screen breaking all time box office records and grossing billions of dollars in revenues). Capitalizing on this combined expertise POW! partners with individuals and entities of entertainment's top echelon including studios and networks in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets all of which contribute to global expansion.

Source: Spike TV

NEW LINE CINEMA AND SCHOLASTIC MEDIA PUT FINISHING TOUCHES ON ONE OF THE YEAR'S MOST ANTICIPATED FILMS THE GOLDEN COMPASS

Toy Line, Interactive Games, Publishing and Apparel Lay Foundation For Merchandising Program

NEW YORK - July 25, 2007 - It has been dubbed by many as the "next Lord of the Rings" and called a "brilliant" masterpiece by some of the world's most renowned literary critics. The Golden Compass, the first book in the best-selling and award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy, published by Scholastic U.K., will hit the big screen on December 7, 2007. Scholastic Media and New Line Cinema are now finalizing its licensing program. With Sega tapped as interactive partner,, master toy licensee Corgi International creating an extensive line of toys and collectibles, and a list of more than 40 licensing partners worldwide, The Golden Compass merchandising program is set to be a major holiday success story.

"The buzz for The Golden Compass has been fantastic and we're excited to launch product at retail in the fall," said Leslye Schaefer, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Consumer Products for Scholastic Media. "The film provides so much rich material and we know that fans are anxiously awaiting products based on this incredibly popular story."

" When you have a story that features fierce armored polar bears, talking transformable 'daemons' and the magical altheometer its easy to see why fantasy fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the merchandising program for The Golden Compass" said Dave Imhoff, New Line's Senior Executive Vice President of Worldwide Licensing and Merchanding

Scholastic has recently signed on Sababa Toys and MEGA Brands in the board game & puzzle category. Each company will develop variations on board game themes that take players through the fantasy adventure created in The Golden Compass mythology. Additional categories include apparel, home décor, card & DVD board game, food & candy, stationary, gift & novelty and publishing. Scholastic is publishing the movie tie-in books throughout the world in the English language. The publishing covers a range of titles and formats, including The Official Illustrated Movie Companion, Visual Explorer - The Definitive Guide to Lyra's World, The World of The Golden Compass, The Story of the Movie, Movie Storybook, Shuffle-Puzzle Book, Poster Book and The Official Movie Quiz Book.

A full list of licensees is available upon request.

The Golden Compass is co-produced by New Line Cinema and Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media, and written and directed by Chris Weitz (About A Boy, Antz).

The Successful World of The Golden Compass
His Dark Materials has been praised by critics and has a passionate worldwide fan base. With more than 14 million books sold across the globe that have been translated into 37 different languages, the trilogy was the first children's series ever to be honored with England's prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year Award. An epic two-part, six-hour stage production of the story at London's Royal Theatre also received numerous honors, including three prestigious Olivier nominations, with consistently sold-out performances throughout its run. The website www.goldencompassmovie.com has already garnered millions of page views.

About Scholastic Media
Scholastic Media (SM), the entertainment and media division of Scholastic, is a leading producer of quality, family-oriented content across multiple platforms, including feature films, television programming, videos, interactive and audio products, and web sites, and is a major developer and marketer of children's brands worldwide. Among SM's award-winning and top-rated productions are the animated series Clifford The Big Red Dog® (PBS KIDS®); the Emmy award-winning spin-off series Clifford's Puppy Days (PBS KIDS); I SPY (HBO Family); The Magic School Bus® (TLC); Goosebumps®; Animorphs®; and Maya & Miguel (PBS KIDS GO!). SM's critically-acclaimed feature films include Clifford's Really Big Movie, The Indian in the Cupboard, The Babysitters Club Movie, and The Mighty. SM is also producing the forthcoming film The Golden Compass, based on the award-winning Philip Pullman trilogy His Dark Materials, for New Line Cinema. Scholastic is a co-creator of the new multi-platform qubo network for children, which promotes literacy and positive values through entertainment. Provided by Scholastic, Dragon is the new pre-school series airing on qubo.

Scholastic: About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

About New Line Cinema
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).

ADDING and REPLACING Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Celebrates Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition For the Very First Time, All Three Versions to Be Released on DVD and High Definition Blu-rayTM Multi-Disc Sets November 13th

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please note the addition of alternate cell phone numbers in the contact section.

The corrected release reads:

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRATES STEVEN SPIELBERG’S CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND: 30TH ANNIVERSARY ULTIMATE EDITION
For the Very First Time, All Three Versions to Be Released on DVD and High Definition Blu-rayTM Multi-Disc Sets November 13th
Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed classic, will be released on Blu-ray Disc and standard DVD in multi-disc sets as Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition on November 13th by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this motion picture, which Gene Shalit called “one of the most spectacular movies ever made,” the set incorporates all three versions of the film, including the first-ever home video release of the 1977 Original Theatrical edition, as well as the re-edited 1980 theatrical Special Edition and Spielberg’s definitive Director’s Cut (released in 1998 as the Collector’s Edition). Bonus material on the 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition includes a never-before-seen interview with Spielberg created specifically for this release, a retrospective documentary and more.
, Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed classic, will be released on Blu-ray Disc and standard DVD in multi-disc sets as on November 13th by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this motion picture, which Gene Shalit called “one of the most spectacular movies ever made,” the set incorporates all three versions of the film, including the first-ever home video release of the 1977 edition, as well as the re-edited 1980 theatrical and Spielberg’s definitive (released in 1998 as the ). Bonus material on the includes a never-before-seen interview with Spielberg created specifically for this release, a retrospective documentary and more.

The stunning high definition presentation of Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition contains all three cinematic versions on just one 50 GB Blu-ray Disc, with bonus material included on a second disc, and is made possible by new breakthroughs in home entertainment technology. This marks the first classic Spielberg film ever to be released on a pre-recorded high definition disc format.

A legendary film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was nominated for eight Academy Awards.1 Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws) has the starring role of electrical lineman Roy Neary, as he sets out to investigate a mysterious power outage and experiences a life-changing “close encounter.”

The Original Theatrical version of Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released on screens in 1977 and was never available on home video. Spielberg released a re-edited Special Edition theatrically and on VHS in 1980 wherein he deleted several smaller scenes and added other sequences including scenes of Dreyfuss inside the alien mother ship at the end of the film. In 1998, the Collector’s Edition was released on home video with a limited theatrical run and featured Spielberg’s definitive director’s cut with changes, some small and subtle, as well as a change eliminating the interior mother ship scenes from the end of the Special Edition, thus restoring the original ending. The Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition is the first collection to include all three versions of the film.

The Blu-ray release provides for all three versions of Close Encounters of the Third Kind to be included on one 50GB disc through a process known as “seamless branching,” made possible with the added interactivity of Blu-ray’s software and the robust processing power of the second generation players. This process identifies the differences between each version of the film and segments the footage accordingly. These segments are then encoded and assembled into three unique playlists, thus allowing footage used in all three films to be included on the Blu-ray disc only once. Based on the viewer’s selection of the Original Version, Special Edition or definitive Director’s Cut, each film will be presented seamlessly in its original form by use of its respective playlist.

Both the Blu-ray and the DVD of Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition are packed with bonus features, including an exclusive interview with Spielberg and a Close Encounters of the Third Kind Retrospective Documentary.

Available only with the Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition high definition Blu-ray Disc, are additional bonus features including all-new “Storyboard-to-Scene Comparisons,” the original 1977 “Watch The Skies” featurette and an original theatrical preview.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition will be available November 13, 2007 -- nearly 30 years to the day after its original theatrical release -- on Blu-ray Disc for $49.95 or DVD for $39.95.
will be available November 13, 2007 -- nearly 30 years to the day after its original theatrical release -- on Blu-ray Disc for $49.95 or DVD for $39.95. Synopsis: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Electrical lineman Roy Neary (Dreyfuss) is one of several people who experience a close encounter of the first kind, witnessing UFOs flying through the night sky. He is subsequently haunted by a mountain-like image and becomes obsessed with discovering what it represents, much to the dismay of his family. Meanwhile, government agents around the world have close encounters of the second kind, discovering physical evidence of extraterrestrial visitors in the form of lost fighter aircraft from World War II and a stranded military ship that disappeared decades earlier, only to suddenly reappear in the Sonora and Gobi Desert. Roy and the agents then follow the clues they have been given to reach a site where they will have a close encounter of the third kind: contact.

Blu-ray Disc Bonus Features Include:

All New Interview with Steven Spielberg on Close Encounters of the Third Kind

All New “Storyboard to Scene Comparisons”

Close Encounters of the Third Kind Retrospective Documentary
Retrospective Documentary

The Original 1977 “Watch the Skies” Featurette

Original Theatrical Preview

DVD Bonus Features Include:

All New Interview with Steven Spielberg on Close Encounters of the Third Kind

“Making Of Close Encounters of the Third Kind” Retrospective Documentary

Close Encounters of the Third Kind was written and directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Julia Phillips and Michael Phillips. It stars Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Terri Garr (Tootsie), Melina Dillon (Absence of Malice) and François Truffaut (Day For Night) Feature run times are approximately 135 minutes for the Original Version, 132 minutes for the Special Edition and 137 minutes for the Collector’s Edition. It is rated PG for intense sci-fi action, mild language and thematic elements.
was written and directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Julia Phillips and Michael Phillips. It stars Richard Dreyfuss (), Terri Garr (), Melina Dillon () and François Truffaut () Feature run times are approximately 135 minutes for the , 132 minutes for the and 137 minutes for the . It is rated PG for intense sci-fi action, mild language and thematic elements. Close Encounters of the Third Kind:
30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition
DVD Catalog #: 21268
DVD UPC Code: 043396212688
DVD Order Date: 10/11/07
DVD SRP: $39.95
BD Catalog #: 22859
BD UPC Code: 043396228597
BD Order Date: 10/11/07
BD SRP: $49.95

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. SPE is a division of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital contest creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures 1 Best Director, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Effects - Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Music - Original Score, Best Sound, 1978

``Anime Bento'' Festival Serves up Four Nights of the Freshest Anime Titles on the Big Screen
NCM Fathom Responds to Anime Movie Demand by Hosting the Hottest Manga and FUNimation Entertainment Anime Titles in more than 250 Movie Theatres Nationwide

& NCM Fathom presents an "Anime Bento" festival serving up four nights of the hottest anime titles on the big screen. (Graphic: Business Wire)

SAN DIEGO & CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NCM FATHOM, the entertainment division of National CineMedia, takes an unprecedented move in alternative theatre entertainment by announcing a special, four-day anime festival – “Anime Bento, 4 Nights, 4 Servings – The Hottest Anime Movies on the Big Screen” – with FUNimation Entertainment and Manga movies never before seen on the big screen with exclusive bonus features each night. The announcement was made at the 37th Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and pop culture event in North America.

“Anime Bento, 4 Nights, 4 Servings – The Hottest Anime Movies on the Big Screen” is the first of what is planned to be an annual NCM FATHOM Anime Event. Debuting in more than 250 select AMC, Regal Entertainment Group and Georgia Theatre Company movie theatres nationwide beginning on Sept. 19th at 7:30 p.m. local time, the complete “Anime Bento” schedule will serve up one exciting title each night as follows:

“Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles” – Wednesday, Sept. 19th
“Full Metal Alchemist – The Movie – Conqueror of Shambala” – Thursday, Sept. 20th
“Lupin the III: The Castle of Cagliostro” – Wednesday, Sept. 26th
“Karas – The Prophecy” – Thursday, Sept. 27th

Tickets for “Anime Bento” can be purchased for $10.00 at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theatre box offices beginning August 11th. For a complete list of theatre locations, please visit the website (theatres are subject to change).

“We’ve had incredible success with the anime category in the recent past and NCM FATHOM is excited to debut the first annual anime festival in theatres with the hottest anime titles provided by the top anime studios in the industry – FUNimation Entertainment and Manga,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM FATHOM. “The anime phenomenon has captivated teens and adults alike, and this special event is designed as a way for fans to meet and revel in their love for anime while experiencing it in a way they’ve never experienced it before – on the big screen.”

About the Titles
“Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles”

Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the latest exciting chapter of the Robotech saga. A heroic cast of returning characters, led by Scott Bernard and Vince Grant, fight to end a decades-long struggle against an enigmatic alien race known as the Invid. However, the mysterious disappearance of the legendary Admiral Hunter will unfold in a treacherous mystery that could tear apart our young heroes and threaten their very survival!

“Full Metal Alchemist – The Movie – Conqueror of Shambala”

It is 1923 in Munich. Two years have passed since Edward Elric’s sacrifice ripped him out of his world and into ours, separating him from his younger brother, Alphonse. In that time, Ed’s continued research into rocketry has allied him with Alphonse Heiderich, a fellow researcher who oddly resembles Ed’s brother. Progress has been slow, however, and Ed has become discouraged. But when he saves a quiet Gypsy girl with the power to read minds, Ed is quickly pulled into a plot by the Thule Society and the burgeoning Nazi Party that could drag both worlds into a terrible war. Back in his own world, Al has been unlocking new secrets of alchemy and gaining incredible powers, all in the hopes of finding Ed.

Battling the occult, ideological extremists, and monstrous Homunculi lurking in the shadows, can the brothers find a way to reunite without causing chaos and bloodshed? What will happen when the world of alchemy and the world of modern science collide?

“Lupin the III: The Castle of Cagliostro”

When master thief Lupin III, a.k.a. "The Wolf," inadvertently steals a fortune in counterfeit bills from a casino, he is quick to realize the high-quality printing plates that made them are worth even more. Tracing the source of the money to the small European country of Cagliostro, Lupin and his team of colorful outlaws cross swords with the local count over his forthcoming marriage to the last princess of the Cagliostro family. It’s a fast-paced adventure as Lupin must battle fearsome ninjas, rescue a damsel in distress and uncover the key to the lost Cagliostro fortune. This is the first feature film written and directed by Academy Award™ winning anime pioneer and visionary Hayao Miyazaki.

“Karas – The Prophecy”

MIKURA IS ON THE RISE AGAIN... Tokyo - a city populated by both humans and by ghostly beings. They exist in both dimensions, seen and unseen: spirits, apparitions, demons. The balance between these two dimensions has long been upheld by the city's guardian raven Karas and his masters. But that balance has been thrown into disarray as Eko, a former Karas, has attempted to seize power and bring order to the streets through force. The entity Yurine, who represents the will of the people, stands in his way with her newly risen Karas. Now an ageless battle stretching across both dimensions and killing humans and spirits alike is in progress between the two sides and their armies. Karas is humanity’s last hope.

About National CineMedia

National CineMedia (NCM) LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest movie theatre operators in the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM LLC’s national network includes approximately 14,000 screens of which approximately 12,200 are part of the company’s Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC’s DCN covers 154 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50). During 2006, approximately 550 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres owned by the NCM LLC founding members (excluding Loews). National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 44.8% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC. For additional information, visit www.ncm.com.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Navarre Corporation, is a brand management company and one of the nation's leading independent home video entertainment companies. The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights with its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, please visit www.funimation.com.

About Manga Entertainment, Ltd.

Manga Entertainment Ltd. is an entertainment company specializing in the production, marketing and distribution of Japanese animation for theatrical, television, Internet, DVD and home video release worldwide. The Manga film library is marketed and distributed in the U.S. through Starz Home Entertainment. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in London and Tokyo. Manga is a division of Starz Media, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Group.

Veoh Networks Names Yahoo! Veteran Steve Mitgang as New Chief Executive Officer
Company Further Solidifies Senior Executive Team with Appointment of Jennifer Betka as Senior VP of Marketing

Veoh Networks (www.veoh.com), the leader in Internet Television, today announced that Steve Mitgang has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Mitgang comes to Veoh from Yahoo!, where he was Senior Vice President of the global team leading the definition, creation, and marketing of Yahoo!’s advertising products, platforms, and services. He succeeds Veoh’s founding CEO Dmitry Shapiro, who will now assume the role of Founder and Chief Innovation Officer with active involvement in the business and a focus on advancing Veoh’s technology platforms and consumer standards. Dmitry will continue to represent the company’s thought leadership within the industry.

To further support the Company’s growth strategy and solidify its senior management team, Veoh has also named Jennifer Betka as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Betka joins Veoh from Sirius Satellite Radio where she was instrumental in the development of the service’s interactive strategy and successful Internet marketing initiatives for key properties.

These new appointments come as Veoh’s user base continues to experience strong growth. In June, the company announced that its user base grew to 14.3 million unique users – marking a 223% overall rise in traffic since Veoh launched in February with a 4.4 million user base.

This growth is expected to accelerate as Veoh continues to roll out its revolutionary VeohTV product, which it expects to transform the online video landscape. Currently in beta, VeohTV acts as a specialized video browser and DVR (digital video recorder) for discovering, viewing and managing online video. VeohTV combines the breadth of the Internet with the simplicity of traditional TV and betters it with a patent-pending smart recommendation engine so that viewers can discover more of what they want to watch. Because VeohTV supports open Internet standards, it has access to virtually all of the content on the Internet.

“Steve’s strong leadership and expertise in monetizing new technologies, establishing content deals, and creating new forms of effective online advertising, combined with Jennifer’s keen insight and relevant experience in online marketing will propel Veoh’s growth as we continue to scale the business and innovate,” said Dmitry Shapiro. “Steve, Jennifer, and I share a common vision for Internet Television and how it evolves, and I am looking forward to working with both of them to make Veoh the best platform for content owners, consumers, and advertisers.”

“Dmitry has done an outstanding job driving Veoh to a leadership position in Internet television, along with a top 50 internet traffic ranking,” said Ted Meisel, Chairman of Veoh. “Having worked with Steve for many years at Overture and Yahoo!, I am confident he is just the right leader to sustain the company’s rapid growth. Similarly, as we build branded content experiences on top of Veoh’s platform, Jennifer brings a unique blend of skills in interactive, consumer and partner marketing honed over many years at AOL and Sirius Radio.”

A Silicon Valley and start-up veteran, Mr. Mitgang has 22 years of experience in general management, strategic planning, product management and business development for some for the country’s best-known brands, as well as experience with enterprise software and Internet ASPs. While at Yahoo!, Mitgang was the senior executive credited with creating the vision and managing the production of Project Panama (Yahoo’s new monetization platform). Prior to his tenure at Yahoo!, Mitgang led a variety of consumer marketing and technology companies, driving them to leading market positions or successful exits. He joined Yahoo! after its successful acquisition of Overture Services, where he led the company’s Performance Marketing group. Prior to joining Overture, Mr. Mitgang was president and CEO of Keylime Software, a web analytics company acquired by Overture Services under Mitgang’s stewardship.

Mitgang commented, “Veoh has developed a truly revolutionary platform, which, along with its rapid growth, makes Veoh one of the most exciting businesses in New Media,” “Dmitry has assembled an incredibly talented team, and VeohTV is already is being lauded as the most innovative approach to delivering the online video experience for consumers. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the team through its next phase of remarkable growth and to guide Veoh into maturity by working closely with content owners, advertisers, and publishers.”

Prior to joining Veoh, Betka served as Vice President Interactive for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, where she was responsible for the introduction of Sirius Internet Radio, the company’s streaming radio service. At Sirius she also spearheaded numerous interactive marketing initiatives, including Howard Stern’s move from terrestrial radio to Sirius, which resulted in the largest entertainment event on the web at that time. Betka has also held executive positions with Time-Warner and AOL in sales strategy, programming development and global marketing.

For Veoh, Betka will lead the charge of building the brand through integrated marketing programs and content development efforts.

About Veoh Networks

Veoh Networks is an innovative Internet Television company that delivers broadcast-quality video programming via the Internet.

The Film That Started It All: BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT Debuts on DVD December 18 with Exclusive New York/LA Theatrical Launch October 5
Three Spectacular Editions of Director’s Long-Awaited New Version, Restored and Remastered with 5.1 Audio, New and Deleted Scenes, Special Effects and More
All 4 Previous Cuts, Including the Ultra-Rare ‘Workprint’ Version, Available along with Hours of Extra Content Including Over 45 Minutes of Deleted Scenes & ''Dangerous Days,'' the Comprehensive New Feature-Length Doc
Ultimate Collector’s Edition, in Unique Limited 'Deckard Briefcase,' Also Available in HD DVD & Blu-Ray
, in Unique Limited 'Deckard Briefcase,' Also Available in HD DVD & Blu-Ray

The one that started it all. Sir Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, is one of the most important science-fiction movies of the 20th Century -- the film with immeasurable influence on society for its futuristic depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world, a film perhaps more powerful and relevant today than when it was made. The film, in fact, has appeared on more ‘Top Five’ sci-fi lists than any other film.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott (Alien, Hannibal and a three-time Oscar® nominee, Best Director, for Gladiator, Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down) has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner Home Video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more.

A showcase theatrical run is also being planned for New York and Los Angeles October 5.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be included in three stunning DVD editions: a Two-Disc Special Edition (at $20.97 SRP), a Four-Disc Collector’s Edition ($34.99 SRP) and the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition ($78.92 SRP) in Collectible “Deckard Briefcase” packaging.
will be included in three stunning DVD editions: a (at $20.97 SRP), a - ($34.99 SRP) and the ($78.92 SRP) in Collectible “Deckard Briefcase” packaging.

Simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-Ray versions (each $TBD) of the “Deckard Briefcase” will also be released in numbered, limited quantities. HD DVD and Blu-Ray 5-Disc Digi Packs with collectible slipcase (each $TBD) will include all of the UCE content.

Ford, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young and Daryl Hannah are among some 80 stars, filmmakers and others who participate in the extensive bonus features. Among the bonus material highlights is Dangerous Days - a brand new, three-and-a-half-hour documentary by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika, with an extensive look into every aspect of the film: its literary genesis, its challenging production and its controversial legacy.

Additionally, two of the collections (4- & 5-Disc) will include an entire disc with hours of enhanced content containing featurettes and galleries devoted to over 45 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes recently discovered in deep storage and approved by Ridley Scott, visual effects as well as background on author Philip K. Dick, script development, abandoned sequences, conceptual design, overall impact of the film and how it lead to the birth of cyberpunk. Trailers, TV spots and promotional featurettes will also be included.

Contacts

Image Entertainment Announces Multiple DVD Releases of Legendary Favorite ''Caligula,'' Including Four-Disc Imperial Edition

Stars Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren and Director Tinto Brass Participate in Unprecedented Special Edition

Image Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq:DISK), a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, today announced the October 2nd DVD release of an expansive "Four-Disc Imperial Edition" of the box office and home video hit, Caligula. A pop-culture phenomenon filled with scandal, rumors and controversy since its checkered production history beginning in 1976, this unflinching look at the decadence of ancient Rome remains a fixture in modern society, appearing everywhere from techno and rock performers to a recent star-studded tribute film at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

The deluxe DVD set is highlighted by two newly-recorded, no-holds-barred commentary tracks with the film's stars, Malcolm McDowell (recently seen on NBC's Heroes and HBO's Entourage as well as starring in the Rob Zombie's upcoming Halloween) and Helen Mirren (2007 Academy Award and Golden Globe Best Actress Winner for The Queen). The film's original director, cult favorite Tinto Brass, also goes on record in an extensive new filmed interview discussing the making of the film; other new interviews include actors John Steiner, Lori Wagner, and the film's on-set reporter, Ernest Volkman. This release marks the outcome of several months of unprecedented access to the film's vaulted archives, which have remained unseen for nearly three decades.

The film also stars award-winning actor Peter O'Toole (Lawrence of Arabia, Showtime's The Tudors) and Academy Award winner John Gielgud (Arthur, The Elephant Man), and the dazzling production was designed by Academy Award winner Danilo Donati (Life Is Beautiful, Flash Gordon, Fellini's Amarcord).

Caligula is presented in two versions, both newly mastered in high definition from recently uncovered negative vault materials: the unrated, uncensored theatrical version and an alternate pre-release cut featuring never-before-seen footage. Other bonus features include two versions of the "Making of Caligula" documentary (featuring interviews with the stars and filmmakers as well as writer Gore Vidal), hours of never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, hundreds of revealing photographs from the set never seen by the public, three theatrical trailers, a CD containing the full soundtrack release as well as 40 minutes of alternate and unreleased tracks written for the film, and DVD-Rom supplements including Vidal's original screenplay, an interview with Bob Guccione, three magazine features and more.

Caligula will also be released as single-disc unrated and R-rated editions on October 2, both also remastered in high definition and containing three theatrical trailers.

About Image Entertainment:

Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, with approximately 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 250 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and approximately 450 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights and, through its subsidiary Egami Media, Inc., has digital download rights to approximately 2,000 video programs and over 250 audio programs containing more than 4,000 tracks. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and has a domestic distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to http://www.image-entertainment.com. -0-

Return to House on Haunted Hill: Discover True Evil on DVD October 16, 2007

Beware of the Terror that Resides Behind Locked Doors. Starring Amanda Righetti, Erik Palladino, Cerina Vincent, Tom Riley, Andrew Lee Potts, Steven Pacey and Jeffrey Combs as Dr. Vannacutt Released Simultaneously in Rated, Unrated and HD/BD Versions with Special Features Including Alternate Endings, Character Confessions, and Much More. The HD/BD Format Will Also Feature Never-Before-Seen Navigational Cinema Technology.

BURBANK, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul. 26, 2007 Warner Premiere, the direct-to-consumer production arm for Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Home Video, creaks open the doors for the highly anticipated sequel Return to House on Haunted Hill, produced by Joel Silver's genre banner, Dark Castle Entertainment. A roller-coaster ride of terror, the film exhumes the evil spirit of Dr. Vannacutt and his diabolical nurses and orderlies. Unimaginable horrors are unleashed on a whole new group of unsuspecting victims on October 16, 2007, just in time for Halloween. Made for those who think they can handle a slaughterhouse of blood, gore and terror, the film will be released in R-Rated, Unrated and HD/BD Unrated Disc versions.

From award-winning director Victor Garcia (El Ciclo), Return to House on Haunted Hill features an ensemble cast including Amanda Righetti ("Entourage," "The O.C."), Erik Palladino ("CSI," "Over There," "ER"), Cerina Vincent ("Bones," "Toxic," Cabin Fever), Tom Riley (I Want Candy), Andrew Lee Potts (Primeval) and Steven Pacey ("Spooks"). Horror icon Jeffrey Combs (House on Haunted Hill) reprises his role as the evil Dr. Vannacutt.

"Return to House on Haunted Hill is a thrilling, edge-of-the seat ride that will allow fans to unleash their imaginations in the same vein as the original Vincent Price film, appealing to true die-hard horror fans," said Diane Nelson, President of Warner Premiere. "This is the first title tied to the Warner Premiere partnership with Joel Silver's Dark Castle Entertainment and the hands-on guidance of Joel and director Victor Garcia has delivered a truly entertaining horror film unlike what has been seen before from direct-to-DVD titles. We are prepared to deliver a truly unique DVD with never before used Navigational Cinema technology to offer an interactive viewing experience supported by a comprehensive strategic marketing campaign to ensure success."

Return to House on Haunted Hill is a sequel to the theatrical hit House on Haunted Hill, a remake of the Vincent Price horror classic from 1959. House on Haunted Hill (1999) starred Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Taye Diggs, Peter Gallagher, Chris Kattan, Ali Larter and Bridgette Wilson. The story revolved around a millionaire who offers a group of diverse people $1,000,000 to spend the night in a haunted house with a horrifying past. The film had a box-office gross of $41MM, and has sold-through over 1.1MM DVD units to date in the U.S.

"Timing is the key to all success and it is due time to unlock the doors to the House on Haunted Hill franchise with this technologically advanced sequel for Halloween. WHV has planned an extremely targeted marketing and promotional campaign that will drive awareness, as well as take advantage of this exciting time when high-def applications can be used in new ways to appeal to tech fans who want more from their DVD entertainment," said Jeffrey Baker, General Manager and Senior Vice President of WHV Theatrical Catalog. "Our sales team will be providing incentives tailored specifically to retailers' unique needs, which will allow for increased visibility in-stores. Additional marketing and promotional strategy will heighten consumer awareness and anticipation for the title."

Return to House on Haunted Hill will be available as an Unrated DVD for $27.99 SRP. Both the R-Rated version and the Unrated version will be available in Widescreen formats. The HD/BD Unrated Disc will be available for $34.99 SRP.

SYNOPSIS

Sarah Wolfe was the only living survivor from the massacre at the Vannacutt Mansion, but no one believed her claims that ghosts were responsible for the gruesome murders that took place there. Now her recent and questionable suicide leaves her sister, Ariel, no choice but to devote herself to finding out who - or what - was responsible for her death. Ariel discovers that Sarah sent her the diary of the sadistic Dr. Vannacutt just before she died, offering clues to the diabolical evil that resides within the house. But the diary also makes Ariel a target in a deadly treasure hunt that leads a group of unwitting victims back to the Vannacutt Mansion, reawakening the terror imprisoned within the house on the hill.

This time, the house and the evil spirits inside are out to make sure that no one leaves alive.

DVD ELEMENTS

Unrated Version:

The DVD release of Return to House on Haunted Hill Unrated version is filled with terrifying special features including:

-- Return to House on Haunted Hill Additional Scenes

-- Character Confessions: Return to House on Haunted Hill Confessionals

-- The Search for an Idol: Dr. Richard Hammer's Quest

-- Mushroomhead Music Video Simple Survival

HD/BD Version:

The DVD release of Return to House on Haunted Hill HD/BD Version will also feature interactive state-of-the-art Navigational Cinema which allows viewers to select alternate film sequences throughout the movie as it plays, enabling them to virtually create their own, personal film experience.

MARKETING SUPPORT

Return to House on Haunted Hill will be heavily supported by a national television, print and online media campaign, delivering more than 400 million impressions aimed at horror and technologically savvy fans. In addition, presence at horror conventions and film festivals leading up to release date and through the entire month of October will be key in capturing consumer attention.

The online marketing campaign for Return to House on Haunted Hill will kick off in the months prior to release to build pre-awareness to fans. The campaign will include an online destination website that will encourage viral activity.

Merchandisers and POP kits are available. Please contact your WHV rep for details. -0-

BASICS

"R" Rated and "Unrated" DVD Price: $ 27.99 SRP

HD/BD "Unrated" DVD Price: $ 34.99 SRP

Street Date: October 16, 2007

Prebook: September 18, 2007

Languages: English, Spanish

"R" Rated DVD Catalog # 114675

"Unrated" DVD Catalog # 114676

HD "Unrated" DVD Catalog # 116989

BD "Unrated" DVD Catalog # 117460

CREDITS

Warner Premiere

Warner Premiere is Warner Bros. Entertainment's new production company focused on the development, production and marketing of feature-length content for the growing direct-to-DVD market. Warner Premiere is committed to being at the creative forefront in the evolution of quality product in the direct-to-DVD business, creating material that exemplifies the commitment to story, production and brand equity for which Warner Bros. is known.

Warner Home Video

MySpace, Fox and the Producers Guild of America Unveil Exclusive Partnership to Develop Content from the Best New Talent in Television

New Program "The Storyteller Challenge" To Offer Aspiring Producers Opportunity to Compete for a Chance to Develop a New Series for FOX MySpace Community to Guide Creative Process

MySpace, the Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), and the Producers Guild of America today announced an exclusive industry partnership designed to recruit the next generation of talent in original programming. Together, the companies are introducing "The Storyteller Challenge", a program inviting aspiring producers to enter their original 5-7 minute television "pilots" on a dedicated MySpace community page beginning September 4, 2007. As a result of the program, two winning entrants will each receive $25,000 and an opportunity for a development deal with FOX. Additionally, the MySpace community will have exclusive access to the entries and the opportunity to weigh in on their favorite content.

"The Storyteller Challenge gives aspiring producers the potential opportunity to cut through Hollywood's red-tape and get an audience with top brass in the television business, all while cutting their teeth with the MySpace community," said Chris DeWolfe, CEO of MySpace. "By tapping into MySpace's community of millions of users worldwide, FOX and the Producers Guild will have a crack at discovering the best new ideas from the most promising aspiring talent."

Two winners will be determined by a combination of user rankings and judging by an expert panel consisting of distinguished members of the Producers Guild of America, top film schools and FOX executives.

As part of an innovative interactive selection process, MySpace users will be able to vote for their favorite videos, interact with the creators, suggest plot lines and critique videos. While the finalists will be narrowed down over two rounds by the expert panel of judges, user votes will first bring the favorites to the forefront, giving them a boost by showing they've established an online fan base.

"One of the most exciting aspects of working in entertainment today is that you never know where the next great storyteller will come from. Companies like MySpace have given aspiring producers the essential tools to put their creations in front of a mass audience; as a result, the barrier to entry into this industry is lower than it's ever been in our lifetimes," said Marshall Herskovitz, President of the Producers Guild of America. "Make no mistake, producing will always be a difficult and competitive job, but I'm proud that our Storyteller Challenge will give unique new voices the chance to find their audience."

The top six finalists will be announced on January 6, 2008 and flown to Hollywood to meet, screen and pitch their series ideas to the judges. Winners will be announced on January 25, 2008 and the winning videos could be featured on MySpace Film and MySpace's new global video platform, MySpaceTV which has experienced explosive growth in recent months, with 38% of people streaming video on Internet doing so on MySpace, according to comScore Media Metrix.

About MySpace

MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the first ranked web domain in terms of page views(a), MySpace is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member experience. MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off. MySpace's international network includes localized community sites in the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Latin America and the United Kingdom. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS - News, NWS.A - News; ASX:NWS - News, NWSLV - News).

(a) Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, June 2007. For more information on comScore Networks, please go to http://www.comscore.com.

About the Producers Guild of America

The Producers Guild of America is the only organization in the entertainment industry that brings together the leading creators of film, television and new media. Over the past six years, the Producers Guild has grown from roughly 350 members to over 3,500, including regional offices in New York and San Francisco, complementing its Los Angeles-based headquarters. In representing, protecting and promoting the interests of all members of the producing team, the PGA is proud to offer employment opportunities, seminars, health benefits, credit arbitrations and networking events among other benefits.

Fox Reality Channel Welcomes Back the Controversial Original Series, ''Solitary'' with a Behind-the-Scenes Special

New Season Begins SATURDAY, August 4 at 11:00 PM ET/8:00 PM PT, with "The Road to Solitary 2.0" Leading into the Eight Episode Series and Concluding with Reunion Show Where Subjects Meet for the First Time

Fox Reality Channel, the only all-reality, all-the-time television network, brings back a second season of controversy with "Solitary 2.0.," the first reality show that truly pushes contestants to their psychological and physical limits. Viewers will get an in-depth look at the casting process and the development of twisted new psychological tests and physical challenges with the August 4 special "The Road to Solitary 2.0" at 11:00 PM ET/8:00 PM PT. "Solitary 2.0" premieres on August 11 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, and concludes with one of the most unique reality show reunions ever on October 6, with the "Solitary 2.0" contestants meeting for the first time and comparing experiences from the grueling competition.

No other reality show puts psychological and physical stamina to the test like "Solitary 2.0." The second season elevates the competition and reloads with a series of challenges far more extreme than the first season's. Nine new contestants enter separate isolation pods and must follow the instructions given by "Val," a female computer entity who is their omniscient "friend" and sarcastic taskmaster. While in solitary, the guests never have interaction with each other or any other human being. Val controls all elements of their existence - including sleep, sound, temperature, and light. They're even stripped of their names, which are replaced with numbers. In grueling competitions, and deprived of direct knowledge of the players they are up against, each guest pushes harder and farther than seems humanly possible. And, no one goes home until they themselves quit. There are no councils, no alliances, and no votes. When the experiment ends, the last person standing walks away with bragging rights and a cash prize of $50,000.

The first season of "Solitary," which debuted June 5, 2006, received praise from viewers and critics alike, going on to become one of the ten-most-downloaded series in terms of both season purchases and individual episode purchases during its first week in the iTunes store. As a completely original competition featuring nine intense personal journeys, "Solitary" steps out of the traditional reality show box.

"'Solitary' entered into uncharted territory in the reality world," said David Lyle, President, Fox Reality Channel. "'Solitary 2.0' will push the limits of human tolerance even further and allow our viewers to go along for the ride while, luckily for them, watching comfortably from their homes."

"Solitary 2.0" is executive produced and co-created by Emmy award-winning producer, Andrew Golder ("Identity," "World Series of Blackjack," "Win Ben Stein's Money") and Lincoln Hiatt ("Unan1mous").

ABOUT THE PRODUCERS OF "SOLITARY 2.0"

Andrew Golder and Lincoln Hiatt are co-creators and executive producers of "Solitary 2.0." Their partnership dates back fifteen years to a start as writers on "Let's Make A Deal" for NBC. Golder, an Emmy award winner for "Win Ben Stein's Money," has produced more than a dozen game and variety shows including "Identity," "The Chair" and "You Don't Know Jack." Hiatt was the creator and executive producer of the hit FOX reality series "Unan1mous," and his experience encompasses a long history in both reality television ("The Contender," "The Family") and feature films ("Godzilla," "Independence Day"). "Solitary" itself is the ultimate voyeuristic social experiment and reality game show. Funny and macabre, it reflects the lighter and darker sensibilities of the two men who produce it.

ABOUT FOX REALITY CHANNEL

Fox Reality Channel launched May 24, 2005 to become the first destination for lovers of unscripted programming. The channel offers major US network favorites, exclusive international reality programming, Original Series and Specials. Fox Reality Channel offers reality viewers more of their favorite reality programming with RealityRevealed in Primetime with never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, behind the scenes secrets and more reality fun. Fox Reality Channel distribution is set to propel past 35 million subscribers in its second year, becoming one of only four new networks to achieve that feat. Its programming is available on television, broadband, cellular phones and other leading mobile devices. It recently entered into a sweeping deal with Apple(R) to deliver upcoming original series to iTunes(R) (excluding American Idol Extra). To get more information on Fox Reality Channel programs and schedules, please visit foxreality.com.

July 23

Universal Studios Hollywood Invites Guests to Be the Final Time-travelers on 'Back to the Future - the Ride' and Take a Chance at Winning a Collectible DeLorean as Doc Brown Sets the Ride on a Countdown to Its Last Mission on Labor Day, September 3, 2007
'Back to the Future' Closure to Make Way for New Simpsons Thrill Ride Opening Spring 2008 at 'The Entertainment Capital of L.A.'

-- After thrilling over 61 million visitors with wild rides across "the space-time continuum," the ground-breaking "Back to the Future - The Ride" attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will soar into the future for the very last time on Labor Day, September 3, 2007. Fans of the attraction will also have an opportunity to take the last ride and drive off as the owner of one of the stainless steel 1981 DeLoreans that served as inspiration for Doc Brown's flux capacitor-equipped time machines.

"Back to the Future - The Ride" blends breakthrough simulator technology with a cutting-edge Omni-max 70mm film to create a total sensory experience. A signature attraction at "The Entertainment Capital of L.A." for over 14 years, the ride is being closed to make way for the introduction of a new thrill ride based on the enormously popular "The Simpsons" TV series and movie. The Simpsons ride is slated to debut in Spring 2008.

"Back to the Future - The Ride" was introduced in 1993 as a continuation of the Oscar(R)-winning blockbuster "Back to the Future" film trilogy directed by Robert Zemeckis and executive produced by Steven Spielberg for Universal Pictures. The attraction features an eight-seat convertible DeLorean Time Travel Vehicle that elevates the theme park ride experience to an unprecedented level of detail, beginning with an artfully staged queue line experience that helps set up the ride's narrative storyline.

At the center of "Back to the Future-The Ride" is an original film, masterfully designed to interface with the simulator's technology by an award-winning team of filmmakers, including Oscar(R)-winning and three-time Oscar(R) nominated director Douglas Trumbull, Oscar(R)-nominated cinematographer David K. Kennedy and Oscar(R)-nominated writer Bob Gale.

With imitation being the most sincere form or flattery, the ride has inspired many replicas at other theme parks worldwide since its gala 1993 premiere at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fewer than 10,000 DeLorean automobiles were built at the company's Northern Ireland factory. The car was notable for its futuristic design, including a stainless steel exterior and top-opening gull-wing doors. The 1981 DeLorean that Universal Studios Hollywood will give away has been driven with just over 60,000 miles. Officials at the studio are unable to estimate how many millions of years the vehicle has traveled in the space-time continuum. To learn more about winning the DeLorean, guests can log on to http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ or visit the theme park to register at specially-created "Back to the Future" kiosks.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour, the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy(sm) - The Ride," "Shrek 4-D(TM)," "Jurassic Park(R) - The Ride" and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds." Universal CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. Universal CityWalk Cinemas, offering the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles, features 19 screens including one of Southern California's largest IMAX(R) venues and newly renovated stadium-style seating.

Universal Studios Hollywood (http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

Source: Universal Studios Hollywood

Web site: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/

UPDATE: Get Ready to Heat Up With Laughter! The World Television Premiere of 'Gabriel Iglesias: Hot and Fluffy' Debuts Saturday, August 4 at 10:00 P.M.* on Comedy Central(R)

-- It's time to cool down with red hot stand-up comedy! Comedian Gabriel Iglesias rocks the mic with all-new hilarious jokes in his latest one-hour stand-up special. The World Television Premiere of "Gabriel Iglesias: Hot and Fluffy" debuts on COMEDY CENTRAL Saturday, August 4 at 10:00 p.m.

From the Fox Theater in Bakersfield, California, learn what voice master Gabriel Iglesias does when he impersonates George Lopez in a strip club, Carlos Mencia on stage and large-breasted women at theme parks. Viewers will even discover the best way to get out of a speeding ticket and why "fluffy" men and Volkswagen Beetles never mix. Get ready for all-new caliente comedy in this all-new World Television Premiere special.

Iglesias's style of comedy is a mixture of story telling with characters and sound effects that bring his issues to life. His amazing ability to cross over with his clean animated style of comedy has made him a big demand in all markets. In 2000, Iglesias won a Kid's Choice Award for the Nickelodeon TV show "All That." In 2004 and 2005, Iglesias was voted into the Top 25 comedians of COMEDY CENTRAL's end-of-year "Stand-Up Showdown." As one of the fastest rising stars in the recent boom of Latino comedians, Iglesias was also put on the map by the Galavision TV show, "Que Locos!". This highly successful television comedy hour quickly spawned a nationwide tour of sold- out performances across the country. The experience not only helped to develop Iglesias's loyal fan base, but also led him to additional film and television roles. He has guest-starred on ABC's "My Wife & Kids," Showtime's "Resurrection Boulevard" and was involved in the WB pilot for "Deez Nuts".

*All Times ET/PT

Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/

“Great To Be Nominated”Celebrates “Born on the Fourth of July”

Beverly Hills, CA — The 1989 Best Picture nominee “Born on the Fourth of July” will be screened as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The film biography of Ron Kovic, a paraplegic Vietnam veteran who becomes an anti-war activist, will screen on Monday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Actor Raymond J. Barry (“Mr. Kovic”), sound effects editor Scott Gershin and rerecording mixers Gregory Harold Watkins and Michael Minkler will participate in a panel discussion following the screening.

“Born on the Fourth of July” received a total of eight Academy Award® nominations and took home the Oscars® for Directing (Oliver Stone) and Film Editing (David Brenner, Joe Hutshing). The film was also nominated for Best Picture (A. Kitman Ho and Stone, producers), Actor in a Leading Role (Tom Cruise), Cinematography (Robert Richardson), Music – Original Score (John Williams), Sound (Michael Minkler, Gregory H. Watkins, Wylie Stateman, Tod A. Maitland) and Writing – Screenplay based on material from another medium (Stone, Ron Kovic).

The Oscar®-winning live action short “Work Experience” and the Academy Award-nominated animated short “The Hill Farm” will be screened prior to the feature.

Individual tickets for the remaining screenings in part four of “Great To Be Nominated” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

July 20

List of Primetime Emmy Nominations
Thu Jul 19, 2:14 PM ET

Nominees in all categories for the 59th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, announced Thursday by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences:

1. Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour): "Avatar: The Last Airbender: City of Walls and Secrets," Nickelodeon; "Robot Chicken: Lust for Puppets," Cartoon Network; "The Simpsons: the Haw-Hawed Couple," Fox; "South Park: Make Love, Not Warcraft," Comedy Central; "SpongeBob SquarePants: Bummer Vacation/Wig Struck," Nickelodeon.

2. Animated Program (Programming One Hour or More): "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Good Wilt Hunting," Cartoon Network; "Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms," Starz; "Secrets of the Deep," Discovery Channel; "Camp Lazlo: Where's Lazlo?," Cartoon Network.

3. Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series: "The Class: Pilot," CBS; "How I Met Your Mother," CBS.

4. Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series: "Deadwood," HBO; "Heroes: Genesis," NBC; "Rome," HBO; "Shark: Teacher's Pet," CBS; "The Tudors: Episode 101," Showtime; "Ugly Betty: The Box and the Bunny," ABC.

5. Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie: "Broken Trail," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre)," PBS; "Return to Halloweentown," Disney Channel; "The Starter Wife," USA.

6. Art Direction for a Variety, Music Program or Special: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "Cirque du Soleil: Corteo," Bravo; "Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower," The History Channel; "Engineering an Empire: Egypt," The History Channel; "Hell's Kitchen: Episode 210," Fox; "MADtv: Episode 1209," Fox; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.

7. Casting for a Comedy Series: "Desperate Housewives," ABC; "Entourage," HBO; "30 Rock," NBC; "Ugly Betty," ABC; "Weeds," Showtime.

8. Casting for a Drama Series: "Brothers & Sisters," ABC; "Friday Night Lights," NBC; "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," NBC; "The Tudors," Showtime.

9. Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or Special: "Broken Trail," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre)," PBS; "The Path to 9/11," ABC; "The Ron Clark Story," TNT; "The Starter Wife," USA.

10. Choreography: "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 303A," ABC; "So You Think You Can Dance: Ramalama (Bang Bang)," Fox; "So You Think You Can Dance: Calling You," Fox; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.

11. Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series: "According to Jim: Hoosier Daddy," ABC; "Rules of Engagement: Jeff's Wooby," CBS; "Two and a Half Men: Release the Dogs," CBS.

12. Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Built to Kill," CBS; "Deadwood: Catbird Seat," HBO; "Rome: Passover," HBO; "The Sopranos: Soprano Home Movies," HBO; "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: Pilot," NBC.

13. Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie: "Broken Trail, Part 1," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre): Part 1," PBS; "The Path to 9/11: Night 2," ABC; "The Valley of Light (Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation)," CBS.

14. Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming: "Deadliest Catch: The Unforgiving Sea," Discovery Channel; "Meerkat Manor: Family Affair," Animal Planet; "Planet Earth: Pole to Pole," Discovery Channel; "This American Life: God's Close-Up," Showtime; "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," HBO.

15. Cinematography for Reality Programming: "The Amazing Race: I Know Phil, Little Ol' Gorgeous Thing," CBS; "Dirty Jobs: Mule Logger," Discovery Channel; "Project Runway: Iconic Statement," Bravo; "Top Chef: Episode 209," Bravo.

16. Commercial: "Animals," American Express; "Battle," Cingular; "Happiness Factory," Coca Cola; "Jar," GE; "Pinball," Pepsi; "Singing Cowboy," Truth; "Snowball," Travelers.

17. Costumes for a Series: "Deadwood: Amateur Night," HBO; "Desperate Housewives: Getting Married Today," ABC; "Rome: De Patre Vostro (About Your Father)," HBO; "The Tudors: Episode 103," Showtime; "Ugly Betty: I'm Coming Out," ABC.

18. Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special: "Broken Trail: Part 2," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre): Part 1," PBS; "Longford," HBO; "The Starter Wife: Part 1."

19. Directing for a Comedy Series: "Entourage: One Day in the Valley," HBO; "Extras: Orlando Bloom," HBO; "The Office: Gay Witch Hunt," NBC; "Scrubs: My Musical," NBC; "30 Rock: The Breakup," NBC; "Ugly Betty: Pilot," ABC.

20. Directing for a Drama Series: "Battlestar Galactica: Exodus, Part 2," Sci-Fi Channel; "Boston Legal: Son of the Defender," ABC; "Friday Night Lights: Pilot," NBC; "Heroes: Genesis," NBC; "Lost: Through the Looking Glass," ABC; "The Sopranos: Kennedy and Heidi," HBO; "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: Pilot," NBC.

21. Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program: "American Idol: The Finale," Fox; "The Colbert Report: Show 2161," Comedy Central; "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: Show 12061," Comedy Central; "Saturday Night Live: Host: Alec Baldwin," NBC; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.

22. Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special: "Broken Trail: Part 1 & Part 2," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre)," PBS; "Prime Suspect: The Final Act (Masterpiece Theatre)," PBS; "Tsunami, The Aftermath: Part 1 & Part 2," HBO.

23. Directing for Nonfiction Programming: "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib," HBO; "Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed," The History Channel; "Thin," HBO; "This American Life: God's Close-Up," Showtime; "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," HBO.

24. Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series: "Dexter," Showtime; "Heroes: Genesis," NBC; "Lost Through the Looking Glass," ABC; "The Sopranos: The Second Coming," HBO; "The Sopranos: Soprano Home Movies," HBO.

25. Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series: "My Name Is Earl: The Trial," NBC; "My Name Is Earl: Guess Who's Coming Out of Joy," NBC; "The Office: The Job," NBC; "Weeds: Mrs. Botwin's Neighborhood," Showtime; "Weeds: Crush Girl Love Panic," Showtime.

26. Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or a Movie: "Broken Trail: Part 2," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre): Part 1," PBS; "Life Support," HBO; "The Path to 9/11: Night 2," ABC; "The Starter Wife: Part 3," USA.

27. Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Series: "American Idol: Idol Gives Back," Fox; "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: Show 12043," Comedy Central; "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 304," ABC; "How I Met Your Mother: Robin Sparkles," CBS; "Two and a Half Men: Release the Dogs," CBS.

28. Picture Editing for a Special (Single or Multi-Camera): "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "Cirque du Soleil: Corteo," Bravo; "Lewis Black: Red, White & Screwed," HBO; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC; "A Tribute to James Taylor (Great Performances)," PBS.

29. Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming: "AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies," CBS; "Deadliest Catch: The Unforgiving Sea," Discovery Channel; "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib," HBO; "Meerkat Manor: Family Affair," Animal Planet; "Planet Earth: Mountains," Discovery Channel; "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," HBO.

30. Picture Editing for Reality Programming: "The Amazing Race: I Know Phil, Little Ol' Gorgeous Thing," CBS; "American Idol: Memphis Auditions," Fox; "Extreme Makeover Home Edition: The Thomas Family," ABC; "Project Runway: Iconic Statement," Bravo; Survivor: An Evil Thought," CBS.

31. Hairstyling for a Series: "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 303," ABC; "Deadwood: A Constant Throb," HBO; "Desperate Housewives: It Takes Two," ABC; "Rome: De Patre Vostro (About Your Father)," HBO; "Ugly Betty: I'm Coming Out," ABC.

32. Hairstyling for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "Broken Trail," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre," PBS.

33. Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for VMC Programming: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "American Idol: The Finale," Fox; "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 308," ABC; "49th Annual Grammy Awards," CBS; "Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Episode 2408," NBC.

34. Main Title Design: "Dexter," Showtime; "Hu$tle," AMC; "The Lost Room," Sci Fi Channel; "The Path to 9/11," ABC; "Standoff," Fox; "Ugly Betty," ABC.

35. Makeup for a Series (Non-Prosthetic): "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Fannysmackin'," CBS; "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 303," ABC; "Deadwood: I Am Not the Man You Take Me For," HBO; "MADtv: Episode 1210," Fox; "Rome: De Patre Vostro (About Your Father)," HBO.

36. Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Non-Prosthetic): "Broken Trail," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower," The History Channel; "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King," TNT; "The Starter Wife," USA.

37. Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or a Special: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Living Legend," CBS; "Grey's Anatomy: My Favorite Mistake," ABC; "House: Que Sera Sera," Fox; "MADtv: Episode 1203," Fox; "Nip/Tuck: Conor McNamara," FX.

38. Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score): "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Law of Gravity," CBS; "Ghost Whisperer: Love Never Dies," CBS; "Kidnapped: Pilot," NBC; "Planet Earth: Pole to Pole," Discovery Channel; "Rome: Philippi," HBO; "24," Fox.

39. Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special (Original Dramatic Score): "Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters," HBO; "Broken Trail," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines," TNT; "Longford," HBO; "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King Battleground," TNT; "The Path to 9/11," ABC.

40. Music Direction: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 310," ABC; "Scrubs: My Musical," NBC; "The 60th Annual Tony Awards (2006)," CBS.

41. Original Music and Lyrics: "Family Guy: Peter's Two Dads," Song Title: "My Drunken Irish Dad," Fox; "MADtv: Episode 1209," Song Title: "Merry Ex-Mas," Fox; "Saturday Night Live Host: Justin Timberlake," Song Title: "D--- in a Box," NBC; "Scrubs: My Musical," Song Title: "Everything Comes Down to Poo," NBC; "Scrubs: My Musical," Song Title: "Guy Love," NBC.

42. Original Main Title Theme Music: "Dexter," Showtime; "Hu$tle: 401," AMC; "On the Lot: 102A," Fox; "30 Rock: Hard Ball," NBC; "The Tudors: Episode 5," Showtime.

43. Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Ricky Gervais, "Extras," HBO; Tony Shalhoub, "Monk," USA; Steve Carell, "The Office," NBC; Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock," NBC; Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men," CBS.

44. Lead Actor in a Drama Series: James Spader, "Boston Legal," ABC; Hugh Laurie, "House," Fox; Denis Leary, "Rescue Me," FX; James Gandolfini, "The Sopranos," HBO; Kiefer Sutherland, "24," Fox.

45. Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: Robert Duvall, "Broken Trail," AMC; Tom Selleck, "Jesse Stone: Sea Change," CBS; Jim Broadbent, "Longford," HBO; William H. Macy, "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King Umney's Last Case," TNT; Matthew Perry, "The Ron Clark Story," TNT.

46. Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Felicity Huffman, "Desperate Housewives," ABC; Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "The New Adventures of Old Christine," CBS; Tina Fey, "30 Rock," NBC; America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty," ABC; Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds," Showtime.

47. Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Sally Field, "Brothers & Sisters," ABC; Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer," TNT; Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," NBC; Patricia Arquette, "Medium," NBC; Minnie Driver, "The Riches," FX; Edie Falco, "The Sopranos," HBO.

48. Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: Queen Latifah, "Life Support," HBO; Helen Mirren, "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," PBS; Mary-Louise Parker, "The Robber Bride," Oxygen; Debra Messing, "The Starter Wife," USA; Gena Rowlands, "What If God Were the Sun," Lifetime.

49. Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Kevin Dillon, "Entourage," HBO; Jeremy Piven, "Entourage," HBO; Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother," CBS; Rainn Wilson, "The Office," NBC; Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men," CBS.

50. Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: William Shatner, "Boston Legal," ABC; T.R. Knight, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; Masi Oka, "Heroes," NBC; Michael Emerson, "Lost," ABC; Terry O'Quinn, "Lost," ABC; Michael Imperioli, "The Sopranos," HBO.

51. Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: Thomas Haden Church, "Broken Trail," AMC; August Schellenberg, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; Aidan Quinn, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; Edward Asner, "The Christmas Card," Hallmark; Joe Mantegna, "The Starter Wife," USA.

52. Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Jaime Pressly, "My Name Is Earl," NBC; Jenna Fischer, "The Office," NBC; Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men," CBS; Conchata Ferrell, "Two and a Half Men," CBS; Vanessa Williams, "Ugly Betty," ABC; Elizabeth Perkins, "Weeds," Showtime.

53. Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Rachel Griffiths, "Brothers & Sisters," ABC; Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; Chandra Wilson, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; Sandra Oh, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; Aida Turturro, "The Sopranos," HBO; Lorraine Bracco, "The Sopranos," HBO.

54. Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: Greta Scacchi, "Broken Trail," AMC; Anna Paquin, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; Samantha Morton, "Longford," HBO; Judy Davis, "The Starter Wife," USA; Toni Collette, "Tsunami: The Aftermath," HBO.

55. Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Martin Landau, "Entourage," HBO; Ian McKellen, "Extras," HBO; Stanley Tucci, "Monk," USA; Giovanni Ribisi, "My Name Is Earl," NBC; Beau Bridges, "My Name Is Earl," NBC.

56. Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Christian Clemenson, "Boston Legal," ABC; Forest Whitaker, "ER," NBC; David Morse, "House," Fox; Tim Daly, "The Sopranos," HBO; John Goodman, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," NBC; Eli Wallach, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," NBC.

57. Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Dixie Carter, "Desperate Housewives," ABC; Laurie Metcalf, "Desperate Housewives," ABC; Elaine Stritch, "30 Rock," NBC; Judith Light, "Ugly Betty," ABC; Salma Hayek, "Ugly Betty," ABC.

58. Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Kate Burton, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; Elizabeth Reaser, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; Marcia Gay Harden, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," NBC; Leslie Caron, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," NBC; Jean Smart, "24," Fox.

59. Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program: Ellen DeGeneres, "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; Stephen Colbert, "The Colbert Report," Comedy Central; Jon Stewart, "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Comedy Central; David Letterman, "Late Show With David Letterman," CBS; Tony Bennett, "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.

60. Comedy Series: "Entourage," HBO; "The Office," NBC; "30 Rock," NBC; "Two and a Half Men," CBS; "Ugly Betty," ABC.

61. Drama Series: "Boston Legal," ABC; "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; "Heroes," NBC; "House," Fox; "The Sopranos," HBO.

62. Miniseries: "Broken Trail," AMC; "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," PBS; "The Starter Wife," USA.

63. Made for Television Movie: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Inside the Twin Towers," Discovery Channel; "Longford," HBO; "The Ron Clark Story," TNT; "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy," Lifetime.

64. Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Colbert Report," Comedy Central; "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Comedy Central; "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," NBC; "Late Show With David Letterman," CBS; "Real Time With Bill Maher," HBO.

65. Variety, Music or Comedy Special: "The Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner," Comedy Central; "The Kennedy Center Honors: A National Celebration of the Performing Arts," CBS; "Lewis Black: Red, White & Screwed," HBO; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC; "A Tribute to James Taylor (Great Performances)," PBS; "Wanda Sykes: Sick and Tired," HBO.

66. Special Class Program: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "The 64th Golden Globe Awards," NBC; "Jerry Seinfeld: The Comedian Award," HBO; "Prince Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show," CBS; "The 60th Annual Tony Awards (2006)," CBS.

67. Children's Program: "Hannah Montana," Disney Channel; "Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Private Worlds: Kids and Autism," Nickelodeon; "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," Disney Channel; "That's So Raven," Disney Channel; "When Parents Are Deployed," PBS.

68. Nonfiction Special: "AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies," CBS; "Blood Diamonds," The History Channel; "Brando," TCM; "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib," HBO; "Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed," The History Channel.

69. Nonfiction Series: "American Masters," PBS; "Biography," A&E; "Deadliest Catch," Discovery Channel; "Inside the Actors Studio," Bravo; "Planet Earth," Discovery Channel.

70. Reality Program: "Antiques Roadshow," PBS; "Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan," National Geographic; "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," ABC; "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," Bravo; "Penn & Teller: Bull----!" Showtime.

71. Reality-Competition Program: "The Amazing Race," CBS; "American Idol," Fox; "Dancing With the Stars," ABC; "Project Runway," Bravo; "Top Chef," Bravo.

72. Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking: "Jonestown: The Life and Death of People's Temple (American Experience)," PBS; "A Lion in the House (Independent Lens)," PBS; "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," HBO.

73. Writing for Nonfiction Programming: "American Masters Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film," PBS; "Penn & Teller: Bull----!" Showtime; "Planet Earth: Mountains," Discovery Channel; "Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed," The History Channel; "This American Life: God's Close-Up," Showtime.

74. Sound Editing for a Series: "Battlestar Galactica: Exodus, Part 2," Sci-Fi Channel; "CSI: Miami: No Man's Land," CBS; "ER: Bloodline," NBC; "Lost: A Tale Of Two Cities," ABC; "Smallville: Zod," CW; "24: 10:00 PM 11:00 PM," Fox.

75. Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or Special: "Broken Trail, Night 2," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines," TNT; "The Path to 9/11: Night 1," ABC; "Tsunami, The Aftermath: Part 1," HBO.

76. Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming (single or multi-Camera): "The Amazing Race: I Know Phil, Little Ol' Gorgeous Thing," CBS; "American Masters Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built," PBS; "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib," HBO; "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," HBO.

77. Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (one-hour): "Boston Legal: Lincoln," ABC; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Living Doll," CBS; "Deadwood: A Two-Headed Beast," HBO; "Heroes: Genesis," NBC; "The Sopranos: Stage 5," HBO; "24: 10:00 PM 11:00 PM," Fox.

78. Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or Movie: "Broken Trail: Night 2," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre): Part 1," PBS; "Krakatoa: Volcano of Destruction," Discovery Channel; "The Lost Room: The Key and the Clock: Night 1," Sci-Fi Channel.

79. Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (half-hour) and Animation: "Entourage: One Day in the Valley," HBO; "My Name Is Earl: Our Cops Is on!" NBC; "The Office: The Coup," NBC; "Scrubs: My Musical," NBC; "30 Rock: Corporate Crush," NBC.

80. Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or Special: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: Show 12061," Comedy Central; "49th Annual Grammy Awards," CBS; "The Magic Flute (Great Performances at the Met)," PBS; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.

81. Sound Mixing for Nonfiction Programming (single or multi-camera): "The Amazing Race: I Know Phil, Little Ol' Gorgeous Thing," CBS; "American Masters Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built," PBS; "Deadliest Catch: The Unforgiving Sea," Discovery Channel; "Planet Earth: Pole to Pole," Discovery Channel; "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," HBO.

82. Special Visual Effects for a Series: "Battlestar Galactica: Exodus, Part 2," Sci-Fi Channel; "Eureka: Pilot," Sci-Fi Channel; "Grey's Anatomy: Walk on Water," ABC; "Heroes: Five Years Gone, NBC; "Rome: Philippi," HBO.

83. Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or Special: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Drive: The Starting Line," Fox; "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King: Battleground," TNT; "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King: The End of the Whole Mess," TNT; "The Path to 9/11: Night 2," ABC; "Secrets of the Deep," Discovery Channel.

84. Stunt Coordination: "CSI: Miami: Rush," CBS; "CSI: NY: Sleight Out of Hand," CBS; "ER: Bloodline," NBC; "Heroes: Genesis," NBC; "24: 2:00 PM 3:00 P.M.," Fox.

85. Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Series: "American Idol: Bon Jovi," Fox; "Dancing With the Stars: Episode 310," ABC; "Jimmy Kimmel: Live Jay-Z Show," ABC; "Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Episode 2424," NBC; "Saturday Night Live: Host Alec Baldwin and Musical Guest Christina Aguilera," NBC.

86. Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Miniseries, Movie or Special: "79th Annual Academy Awards," ABC; "American Idol: Idol Gives Back," Fox; "Comic Relief 2006," HBO; "Dane Cook: Vicious Circle," HBO; "49th Annual Grammy Awards," CBS; "Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show: Prince," CBS; "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.

87. Writing for a Comedy Series: "Extras: Daniel Radcliffe," HBO; "The Office: Gay Witch Hunt," NBC; "The Office: The Negotiation," NBC; "30 Rock: Tracy Does Conan," NBC; "30 Rock: "Jack-Tor," NBC.

88. Writing for a Drama Series: "Battlestar Galactica: Occupation/Precipice," Sci Fi Channel; "Lost: Through the Looking Glass," ABC; "The Sopranos: Kennedy and Heidi," HBO; "The Sopranos: The Second Coming," HBO; "The Sopranos: Made in America," HBO.

89. Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program: "The Colbert Report," Comedy Central; "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Comedy Central; Late Night With Conan O'Brien," NBC; "Late Show With David Letterman," CBS; "Real Time With Bill Maher," HBO.

90. Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: "Broken Trail," AMC; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO; "Jane Eyre: Parts 1 & 2," PBS; "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," PBS; "The Starter Wife," USA.

'TARGET PRESENTS TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC' NBC Special Receives Eight Emmy Nominations
Bennett Nominated in Performance Category, Rob Marshall for Direction, and Program Gets Nod for Outstanding Special

-- The critically acclaimed and ground-breaking television special, TARGET PRESENTS TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC received eight Prime-time Emmy nominations as announced earlier today. The special garnered nods in all of the major categories including Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special; Outstanding Individual Performance for Tony Bennett; and Outstanding Direction for Rob Marshall. Additional nominations were received for Choreography, Art Direction, Editing, Sound Mixing and Technical Direction. TARGET PRESENTS TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC was aired on NBC on November 21, 2006 and was acknowledged as a "masterpiece" by the Hollywood Reporter among other media outlets.

Tony Bennett commented, "Working with Rob Marshall was one of the best experiences of my career. I am honored to be nominated and thrilled for all involved who worked at such a high-level of artistry and professionalism to create this special." Tony Bennett previously won an Emmy in 1996 for "Outstanding Individual Performance," for the special, "TONY BENNETT LIVE BY REQUEST: A VALENTINE'S SPECIAL."

Director Rob Marshall (CHICAGO, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA) commented, "TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC' was a total labor of love. Having the opportunity to revive and re-imagine the variety specials of our past, as well as working with the legendary Tony Bennett, was an extraordinary, once in a lifetime experience." In addition to his Emmy nomination for direction, Rob was also nominated along with his producing partner John DeLuca for "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special" and for "Outstanding Choreography." Rob Marshall previously won an Emmy for "ANNIE" in 1999 and received a 2006 DGA AWARD for his direction of "TARGET PRESENTS TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC."

Danny Bennett, executive producer for the special and Tony's son and manager remarked, "This program was an unparalleled achievement that brought high-quality entertainment and exceptional production elements to the variety special genre for television." Danny Bennett is nominated in the category of "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special." Tony Bennett's other son, Dae Bennett, was also nominated in the category of "Outstanding Sound Mixing."

Filmed at the historic Los Angeles Theatre, the special was directed by Rob Marshall who was joined by his Academy Award winning production team. Joining Bennett in musical production numbers that featured stylized sets and show-stopping choreography were Barbra Streisand, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Michael Buble, John Legend, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Juanes and Chris Botti. In addition, narrative segments highlighting Tony's career achievements featuring Robert DeNiro, Billy Crystal, John Travolta, Bruce Willis and Catherine Zeta-Jones provided a biographic element. The DVD version of the special, which was released in November 2006, has already been certified Gold and Platinum.

"TARGET PRESENTS TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC" was produced by RPM Productions & LUCAMAR Productions.

COMPLETE LISTING OF EMMY NOMINATIONS FOR "TARGET PRESENTS TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC"

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special

-- Danny Bennett, Executive Producer

-- Rob Marshall, Executive Producer

-- John DeLuca, Executive Producer

-- Jodi Hurwitz, Producer

Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program

-- Tony Bennett -- Performer

Outstanding Directing for Variety, Music or Comedy Program

-- Rob Marshall -- Director

Outstanding Choreography

-- John DeLuca and Rob Marshall -- Choreographers

Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety, Music or Non-Fiction Program

-- John Myhre -- Production Designer

-- Thomas Voth -- Art Director

-- Barbara Cassel -- Set Director

Outstanding Picture Editing For A Special

-- Wyatt Smith -- Editor

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special

-- Terry Donohue -- Technical Director

-- Sion Michel -- Camera

-- Darin Moran -- Camera

-- John Grillo -- Camera

-- Thomas Tcimpidus -- Senior Video

-- Nick Theodorakis -- Video

Outstanding Sound Mixing for A Variety or Music Series or Special

-- Dae Bennett -- Recorded and Mixed by

-- Sue Pelino -- Re-recording Mixer

-- Christopher Koch -- Additional Audio Post Mixer

TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

CREDITS

Premiere Date: Tuesday, November 21 (8-9 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC

Starring: Tony Bennett with guest star appearances by Christina Aguilera, Chris Botti, Michael Buble, Juanes, Elton John, Diana Krall,

k.d. lang, John Legend, Barbra Streisand and Stevie Wonder

Executive Producers: Danny Bennett, Rob Marshall, John DeLuca

Producer: Jodi Hurwitz

Director: Rob Marshall

Director of Photography: Dion Beebe ACS

Production Designer: John Myhre

Choreography: John DeLuca, Rob Marshall

Costume Designer: Colleen Atwood

Origination: Los Angeles Theatre

Produced by: RPM TV Productions Inc. & LUCAMAR Productions

http://www.benedettoarts.com/
http://www.columbiarecords.com/

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS, FASHION & TECHNOLOGY

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X-Games 13

August 21

X GAMES 13 MAKES HISTORY WITH MOST-VIEWED AND HIGHEST RATINGS EVER

Record Online Audience For EXPN.com; Highest TV Ratings Across All Age
Groups

The success of X Games 13, held in Los Angeles August 2 – 5, reflects
the evolving ways that fans engage in action sports today and were a
success across television, online and mobile media across the globe.
EXPN.com (ESPN.com’s action sports hub) recorded its most overall traffic
ever for an X Games with first time live webcasts as well as fan voting
for competition. Telecasts of X Games 13 on ESPN delivered the
most-viewed X Games ever among Households and Men 12-17, 18-34, 18-49 and
25-54. ESPN's prime time telecasts were up 35% compared to 2006 among
M12-17.

“Once again the best action sports athletes in the world came to X
Games and provided fans around the world with remarkable performances”,
said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise. “And the fans
responded in record numbers across ESPN’s global multi-media
platforms”, added Alessandri.

In an effort to continue to expand the X Games franchise globally, on
the opening night of X Games 13, the first five minutes aired live on 19
of ESPN's television networks, reaching a potential 267 million
viewers in 145 countries. In addition, fans around the world were then able
to watch the entire broadcast streamed live on EXPN.com. Both EXPN.com
and ESPN360.com streamed 40 hours of live X Games 13 coverage.

The newly re-launched EXPN.com had its most successful X Games ever,
with the number of unique visitors more than doubling X Games 2006 (up
116 percent), which was the previous record-setting event. According to
comScore Media Metrix, the site was accessed by more than a half
million unique users, and generated more than 3.2 million page views over
the course of the X Games. Additionally, fans viewed X Games videos on
EXPN.com and ESPN.com more than 1.6 million times over the four days of
the competition.

On television, nearly 38 million fans tuned into X Games 13, up 7% from
2006. Overall, X Games 13 averaged a 1.0 Household coverage rating on
ESPN, a 19% increase from 2006.

August 5

Big Finishes Somehow Always Happen At The X Games”

Foust Wins X Games Rally Car Super Special; DQ’d Pastrana Takes Bronze

(C) MBN 2007

LOS ANGELES – Tanner Foust, a stunt driver on movie screens this
weekend in “The Bourne Ultimatum,” surged ahead in the home stretch to take
the checkered flag – and the gold – in the Rally Car Racing Super
Special competition, the final event of ESPN X Games 13.

Rally Car, which features a driver and a co-driver racing street legal
cars on closed sections of roads called “stages,” is in its second year
at X Games, and this year’s race marked the first time teams raced
head-to-head. They did so before a sellout crowd at The Home Depot
Center.

Foust and co-driver Chrissie Beavis led early in the final race but
lost the lead to Ken Block and his co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino – only
to blast forward in the last inches of the course and cross the finish
line .68 seconds ahead of Block and Gelsomino.

“[Block] was leading us going out, and on the way back he must have
caught bad breaks because he got really close and I was thinking ‘Oh my
gosh, there’s no dust at the finish line, we might have a chance at
this,’ ” Foust said afterwards.

“Big finishes somehow always happen at the X Games,” Foust shrugged.

Travis Pastrana, the Moto X Freestyle legend of double backflip fame,
said recently that Rally Car Racing now occupies “99.9” percent of his
time. During a semi final heat, Pastrana crossed into Faust’s lane in a
similar push for the finish line, and was disqualified. He later took
the bronze in a heat run to determine third place.

“I thought [Foust] might be a little bit ahead – I just totally
overtook that corner a little bit, and completely ran right through the
barrier,” Pastrana said. “They made a call, and we’ve been on the other side
of calls a lot…[w]e’ll take it – we’re still at the podium.”

Robinson Named Most Outstanding Athlete

At the medal ceremony that followed, BMX Freestyle rider Kevin Robinson
was named Subaru’s Most Outstanding Athlete of X Games 13. He will
receive a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX.

Robinson won gold in this year’s BMX Freestyle Big Air event and bronze
in the BMX Freestyle Vert competition, where he landed a double flair.
He remains the only rider in the world who has successfully landed
the trick in competition. A native of East Providence, RI, Robinson
competed in the very first X Games in 1995 and has only missed one of the
13 total X Games to date.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Rally Car Racing Super Special Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Rally Car Racing Super Special
event held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 5, 2007.

Driver / Co-Driver / Hometown / Hometown
1. Tanner Foust / Chrissie Beavis / Steamboat, CO / San Diego, CA
2. Ken Block / Alessandro Gelosomino / Encinitas, CA / Los Angeles, CA
3. Travis Pastrana / Christian Edstrom / Annapolis, MD / New York, NY
4. Ramana Lagemann / Mark Williams / Boston, MA / North Potomac, MD
5. Colin McRae / Carolyn Bosley / Lanark, Scotland / Burlington, VT
6. Andy Pinker / Robbie Durant / Perth, Australia / Oxford, England
7. Paul Choiniere / Jeff Becker / Shelburne, VT / Great Neck, NY
8. Andrew Comrie-Picard / Marc Goldfarb Edmonton, Alberta Canada /
Atkinson, NH
9. Boris Said / John Buffum / Carlsbad, CA / Colchester, VT
10. Pat Moro / Mike Rossey / Dublin, OH / Rochester, MI
11. Matt Iorio / Ole Holter / Marlborough, NH / Long Beach, CA
12. Otis Dimiters / Alan Ockwell / Great Neck, NY / Stouffville,
Ontario, Canada

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

White Is Tops At Men’s Skate Vert

Olympian, Winter X Games Champ Comes From Behind To Win The Gold

LOS ANGELES – At 20 years old, Shaun White already has an Olympic gold
medal and six Winter X Games gold medals around his neck – but before
today ESPN X Games gold had eluded him. He finished a disappointing
eighth place in last year’s Men’s Skateboard Vert competition, and this
afternoon found himself out of medal contention heading into his final
run on the Vert ramp at The Home Depot Center.

But one great run can change everything, and in front of X Games
commentator Tony Hawk and a cheering crowd of thousands, White put down a run
that knocked off then leader Pierre-Luc Gagnon and added yet another
milestone to what has been a remarkable career thus far.

“I’m overwhelmed,” White said just afterwards, catching his breath. “I
can’t even talk right now.”

White’s winning run included a 720°, a back side 540°, a McTwist, a
stalefish frontside rodeo into a frontside rodeo, and overall was
punctuated with the snowboard influenced, high amplitude style that has come to
define his riding. “Pretty much my goal was to never do a straight
air,” he explained. White hurled his board and helmet into the air after
finishing strong, raising his arms in triumph.

“This means the world to me,” White said. “Pierre threw down the
gauntlet for me, you know? I was just trying to stick my run...[i]t just
came together. I couldn’t let myself fall.”

Afterwards, White joined X Games commentators Sal Masakela and Tony
Hawk in the broadcast booth. “To finally see you make it, in this venue,
was amazing,” Hawk told White.

Silver medalist Gagnon was gracious about having the gold snatched away
by White. “We have different styles of skating – that’s what skating
is all about. It’s about being original and being unique,” he said.
“Getting bronze on the Mega Ramp and silver here definitely means a
whole lot.”

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

Skateboard Vert Men’s Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Vert Men’s
competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 5, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Shaun White / Carlsbad, CA / 95.75
2. Pierre-Luc Gagnon / Carlsbad, CA / 91.25
3. Mathias Ringstrom / Stockholm, Sweden / 88.25
4. Alex Perelson / San Diego, CA / 88.00
5. Andy Macdonald / San Diego, CA / 86.25
6. Bucky Lasek / Baltimore, MD / 85.25
7. Rune Glifberg / Copenhagen, Denmark / 83.75
8. Bob Burnquist / Sao Paulo, Brazil / 80.50
9. Rob Lorifice / Encinitas, CA / 77.75
10. Sandro Dias / Santo Andre, Brazil / 76.25

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

August 4

The G.O.A.T. Takes Gold:
Carmichael Dominates In First Ever X Games Event

LOS ANGELES – 10-time AMA Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael may have
retired from full-time competition this year, but he couldn’t resist
running in the X Games’ first ever Moto X Racing event, held tonight at
The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

Carmichael dominated his Round One qualification heat, then rolled to
victory ahead of a field that included Grant Langston and Kevin Windham,
who took silver and medals, respectively.

Hailed as the “Greatest of all Time,” (G.O.A.T.), Carmichael has three
undefeated AMA Motocross seasons under his belt (2002, 2004-5), and is
shooting for his 150th career AMA win next week, a milestone no other
rider is even close to matching.

But even in semi-retirement, the X Games held a special allure for a
rider who has dominated his sport for over a decade.

“I’m so pumped, you have no idea,” Carmichael said. “I’ve always felt
like an outsider, if you will, just because I’ve never had my
discipline in the X Games, and to finally have it and to be the first one [to
win a gold medal]: awesome. I cannot describe to you how happy I am.”

“Our sport’s pretty big,” he added, “But to finally have [the X Games’]
blessing – it’s nice.”

X Games 13 concludes tomorrow at The Home Depot Center.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Moto X Freestyle Final Results

Results from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Freestyle Final competition
held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Adam Jones / Minden, NV / 94.20
2. Nate Adams / Glendale, AZ / 91.20
3. Jeremy Stenberg / Winchester, CA / 91.60
4. Jeremy Lusk / San Diego, CA / 90.80
5. Mike Mason / Carson City, NV / 90.80
6. Mat Rebeaud / Payerne, Switzerland / 90.40
7. Todd Potter / Temecula, CA / 89.00
8. Ronnie Faisst / Mays Landing, NY / 87.80
9. Dany Torres / Arahal, Spain / 84.40
10. Taka Higashino / Osaka, Japan / 71.40

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Jones Seizes Gold With Cliffhanger

Eye Popping Backflip Is Tops At Moto X Freestyle Final

LOS ANGELES – Last year’s silver medalist in the X Games Moto X
Freestyle competition came back to The Home Depot Center with something to
prove tonight, and he edged out a tough Final field that featured Nate
Adams, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg and Jeremy Lusk to take home the gold.

The trick that sealed the deal was a backflip cliffhanger: a 360°
backwards rotation off the ramp with a full upside down vertical body
extension. Jones also busted out a dead man and a backflip / heel click
combo to beat out the rest of the final four.

“I never expected this,” Jones said. “Never in a million years did I
think that somehow I would get a gold medal, and I did!”

Nate Adams was nursing a broken finger, but still popped tricks like a
lazy boy backflip and a Superman backflip to take second place.
Stenberg won the bronze.

“The crowd helps out the most – when you hear your fans screaming for
you it definitely makes you want to show off a little more for them,”
Stenberg said.

A sellout crowd of 34,976 packed The Home Depot Center for this
evening’s events. Total attendance so far for X Games 13 stands at 94,902.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Moto X Racing Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Racing event held at
The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown
1. Ricky Carmichael / Havana, FL
2. Grant Langston / Clermont, FL
3. Kevin Windham / Centreville, MS
4. Chad Reed / Tampa, FL
5. Michael Byrne / Newnan, GA
6. David Vuillemin / Murrieta, CA

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Moto X Freestyle Elimination Results

Results from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Freestyle Elimination
competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Adam Jones / Minden, NV / 94.20
2. Jeremy Stenberg / Winchester, CA / 91.60
3. Nate Adams / Glendale, AZ / 91.20
4. Jeremy Lusk / San Diego, CA / 90.80

The four riders will square off in the Moto X Freestyle Final this
evening at 7 p.m. PT.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Bestwick Is Best At BMX Freestyle Vert

Tabron’s Back-To-Back 900°s Are Worth Their Weight In Silver

LOS ANGELES – Some of the top BMX trick riders in the world put on a
spectacular display today at the BMX Freestyle Vert competition, part of
ESPN X Games 13. Brit Jamie Bestwick’s eye-popping first run scored a
93.66, and despite intense competition from Simon Tabron and others
that number held throughout the second round and Bestwick walked with the
gold.

Bestwick’s first run was a high-energy group of complex tricks,
including an opposite flair and a one-footed opposite double flair. But the
big moment came when he did a regular whip, then went straight into an
opposite double tail whip – which has never been landed in competition
before.

“I love being at the X Games. I get great treatment,” Bestwick said
afterwards. Finishing with this particular combo was something he’s
wanted to do for a while, he said, adding, “Everybody was just riding so
well – how could you not get inspired with all the great athletes out
here?”

Tabron, meanwhile, busted a precedent of his own: he hit two
back-to-back 900°s, which has also never been landed in competition. (He also
threw a no-handed bar spin 540° in for good measure.) In between,
though, he did straight airs off the vert ramp during the rest of his second
run, which Tabron acknowledged was probably the cause of him winning
silver, not gold.

“It’s been a dream of mine to do [the 900°] back-to-back since I
learned it. When I landed it [today], the first thing I thought was, ‘Did I
win?’ ” Tabron said. “But I can’t take anything away from Jamie. He’s
been a lifelong friend of mine, and today he was magnificent.”

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

BMX Freestyle Vert Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 BMX Freestyle Vert competition
held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Jamie Bestwick / Derbyshire, Great Britain / 93.66
2. Simon Tabron / Newquay, Great Britain / 92.66
3. Kevin Robinson / East Providence, RI / 88.33
4. Jimmy Walker / Gilberts, IL / 86.00
5. Dennis McCoy / Kansas City, MO / 84.66
6. Steve McCann / Melbourne, Australia / 84.66
7. Jay Eggleston / Denver, CO / 84.00
8. John Parker / State College, PA / 83.66
9. Zack Warden / Woodward, PA / 81.00
10. Francisco Zurita / Santiago, Chile / 76.00

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Dhers Tops In BMX Freestyle Park

Venezuelan Phenom Bests Cranmer, Mirra

LOS ANGELES – 22-year-old Daniel Dhers was in top form at the BMX
Freestyle Park Final today, posting a 90.66 in his first run, then a winning
mark of 91.66 in his second. He held off stiff competition from
reigning Freestyle Park champ Scotty Cranmer, as well as from the most
decorated athlete in X Games history, Dave Mirra, to take home the gold.

In only his second X Games appearance – he won bronze at last year’s
BMX Park event – Dhers was beyond consistent, hitting tricks like a
no-footed can to whip air, a triple whip, and a double whip. He also stuck
a 360° flip with a tail whip, which wowed the judges and put him over
the top.

“I started watching X Games in ’98. It was always a dream just to come
here,” Dhers said. “Last year I came on the scene and won Dew Tour,
Boost Mobile – pretty much everything I was in – and at the end of the
year somebody said, ‘Oh, you did everything but X Games.’ That was my
goal for this year. Now I’ve got it all.”

Among other tricks, last year’s gold medalist Cranmer landed a triple
whip and a double tail whip 360. He also hit a front flip over the
spine and was the only rider in the event to do so. His second run was his
best, but the 90.33 he received from the judges wasn’t enough to top
Dhers’ 91.66.

Mirra showed off some of the magic that has made him an international
superstar, including a tail whip backflip and an alley-oop tail whip,
but had to settle for bronze after a few stumbles.

“Today was Danny’s day,” Mirra said afterwards. “Danny filled more
tricks in his 60 seconds than any of us out here. He totally deserved to
win.”

BMX action continues later today at The Home Depot Center, with the
Freestyle Vert Final at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Oh, How The Tables Have Turned:
Burkhart Tops Ward In Dramatic Moto X SuperMoto Final

1-2 Finish Is Exact Reverse Of Last Year’s Race

LOS ANGELES – Jeff Ward led for 30½ of 35 laps of the ESPN X Games 13
Moto X SuperMoto Final today, but in the second-to-last lap Mark
Burkhart zipped by the veteran rider and held on to win the gold.

The finish felt eerily similar to fans of X Games SuperMoto: at last
year’s X Games 12, it was Ward who snatched the win after Burkhart had
led for 18 laps.

Turning last year’s silver medal into gold at X Games 13 was
particularly sweet for the 27-year-old Burkhart. “This year I’ve been trying to
ride differently,” he said after the race. “If anything, I’ve taught
myself to be patient, and patient people get rewarded.”

He went on, “I’ve been racing patient, trying not to throw away the
race at the beginning. The guys who are the most fit will finish best.
Those last fifteen minutes are always a killer.”

A sellout crowd packed The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, and cheered
Burkhart as he crossed the finish line.

Moto X action continues today with Moto X Racing beginning at 5:45 p.m.
PT, and the Moto X Freestyle Final going off this evening at 7 p.m.
PT.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

(C) MBN 2007

Moto X SuperMoto Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X SuperMoto race held at
The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown
1. Mark Burkhart / Pataskala, OH
2. Jeff Ward / Newport Beach, CA
3. David Pingree / Temecula, CA
4. Ivan Lazzarini / Pesaro, Italy
5. Jeremy McGrath / Encinitas, CA
6. Micky Dymond / Placentia, CA
7. Steve Drew / Buckeye, AZ
8. Robbie Horton / Martinez, CA
9. Troy Herfoss / Goulburn, Australia
10. Tyler Evans / Hollywood Hills, CA
11. Benny Carlson / West Bend, WI
12. Adam Cini / Brisbane, Australia
13. Brandon Currie / Anaheim Hills, CA
14. Gary Trachy / Orange, CA
15. Carey Hart / Las Vegas, NV
16. Eric Sorby / Corona, CA
17. Chris Fillmore / Oxford, MI
18. Chad Reed / Tampa, FL
19. Steve Chambon / Entraigues, France
20. Darryl Atkins / Tokoroa, New Zealand

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

(C) MBN 2007

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

BMX Freestyle Park Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 BMX Freestyle Park competition
held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Daniel Dhers / Caracas, Venezuela / 91.66
2. Scotty Cranmer / Jackson, NJ / 90.33
3. Dave Mirra / Greenville, NC / 88.00
4. Garrett Reynolds / Tom’s River, NJ / 86.66
5. Mike Spinner / Miami, FL / 85.00
6. Ryan Nyquist / Greenville, NC / 82.00
7. Gary Young / San Diego, CA / 82.00
8. Josh Harrington / Greenville, NC / 81.33
9. Dennis Enarson / San Diego, CA / 80.33
10. Morgan Wade / Tyler, TX / 79.66

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

August 3

Cole Wins Skate Street Best Trick, Walks With $10K

Double 360° Flip Does The Trick

LOS ANGELES – Chris Cole, who’s already wearing ESPN X Games 13 gold
after his win earlier today in the Skateboard Street Men’s competition,
can add another feather to his cap and 10 G’s to his wallet. The
25-year-old from Levittown, PA bested four other riders this evening in the
Skateboard Street Best Trick Presented By Element competition, and won
the $10,000 cash prize.

Late in the second five-minute heat on the Street course at The Home
Depot Center, Cole landed a double 360° flip over the stairs, which wowed
the judges. The trick ended up besting the efforts of Cole’s fellows
skaters Eric Koston, Andrew Reynolds, Tony Tave and Nick Dompierre, who
all earned $2,500 tonight.

Koston, Reynolds and Dompierre were voted into the competition by fans,
who cast their ballots at www.expn.com and via text. Cole received a
bid after his Skate Street Men’s win, and Tave had his in hand as an
Element skater.

When asked how he felt about the win, Cole responded, “Winning cash is
cool, you know?”

Then he quickly added, “Wait, no, that’s a bad quote. What I mean to
say is, this course rules and it’s really been a lot of fun.”

Skating action continues Sunday at The Home Depot Center at X Games 13,
with the Legends of Vert demo going off at 10:30 a.m. PT, followed by
the Skateboard Men’s Vert Final at 12 noon.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

(C) MBN 2007

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

Renner Steps Up; 33’ Is The Magic Number

LOS ANGELES – Ronnie Renner soared exactly one foot above the
competition at the Moto X Step Up competition tonight, clearing the bar at 33’
on his first try. His fellow riders couldn’t follow and the mark was
good enough for the gold.

13,827 fans were in the house at STAPLES Center tonight, and the second
night of ESPN X Games 13 competition surged on in fine form as five
top riders tried their hand at Step Up. The final four (Renner, Tommy
Clowers, Brian Deegan and Matt Buyten) all cleared 32’, but it was the
30-year-old Renner alone who managed to leap the extra crucial foot.

“I expected it to go longer with Tommy [Clowers] in the mix. I had
some tough company,” Renner said. “I really thought we were going to
break some records tonight, but I’ll take it.”

Renner has made seven total X Games appearances, but this is his first
gold medal in any event.

Since 2004, the X Games has only handed out a gold medal in Step Up,
which meant that the three-way tie of Clowers, Deegan and Buyten were not
sharing silver.

When asked if he thought he deserved a medal Clowers said, “No – I
still get paid anyway.”

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

Moto X Step Up Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Step Up competition
held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Height (Feet)
1. Ronnie Renner / Westminster, CA / 33.00
2. Brian Deegan / Temecula, CA / 32.00
2. Matt Buyten / Minden, NV / 32.00
2. Tommy Clowers / Ramona, CA / 32.00
5. Jeremy McGrath / Encinitas, CA / 26.00

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Skateboard Street Men’s Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Street Men’s
competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Chris Cole / Levittown, PA / 94.33
2. Greg Lutzka / Huntington Beach, CA / 93.41
3. Jereme Rogers / Boston, MA / 87.41
4. Ryan Sheckler / San Clemente, CA / 87.16
5. Tommy Sandoval / Chula Vista, CA / 86.25
6. Paul Rodriguez / Northridge, CA / 86.00
7. Mark Appleyard / Burlington, Ontario, Canada / 84.91
8. Eric Koston / Los Angeles, CA / 82.75
9. Andrew Reynolds / Hollywood, CA / 80.50
10. Nick Dompierre / New Bedford, MA / 78.41

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Robinson Repeats For BMX Freestyle Big Air Gold

X Games Vet Edges Out McCann, Napolitan

LOS ANGELES – The BMX Freestyle Big Air Final at X Games 13 on Thursday
was a barn-burner, and veteran rider Kevin Robinson was the one who
came out on fire. Making his 12th X Games appearance – he competed in
the very first X Games in 1995, and has only missed one year since –
Robinson squared off against a field comprised of mostly young bucks at
STAPLES Center, and emerged victorious.

After reaching verts of 18’ and 20’ on earlier runs, Robinson landed
the winning trick on his fourth run: a no-handed backflip over the gap,
followed by a flair that sent him soaring 18’ above the quarterpipe.
The judges gave him a 95.33, which held through the last round and
granted Robinson his second BMX Freestyle Big Air gold medal in as many
years.

“I’m so happy to be here at this event. I really care about it a lot,”
the East Providence, RI native said afterwards. “I’ve been at the X
Games since the beginning. It’s been really great to see the events
grow, and to grow with them.”

Steve McCann locked in the silver on his last run with a back flip tail
whip over the gap into a double tail flip with a 12’7” vert. The
judges gave McCann a 93 flat – just barely giving him the edge over Anthony
Napolitan, who snagged a 92.66 on his last run.

“I’m stoked on my first medal ever at the X Games,” McCann said.
Considering the massive dimensions of the Big Air ramp, “I was pumped I
could even hold it together” to complete the trick that launched him into
second place.

There is plenty more BMX action to come at X Games 13 – both the BMX
Freestyle Park event and the BMX Vert Final are happening tomorrow at The
Home Depot Center.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

BMX Freestyle Big Air Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 BMX Freestyle Big Air Final
held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Kevin Robinson / East Providence, RI / 95.33
2. Steve McCann / Melbourne, Australia / 93.00
3. Anthony Napolitan / Youngstown, OH / 92.66
4. Morgan Wade / Tyler, TX / 92.33
5. Allan Cooke / Greenville, NC / 89.00
6. Mat Hoffman / Edmond, OK / 86.00

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com

“Ecstatic” Hawkins Grabs Gold In Women’s Skate Vert

Kickflips Seal The Deal; Knoop Wins Silver; Hatchell Tops In Men’s
Amateur Vert

LOS ANGELES – A pair of kickflips off the vert ramp were worth their
weight in gold for Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins today, as she cruised to a win in
the Women’s Skateboard Vert Final event as part of ESPN X Games 13.

At 17, Hawkins is already an X Games veteran; she’s been competing
since 2003. She won the Women’s Skate Vert in 2004, and nabbed the silver
two years ago at X Games 11. Last year she was sidelined with a knee
injury – but she came back today with a vengeance.

Hawkins landed two kickflips during the competition, and also came this
close to landing several McTwists. “I’m ecstatic,” she said
afterwards. “It’s like a dream come true.”

Commenting on the strong field today at The Home Depot Center, Hawkins
also added: “If I was a judge, I would have just quit.”

Mimi Knoop took the silver for a wicked combination of jumps:
fastplant, frontside invert, and multiple disasters. “The level of riding was
so high – I didn’t think I was going to medal,” Knoop said. “It was a
good day for all of us. We really took it to the next level.”

Elsewhere at The Home Depot Center, Ben Hatchell won the Amateur Men’s
Skate Vert competition with a score of 87.5. He landed a 540° off the
ramp and also a kickflip fronstide air into an ollie 360°.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com

Skateboard Vert Women’s Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Women’s Skateboard Vert Final
held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown
1. Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins / Cardiff By The Sea, CA
2. Mimi Knoop / Norfolk, VA
3. Cara-Beth Burnside / Encinitas, CA
4. Karen Jones / San Andre, Brazil
5. Holly Lyons / Walnut Creek, CA
6. Apryl Woodcock / Chino, CA
7. Jodi McDonald / West Palm Beach, FL

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com

BMX Freestyle Big Air Selection Session Results

McCann Leads Group That Will Meet Robinson, Cooke, Wade In Tonight’s
Finals

LOS ANGELES – Aussie Steve McCann and two other BMX riders, Anthony
Napolitan and Mat Hoffman, will square off with last year’s top finishers
in the BMX Freestyle Big Air Final this evening.

Day two of ESPN X Games 13 began at STAPLES Center with a rowdy
selection session that ended with McCann on top. His turndown backflip sent
him soaring 14’8” off the quarterpipe, and it was good enough for make
him the top qualifier.

Kevin Robinson and Allan Cooke were the top two finishers at last
year’s BMX Freestyle Big Air event. Morgan Wade, who finished in fourth
place, replaces the injured Chad Kagy.

“I’m treating this ramp with respect,” McCann said. “This jump is
awesome and very serious, and I have to give it for all these guys I’m
riding with. I can’t wait for tonight.”

The BMX Freestyle Big Air Final begins at 5:00 p.m. PT at STAPLES
Center.

The standings going into the finals are:

Name / Hometown
1. Kevin Robinson / East Providence, RI
2. Allan Cooke / Greenville, NC
3. Morgan Wade / Tyler, TX
4. Steve McCann / Melbourne, Australia
5. Anthony Napolitan / Youngstown, OH
6. Mat Hoffman / Edmond, OK

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com

Cole Keeps Gold In Skateboard Street Men’s Final

Win Marks Cole’s Third Straight Medal In Event, Second Consecutive Win

LOS ANGELES – Chris Cole, the reigning champ in the Skateboard Street
Men’s event, turned in a superb performance – which included
96.75-worthy third run, the highest single score of the day – to once again come
home with the gold over stiff competition from Greg Lutzka.

Representing Levittown, PA, Cole was all but flawless today at ESPN X
Games 13. He wowed spectators at The Home Depot Center with two early
runs of 93.50 and 92.75, then turned up the heat as, going into his
third run and slightly trailing Lutzka, he stuck a kick flip back lick (on
the rail) and a grapefruit grind (on the flat bar) to score an
eye-popping 96.75.

“These guys are so good – I was worried all the way to the very end,”
Cole said. “Each year this competition gets better. Last year the
course was great, and this year it was even better. The tricks just
presented themselves.”

Lutzka landed a flip switch 270° in zone two to net a 96.25 on his
second run and put serious heat on the reigning champ. Afterwards Lutzka
remarked, “Today I was trying to throw down tricks I’ve never done
before. I was really stoked to land the flip switch.” He added, “I am
totally cool with second place.”

Jereme Rogers took the bronze, and 17-year-old skating phenom Ryan
Sheckler landed in fourth with an 87.16.

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans
or on www.espneventmedia.com for media only.

Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and
other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

Women’s Skateboard Street Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Women’s Skateboard Street
competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Marisa Dal Santo / LaGrange, IL / 86.08
2. Elissa Steamer / San Francisco, CA / 80.33
3. Amy Caron / Huntington Beach, CA / 80.16
4. Lacey Baker / Covina, CA / 71.41
5. Evelien Bouilliart / Aaler-Oost, Belgium / 65.75
6. Vanessa Torres / Silver Lake, CA / 62.66
7. Lauren Perkins / Huntington Beach, CA / 60.08
8. Leticia Bufoni / Sao Paulo, Brazil / 58.16

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com

August 2

Moto X Best Trick Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Best Trick Final held
at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 2, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Kyle Loza / Trabuco Canyon, CA / 94.20
2. Adam Jones / Minden, NV / 91.00
3. Todd Potter / Temecula, CA / 91.00
4. Mat Rebeaud / Payerne, Switzerland / 89.40
5. Jeremy Lusk / San Diego, CA / 87.60
6. Remi Bizouard / Bergerac, France / 85.80
7. Jim McNeil / Phoenix, AZ / 85.60
8. Brian Deegan / Temecula, CA / 83.40
9. Jeremy Stenberg / Winchester, CA / 83.20
10. Scott Murray / Helps, MI / 66.00

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com

Dal Santo Celebrates Birthday With Women’s Skate Street Win

Backside Flip Snatches Gold From Reigning Champ Steamer

LOS ANGELES – Marisa Dal Santo unseated three-time gold medalist Elissa
Steamer at the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Street Women’s Final today –
and she did it on her 20th birthday, no less.

Steamer had won the gold medal the previous three years running (X
Games 10, 11, and 12) and seemed to be the favorite heading into today’s
competition at The Home Depot Center. But that was before Dal Santo
pulled out a backside flip that netted her the highest individual score
(92.5) of the competition.

Dal Santo was neck-and-neck with Steamer after zone two, but then hit
her eye-popping backside flip when she hit zone three (stairs and rails)
to pull ahead.

“Last year I was trying to do [tricks] no one else was doing,” she
explained, in reference to her fourth place performance in X Games 12.
“This year I just focused on stuff I knew I could land – but I didn’t
think I was going to land the backside flip!”

Accepting the silver, Steamer enthused that Dal Santo was “gnarly
today,” and further added, “I really like skating in the X Games – it’s kind
of stressful, but when you look back you realize how much fun it was.”

Representing Huntington Beach, CA, Amy Caron’s 80.16 was good enough
for third place. This is Caron’s fifth year in X Games competition, and
she was coming off a sixth place finish in last year’s Women’s Skate
Street.

“Don’t call it a comeback,” she said, in reference to her bronze medal
and quoting an L.L. Cool J classic. “I’ve been here for years.”

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans
or on www.espneventmedia.com for media only.

Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and
other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

“The Volt” Electrifies Crowd At STAPLES Center;X Games First-Timer Kyle Loza Takes Gold In Moto X Best Trick Final

LOS ANGELES – A brash young group of Moto X riders gave 17,174 fans at
STAPLES Center plenty to cheer about this evening, as Kyle Loza,
competing in his first ever X Games event, busted out a heart-stopping trick
of his own design – “The Volt” – to win gold.

The Moto X Best Trick Final capped off the first day of ESPN X Games
13, which saw, among other feats, a new record for Thursday X Games
attendance: between STAPLES Center and The Home Depot Center, 30,374 fans
took in all the action sports on display.

“Action” was definitely the name of the game at the Moto X Best Trick
Final, as Scott Murray attempted without success to duplicate Travis
Pastrana’s unprecedented double backflip from last year; Adam Jones nailed
a backflip variation (and a 91.00 for his second run) that was good
enough for the silver; and Todd Potter landed a “Kiss of Death” backflip
for the bronze.

But it was “The Volt,” from X Games newbie Loza, that wowed the judges
and launched the 21-year-old rider to the gold medal. The trick, which
featured Loza doing a full 360° turn above the seat while his bike was
airborne, has been in the works for some while. “I’ve been working on
it for a long time,” he said, noting that his fellow riders had been
urging him to perfect flips, which have captivated the Moto X world in
recent years. The Volt, he said, is “gnarly – you have to do the whole
trick before your bike peaks out on you!”

“This is our life,” Jones said with a shrug when asked about his
backflip variation and the evening’s other breathtaking jumps. “This is our
job.”

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded
its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards
and DVDs.

X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

Skateboard Big Air Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Big Air Final held
at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 2, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Bob Burnquist / Sao Paulo, Brazil / 95.66
2. Jake Brown / Sydney, Australia / 95.33
3. Pierre-Luc Gagnon / Carlsbad, CA / 93.00
4. Buster Halterman / Wellsville, PA / 85.00
5. Bucky Lasek / Baltimore, MD / 83.33
6. Rob Lorifice / Encinitas, CA / 79.33

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Appleyard Posts Best Score Of Day To Go From Fourth To First In Skateboard Street Men’s Selection Session

Nine Advance; Will Take On Cole In Friday’s Final

LOS ANGELES – Today at the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Street Men’s
Selection Session, Mark Appleyard posted a 94.25 – the highest score of the
day – to zoom from fourth to first place and secure his position in
the finals.

Appleyard earned his big number in zone three of the course, which
features stairs and rails. He advances to the finals along with eight of
the 18 other skaters, including X Games 11 Street Men’s gold medalist
Paul Rodriguez and 17-year-old phenom Ryan Sheckler.

Each will be trying to best the reigning Street Men’s gold medalist,
Chris Cole. Cole dominated the Street Men’s competition at last year’s X
Games 12, earning perfect 100s from two of the judges on his way to
the gold. He was a bronze medalist at X Games 11’s Street Men’s and also
that year (2005) was named Thrasher magazine’s Skater of the Year.

The Street Men’s Final will be held Friday at 12:30 p.m. PT at The Home
Depot Center.

The standings going into the finals are:

1. Chris Cole / Levittown, Pennsylvania
2. Mark Appleyard / Burlington, Ontario, Canada
3. Eric Koston / Los Angeles, California
4. Paul Rodriguez / Northridge, California
5. Greg Lutzka / Huntington Beach, California
6. Jereme Rogers / Boston, Massachusetts
7. Ryan Sheckler / San Clemente, California
8. Tommy Sandoval / Chula Vista, California
9. Nick Dompierre / New Bedford, Massachusetts
10. Andrew Reynolds / Hollywood, California

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

Skateboard Big Air Selection Session Results

Lasek Leads Group That Will Meet Brown, Burnquist In Tonight’s Finals

LOS ANGELES – Bucky Lasek led the group of four skaters that qualified
to move on to tonight’s Skateboard Big Air Finals, where they will
battle Jake Brown and Bob Burnquist for ESPN X Games 13 gold.

Last year’s Big Air winner Danny Way, a three-time consecutive gold
medalist in the event (in X Games 10, 11 and 12) is not competing due to
injury. Brown and Burnquist won silver and bronze respectively in last
year’s Big Air Finals, granting them the top two slots in tonight’s
final.

Lasek, who has earned a total of 11 lifetime X Games medals, has had
more career success in the Vert Men’s competition, where he’s won four
gold medals. He last competed in Big Air in 2005 and finished in fourth
place.

For the first time this year, 60 linear feet of the Big Air downramp is
suspended from the ceiling at STAPLES Center. The Big Air ramp
contains over 15,000 screws and 60,000 pounds of metal and took a full five
days to build.

The Skateboard Big Air Final begins at 5:00 p.m. PT at STAPLES Center.

The standings going into the finals are:

1. Jake Brown / Sydney, Australia
2. Bob Burnquist / Sao Paulo, Brazil
3. Bucky Lasek / Baltimore, Maryland
4. Buster Halterman / Wellsville, Pennsylvania
5. Pierre-Luc Gagnon / Carlsbad, California
6. Rob Lorifice / Encinitas, California

Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com for fans

July 31

COMPETITION SCHEDULE BY DAY
All times listed are Pacific Time (PT)

Wednesday, August 1, 2007 (**closed to the public – for media planning purposes only**)

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Practice The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. BMX Freestyle Park Practice The Home Depot Center

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Skateboard Street M & W Practice The Home Depot Center

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Moto X Freestyle Practice The Home Depot Center

3 p.m. – 6 p.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Skateboard Vert Am Practice The Home Depot Center

4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Skateboard Vert Women’s Practice The Home Depot Center

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Skateboard Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

Thursday, August 2, 2007

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Practice The Home Depot Center

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Moto X Freestyle Practice The Home Depot Center

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Skateboard Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Skateboard Street Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. BMX Freestyle Park Practice The Home Depot Center

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Skateboard Big Air Selection Session STAPLES Center*

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Skateboard Street Men’s Selection SessionThe Home Depot Center

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Rally Car Racing Tarmac Practice The Home Depot Center

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Skateboard Street Women’s Practice The Home Depot Center

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Moto X Best Trick Practice STAPLES Center

4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Skateboard Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Skateboard Vert AM’s Practice The Home Depot Center

5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Skateboard Vert Women’s Practice The Home Depot Center

5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Skateboard Big Air FINAL STAPLES Center
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Moto X Best Trick FINAL STAPLES Center

Friday, August 3, 2007

9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Moto X SuperMoto Practice The Home Depot Center

9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Skateboard Street Men & Women Practice The Home Depot Center

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Practice The Home Depot Center

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Moto X SuperMoto Seeding The Home Depot Center

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Skateboard Street Women’s FINAL The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Skateboard Vert Am’s Practice The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. BMX Freestyle Park Practice The Home Depot Center

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Moto X Racing Practice The Home Depot Center

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air Selection SessionSTAPLES Center*

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Skateboard Street Men’s FINAL The Home Depot Center

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Rally Car Racing Tarmac Practice The Home Depot Center

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Skateboard Vert Women’s Practice The Home Depot Center

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Skateboard Vert Women’s FINAL The Home Depot Center

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Moto X Step Practice STAPLES Center

4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air Practice STAPLES Center

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Skateboard Vert Am Jam* Home Depot Center

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Skateboard Vert AM’s FINAL The Home Depot Center

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Moto X Freestyle Practice The Home Depot Center

5 p.m. – 7 p.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air FINAL STAPLES Center
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Moto X Step Up FINAL STAPLES Center
9:45 p.m. – 10 p.m. Skateboard Street Men’s Best Trick The Home Depot Center

Saturday, August 4, 2007

9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Moto X SuperMoto Practice The Home Depot Center

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Moto X Racing Practice The Home Depot Center

10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. BMX Freestyle Park Practice The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Moto X Freestyle Practice The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Legends of Vert Practice The Home Depot Center

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. BMX Freestyle Park FINAL The Home Depot Center
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Moto X SuperMoto FINAL The Home Depot Center

2 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Practice The Home Depot Center

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Moto X Freestyle Elimination The Home Depot Center
4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert FINAL The Home Depot Center

5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Moto X Racing Round 1 The Home Depot Center

Moto X Racing Round 2 The Home Depot Center

Moto X Racing FINAL The Home Depot Center
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Moto X Freestyle FINAL The Home Depot Center

Sunday, August 5, 2007

8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Rally Car Racing Practice The Home Depot Center

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Legends of Vert The Home Depot Center

11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s Practice The Home Depot Center

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Skateboard Vert Men’s FINAL The Home Depot Center

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Rally Car Racing Super Special The Home Depot Center

*Asterisked events are not medaled competitions; they are exhibition events.

Bold denotes events that are Live.

This schedule is subject to change

ESPN’S DIGITAL PLATFORMS MAKE X GAMES 13
MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER TO FANS AROUND THE WORLD
Live Coverage Online at EXPN.com and ESPN Mobile TV; iTunes Athlete Playlists, Video;
DISH Network™ Interactive TV

When X Games 13 begins from Los Angeles, Calif. on August 2, fans around the world will have more ways than

ever to experience all of the action. In addition to comprehensive television coverage on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC,

ESPN is utilizing all of its digital platforms to allow fans anywhere, with any device, the ability to follow action sports’

top athletes perform on the premier competitive stage. Fans will find extensive X Games 13 content on EXPN.com,

ESPN360.com, ESPN mobile platforms (including ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN MVP), Apple’s iTunes Store, and via

DISH Network’sTM interactive TV (ITV) application on DishHOME channel 100.

“Digital media and the X Games are a natural combination,” said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games

Franchise. “Like the athletes, the fans of X Games are active and on the go. These media platforms are, in many

ways, as important to them as traditional television coverage.”

ONLINE
LIVE VIDEO – EXPN.com and ESPN360.com

EXPN.com and ESPN360.com will offer more than 40 hours of live programming – a combination of web-exclusive

and simulcast coverage from ESPN and ESPN2 (full schedule follows – all times ET).

Tues., July 31

2-4 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Practice

4-7 p.m. Men's Skateboard Vert Practice

7-9 p.m. Women's Skateboard Vert Practice

Weds., Aug. 1

2-4 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Practice

4-7 p.m. Men's Skateboard Vert Practice

7-9 p.m. Women's Skateboard Vert Practice

Thurs., Aug. 2

1-4 p.m. Moto X Freestyle Practice

4-7 p.m. Men's Skateboard Vert Practice

7-8 p.m. Amateur Skateboard Vert Practice

8-9 p.m. Skateboard Big Air Final

9-11 p.m. ESPN Simulcast

Fri., Aug. 3

2-3:30 p.m. BMX Freestyle Practice

3:30-5:30 p.m. Men's Skateboard Street Final

5:30-6 p.m. Women's Skateboard Vert Practice

6-7:45 p.m. Women's Skateboard Vert Final

8-9 p.m. BMX Freestyle Big Air Final

9-11 p.m. ESPN Simulcast

Sat., Aug. 4

2-5 p.m. Men's Skateboard Vert Practice

5-6:30 p.m. BMX Freestyle Vert Final

6:30-7 p.m. Moto X Freestyle

7-9 p.m. ESPN2 Simulcast

9-11 p.m. ESPN Simulcast

EXPN.
EXPN.com Coverage

The newly re-designed EXPN.com will include comprehensive coverage from the event, including:

• Skateboard Street Best Trick presented by Element – first fan-determined contest in X Games history;

voting opens immediately after webcast of the event on Fri., Aug. 3 at 10 p.m. PT (Aug. 4 at 1 a.m. ET);

• Exclusive multimedia coverage of each final – live results, video recaps, photo galleries, insider information

and features;

• Exclusive multimedia coverage of each qualifier – including a special look at ‘dark horse’ contenders;

• Blogs and vlogs from Moto X rider Brian Deegan and skateboarder Danny Way. These X Games gold

medalists will discuss practice sessions and competition preparations;

• X13 Podcasts – video and audio podcasts available via the ESPN Podcenter, EXPN.com and iTunes;

• Page 2 – Mary Buckheit, from ESPN.com’s award-winning Page 2, will file all-access stories from behindthe-

scenes at X Games 13;

• X13 Surf Webcast – free replay of the X games 13 surfing competition held July 3-6 in Puerto Escondido,

Mexico. Webcast features complete user integration; simultaneous leaderboard, chat transcript, polling

and video highlights;

• Rally Rider – exclusive X Games online video game lets users to create their dream rally track and set their

driver loose on an original creation.

The iTunes Store
iTunes (www.itunes.com) is the exclusive source for downloads from X Games 13 and will have a dedicated

section featuring free and premium content that includes music of the X Games, videos, podcasts and athlete

celebrity playlists. X Games gold medalists Ricky Carmichael (Moto X) and Kevin Robinson (BMX) will provide

their own personal playlists, including their favorite 12-15 songs and commentary on the selections.

Free X Games video content on iTunes will include top X Games moments and video recaps of the events. X

Games content available for purchase and download on iTunes will include 14 exclusive long-form video packages

from before, during and after the event, varying in length from 20-45 minutes. These videos can be purchased

individually for $1.99 or as a “Season Pass” for $19.99.

MOBILE - ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN MVP

ESPN and MediaFLO USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of QUALCOMM Incorporated, will team up to offer

eight hours of live X Games coverage daily, from August 2-5, on EXPN — a special mobile TV channel dedicated

solely to the X Games, a first on MediaFLO USA’s FLO TV™ mobile television service. Viewers will be able to

watch everything from practices, qualifying events and finals beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on Thurs., Aug. 2 and

concluding at 6 p.m. ET on Sun., Aug. 5. Highlights of previous years’ X Games will be shown on the channel

through Aug. 1, and “Best of the X Games” and X Game 13 replays will air through Aug. 6-7. Mobile coverage will

include an innovative ‘double box’ segment, allowing viewers inside the car to see two rally car drivers compete

side-by-side via in-car cameras. FLO TV is currently available through Verizon Wireless as V CAST Mobile TV. The

dedicated X Games channel will supplement live coverage of the X Games on ESPN Mobile TV, one of the eight

regular channels available on FLO TV.

ESPN MVP, ESPN’s signature mobile service available exclusively through V CAST on Verizon Wireless, will

feature a dedicated content area, giving users one-touch access to all the best ESPN multimedia content from X

Games 13.

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION – ESPN and DISH Network

Beginning Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. ET and continuing through the end of X Games 13 telecasts on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. ET,

ESPN, DISH Network™ and X Games are putting fans in control with the ESPN Interactive X Games. The

interactive channel – available on Channel 100 – will enable fans to enjoy six X Games channels on one screen.

There will be channels for X Games 13, the Best of X and four sport dedicated channels – Skateboards, BMX,

Surfing and Engines. Fans can select the channel they want and view it in normal full screen television format.

NETWORK TELEVISION COVERAGE – ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC

In total, ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will offer 14.5 hours of X Games coverage. Full schedule follows (all times ET):

Thurs., Aug. 2, 8:30 - 11 p.m. ESPN

Skateboard Big Air Final

Moto X Best Trick Final

Fri., Aug. 3, 8:30 - 11 p.m. ESPN

BMX Freestyle Big Air Final

Moto X Step Up Final

Sat., Aug. 4, 3 - 6 p.m. ABC

BMX Freestyle Park Final

Surfing Men's Final

SuperMoto Final

Sat., Aug. 4, 7 - 8:30 p.m. ESPN 2

Moto X Freestyle Elimination

BMX Freestyle Vert Final

Sat., Aug. 4, 9 - 11 p.m. ESPN

Moto X Racing Final

Surf Women's Final

Moto X Freestyle Final

Sun., Aug. 5, 3 - 6 p.m. ABC

Skateboard Vert Final

Skateboard Street Men's

Rally Car Racing Final

QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. MediaFLO and FLO TV are trademarks of

QUALCOMM Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

X Games Benefit Presented by The V Foundation and STAPLES
Center Foundation to Kick Off X Games 13

Athlete and Artist Painted Skate Decks to be Unveiled at the First Time Charity Event

Hosted by ESPN’s and E! Entertainment Television’s Sal Masekela, the X Games benefit will provide

music by the world famous KROQ, celebrities, X Games 13 competitors in BMX, Moto X, Skateboard,

Surfing and Rally Car Racing. Most notably the following featured athletes will include V Foundation X

Games spokespeople Mat Hoffman (BMX), Kenny Bartram (Moto X) and Tricia Byrnes (Snowboard). In

addition, 2006 Olympic Snowboard Silver Medalist, Gretchen Bleiller and last year’s X Games BMX Big

Gold Medalist, Kevin Robinson, will also be in attendance.

”The V Foundation has a special place within the ESPN family, and we are proud to support this first time

benefit,” said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise. “We are excited to open this

year’s X Games with such a good cause and the participation and support of the action sports community

has been tremendous.”

The exclusive opening night bash will take place Wednesday, August 1 at 6 p.m. atop the STAPLES

Center celebrated City View Terrace, providing panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles and featuring

the award winning cuisine of Levy Restaurants. A silent auction filled with sports memorabilia and painted

skateboard decks will highlight the benefit event. There will be an exclusive VIP meet and greet with X

GAMES 13 featured athletes and celebrity guests. Proceeds will support the work of two important

charities, both the STAPLES Center Foundation and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Topurchase tickets, visit www.staplescenterfoundation.com.

In conjunction with the X Games Benefit that will be ongoing throughout the entire weekend of X Games

13, the second-annual skatedeck design project will also raise funds for The V Foundation for Cancer

Research. Powell Skate One has once again donated blank skate decks for the event. Artists, celebrities

and athletes have painted their own design on the boards that will be on display at the X Games benefit

as well as auctioned at the Team ESPN booth during X Games. Those not in attending X Games will

also be able to participate as skatedecks will be online at www.expn.com.

Three boards on display on www.expn.com. (l to r): David Swift, Creative Director 20th Century Fox; Bill
Morrison, Illustrator First Ever Simpson Comic Book; Bob Burnquist, Pro Skateboarder

”I'm always willing to get involved with a good cause, so when ESPN asked me if I would like to paint a

skate deck for an auction to raise money for The V Foundation, I was more than happy to tap into my

artistic side,” said Chad Kagy, 2006 BMX Vert gold medalist. “This time of the year is always very busy in

my life, but I made sure I set some time aside for this project, I may be busy but if my time can help save

lives, I'm more than willing to do what I can. I hope my deck brings a good amount of money in

auction, either way I'm stoked to help out.”

In addition, Kagy has committed to riding his BMX bike that was specially painted with The V Foundation

logo in the shape of his bike frame during his competitions and then auctioning his bike with proceeds

going to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Presenting sponsor for the X Games Benefit is The Wasserman Foundation.

STAPLES Center Foundation

The Foundation has established a number of partnerships in the Los Angeles community to assist

charities in raising funds and awareness for their organizations with a special emphasis on the lowincome

neighborhoods surrounding the arena. The Foundation has donated an excess of $7 million in

financial and in-kind support to many community-based organizations, helping to reach those in need.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano,

legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation

has raised more than $60 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation now

awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer

research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received a top 4-star rating from Charity

Navigator for five consecutive years, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly

supervised by a Scientific Review Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a

donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About Team ESPN

Team ESPN encompasses ESPN’s multi-faceted corporate outreach initiatives, including volunteerism,

corporate giving and cause marketing, while utilizing its diverse media assets. Through Team ESPN,

ESPN, its employees and its fans work together to make a difference. Team ESPN… Fans Helping Fans.

www.teamespn.com

For more information on the V foundation and ESPN’s corporate outreach initiatives, please visit

www.jimmyv.org and www.teamespn.com

Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN

“GREENING X GAMES 13”
X GAMES ENVIRONMENTALITY™ FACT
SHEET

Eco-Action through Action Sports

X Games Environmentality (XGE) is a comprehensive program that drives environmental

stewardship through all facets of event planning. By bringing environmental initiatives to the

forefront of operations, we minimize the impact of this event through waste minimization, the use

of renewable resources and environmentally conscious products, and pollution prevention. X

Games is a leader in hosting environmentally responsible sporting events.

• In an effort to reduce waste sent to local landfills, spectators, staff, and athletes will sort

waste into custom three-way bins that collect recyclable beverage containers, compostable

organic materials, and trash. The recyclable and compostable materials will be processed

at Community Recycling, a specialized materials recovery facility in the San Fernando

Valley. Cardboard, construction materials, metals, electronics, and plastic shrink wrap will

also be recycled at X Games 13. ECO-FACT: 71 percent of event waste was diverted from the landfill last year at X Games 12.

• Spectators who utilize the LA County Metro system or carpool (4 or more per car) to The

Home Depot Center will receive a special prize in recognition of their efforts to rideshare.

ECO-FACT: U.S. public transportation systems help to create a healthier environment by
reducing smog-producing pollutants and greenhouse gases. For example, public
transportation produces nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide
(NOx) per passenger mile than private vehicles.

• X Games Environmentality presents the TRASHed Recycling Store in X Fest at the Home

Depot Center. Spectators who “Get Caught Recycling” throughout the venue will be

rewarded with tokens they can redeem for valuable prizes at the TRASHed Recycling Store.

Many of these prizes present an environmentally friendly message and are made from

recycled materials. The TRASHed Recycling Store is an interactive experience where

spectators can learn about XGE initiatives. ECO-FACT: Over 11,000 pounds of empty beverage containers were recycled at X Games 12

• Serviceware items, such as cups, plates, and napkins used in the Staff Catering tent are

made from renewable and compostable materials, including PLA plastic made from corn and

Bagasse, a fiber made from sugarcane by-product. ECO-FACT: PLA polymers are the world’s first greenhouse gas neutral plastic, they use 68 percent fewer fossil fuels to produce
than other polymers.

• The event media guide is printed on post-consumer, recycled paper and has a recycled

plastic binding.

• Wood used to construct ramps at X Games is made from trees grown in certified, responsibly-managed forests. ECO-FACT: Using wood and paper products that are certified by groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council ensures that the impact of logging is
managed properly to avoid unnecessary habitat destruction and water pollution in forests
around the world.

• X Games Environmentality and the National Arbor Day Foundation are planting 500 trees on behalf of each athlete participating in X Games 13. ECO-FACT: At maturity, these trees will help sequester more than 138 tons of carbon dioxide annually, while purifying water,
reducing temperatures, and providing natural resources.

Visit www.XGamesEnvironmentality.com to learn more.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Everyone wants to get to that young generation…I think ESPN allows us to do that because of

the inroads they have made with the X Games." – Former NFL quarterback John Elway,

Associated Press, May 27, 2007

"I'd ride dirt bikes in the X Games." - Victoria Baugh, forward on the All-USA girls basketball team

when asked what she would do if she couldn’t play basketball, USA Today, Apr. 25, 2007

"Travis Pastrana's double back flip on a motorcycle...was only one of several never-before-landed

tricks during four days of competition that came to an end Sunday, and X Games 12 will surely go

down as a turning point in the history of action sports," LA Times, Aug. 7, 2006 "(The) X Games put Olympic goals on (the) global stage…" New York Times, Aug. 5, 2006

“Skateboarding may well be added to the Olympic menu for 2012 as part of the International

Olympic Committee's push to make the Games more attractive to the X Games crowd.” – Boston Globe,

June 20, 2007

“ESPN's X Games came along to spread the gospel of action sports, and, by the late 1990s,

skaters were bigger than ever.” – Baltimore Sun, June 23, 2007

“It's something that's been going on for crazy long…Kids that skateboard, all they do is listen to

hip-hop…and checking out the X Games is second nature.’' – SkaterRap.com co-founder Carlos

Vasquez, San Jose Mercury News, Dec. 23, 2006

“Mainstream attention…has mostly been good for skateboarding. Exposure like the X Games has

improved public acceptance and understanding. There are now more public skateparks than

ever…The exposure has created more skateboarders, which has resulted in a vibrant and diverse

industry, allowing all kinds of skateboarders to make a living designing, building, creating,

documenting and doing what we love: skateboarding.” – Chris Miller, Skateboarder magazine,

Aug. 2006

“The X Games and the ESPYs are not just over-hyped creations of ESPN. Everyone thinks

they’re legitimate and meaningful.” – Wisconsin State Journal, Aug. 4, 2006

"ESPN and the NSL have been very good to us by giving us this event…It finally shows how

much we've grown as a surfing community. It shows that Puerto Escondido isn't just a place of

great waves, but also talented locals." - Local Game surfer Coco Nogales, Eastern Surfing Magazine/Surfline.com, July 3, 2006

“In 1995 ESPN discovered skating and BMX, and conjured up the X Games as a way to plug

directly into the hearts and minds of the most coveted consumers on the planet” – Grist Magazine

, Aug. 17, 2006

“…rally racing is definitely exciting. The difficult thing is showing other people how exciting it really

is…I think (rally racing) -- on TV -- is a great spectator sport. It just requires a bit of a television

package to do that, and there's no better television package than the ABC/ESPN combination

that the X Games has.” - Tanner Foust, IGN.com, Aug. 8, 2006

“It's so good to feel the energy of this competition and I’m so proud. This is the prestigious X

Games. This is the show of the world. I’m so psyched to have earned the first 10 in X Games

History. It was one of the best and most important 10s I've ever posted.” – MVP Chris Ward of the

X Games 13 USA Men’s Surf Team on his perfect 10 scored wave, July 5, 2007

THE HOME DEPOT CENTER

The Venue: The Home Depot Center is the nation’s most complete training facility for Olympic, amateur

and professional athletes. Developed and operated by AEG, the $150 million Home Depot

Center represents the largest investment in amateur athletics ever made. Created around a

27,000-seat soccer stadium, 13,000-seat tennis stadium, 20,000-seat track & field facility, the

complex is located on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills. The complex

has also been designated as “official” training sites for USA Cycling, United States Track &

Field, and the home of the USA Tennis High Performance National Training Center.

When: August 2-5, 2007

What: For the first time in Los Angeles, BMX Freestyle Vert will take place outside at The Home

Depot Center. BMX Freestyle Park will once again be featured inside the tennis stadium at

The Home Depot Center.

Moto X Freestyle will take center stage in the 27,000-seat soccer stadium and showcases all

of the best freestyle moto riders in the world. Making its X Games debut, the newly added

discipline of Moto X Racing will showcase the premier stadium motocross racers in the world

competing in an event collaboratively developed by Ricky Carmichael and ESPN. Moto X SuperMoto

returns for a fourth year with a new course design taking riders inside and outside

of the soccer stadium, in the parking lots and other open spaces in and around the campus of

California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Rally Car Racing will return to The Home Depot Center complex after a successful debut last

year at X Games 12. New to this year’s “Super Special” stage, teams will be paired up and

race head-to-head through the course in an elimination format.

Skateboard Vert Men’s and Women’s competitions will also be held outdoors at The Home Depot Center for the first time in Los Angeles. The Skateboard Street Men’s and Women’s

competitions will be held inside the ADT Event Center (an indoor cycling vellodrome) at The

Home Depot Center for a second straight year.

Events at The Home Depot Center are ticketed and can be purchased through all

Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, The Home Depot Center box office and Team LA

at Universal CityWalk.

STAPLES CENTER

When: August 2-3, 2007

What: BMX Freestyle Big Air, which was featured as a pay-per-view event at X Games 12, will be

returning this year as part of the live network coverage. It will again be a medaled event and

held inside the STAPLES Center for the first time ever.

Moto X Step Up will be returning to inside the STAPLES Center after having been held at The

Home Depot Center the last two years. Moto X Best Trick will again take place inside this

year at STAPLES Center.

Skateboard Big Air like BMX Freestyle Big Air will also be featured inside STAPLES Center,

using the massive ramp on which athletes will choose to launch over a gap of 50 or 70 feet

and continue into a 27-foot quarter-pipe.

The Venue: STAPLES Center, located in downtown Los Angeles, is the sports and entertainment center of

the world, having hosted more than 1200 events and 20 million guests since opening on

October 17, 1999. STAPLES Center is home to five professional sports franchises - the NBA’s

Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, the AFL’s Los

Angeles Avengers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. STAPLES Center continues to

distinguish itself as the host of major, high profile events of national and international

distinction, including the NBA All-Star Game, NHL All-Star Game, the Grammy Awards, the

2000 Democratic National Convention, Pac-10 Basketball Championships, and the X Games.

STAPLES Center’s first seven years have also been marked with landmark performances

and special events including concerts by U2, Paul McCartney, Don Henley, Madonna, the

Rolling Stones, Britney Spears, the Dave Matthews Band, the Eagles and many others.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO

The Venue: Puerto Escondido is located south of the Sierra Madre Mountains and north of a tropical jungle

along Oaxaca’s Emerald Coast. In the summer, the climate is wet and temperatures range

from 75 to 95 degrees. As part of the Mexican Pipeline, surfers come from around the world to

surf the powerful waves. With areas of gentle curves and others with powerful breaks, it has

been a surfing destination since it was discovered in the 1970s. Thanks to a huge underwater

shelf just offshore, Zicatela Beach picks up and makes the most of any swell.

When: July 3-6, 2007

What: After a successful three years in Puerto Escondido, the biggest change to the X Games

surfing competition is the addition of Women’s Surfing. The National Surf League’s (NSL) The Game™

will once again be the format for competition, but with a new change this year. The

Game’s™ first four years at X highlighted the traditional East and West Coast Rivalry. At X

Games 13, The Game™ becomes global as the two coasts combine to form the USA Teams,

and their opponent will be the World Teams comprised of the top surfers from outside the

United States. This is the fifth year that Surfing will be a part of the X Games and the third

year it is staged in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. The X Games 13 Surfing competition is free of charge.
THE HISTORY OF X
A Brief History of the X Games

The story of X begins in 1993 with the event’s inception and evolves to 2007 for X Games 13.

This is a brief timeline on how the X Games arrived as the world’s premier action sports brand.

1993 ESPN management decides to devote significant resources to the creation of an international gathering of

action sport athletes. A team assembles to develop the concept.

1994 At a press conference at Planet Hollywood in New York City on April 12, ESPN announces that the first

Extreme Games will be held in Rhode Island in June of 1995.

1995 From June 24 through July 1, the Extreme Games are held in Newport, Providence and Middletown, R.I., and

Mount Snow, Vt. Athletes compete in 27 events in nine sport categories: Bungy Jumping, Eco-Challenge, Inline

Skating, Skateboarding, Skysurfing, Sport Climbing, Street Luge, Biking and Water Sports.

198,000 spectators attend the first Extreme Games. Seven sponsors -- Advil, Mountain Dew, Taco Bell, Chevy

Trucks, AT&T, Nike and Miller Lite Ice -- lend their support to the event.

After enthusiastic response from the athletes, organizers, spectators and sponsors, ESPN decides to hold the

event the following year, instead of every two years as originally announced. In October, it is announced that

Rhode Island will be the location for the 1996 event.

1996 In January, the event name Extreme Games officially changes to the X Games. The primary reasons for the

change are to allow easier translation to international audiences and better branding opportunities.

In late June, approximately 200,000 spectators turn out for X Games Two in Newport, R.I. Kiteskiing,

windsurfing and mountain biking are replaced by wakeboarding.

1997 In March, the X Trials, a qualifying event for the X Games, begin in Providence, R.I. Additional X Games

qualifying events, including the B3 and EXPN Invitational, are held each summer through 2002 in cities

including Orlando, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; Richmond, Va.; Lake Havasu,

Ariz.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Bristol, Conn.

From June 20 through June 28, a record crowd of 221,000 fans watches X Games Three in San Diego and

Oceanside, Calif. Snowboard Big Air amazes on-lookers with a 10-story jump comprised of hundreds of tons

of manmade snow.

1998 In June, the X Games tops its attendance mark for the fourth consecutive year as more than 233,000
spectators flock to Mariner’s Point in San Diego X Games Four.

1999 From June 27 through July 4, X Games Five in San Francisco attracts nearly 275,000 spectators. Those in

attendance were treated to Tony Hawk’s first-ever “skateboarding 900” and the X Games debut of Moto X.

ESPN announces that the X Games will now be held in August to allow for new marketing and programming

opportunities.

2000 June through July, some of the world’s top skateboarders and BMX athletes hit the road, traveling to skate

parks across the United States as part of the inaugural Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark Tour, which is

televised documentary-style on ESPN2.

X Games Six takes place August 17-22 in San Francisco on Piers 30/32. A Moto X Step Up competition is

added. Announcements are made regarding the launch of several new ventures, including the Action Sports

and Music Awards, International X Games Qualifiers and more.

2001 Philadelphia hosts X Games Seven August 17-22. Downhill BMX makes its debut, which is held at the

Woodward Camp in central Pa. For the first time in X Games history, the events are held inside and outside

an arena -- the First Union Complex -- where 234,950 spectators are in attendance.

In August, ESPN and The Mills Corporation announce a licensing agreement to build state-of-the-art public

X Games Skateparks at several Mills retail centers across the country. The skateparks, designed by the

industry’s top course designers, will offer public facilities for skateboarding, bike stunt riding (BMX) and in-

line skating. The first park opens in November at the Discover Mills mall in Gwinnett County, Ga., just

outside Atlanta.

2002 On May 10, Touchstone Pictures and ESPN present the major motion picture ESPN’s Ultimate X to largeformat

theatres across the country. The film chronicles the breathtaking highlights and dramatic stories

behind X Games Seven and showcases the eye-popping skateboarding, BMX biking, Moto X, and street

luge competitions on the giant screen for the first time.

On May 28, ESPN announces a new event, X Games Global Championship, which will feature two distinct

venues hosting competitions in summer and winter action sports simultaneously. Six teams of the world’s

top athletes will be grouped together by their region of origin to compete in the four-day event, May 15-18,

2003. Results from both venues will be combined for an overall team score. X Games sports include

Skateboard, Bicycle Stunt, Moto X and Aggressive In-line Skate; Winter X sports include Snowboard and

Ski. Venues include the Alamo dome in San Antonio, Texas for summer events and Whistler Blackcomb

Resort in British Columbia for winter events.

In July, ESPN’s European X Games Qualifier Two watches athletes from 20 European nations compete in

front of 35,500 spectators who came to Barcelona’s Olympic Pier to witness three whole days of adrenalin

action. In the end, 10 athletes from Spain, UK, Germany, France and Sweden qualify to Philadelphia USA

for X Games VIII.

X Games Eight returns to the First Union Complex in Philadelphia August 15-19. Another park course is

added to accommodate the unique riding style of skateboarding. Women’s Skateboard and Moto X

exhibitions are featured. The average per day crowd at the First Union Complex is 40,210, a new record for

the X Games. The overall crowd count totals 221,352, including the X Games’ two-millionth fan. X Games

Eight was the most-watched X Games ever as nearly 63 million people tune in on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC

Sports.

X Games Skateparks open in Franklin Mills in Philadelphia, Pa. (Aug. 26); Colorado Mills in Denver, Colo.

(November 14) and Grapevine Mills in Dallas, Texas (December 3).

On November 21, ESPN selects Los Angeles to host X Games Nine and 10. The event’s primary venue will

be inside and around STAPLES Center (Aug. 14-17), with ancillary venues at the Los Angeles Coliseum,

Woodward West, Huntington Beach and others.

2003 ESPN successfully executes the inaugural X Games Global Championship, held May 15-18. The first-of-itskind

team event features six world regions competing against each other in summer and winter action sports

at two simultaneous venues: San Antonio, Texas and Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. Combining both venues,

Team USA registers a cumulative total of 196 points, edging out Team Europe, which finishes second with

167 points. In total, 69,260 spectators came to cheer on their favorite teams at X Games Global

Championship One.

July 1 kicks off a 41-day X Games tribute at Disney’s California Adventure™ in Anaheim, Calif., titled X

Games Xperience. Guests of the newest theme park inside the Disneyland Resort are immersed in a fastpaced

array of activities inspired by ESPN’s X Games, including interactive activities like Moto X Big Air and

Vert ramp demonstrations featuring X Games athletes.

X Games Nine makes its debut in Los Angeles August 14-17 in its primary venue at STAPLES Center.

Additional venues are in and around Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Coliseum. Total attendance for

the event is 187,141, including a one-day X Games attendance record on Saturday (8/16) with 67,500. X

Games Surfing also successfully debuts to a crowd of 25,500 in Huntington Beach and women’s Skateboard

Park and Vert are made official X Games competitions. The telecast airs on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC and

features a live Bike Stunt Vert competition on ABC. It also captures the sought-after 12-17 year-old

demographic, which achieves record results. People aged 12-17 increases 10 percent from last year’s

telecast.

2004 The 10th anniversary of X Games is held August 5-8 in Los Angeles for its second consecutive year.

Featuring a new finals-only format that is telecast completely live, 150 athletes compete in Aggressive In-line

Skate, Bike Stunt, Moto X, Skateboard, Surf and Wakeboard. Venues include STAPLES Center, Home

Depot Center, Huntington Beach Pier and Long Beach Marine Stadium. The event garners the highest

viewership in the event’s 10-year history and a 47 percent increase from X Games Nine. Attendance over

the four day period totals 170,471, including a new one-day attendance record set on Saturday, August 7

with 79,380. On Friday, August 6, X Games 10-year attendance hits the two million mark.

2005 On April 27, an announcement is made that X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

X Games 11 is held in Los Angeles August 4-7 at The Home Depot Center, STAPLES Center, Long Beach

Marine Stadium and Surfing’s new home of Puerto Escondido, Mexico. The event airs live on ESPN, ABC

and ESPN Deportes domestically in more than 75 countries and territories via ESPN International.

2006 X Games 12 is held in Los Angeles August 3-6 adds the sport of Rally Car Racing and the new discipline of

BMX Big Air to its sport lineup. More than 138,000 fans attended the competition at The Home Depot Center

and STAPLES Center, an increase of nearly 13 percent over X Games 11 in 2005. X Games 12 was also

ESPN's highest-rated X Games ever among young men in the 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 age groups. For the

first time, X Games was aired 24 hours each day of the event using ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN Classic,

EXPN.com, ESPN360, Mobile ESPN, ESPN International, iTunes and provided unprecedented round-theclock

coverage including a first-ever Pay-Per-View offering for BMX Big Air and an X Games Moto Madness

demonstration.

ATHLETES TO WATCH

BMX Freestyle
Park
Daniel Dhers (Caracas, Venezuela)

Originally from South America, Dhers first came to the States to visit Woodward East in 2003 to improve

his riding skills. His time at Woodward over the next three years proved to be well spent earning him BMX

Park bronze at his first X Games appearance in 2006. In addition, he took away the gold in BMX Park at

his debut at X Games Asia in May 2007. An intense and consistent rider, 21-year-old Dhers is the only

rider to frontflip a spine during competition. He is known for his crazy whips skills and huge flair variations.

Vert
Jamie Bestwick (Cornwall, England)

Arguably the best BMX vert rider of all time, Bestwick upheld this claim when he finished seven out of

seven wins in 2005; including double gold medals at X in Vert and Vert Best Trick. Making nine X Games

appearances, Bestwick took away the Vert gold medal in 2005 and silver medal in 2006. Bestwick always

finds ways to conquer the most difficult of tricks with his smooth style and sixth sense of how to maximize

the effectiveness of the vert pump. He commits to using the entire vert ramp and was the first to land a

double tailwhip flair in competition at X Games 11. Bestwick is favored to capture gold at X Games 13.

Big Air
Kevin Robinson (State College, Pa.)

Proud father of two, Kevin Robinson is always up to something with his collection of invented tricks such

as the corkscrew, the can-can flair, no-handed flair and the Indian tailwhip. Robinson is known to pack flair

and 540 variations in his runs, most notable being his double flair which he landed for the first time in

competition at X Games 12 to earn him the Vert Best Trick gold medal. In BMX Big Air, Robinson landed a

no-handed flip over the 50-foot gap and a no-handed flair on the quarter earning him another gold medal

in 2006.Robinson also has three bronze X Games Vert medals and was featured on the cover of the

spring 2006 issue of Sophisticated Rider magazine. At 200 pounds, Robinson is the largest vert rider on

the vert ramp. He has been sponsored by Hoffman Bikes for almost 14 years and says he will forever

support Mat Hoffman.

Moto X
Best Trick and Freestyle
Nate Adams (Glendale, Ariz.)

Known for his strong work ethic and dedicated preparation before competitions, Nate Adams took home X

Games gold in Moto X Freestyle in 2004 and was the overall 2006 Dew Tour Motocross champion. Adams

is a strong rider with a versatile bag of tricks who is more likely to master every trick out there than invent

one of his own. He has competed in Moto X Best Trick in both X Games and Winter X Games for the past

four years. Adams began riding dirtbikes at age seven and was performing complex tricks by the age of

11. He turned pro in 2000 and competed in his first X Games just one year later. Adams recently

purchased the Metal Mulisha compound from fellow freestyle rider Brian Deegan, a compound that

includes a freestyle course and foam pit.

Step Up
Jeremy McGrath (Encinitas, Calif.)

Arguably the most recognizable face for the sport of Supercross, Jeremy McGrath won seven straight

AMA championship titles from 1993-2000. McGrath’s strong background in the discipline gave him the

necessary skills to succeed at Moto X Step Up. McGrath was edged out for the Moto X Step Up gold by

Matt Buyten at X Games 12, but he is back in full gear for 2007 and looking to capture the win at X Games

13. In addition to his X Games 12 silver medal, McGrath has a Moto X Step Up gold from 2004 and both

silver and bronze medals in Moto X SuperMoto, proving he is capable of dominating more than one

discipline of motocross.

Moto X SuperMoto
Jeff Ward (Newport Beach, Calif.)

Jeff Ward became the oldest X Games gold medalist at 45 after edging out Doug Henry in Moto X

SuperMoto for the win at X Games 12 in 2006. Ward’s pro career spans four decades and includes an

array of racing disciplines such as Supercross, SuperMoto, and Indy car racing. In addition to his X

Games gold, Ward earned his second AMA SuperMoto championship in 2006 as well, marking the year

as one of the best of his sated career. Ward’s motocross and indy car racing background makes him a

total threat to all SuperMoto competitors. At this year’s X Games 13, Ward is out to prove once again that

age doesn’t matter in the sport of motocross.

MotoX Racing
James Stewart (Haines City, Fla.)

2007 AMA Supercross Champion James Stewart was coined the “next guy” who would take down

Supercross great Ricky Carmichael who beat Stewart in both 2005 and 2006 AMA Supercross series.

Stewart dished out an impressive year of riding, winning 13 of 16 AMA Supercross events en route to the

2007 championship. Often the fastest rider on the track, Stewart is one of the most fun riders to watch

because he invents his own type of riding style, has top speed in corners, and his ability to put together

jump combinations in rhythm sections is unlike anything else. Stewart’s achievements and image have

transcended the sport more than any other motocross athlete, and he has been the focus of numerous

newspaper and magazine articles from The New York Times, The Washing Post, GQ, Sports Illustrated, People, and Rolling Stone Magazine.

Skateboard
Vert Women’s
Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins (Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.)

A recent high school graduate, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins entered her first pro contest at the age of 12 and

has since competed in three X Games, medaling four times. She took away X Games Gold in Women’s

Vert in 2004 and even managed to earn a silver medal at X Games 13 while skating with a cast on her

broken arm. Hawkins also has one silver medal in Skate Park which she earned in 2003. She was unable

to compete at X Games 12 due to a knee injury.

Street Men’s
Ryan Sheckler (San Clemente, Calif.)

Ryan Sheckler made X Games history in 2003 when he became the youngest athlete to win gold

(Skateboard Park) at just 13. Listed on SI.com as one of sports’ crowd pleasers, Sheckler rarely falls and

is focused on expanding his arsenal of tricks with more 360s and nollie tricks. At just 18 months, Sheckler

found his dad’s old pool deck and began learning how to push with one knee on the board and then stand

up. Sheckler has expanded his skating to the media world and has appeared in Goghurt commercials, a

Scooby Doo cartoon, Digital (Everyday), Almost (Round 3) and an Oakley video. Since earning his silver

medal in street at X Games 12, Sheckler added 25 lbs of muscle to his small frame by working out with

his father. He will use this new man-sized body to push the envelope of skating even further at X Games

13.

Vert Men’s
Shaun White (Carlsbad, Calif.)
One of the most recognizable action sports athletes today, Shaun White will make his 12th X Games

appearance in 2007. The 20-year-old is no stranger to Winter X Gold as he has six to his name for

snowboarding and landed double gold in Slopestyle and SuperPipe before heading to Torino, Italy for the

2006 Winter Olympics. Transitioning over to skateboarding, White tried for three years to medal at X

Games and grabbed the Men’s Vert silver medal in 2005. White also picked up ESPY awards for Best

Male Action Sports Athlete and Best Olympian in 2006. The Carlsbad native has been a notable

competitor in the action sports community since the age of 16 when he went pro in 2003. At both X

Games 11 and X Games 12 White attempted to land a 1080, a trick no other skater has attempted during

competition.

Big Air
Danny Way (San Diego, Calif.)

The innovator of Big Air, Danny Way won X Games Gold in 2005 with a broken ankle and skated his way

to victory in Big Air at X Games 12 as well. Going higher and further than any other skater, his stunts are

world renowned. Following X Games 11, Way proceeded to successfully jump the Great Wall of China,

set a Guinness World freefall drop record at 28-feet from the Hard Rock Café guitar in Las Vegas, to

performing the first ever backflip over the 60-feet gap at the Mexico City Xtreme Speed competition.

Having won gold in Big Air three years running, Way will now attempt a possible Big Air four-peat at X

Games 13.

Rally Car Racing
Andrew Pinker (Perth, Australia)

A rookie at X Games 13, Andrew Pinker is currently leading the 2007 Rally America series above X

Games medalists Ken Block and Travis Pastrana. The first five races of the Rally America series served

as qualifying events to the X Games, and with his two national wins this season, Pinker secured himself X

Games slot alongside his co-driver Robbie Durant. The Australian native got his start competing in local

Daihatsu challenges, winning the title in 1994. Pinker is looking to win his first Gold at X Games 13.

Colin McRae (Lanark, Scotland, England)

McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist captured a podium spot at the inaugural Rally Car Racing competition at

X Games 12 placing second behind Travis Pastrana and Bjorn Edstrom. McRae is regarded as one of the

most successful World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers of all time. The Scottish native won the world

driver’s title in 1995—becoming the youngest World Rally Champion ever. In 2002, he set the record for

most overall wins in the WRC. McRae began his rally career in 1986 and wasn’t the first of the McRae

family to race. His father and his brother are both multiple-time British Rally Champions. This time around

McRae is back with a new co-driver Carolyn Bosley in hopes to win gold at Rally Car Racing’s second X

Games appearance.

. Travis Pastrana (Annapolis, Md.)

With gold medals in five of the seven years Freestyle Moto X has been held at X Games, Pastrana is

easily one of the most successful riders in the history of the event. Although a newcomer to Rally,

Pastrana scored his first overall win at the 2006 Rim of the World rally in April and won the first ever gold

medal in the Rally Car Racing competition at X Games 12 alongside co-driver Bjorn Edstrom. Pastrana

and Edstrom (New York, New York), share a lot of mutual respect for one another. Edstrom, the veteran,

has been competing in the sport since 1998. Pastrana trusts Edstrom’s judgment and expertise in the

sport while Edstrom has always admired Pastrana for his talent and professionalism in both Moto X and

Rally.

Surfing
The Surfing competition was held on July 4 in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. You can watch it on ABC on
Sunday, Aug 6 at 4 p.m. ET.

Melanie Bartels (Waianae, Hawaii)

Winner of the 2006 Sunset WCT Event, Melanie Bartels is currently ranked seventh on the ASP Women’s

World Tour. Bartels picked up her first surfboard at the age of five and has been reinventing her surfing

style ever since. Best known for her progressive surfing technique, Bartels finished in third place overall in

the WQS for 2006. Her unique talents contribute to the already skillfully diverse USA Women’s Team at X

Games 13.

Chris Ward (San Clemente, Calif.)

With his WCT career on the line in 2006, Chris Ward finished the year on a high note by making the semifinals

of the Pipe Masters and securing a 2007 WCT slot as he continued to blow minds around the world.

He beat Mick Fanning in one of the greatest heats of all time in perfect barrels "somewhere in Mexico." In

2005, “Wardo” scored a perfect 10 in his first WCT event at Snapper Rocks, where he finished runner up

to Mick Fanning after taking out Kelly Slater, Taj Burrow, and Kalani Robb. After being a part of the

winning West Coast team at X Games 12, Wardo’s mission will be to bring a gold medal to the USA team in Puerto Escondido.

Musical Line-Up Announced for X Games 13 Diverse Musical Genres to Compliment World Premiere Action Sports Event LOS ANGELES – ESPN X Games announces the musical line-up performing at The Home Depot Center Aug. 2-5, 2007. For the first time, all sets will take place in the X Fest Music Tent, where fans will experience music in an intimate, lounge setting. Tickets for X Fest are available on Ticketmaster.com and at The Home Depot Center box office. Admission to X Fest is free to the public on Thursday, Aug. 2. On Thursday, the event kicks off with local band To Live and Die in LA and Mendocino County’s North Coast Underground. North Coast underground is an action sports party favorite, with their soulful reggae and hip hop infused vibes. Friday, August 3 is Girls’ Day at the X Games, where ladies have the opportunity to participate in skateboarding and BMX clinics and a “Learn to Play” seminar by Daisy Rock Guitars. Musical acts will feature Hell’s Belles, The Donnas and goodbye Gadget. Hell’s Belles is an all female tribute to AC/DC that lives by the moto “All AC/DC, ALL the time.” Hell’s Belles is a club favorite around the world and makes sure everyone knows that they are about power, not power ballads. The Donnas are adored feisty rockers whose career has seen them grown from “geeky” teenagers to proficient musicians “with much better hair.” These ladies love to get up close and sweaty with their devoted fans. The Donnas will be busting out new tracks from their upcoming album Bitchin’, out this September on their own independent label. Friday also features goodbye Gadget, an alt-rock punk band that has been labeled “the female version of Green Day.” On Saturday, August 4, the musical spectrum include indie rockers The Shys and blow-up-the-amps metal rockers Death by Stereo. The Shys have been described as a “brash update of '60s British Invasion and garage rock.” Death by Stereo, whose fans often chant the motto, “Death for Life” when they play, balance chaos and consciousness with an intense stage show. Their recently released the album Death Alive includes live versions of songs that span their 10-year career. On Sunday, August 5, last year’s crowd favorite Buck-O-Nine takes the stage. Buck-O-Nine is releasing Sustain on Aug. 7, their first studio album since 1999. The event concludes with a performance by Kenna, who’s Virginia Beach-via-Ethiopia singer lit up indie radio and MTV2 with the single “Hell Bent” in 2003. His latest album, Make Sure They See My Face, is set to release in late August. The X Fest Music Tent also features DJ sets by DJ Iree, Junebugg, Efrem Schulz and DJ Jasepi and performances by Mick Kelleher, Dewey PC and Steve Steadham. Fans can participate in the action with Karaoke X, where they can take the stage in a Green Day vs. Ramones karaoke battle backed by a live band. The winner will have the opportunity to win a new guitar. For the most updated music schedule, please go to www.expn.com. ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs. X Games will remain in Los Angeles through 2009.

July 27

ESPN and Rockstar Energy Drink Present the First-Ever
X Games in Mexico City Inaugural Event to be Held Sept. 7-9 at the Palacio de los Deportes

Los Angeles, Calif. – The first-ever international X Games in Mexico
City will take place Sept. 7-9, 2007 at the Palacio de los Deportes,
announced today by Rick Alessandri, senior vice president, general manager,
ESPN Consumer Products and X Games Franchise Managing Director. Along
with presenting sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink, the competition will
include the world’s top athletes competing in the disciplines of BMX
Freestyle, Skateboard Street, Skateboard Vert and Moto X. X Games Mexico
will be co-organized by OCESA, the largest entertainment company in Latin
America.

“Our goal has always been to serve action sports fans wherever they may
be, and we believe the excitement of the X Games truly transcends
across all cultures,” said Alessandri. “As the X Games franchise has
continued to grow and become increasingly embraced internationally, we are
very excited and enthusiastic about bringing the inaugural X Games
Mexico event to the people of Mexico City.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Rockstar Energy Drink and OCESA to
bring X Games to Mexico City for its regional debut in 2007,” said Gerardo
Casanova, general manager, ESPN Mexico. “We look forward to hosting
world-class athletes and watching them perform on first-rate courses.
ESPN is excited for this opportunity to further enhance our relationship
with sports enthusiasts throughout Mexico.”

“Rockstar is incredibly excited to partner with ESPN to bring the most
powerful event in action sports to Mexico,” says Jason May, executive
vice president marketing, Rockstar Energy Drink. “The X Games lifestyle
runs parallel with Rockstar’s philosophy and we are committed to
bringing the most complete, the most unique, the most powerful and the most
honest energy beverage ever created to the consumers.”

Other event sponsors include Ford Motor Vehicles, Oakley and Vans.

For more information on X Games Mexico and a complete list of invited
athletes, please visit www.xgamesmexico.com.

ESPN will produce 5 hours of original programming which will air on
ESPN Dos in Mexico and on ESPN International across the pan-regional Latin
America network. A 1-hour highlight show will be produced for
broadcast on all other ESPN Networks across the globe.

ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X
Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games,
Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports
programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two
U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration
events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico,
Korea, Malaysia and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded its reach
to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to
consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and
DVDs.

ABOUT ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK
Developed to increase the recovery time of those who lead active and
exhausting lifestyles, Rockstar Energy Drink is available in six amazing
flavors. You can find Original, Sugar Free, Juiced, Zero Carb, Guava
and Pomegranate at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the
United States www.rockstar69.com.

July 20

Subaru Exclusive Automotive and Gold Sponsor of ESPN X Games 13
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX to be grand prize awarded by ESPN to the 'Subaru Most Outstanding Athlete of the Games'
Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana set to defend X Games gold medal in rally competition

Subaru and ESPN today announced that Subaru is the exclusive automotive and gold level sponsor of X Games 13 to be held in Los Angeles, Calif. August 2-5.

Among the standard terms of the sponsorship agreement, Subaru of America, Inc. will provide ESPN with a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX to be the grand prize awarded by ESPN to the "Subaru Most Outstanding Athlete of the Games." ESPN will solely be responsible for selecting the recipient and administering the giveaway.

"We are very pleased to be an integral sponsor of X Games 13," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Last year, we had such tremendous success in the rally competition that we dubbed the event the 'WRX Games' in a celebratory print ad.' It is a perfect fit for our performance enthusiast customers that are always ready for action."

Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana will be back in action to defend his X Games gold medal in the rally competition. Last year Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom earned the gold medal in the inaugural X Games Rally event.

Pastrana edged out a win over rally legend and former Subaru World Rally Champion Colin McRae. Pastrana's Subaru teammates Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino took the bronze medal. All three podium finishers drove Open Class Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally cars sponsored by Subaru of America, Inc. and prepared by Vermont SportsCar. Eight of the ten top finishers competed in Subaru-based rally cars.

The addition of Subaru to our roster of sponsors for X Games 13 comes at a great time after the success of last year's debut of Rally Car Racing, said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise. "Partnering with Subaru is a terrific fit for the X Games audience, and we look forward to growing the relationship for future action sports events."

For 2007, The Home Depot Center will host an increased number of X Games competitions, while other events will return to STAPLES Center. For a schedule of X Games 13 rally events and for a complete event schedule visit www.expn.com.

The X Games is the definitive annual action sports competition featuring more than 150 of the world's best athletes competing in: BMX Freestyle, Moto X, Skateboard, Surfing and Rally Car Racing. X Games Los Angeles-based venues include STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

About ESPN, Inc.

ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Sports media assets include ESPN on ABC, six domestic cable television networks (ESPN, launched in 1979; ESPN2; ESPN Classic; ESPNEWS; ESPN Deportes; ESPNU), ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD (high-definition simulcast services of ESPN and ESPN2, respectively), ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (31 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN360 (Broadband), Mobile ESPN (wireless), ESPN On Demand, ESPN Interactive and ESPN PPV.

Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

Web site: http://www.subaru.com/

http://www.expn.com/

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July 11, 2007

Production Notes in English and Spanish and Credits

It has been a long, lonely summer for Harry Potter as he awaits his fifth year of

study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s bad enough that he must

endure living with the odious Dursleys, but he hasn’t received even a note from his

classmates and closest friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. And there has not

been any word from anyone in the aftermath of his confrontation with the evil Lord

Voldemort. The letter that does arrive is not the kind for which he was hoping—

pronouncing that Harry is about to be expelled from Hogwarts for illegally using magic

outside of school and in the presence of a Muggle, namely his obnoxious cousin, Dudley.

Never mind that it was in defense against an unprovoked and inexplicable attack by two

Dementors.

Harry’s only hope is to defend himself at what amounts to hardly more than a

kangaroo court orchestrated by the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, who has his own

reasons for wanting the young wizard to be gone for good. Much to Fudge’s chagrin,

Harry is acquitted—thanks largely to the intervention of Hogwarts’ venerable

Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore—but his return to Hogwarts is, for the first time,

apprehensive and uncomfortable. Harry has learned that much of the wizarding

community has been led to believe that the story of the teenager’s recent encounter with

Voldemort is an outright lie, putting Harry’s integrity in question.

Feeling ostracized and alone, Harry is beset by nightmares that seem to foretell

sinister events. Worse, the one person whose counsel he needs most, Professor

Dumbledore, is suddenly acting strangely distant from the confused and hurt young

wizard.

Meanwhile, in an effort to keep an eye on Dumbledore and keep the Hogwarts

students—especially Harry—in line, Fudge has appointed a new Defense Against the

Dark Arts teacher, the duplicitous Professor Dolores Umbridge. But Professor

Umbridge’s “Ministry-approved” course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards

woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the Dark Forces threatening them. So,

at the prompting of Hermione and Ron, Harry is convinced to take matters into his own

hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves

“Dumbledore’s Army,” Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark

Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that he knows

lies ahead.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Heyday Films Production, “Harry Potter and

the Order of the Phoenix.” The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson,

Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Ralph Fiennes, Michael

Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Richard Griffiths, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan

Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, David Thewlis, Emma

Thompson and Julie Walters.

The film was directed by David Yates and produced by David Heyman and David

Barron. Michael Goldenberg wrote the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling.

Lionel Wigram served as executive producer.

The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Slawomir

Idziak, production designer Stuart Craig, editor Mark Day, costume designer Jany

Temime and composer Nicholas Hooper.

Concurrently with the film’s debut in conventional theatres, “Harry Potter and the

Order of the Phoenix”: An IMAX 3D Experience will be released in IMAX theatres

worldwide. Using proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology, scenes from the movie’s

finale (approximately 20 minutes) have been converted into An IMAX 3D Experience®

the most immersive cinematic 3D in the world. The film has been digitally re-mastered

into The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering)

technology. A special on-screen cue—a green icon of flashing glasses across the bottom

of the screen—will alert moviegoers when to put the 3D glasses on, and a red icon will

appear, indicating when the glasses should be taken off. IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX

DMR®, IMAX MPX®, The IMAX Experience® and An IMAX 3D Experience® are

trademarks of IMAX Corporation.

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” will be distributed worldwide by

Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated “PG-13” by the MPAA for “sequences of fantasy

violence and frightening images.”

www.harrypotterorderofthephoenix.com

For downloadable general press information and photos from

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX,

please visit: http://press.warnerbros.com

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

A NEW ORDER

The fifth year of study at Hogwarts School presents a turning point, not only for

Harry Potter but for his friends and classmates as well. No longer children, they are

suddenly faced with the choices and challenges of young adulthood…and the

consequences that come with them. Harry—dealing with the return of Lord Voldemort

and the death of his friend Cedric Diggory—has been forced to grow up perhaps more

quickly than the others and is compelled to take on responsibilities he never could have

expected.

Making his entrance into the world of Harry Potter, director David Yates remarks,

“It was exciting to me that this story takes place at a time in the students’ lives when they

are maturing and everything is becoming more complicated. It is about rebellion and

about understanding the limits of adulthood; it’s about discovering how difficult the

world can become and how sometimes you have to make your own way in that world. So

it’s a blend of all the magic and fun that J.K. Rowling puts into her books and all the

wonderful and amazing things that have been set in motion in the previous films, together

with issues and ideas that are a bit more complex and touching on things that are quite

grown up.”

David Heyman, the producer of all of the Harry Potter features, notes that the

nature of the story was what led him to choose Yates—an award-winning British

television director—to helm the fifth installment of the series. “David is a fantastic

actors’ director, and he has also shown that he can handle political subject matter in an

entertaining way. This is not a political film, per se, but the politics of the magic world

are very much at play here. We thought David would handle that brilliantly, and he has.

He came in with a great passion for the material and a great sense of the emotional

journey of the characters. He understood that, for all the spectacle, what we and the

audience connect with are the characters.

“It was really rewarding how the kids embraced him and he them,” Heyman adds.

“Like their characters, they are growing up and David treated them as equals. He

realized that they know their characters well and was always soliciting their ideas and

getting them to bring more of themselves to their roles in ways they hadn’t before. That

was exciting for them and for us.”

Returning in the role of Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe attests, “I loved working

with David. He is a delightful man, very soft-spoken, and yet I have never been pushed

as hard as I was on this film, partly because of the nature of the story and partly because

of his directing. He never settled for less; he always wanted me to go deeper, which was

exactly what I felt I needed. He is a brilliant director.”

“David is wicked; we got on really well with him,” agrees Rupert Grint, the actor

behind the role of Harry’s best mate, Ron Weasley. “He was quite a bit different from

the other directors because he has a more relaxed approach, but he always gave great

suggestions.”

Emma Watson, who plays Harry’s loyal friend Hermione Granger, adds, “It was

really lovely because David listened to what we had to say about our characters. He was

respectful of the fact that we have been playing these people for five films now. He

appreciated the history and the special relationship that Dan, Rupert and I share because

it adds truth to the friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione. David really looks for

truth in all of the characters.”

Yates was working from a script by another newcomer to the fold, screenwriter

Michael Goldenberg. “I was thrilled when David Heyman called and asked me to be

involved,” Goldenberg recalls. “The great thing about working on a Harry Potter film is

that it’s something bigger than yourself, so there is no question of ego getting in the way.

I know it’s a cliché, but it’s a magical thing to be a part of what has become this amazing

phenomenon and to have a role in helping to bring it to the screen; I felt a great sense of

responsibility in the best sense of the word. David Heyman made it fun, which is what a

Harry Potter film should be, and Jo (J.K. Rowling) was incredibly sweet and could not

have been more generous in giving us room to make the best film possible. David Yates

was intent on keeping every moment of the story grounded in reality, and I think that’s

what makes the magic even more magical.

“Obviously, it was very important to stay true to the spirit of the book,”

Goldenberg observes. “This story, in particular, is so much about Harry’s journey. It’s

about Harry coming of age and realizing that things aren’t as black and white as they

initially appeared…and the adults he idealized are perhaps more flawed and human than

he thought. We wanted to examine those themes, not only with Harry but also with Ron

and Hermione. All of the kids are dealing with a more complex world than when they

first entered Hogwarts.”

In “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” Harry’s journey begins as he is

enduring another interminable summer with the Dursleys. Making the time even more

unbearable, he is feeling cut off from his closest friends, Ron and Hermione, who,

inexplicably, have not written to him all summer—not only hurtful but odd, especially

following the tumultuous and tragic events of the previous year.

Producer David Barron offers, “Poor Harry. After everything he’s been through,

he has been shut away in Little Whinging with absolutely no news from anybody. He

thinks everybody is ignoring him—Ron, Hermione, even Dumbledore—and I think,

coupled with the normal stresses of being a teenager, it’s just a bit much for him to bear.

It’s a side of Harry we haven’t seen before. He doesn’t start out quite as level-headed as

he has been in the past…not without justification, though.”

With that in mind, the insufferable bully Dudley Dursley has chosen the wrong

time to engage in his favorite pastime—trying to goad Harry—but their confrontation is

abruptly halted when, without warning, a pair of Dementors attack and Harry is forced to

produce a Patronus charm to save both their lives. Only moments later, a letter arrives at

Privet Drive informing Harry that he has been expelled from Hogwarts for his illegal use

of magic, a decree that delights the Dursleys even as it sends Harry to the edge of despair.

But hope is not lost. That night, a group of Aurors (Dark wizard catchers)—

including Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and don’t-call-me-

Nymphadora Tonks—arrive at his door and whisk him away, telling Harry that

Dumbledore has arranged for him to appeal his expulsion at a formal hearing at the

Ministry of Magic.

First, however, they must take a detour to a secret location, where Harry will

discover there has been a lot going on while he has been sequestered in Little Whinging.

Arriving at number twelve Grimmauld Place—which, if you don’t know is there, is not

there—Harry is reunited with Ron and Hermione. And it is there that he is first

introduced to the Order of the Phoenix, “a clandestine organization originally formed by

Dumbledore to combat the forces of evil represented by Voldemort,” David Heyman

explains. “They meet in secret, in large part because Fudge, who is in charge of the

Ministry of Magic, feels threatened by Dumbledore and is trying to repress stories of

Voldemort’s return. But those in the Order know that Voldemort is gathering followers

and his power is growing.”

Harry learns that his parents had been among the original Order of the Phoenix,

and counted among its current members are Molly & Arthur Weasley, Remus Lupin,

Severus Snape and, to his surprise and delight, Sirius Black, who has opened the Black

family home as the meeting place for the Order of the Phoenix. David Yates says, “Sirius

can’t go out because he’s still a wanted man. He can do very little to help, so the house is

his gift to the Order.”

Gary Oldman, who was introduced as Sirius Black in “Harry Potter and the

Prisoner of Azkaban,” relates, “Sirius is a man very much haunted by being wrongly

accused and imprisoned at Azkaban for so many years. He is emotionally rooted in the

old days when they were the young Order. In some ways, his relationship with Harry is

like reliving the past. Harry is so much like his father, James, who was Sirius’ best

friend, and Sirius is Harry’s godfather, which is something he does not take lightly. They

share a special relationship, which has progressively gotten stronger.”

“It’s similar for Harry,” adds Radcliffe. “Sirius sees a younger version of James

in Harry, and Harry gets to know more about his father through his relationship with

Sirius.”

Harry also sees the Order of the Phoenix as a way to connect to his past…and

more. “Officially, he’s not in the Order, but he already thinks of himself as very much a

part of it because so many of his friends are in it. It means a lot to him because, of

course, his parents were in the original Order. So it has quite an emotional importance to

Harry, as well as giving him a chance to fight Voldemort,” Radcliffe states.

MINISTERIAL PROCEEDINGS

Nevertheless, before Harry can think about fighting Voldemort, there is the matter

of getting reinstated at Hogwarts. Harry must defend his actions at a hearing at the

Ministry of Magic. The décor of the Ministry’s grand atrium is dominated by what

production designer Stuart Craig describes as “a Soviet-style propaganda poster of

Fudge.”

The designer adds that, despite the fact that people are literally flying down the

hallways and memos are sent by the wizards’ own brand of air mail, “the Ministry is a

bureaucracy. In England, government buildings tend to have a 19th century Victorian

design, which is very decorative. The Ministry is also underground, so one of the first

things we did was visit the oldest of the London Tube stations, many of which were done

with an extravagant use of decorative ceramic tile. We put that into the mix and invented

this underground world that is tunneled—because that’s what you would do

underground—and wrapped in polished black ceramic tile, which is very interesting

photographically. It was also challenging for (director of photography) Slawomir Idziak

because it’s highly reflective.”

The Ministry atrium represents the largest set ever built for the Harry Potter films,

at over 200-feet long, 120-feet wide and 30-feet high. It took more than 30,000 tiles to

cover it, all of which had to be individually placed. Onscreen, the atrium will appear

even bigger through the use of visual effects.

Escorted by Mr. Weasley, Harry enters the Ministry through the visitors’

entrance, which, for all intents and purposes, looks like an ordinary telephone box in the

heart of London. “We thought it would be amusing to put the Ministry of Magic

underneath the Muggle ministries, so we positioned the telephone box on the sidewalk

very close to the Ministry of Defense. So, unbeknownst to the Muggles, underneath the

British Ministry of Defense lies the Ministry of Magic,” Craig smiles.

Yates asserts, “One of the most fun elements of Harry Potter is how the wizarding

world exists right next to our own Muggle world. It is sometimes just next door or right

under our feet, if we only took the time to look. In fact, the two worlds often touch

without us realizing it.”

At Harry’s hearing, things don’t go as Fudge had planned, thanks to Dumbledore

and an unlikely eyewitness. Harry is cleared of all charges, but when he tries to talk to

Dumbledore after the hearing, his beloved mentor rushes away, refusing to even make

eye contact with the young wizard.

Reprising the role of Albus Dumbledore, Michael Gambon says, “Harry’s view of

Dumbledore is that he is Harry’s rock, but he sees his rock is collapsing a bit in this

movie. Dumbledore’s power is severely threatened, but that makes him more human,

doesn’t it? It also gave me another level of his character to explore, which was an

interesting experience.”

Still troubled by Dumbledore’s rebuff, Harry goes back to Hogwarts. But the test

that awaits him, as well as his classmates, will be unlike anything they have ever faced.

PINK IS THE NEW BLACK

Returning to Hogwarts, Harry is met with suspicious glances and the headline in

The Daily Prophet twists Harry’s surname from Potter to “Plotter,” accusing him outright

of lying about Lord Voldemort’s return. Feeling alone and ostracized, Harry even resists

the overtures of Ron and Hermione to help and support him, believing that no one can

understand what he is going through, including his closest friends.

Daniel Radcliffe acknowledges, “He is perhaps being a bit of a martyr, but I think

that is part of what’s so appealing about Harry—he is not perfect. He’s a flawed

character; that’s what makes him an incredibly human character. He is a really good

person, but one who is mired in self-doubt a great deal of the time, and I think most

people can relate to that.”

Yates says, “It’s an interesting time in Harry’s life because he feels vilified by

The Daily Prophet, which is the newspaper of the Ministry of Magic, and people are

starting to believe what they read. So when he comes back to Hogwarts, it doesn’t feel as

familiar and safe as it always has in the past. He feels like an outsider, and he has to

make a choice whether he is going to be defined by that or if he is going to hold onto the

friendships that have gotten him through so much during his school years. There are

moments where you see he could go either way, and that is the emotional center of the

story, for Harry in particular.

“It was also a really interesting journey for Dan as an actor because it was a

complex piece of acting work,” the director offers. “What’s great about Dan is he is

fearless and so determined. There were times we’d be doing take after take and I could

see the determination in his eyes to do it better on every take. I love that about him; he

just wants his performance to be the absolute best he can make it.”

The start of the new year at Hogwarts brings with it a new addition to the faculty:

Professor Dolores Umbridge, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, played by

award-winning actress Imelda Staunton. Dressed in pink from head to toe, Professor

Umbridge has a practiced smile and a honeyed singsong voice that belies her true nature.

Yates explains, “Fudge is paranoid about Dumbledore, who he thinks is after his

job, so he places one of his most trusted lieutenants, Dolores Umbridge, at Hogwarts to

act as his eyes and ears. She decides it’s her mission to clear out all the deadwood and

conform Hogwarts to a very proper, orthodox way of teaching, staying within the box

that the Ministry thinks they should all fit into, which results in a brilliant collision of

values.”

“She’s definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Barron affirms. “She is nowhere

near as ‘pink’ as she appears. I don’t think Fudge realizes quite what he’s doing by

sending her there. I’m not sure even he knows what she is truly capable of.”

“She is all about control; order is paramount,” says David Heyman. “Anything

that veers from her almost fascistic view of the way things should be has no hope of

surviving in her world. She doesn’t believe that her students’ minds are vessels to be

inspired but rather to be filled with the thoughts and ideas of the Ministry.”

The students at Hogwarts are not the only targets in Dolores Umbridge’s sights.

The professors and staff are not any safer from her withering assaults. The Professor of

Divination, Sybill Trelawney, played by Emma Thompson, could not have foreseen that

Umbridge would dismiss her without a moment’s thought, while Charms Professor

Flitwick, played by Warwick Davis, also falls short of Umbridge’s standards. Even the

most respected professors, like Severus Snape, played by Alan Rickman, and Minerva

McGonagall, portrayed by Maggie Smith, hold no sway over the pink-clad High

Inquisitor. No one is safe from Umbridge’s relentless power grab. Not even Headmaster

Albus Dumbledore.

Heyman adds, “Her overriding aim is to discredit Dumbledore and seize control

of the school in the name of the Ministry. Nothing will stand in her way. And Imelda

plays that with a smile.”

Staunton states, “There are many people like that, who are outwardly charming

but there is a lot going on beneath the surface, which is a nice challenge to play. I don’t

believe for a moment Dolores thinks she’s doing anything wrong. She believes she is

doing what’s best and, of course, those are always the more frightening people because

they don’t see any other side. There is no compromise.”

“Imelda just ate up this character,” Yates declares. “She is an incredibly gifted

actress with wonderful comic timing. She was able to make Umbridge a woman of real

complexity and not a caricature in any sense.”

Based on the way the character is described in the book, Staunton might have

taken umbrage at being cast as Umbridge. “In the book, she is said to be very ugly and

toad-like, so when people would tell me, ‘You’d be great for the part,’ I’d say, ‘Well,

thanks very much,’” she laughs. “But it was great being asked to do this because the role

is a gem and it is heaven to be a part of this world…not to mention I have a much higher

status with my 12 year old at home now.”

Staunton also worked closely with costume designer Jany Temime to craft

Umbridge’s look. “We had a lot of fun creating this sort of little round person, who’s not

very nice,” the actress says. “I didn’t want her to have any hard edges. I thought it was

important for her to appear soft and warm because, of course, she is neither.”

To physically suggest Umbridge’s softness, Temime reveals, “We gave Imelda a

lot of padding because she’s actually a very thin woman.” The designer also used soft,

fuzzy fabrics for Umbridge’s costumes to add to the illusion of softness and warmth.

The color of the costumes, however, was predetermined by the book: pink, pinker

and pinkest. “Every time we see her, she is in a different shade of pink,” says Temime.

“As she gains power, the color gets stronger and more atrocious until she winds up in the

deepest shade of cerise.”

The color scheme was carried over to Umbridge’s office, which Stuart Craig and

his team decorated in shades of pink, and adorned with accents of lace and velvet and

cute little knickknacks all around. The furniture style is French, which the designer says

“is curvy, but has a sharpness to it,” a none-too-subtle hint to its owner’s real personality.

The most distinctive feature in the office is the display of some 200 kitten plates on the

walls, some of whose feline inhabitants are decidedly vocal and active.

By contrast, Umbridge’s classroom is much more austere, in keeping with her

style of teaching, which is severely limiting to her students, right down to the remedial

textbook she gives them. Rupert Grint observes, “Umbridge has a rather strange teaching

technique for a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She believes progress should be

discouraged and we should study theory with no practical application, which is ridiculous

in a school of magic.”

Emma Watson agrees. “They are not really Defense Against the Dark Arts

lessons anymore because the students are not allowed to use magic. And for an eager

mind like Hermione’s, it’s like a slap in the face. She just can’t bear to sit there and be

treated like an idiot; it just makes her blood boil because learning is everything to her.

For the first time, Hogwarts, which has always been this very secure, stable place for

Harry, Ron and Hermione, is not safe. It’s scary and it’s dangerous.”

Dangerous because the students are not being prepared to fight or defend

themselves…especially in a world where the Dark Lord is again at large.

DUMBLEDORE’S ARMY

As Professor Umbridge wields her escalating power at Hogwarts, new and ever-

stricter Educational Decrees are posted, each one more limiting than the last. Almost

daily, new proclamations are hammered onto Hogwarts’ stone walls, banning anything

she deems to be subversive. But all her plotting backfires, as her stranglehold on the

school only serves to strengthen the students’ resolve to somehow defy her authority.

Yates notes, “What’s interesting is that, in trying to achieve complete control,

Umbridge ultimately achieves the exact opposite.”

It is Hermione who is the first to act, rallying her fellow students to take matters

into their own hands. Watson states, “They know that if they are not learning spells then

they will be unable to defend themselves. And while the Ministry is in denial that

Voldemort has returned, they are not. They believe Harry; they know there is something

dark and scary out there. I think that’s the reason that, for the first time in her life,

Hermione feels the need to rebel. It’s the first time she realizes that doing what you’re

told all the time doesn’t quite work. You can’t always trust authority; sometimes you

have to trust yourself.”

With Hermione and Ron’s encouragement, Harry agrees to step up and take on

the responsibility of teaching the Hogwarts students the spells they will need to know to

defend themselves against the Dark Arts. Radcliffe acknowledges, “At first Harry is

reluctant, but he is talked into it by Hermione, who, as usual, is irritating but happens to

be right on this occasion,” he laughs. “So we go underground and form Dumbledore’s

Army. Harry becomes their teacher, using the knowledge he has gained to train up the

students and teach them how to fight. The way he looks at it, there is a war coming, and

there is a sense of growing danger. If Umbridge isn’t teaching us what we need to do, we

won’t stand a chance when we are called upon to fight.”

David Heyman remarks that Harry going from classmate to teacher represents a

critical moment in the arc of the character. “We see Harry start out being a bit of an

outsider, feeling like people do not trust him, do not believe him, thinking he doesn’t

belong anymore. Then, ultimately, he finds out that he does belong. And not only does

he belong, but he has people who are willing to follow him. That’s a really powerful and

moving thing—watching Harry go from feeling isolated, even within his group, to

becoming a leader of that group. Moreover, he is a better teacher than some that he has

had.”

One member of the group is the ethereal Luna Lovegood, a soft-spoken girl with a

somewhat quirky personality, who is unfazed by what anyone else thinks of her. The

character is making her debut in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” just as the

young actress playing her, Evanna Lynch, is making her acting debut in the coveted role.

Luna’s unique qualities made the part one of the most challenging to cast.

Casting director Fiona Weir and the filmmakers met dozens of contenders, but none were

quite what they had visualized for Luna, so they decided to hold an open call. More than

15,000 young hopefuls from all over the U.K. lined the blocks, standing for hours and

hours for their chance to audition. One of them was Evanna Lynch, an avid Harry Potter

fan who had fallen in love with the character of Luna when she read the book Harry

Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. “I loved her immediately,” Lynch states. “She is so

cool because she is so honest with everyone, including herself. She is funny and free and

kind of floats through life so everyone thinks she’s a bit dotty and silly, but she’s not.

She’s really clever and wise in her own way, and she has a good insight into things.”

Lynch felt an instant connection with Luna when she was introduced to the

character in the book, going so far as to put herself on tape reading Luna’s dialogue and

even sending the tapes in for consideration. Shortly after, she learned there would be an

open audition and declares, “I had to go…I was meant to go.” Persuading her father to

take her, she traveled from her home in Southern Ireland and joined the queue with

thousands of other candidates who shared her ambition but not her confidence. “I wasn’t

nervous because being Luna was natural to me,” she asserts.

The filmmakers agreed. David Barron recalls, “Fiona Weir met all 15,000 of the

girls and eventually distilled the choices down to 29, who she put on a DVD and sent to

us. She told us there was one girl to watch for, but didn’t tell us which one. I got as far

as the ninth one and rang Fiona and said, ‘It must be number nine,’ and it was. It was

Evanna. She was just fantastic.”

Heyman attests, “The difference between Evanna and all the other girls we

interviewed for the part is the others could play Luna; Evanna Lynch is Luna.”

Jany Temime adds that Lynch even contributed to her character’s costume. “She

was very specific about certain details. I made earrings for her that were red radishes,

and she insisted that they had to be orange. That’s how well she knew the character. We

wanted to make sure that Luna’s costumes reflected a girl with very individual tastes and

her own special interests, but not so completely different that she would not fit in with

others.”

Another member of Dumbledore’s Army, Neville Longbottom, played by

Matthew Lewis, has had his own troubles fitting in with his classmates, but he proves his

mettle when he uncovers the perfect spot for the group to train in complete secrecy: the

Room of Requirement. As its name suggests, it is a room that only appears to those who

need it, taking on whatever form is required but remaining invisible to anyone on the

outside.

Stuart Craig offers, “We gave the Room of Requirement a default or neutral state

in which the walls are mirrors and you cannot determine where the real space ends and

the reflection begins. I thought it was appropriate that reflected you and your need back

to yourself. But, being the Room of Requirement, if they needed books and cushions or

dummy Death Eaters to fight, they would appear, as in the novel.”

As a movie set, however, the mirrored room came with its own set of

requirements. Craig acknowledges, “Obviously, the mirrors made it enormously

challenging because they not only reflect the actors but the camera, the crew, the lights…

We were constantly changing the angles of the mirrors for each shot and, in some cases,

we used a dulling spray to kill a reflection.”

To minimize one concern, Craig and director of photography Slawomir Idziak

devised an ingenious under-floor lighting system with which they could light the set from

beneath grilles built onto the floor. For a time it looked like the system might not work

as planned as “it lit the soles of people’s shoes in a rather unfortunate way,” Craig relates.

“We ended up covering the soles of their shoes with black velvet and had everybody on

the crew or not in the shot wearing little blue surgical shoes to prevent them from

treading dust onto the floor of the set, which had to be black so as not to expose the

under-floor lighting.”

MISTLETOE

When Hogwarts adjourns for Christmas vacation, Harry’s underground class

reluctantly breaks for the holiday. But as the students part company, one stays behind:

the lovely Cho Chang, played by Katie Leung. Cho had first caught Harry’s eye in

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” and though they shared a tentative attraction, their

relationship has been made more complicated by their mutual connection to Cedric

Diggory, the young man who was Lord Voldemort’s first victim upon his return.

Knowing what was in their hearts, however, the Room of Requirement provided a sprig

of mistletoe, leading to an eagerly anticipated moment for Harry Potter fans

everywhere—Harry’s first kiss.

“I was slightly nervous because I knew Katie was nervous,” Radcliffe admits.

“It’s not just about the kiss; it’s about the complex relationship that Cho and Harry have.

But we did it a few times and after that it was not a big deal really. It was cool. We had

fun.”

“I was so nervous because it was my first onscreen kiss, but David Yates was

great. He told us exactly what he wanted, and that made it less intimidating,” says

Leung. “It was a bit awkward in the beginning, but Daniel made it easy for me, and it

went great. I really enjoyed it…and Daniel is a very good kisser,” she smiles.

Yates notes, “We wanted Dan and Katie to feel as comfortable as possible, so we

cleared the set and tried to keep the atmosphere as intimate as possible.”

The director’s preparations might have helped the two actors, but they did little to

assuage the nerves of many of the crew, who had virtually watched Daniel Radcliffe

grow up over the course of the Harry Potter films. Heyman states, “Many of us have

known Daniel since he was 10 years old, have seen him grow up before our eyes, care for

him so, and are protective of him. And here we were watching him have his first screen

kiss. It was so strange. I kept thinking, ‘I shouldn’t be watching this,’” he laughs. “But

it was perfect, and I think it will be a tender and beautiful moment for audiences.”

Heyman continues, “One of the great pleasures of working on the Harry Potter

films has been watching the kids grow up and seeing their talent blossom. They are all

great young people—curious, kind, sensitive, bright—and I think the performances you

will see in this film show how much they have developed as people and as actors.”

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND NOT-SO-SMALL

When classes reconvene, Umbridge is more determined than ever to track down

the rebellious students and put an end to their subversive activities. Long-suffering

caretaker Argus Filch isn’t having any luck, so she enlists the students of Slytherin

House, led by Harry’s nemesis Draco Malfoy, to spy for her. Tom Felton returns in the

role of the young Malfoy, who is all-too-eager to earn extra credit as one of Umbridge’s

Inquisitorial Squad, with the added bonus of one-upping Harry Potter. Meanwhile, as

Umbridge’s rise to power goes unchecked, she makes no secret of those she feels have no

place at Hogwarts.

Knowing it is only a matter of time before he, too, is banished from Hogwarts,

gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid asks Harry, Ron and Hermione for a special favor. In his

absence, he will need them to look after his half-brother, Grawp, who just happens to be a

16-foot-tall giant.

Bringing Grawp to the screen involved a combination of design, motion capture,

visual effects and the talents of an actor named Tony Maudsley. Heyman says, “We

decided that Grawp should be a true innocent with a very short attention span. We

brought in Tony Maudsley, and he and David Yates spent a lot of time developing the

performance that would become Grawp through motion capture.”

Yates asserts, “Tony Maudsley really became the part and imbued every

movement with reason and rationale so, although the final character is more of a visual

effect, Tony gave him a heart and soul.”

Grawp’s heart can be seen when he is instantly taken with Hermione, who can’t

help but be flattered. “For Hermione, there is something sweet about Grawp,” notes

Emma Watson. “He is quite endearing in the way he has a soft spot for Hermione, and

she seems to be the only one who has any control over him, which is pretty funny.

know he is mostly made of special effects, but they somehow managed to make him feel

so real. He had such puppy dog eyes; I couldn’t help but fall in love with him.”

Creature & Make-Up Effects Designer Nick Dudman reveals that they did build a

full-size head for Grawp to “act” opposite the actors on the set, as well as to provide a 3D

model for the visual effects team to scan into the computer. “We needed to establish the

hair, the eyes, the teeth, all of which were controlled by us.”

“The scenes with Grawp were amazing,” Rupert Grint states. “They had this

massive head and shoulders on the set and you could almost forget he wasn’t all there.

They were some of my favorite scenes to do because when Grawp takes a fancy to

Hermione and picks her up, Ron gets jealous and tries to come to her rescue. He tries to

play the hero and beat up a giant and you can guess how that turned out,” he grins. “It

was fun because I got to do a little stunt work when he sent me flying.”

Hagrid hides Grawp deep in the Forbidden Forest, where the Centaurs also make

their home. The visual effects team, headed by Visual Effects Supervisor Tim Burke,

collaborated with Dudman and the design team on the creation of these noble creatures,

who were first introduced in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Burke offers, “We

had Centaurs in the first film, but I think audiences will see that they have come a long

way since then. They aren’t a half-man/half-horse combination. They are beings unto

themselves.”

“The Centaurs are creatures of the forest, who are powerful and proud and very

protective of their land. They also represent everything that Professor Umbridge loathes

because she only sees them as half-breeds,” Heyman says.

A new addition to the world of Harry Potter, the skeletal winged creatures called

Thestrals also bear some equine traits, but they are decidedly not horses. Looking like a

curious combination of horse and dragon, the Thestrals can only be seen by those who

have witnessed death firsthand. Having witnessed Cedric’s death, Harry sees for the first

time that it is the Thestrals who are pulling the carriages that take them to Hogwarts.

Luna Lovegood, who as a child saw her mother die, can also see them and considers the

gentle creatures to be her friends.

Although the Thestrals would primarily be brought to life through visual effects,

Dudman and his team built a full-size maquette of the creature so the filmmakers could

visualize them in relationship to their surroundings. “It’s easy to say a Thestral has a 30foot

wingspan,” he explains, “but what does that mean? How will it fit in the set and how

will it relate to the actors? Also, because the Thestrals are black and seen at night, a lot

of discussion went into what their texture was and to determine exactly the right blackon-

black color scheme.”

Despite being invisible to all but Harry and Luna, the Thestrals prove to be

invaluable in carrying Dumbledore’s Army into their first battle—one that will try their

courage and test every spell in their newly acquired arsenal.

BATTLE LINES

Despite his newfound confidence as a leader and his open defiance of Umbridge

as a teacher, Harry is still plagued by nightmares. Even more terrifying, his nightmares

now seem to be foretelling actual events. But what troubles Dumbledore is the growing

realization that Harry’s nightmares might not be dreams at all but, rather, an attempt by

Voldemort to use Harry’s own mind against him. Dumbledore enlists Professor Snape to

teach Harry the art of Occlumency, which will enable him to block the Dark Lord’s

attempts to infiltrate his mind. The lessons are both grueling and revealing in ways

neither Harry nor even Snape had anticipated, but they are to no avail. Voldemort’s mind

games prove too strong for the young wizard.

Harry awakens from a terrible nightmare in which he sees Sirius being attacked

behind a door he remembers seeing when he was summoned to the Ministry for his

hearing. He knows there is a chance that the nightmare was actually a trap meant to lure

him to the Ministry, but he cannot take that chance. Sirius is the only family he has left.

But Harry will not be going alone. Despite his initial protestations, he is joined

by five courageous members of Dumbledore’s Army: Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna and

the youngest Weasley sibling, Ginny. If Harry is willing to risk everything to save Sirius,

they are willing to risk everything to stand by him.

Arriving at the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic, the six young

wizards make their way into the Hall of Prophecy—a seemingly infinite room filled with

prophecies that have each been encased in a myriad of individual glass orbs and then

catalogued and stored on endless rows of shelves. Stuart Craig says the original plan was

“to physically manufacture 15,000 glass spheres and place them on glass shelves. The

whole thing was going to be a crystal palace covered in cobwebs and dust. But then we

realized that when the shelves came crashing down, it would be a one-take deal. It would

have taken weeks to replace and reset the orbs.” Practicality won out, and the entire

sequence was instead shot against a green screen, making the Hall of Prophecy the first-

ever completely computer-generated set in a Harry Potter film.

Harry instantly recognizes that he has seen the Hall of Prophecy before, but as

they makes their way down the rows of numbered shelves, it is Neville who makes a

startling discovery. The label for one of the glass orbs bears the name Harry Potter.

Unaware that the prophecy holds the key to the connection between him and Lord

Voldemort, Harry takes it in his hands…and the trap is sprung. The teenage wizards are

surrounded by a group of Death Eaters, led by the treacherous Lucius Malfoy. Reprising

the role of Lucius, actor Jason Isaacs notes, “At that moment, Lucius’ mask of civility is

gone forever. The battle lines have been drawn and there is no pretending which side he

is on.”

One of Lucius’ allies is Sirius’ sadistic cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange, a recent

escapee from Azkaban Prison and a devoted follower of the Dark Lord. It was she who

put a Cruciatus Curse on Neville’s parents, torturing them to insanity—a fate Sirius calls

“worse then death.” Her appearance gives Neville a new reason for being there.

Matthew Lewis, who has played the role of Neville in all of the Harry Potter movies,

comments, “Neville turns out to be a lot braver than even he thought. To take this

character on a journey from being this child who you would never think could fight, let

alone against Death Eaters, to being a man who will fight to avenge his parents…it was

just unbelievable.”

Joining the Harry Potter ensemble for the first time, Helena Bonham Carter

relished taking on the role of the evil Bellatrix Lestrange. “If somebody asks you to be in

a Harry Potter movie, you have to do it, and I really had fun with this role. Bellatrix

obviously has a personality disorder,” the actress laughs. “She actually gets a kick out of

being evil. I think she is in love with Lord Voldemort; she was willing to go to prison for

him for 14 years. Now that she’s out, she is even more fanatical.”

The six young wizards fight valiantly, using their wands to cast spells that most of

them have only just learned. But they are no match for the more experienced Death

Eaters. Just as the teenagers are on the brink of death, the Order of the Phoenix sweeps

in, with Sirius Black leading the charge and ordering Malfoy, “Get away from my

godson!”

The battle is on and despite the danger—or perhaps because of it—Sirius seems to

be enjoying the moment. Gary Oldman remarks, “Sirius has been so frustrated, first

being in prison for 12 years and, since then, hiding at Grimmauld Place. He has been

chomping at the bit to get his hands dirty and now he’s back. It’s like the old days.”

Screenwriter Michael Goldenberg says that scripting the pivotal battle between

the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters was his most daunting challenge. “Trying

to capture the essence of what was in the book and shape it for the screen was a real

balancing act. We wanted to make sure there was a real sense of the danger—that

anything could happen and anyone could live or die. That’s what keeps people on the

edge of their seats.”

To stage the battle scenes, David Yates enlisted the help of choreographer Paul

Harris to infuse the wand-to-wand combat with a style reminiscent of fencing. “David

wanted me to set rules of engagement for fighting with the wands, which had not been

established in the previous films,” Harris explains. “He wanted a range of movements

and positions from which the spells could be delivered, but they had to be unique to the

world of Harry Potter.”

In addition to outlining a basic set of movements, Harris worked with the actors to

develop their individual techniques. He offers, “Jason Isaacs, for example, has a very

formal, pure style, whereas Gary Oldman’s style is a lot more ‘street,’ which befits the

character.”

As the battle escalates, there are triumphs and tragedies, all leading to a climactic

showdown between Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort. Yates asserts, “The battle

between Voldemort and Dumbledore needed to be epic and visceral. I wanted audiences

to feel that they were inside the battle, experiencing it firsthand, so we tried to use a

hand-held camera whenever possible.”

In keeping with the fact that this was a fight between two powerful wizards,

visual effects supervisor Tim Burke adds, “David Yates came up with the inspired idea to

keep everything grounded in the elements—fire, water, sand... It’s all very logical and, at

the same time, astounding.”

The director remarks, “Ultimately, when you are watching this great battle

between Dumbledore and Voldemort, it is the climax of the first five stories thus far. We

had a duty to make it the most spectacular battle between good and evil, with Harry at its

center.”

“What they are ultimately fighting for is Harry’s soul,” David Heyman agrees.

“And in the midst of that, Harry, who had begun the story feeling completely isolated and

alone, even among his friends, finally sees that he has been given a priceless and

irreplaceable gift in the people in his life.”

Daniel Radcliffe offers, “What Harry realizes is that Voldemort may have the

followers and the power, but, ultimately, he will never have what Harry has, which is the

true and unconditional loyalty of his friends.”

Heyman adds, “And Harry has been given something by his mother and by his

friends that Voldemort will never have—the gift of love.”

Yates concludes, “‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ deals with some

complex and demanding themes, but I think the most striking is the power of friendship

and loyalty.”

# # #

ABOUT THE CAST

DANIEL RADCLIFFE is best known for playing the boy wizard Harry Potter in

all of the films based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling books.

Earlier this year, Radcliffe took on his first major theatre role, playing Alan

Strang in Peter Shaffer’s award-winning play “Equus.” The play, which had not been

performed in London’s West End for more than 30 years, was directed by Thea Sharrock

and co-starred Tony Award-winning actor Richard Griffiths.

Radcliffe will next be seen in “December Boys,” an Australian independent

feature, directed by Rod Hardy, set for release in September 2007.

This summer, Radcliffe will shoot ITV’s drama “My Boy Jack,” written by and

starring David Haig. The film, which tells the story of Rudyard Kipling’s 17-year-old

son, Jack, who never returned from World War I, also stars Kim Cattrall and Carey

Mulligan and is being directed by Brian Kirk.

Last year, Radcliffe guest starred on an episode of the HBO series “Extras,”

starring Ricky Gervais.

RUPERT GRINT reprises his role as Harry Potter’s best friend, Ron Weasley,

the character he has played in all of the Harry Potter films.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” marked Grint’s professional acting debut.

His performance in that film brought him widespread praise, as well as a British Film

Critic’s Circle Award nomination for Best Newcomer and a Young Artist Award for

Most Promising Newcomer. In addition, the U.K.’s leading film magazine, Empire,

recently presented Grint and his Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma

Watson with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of their

performances in all of the Harry Potter films.

After appearing in the first Harry Potter film, Grint starred as a young madcap

professor in Peter Hewitt’s “Thunderpants,” alongside Simon Callow, Stephen Fry and

Paul Giamatti. Returning to the role of Ron Weasley, he starred in “Harry Potter and the

Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and

the Goblet of Fire.” In 2006, Grint appeared opposite Julie Walters and Laura Linney in

Jeremy Brock’s acclaimed independent feature “Driving Lessons.”

Prior to winning the role of Ron Weasley, Grint performed in school and local

theatre, including productions of “Annie,” “Peter Pan” and “Rumpelstiltskin.”

When not on a movie set, Grint is most likely to be found on the golf course.

EMMA WATSON returns in the role of Hermione Granger, the studious

longtime friend to both Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.

Watson’s appearance in the first film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,”

marked her professional acting debut and brought her a Young Artist Award for Best

Leading Young Actress. Her performances as Hermione have since won her a worldwide

following, as well as the AOL Award two years running for Best Supporting Actress, for

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of

Azkaban.” Watson has also gained two Critics’ Choice Award nominations from the

Broadcast Film Critics Association for her performances in “Harry Potter and the

Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” In addition, the readers

of Total Film magazine voted her Best New Performer for her work in “Harry Potter and

the Prisoner of Azkaban.” More recently, Watson was honored by the U.K.’s leading

film magazine, Empire, along with co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, with the

prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of their work in the Harry

Potter films.

Watson continues to balance filming with her studies and school activities and is

also a budding athlete. Her hobbies include travel, dance and singing.

HELENA BONHAM CARTER joins the cast of “Harry Potter and the Order of

the Phoenix” as Sirius Black’s cousin and Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange.

Bonham Carter has starred in a wide range of film, television and stage projects

both in the United States and in her native England. Later this year, she will play Mrs.

Lovett in Tim Burton’s screen adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sweeney

Todd,” starring opposite Johnny Depp in the title role. She previously co-starred with

Depp in the hit family film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” also directed by Burton.

Bonham Carter was honored with Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Screen

Actors Guild Award nominations for her work in the 1997 romantic period drama “The

Wings of the Dove,” based on the novel by Henry James. Her performance in that film

also brought her Best Actress Awards from a number of critics organizations, including

the Los Angeles Film Critics, Broadcast Film Critics, National Board of Review and

London Film Critics Circle.

She made an auspicious feature film debut in the title role of Trevor Nunn’s

historical biopic “Lady Jane.” She had barely wrapped production on that film when

director James Ivory offered her the lead in “A Room With a View,” based on the book

by E.M. Forster. She went on to receive acclaim in two more screen adaptations of

Forster novels: Charles Sturridge’s “Where Angels Fear to Tread” and James Ivory’s

“Howard’s End,” for which she earned her first BAFTA Award nomination.

Bonham Carter’s early film work also includes Franco Zeffirelli’s “Hamlet,”

opposite Mel Gibson; “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” directed by and starring Kenneth

Branagh; Woody Allen’s “Mighty Aphrodite”; and “Twelfth Night,” which reunited her

with Trevor Nunn. She went on to star in David Fincher’s “Fight Club,” with Brad Pitt

and Edward Norton; and the drama “Big Fish” and the sci-fi actioner “Planet of the

Apes,” both for director Tim Burton. She has also starred in such independent features as

“Carnivale,” “Novocaine,” “The Heart of Me,” and “Till Human Voices Wake Us.”

In 2005, Bonham Carter lent her voice to two animated features: Tim Burton’s

“Corpse Bride,” in the title role; and the Oscar-winning “Wallace & Gromit in The Curse

of the Were-Rabbit.” Also that year, she starred in the live-action independent feature

“Conversations with Other Women,” opposite Aaron Eckhart.

For her television work, Bonham Carter earned Emmy and Golden Globe Award

nominations for her performances in the telefilm “Live From Baghdad” and the

miniseries “Merlin,” and a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Marina Oswald

in the miniseries “Fatal Deception: Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald.” She also starred as Anne

Boleyn in the British miniseries “Henry VIII,” and as the mother of seven children,

including four autistic sons, in the BBC telefilm “Magnificent 7.”

Her stage credits include productions of “Woman in White,” “The Chalk

Garden,” “House of Bernarda Alba” and “Trelawny of the Wells,” to name only a few.

ROBBIE COLTRANE is back in the role of the Hogwarts caretaker and part-

time teacher Rubeus Hagrid.

One of the U.K.’s most prolific and respected film and television actors, Coltrane

earned BAFTA and Los Angeles Film Critics Circle Award nominations for his

performance as Hagrid in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” He reprised his role in

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”

and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Coltrane’s long list of film credits also includes “Alex Rider: Operation

Stormbreaker”; “Provoked: A True Story”; Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Twelve”;

“Van Helsing”; the Hughes brothers’ “From Hell,” with Johnny Depp; the James Bond

films “The World is Not Enough” and “Goldeneye”; Stephen Sommers’ “The Adventures

of Huckleberry Finn”; Luis Mandoki’s “Message in a Bottle”; “Buddy”; “The Pope Must

Die”; “Nuns on the Run,” for which he won The Peter Sellers Comedy Award at the 1991

Evening Standard British Film Awards; Kenneth Branagh’s “Henry V”; “Let It Ride”;

Carl Reiner’s “Bert Rigby, You’re a Fool”; Neil Jordan’s “Mona Lisa”; “Absolute

Beginners”; and “Defense of the Realm,” among others.

Coltrane is perhaps best known for his work in the award-winning and

internationally popular television series “Cracker,” which has also spawned several

television movies, the most recent airing in Fall 2006. His portrayal of the tough,

wisecracking police psychologist Dr. Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald has brought Coltrane

numerous acting honors, including three consecutive BAFTA Awards for Best Television

Actor in 1994, 1995 and 1996; the Broadcasting Press Guilds Award for Best Television

Actor in 1993; a Silver Nymph Award for Best Actor at the 1994 Monte Carlo Television

Festival; the Royal Television Society Award for Best Male Performer in 1994; FIPA’s

Best Actor Award; and a Cable ACE Award for Best Actor in a Movie or Miniseries.

Coltrane first gained popularity in the early 1980s for his comedy appearances on

such shows as “Alfresco,” “Kick Up the Eighties,” “Laugh??? I Nearly Paid My Licence

Fee” and “Saturday Night Live.” He went on to star in 13 “Comic Strip” productions and

numerous television shows, including “Blackadder the Third” and “Blackadder’s

Christmas Carol.” He received a BAFTA Award nomination for his portrayal of Danny

McGlone in the series “Tutti Frutti.” Coltrane’s more recent television credits include the

telefilms “The Ebb-Tide,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Planman,” which he also

executive produced. He also guest starred on the final episode of the series “Frasier.”

Coltrane was awarded the OBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours List for his

Services to Drama.

WARWICK DAVIS returns as professor Filius Flitwick, having previously

played the character in all of the Harry Potter films.

Most recently, Davis appeared on television in an episode of the hit HBO series

“Extras,” written by and starring Ricky Gervais, which featured both Davis and Daniel

Radcliffe. His other credits include “The Chronicles of Narnia”; “Murder Rooms”; Steve

Cogan’s Hammer Horror homage, “Dr. Terrible’s House of Horrible”; “Carrie & Barry”;

“The Fitz”; “Gulliver’s Travels”; “The 10th Kingdom”; and “Snow White: The Fairest of

Them All.”

A seasoned theatre actor in the U.K., Davis has been featured in several

productions of “Snow White,” “Peter Pan” and “Aladdin.”

Davis is best known for his film appearances. His career began in the role of

Wicket in the “Star Wars” movie “Return of the Jedi,” which came about after his

grandmother heard a radio call for short actors. He was next seen in the film

“Labyrinth,” followed by the internationally successful adventure “Willow,” in title the

role that was written specifically for Davis.

In the recent acclaimed biopic “Ray,” Davis portrayed the character Oberon, the

MC in the jazz club that saw the first appearance of Ray Charles. His other film credits

include “Leprechaun” and its five sequels, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom

Menace,” “A Very Unlucky Leprechaun,” “The White Pony,” “The New Adventures of

Pinocchio” and “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

Davis is currently shooting “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” the

sequel to the hit “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

RALPH FIENNES once again portrays the evil Lord Voldemort, one of modern

literature’s most terrifying villains. He first played the role in 2005’s “Harry Potter and

the Goblet of Fire.”

In all, Fiennes starred in six films released in 2005, including Fernando Meirelles’

“The Constant Gardener,” for which he won a British Independent Film Award, an

Evening Standard British Film Award and a London Film Critics Circle Award, and

earned a BAFTA Award nomination. His other films released that year were James

Ivory’s “The White Countess,” “The Chumscrubber,” Martha Fiennes’ “Chromophobia”

and the Oscar-winning animated film “Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-

Rabbit.”

A two-time Academy Award nominee, Fiennes earned his first nomination in

1994 for his performance in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning Best Picture “Schindler’s

List.” His chilling portrayal of Nazi Commandant Amon Goeth also brought him a

Golden Globe nomination and a BAFTA Award, as well as Best Supporting Actor honors

from numerous critics groups, including the National Society of Film Critics, and the

New York, Chicago, Boston and London Film Critics. Fiennes received his second Oscar

nomination in 1997 for his work in another Best Picture winner, Anthony Minghella’s

“The English Patient.” He also garnered Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominations,

as well as two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, one for Best Actor and another

shared with the cast.

Fiennes most recently completed work on the upcoming film “In Bruges.” His

additional credits include “Red Dragon”; Neil Jordan’s “The End of the Affair” and “The

Good Thief”; David Cronenberg’s “Spider”; Martha Fiennes’ “Onegin,” which he also

executive produced; Istvan Szabo’s “Sunshine”; “Maid in Manhattan,” opposite Jennifer

Lopez; the animated musical “The Prince of Egypt”; “The Avengers”; “Oscar and

Lucinda”; “Strange Days”; Robert Redford’s “Quiz Show”; and “Emily Brontë’s

Wuthering Heights,” in which he made his film debut.

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Fiennes began his career on

the London stage. He joined Michael Rudman’s company at the Royal National Theatre

and later spent two seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). In 1994,

Fiennes opened as Hamlet in Jonathan Kent’s production of the play. He later won a

Tony Award for his performance when the production moved to Broadway. He reunited

with Kent in the London production of “Ivanov,” later taking the play to Moscow. In

2000, Fiennes returned to the London stage in the title roles of “Richard II” and

“Coriolanus.” In 2002, he originated the role of Carl Jung in Christopher Hampton’s

“The Talking Cure” at the Royal National Theatre, and the following year played the title

role in Ibsen’s “Brand” at the RSC. In 2005, Fiennes played the title role in Deborah

Warner’s production of “Julius Caesar.” He most recently reteamed with director

Jonathan Kent to star in Brian Friels’ “Faith Healer,” which opened at the Gate Theatre in

Dublin before going to Broadway. Fiennes earned a Tony Award nomination for his

performance in the play.

MICHAEL GAMBON reprises his role as Albus Dumbledore, the wise and

respected headmaster of Hogwarts School. He also played Dumbledore in “Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Gambon has been honored for his work on the stage, screen and television during

the course of his career, which has spanned more than four decades. He shared in Screen

Actors Guild and Critics Choice Awards as part of the ensemble cast of Robert Altman’s

“Gosford Park.” He has also won four BAFTA TV Awards for his performances in the

longform projects “Perfect Strangers”; “Longitude”; “Wives and Daughters,” for which

he also won a Royal Television Society (RTS) Award; and “The Singing Detective,” also

winning RTS and Broadcast Press Guild Awards for his work in the title role. Gambon

also received Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations for his portrayal of President

Lyndon Baines Johnson in the HBO movie “The Path to War.” In 1998, he was knighted

by Queen Elizabeth II for services to theatre.

Gambon most recently appeared in Jake Paltrow’s “The Good Night,” which

premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, and Robert De Niro’s drama “The Good

Shepherd,” with Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. His upcoming films include

“Brideshead Revisited” and “My Boy.”

A native of Ireland, Gambon began his career with the Edwards-MacLiammoir

Gate Theatre in Dublin. In 1963, he was one of the original members of the National

Theatre Company at the Old Vic under Laurence Olivier. He later joined Birmingham

Rep, where he played “Othello.” His extensive theatre repertoire also encompasses

numerous productions in London’s West End, including Simon Gray’s “Otherwise

Engaged”; the London premieres of three plays by Alan Ayckbourn, “The Norman

Conquests,” “Just Between Ourselves” and “Man of the Moment”; “Alice’s Boys”;

Harold Pinter's “Old Times”; the title role in “Uncle Vanya”; and “Veterans Day” with

Jack Lemmon, to name only a portion. In 1987, he won numerous awards, including an

Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in the London revival of Arthur

Miller’s “A View From the Bridge.”

With the Royal National Theatre (RNT), Gambon had major roles in the premieres

of Harold Pinter's “Betrayal” and “Mountain Language”; Simon Gray's “Close of Play”;

Christopher Hampton’s “Tales from Hollywood”; three more plays by Alan Ayckbourn,

“Sisterly Feelings” “A Chorus of Disapproval,” for which he won an Olivier Award, and

“A Small Family Business”; and David Hare’s “Skylight,” which moved on to the West

End and Broadway. Also with the RNT, Gambon did “Endgame,” with Lee Evans, and

played Falstaff in “Henry IV, Parts I and II.” His more recent stage work includes lead

roles in “Volpone,” for which he won an Evening Standard Award; Nicholas Hytner’s

production of “Cressida,” at the Almeida; Patrick Marber’s production of “Caretaker” in

the West End; and Stephen Daldry’s production of “A Number” at The Royal Court

Theatre.

On the screen, Gambon’s many film credits include the remake of “The Omen,”

Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic,” “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow,”

“Sylvia,” “Open Range,” “The Insider,” Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow,” “The Last

September,” “Dancing at Lughnasa,” “The Gambler,” “The Wings of the Dove” and

“The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.” He also appeared in HBO’s award-

winning miniseries “Angels in America,” directed by Mike Nichols.

BRENDAN GLEESON returns as Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody, the role he first

played in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Gleeson has been seen in more than 40 films since he made his feature film debut

in Jim Sheridan’s “The Field.” He then had small roles in such films as Mike Newell’s

“Into the West” and Ron Howard’s “Far and Away” before landing the role of Hamish in

Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning Best Picture “Braveheart.” He followed with the Neil

Jordan films “Michael Collins” and “The Butcher Boy,” and also starred in the

independent film “Angela Mooney,” executive produced by John Boorman.

In 1998, Boorman directed Gleeson in the role of real-life Irish folk hero Martin

Cahill in the acclaimed biopic “The General.” For his performance, Gleeson won several

acting honors, including the London Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor. He has

since collaborated with John Boorman in the films “The Tailor of Panama,” “In My

Country” and “The Tiger’s Tail.”

Gleeson’s additional film credits include John Woo’s “Mission: Impossible II,”

“Harrison’s Flowers,” “Wild About Harry,” Steven Spielberg’s “Artificial Intelligence:

A.I.,” Danny Boyle’s “28 Days Later…,” Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York,”

Anthony Minghella’s “Cold Mountain,” Wolfgang Petersen’s “Troy,” M. Night

Shyamalan’s “The Village,” Ridley Scott’s “Kingdom of Heaven,” Neil Jordan’s

“Breakfast on Pluto,” and “Black Irish.”

Gleeson is lending his voice to the animated film “Beowulf,” being directed by

Robert Zemeckis, which is due out in November 2007. His upcoming films also include

“In Bruges,” in which he is co-starring with Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes, under the

direction of Martin McDonagh. On the small screen, he will star in the title role of the

HBO movie “Churchill at War,” for director Thaddeus O’Sullivan.

Born in Ireland, Gleeson started out as a teacher but left the profession to pursue

an acting career, joining the Irish theatre company Passion Machine. His theatre credits

include productions of “King of the Castle,” “The Plough and the Stars,” “Prayers of

Sherkin,” “The Cherry Orchard,” and “Juno and the Paycock,” at the Gaiety Theatre,

which was also presented at the Chicago Theatre Festival. In 2001, he returned to the

stage at Dublin’s Peacock Theatre in Billy Roche’s play “On Such As We,” directed by

Wilson Milam.

RICHARD GRIFFITHS once again appears as Harry’s Muggle uncle, Vernon

Dursley, which he played in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and

the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Griffiths most recently starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in the West End revival

of Peter Shaffer’s award-winning play “Equus.” Last year, Griffiths earned a BAFTA

Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance as Hector in Nicholas Hytner’s

film adaptation of “The History Boys.” The actor had originated the role in London in

Hytner’s National Theatre production of the play, winning an Olivier Award for Best

Actor. Griffiths later reprised his role in the regional and international tours of the play,

as well as on Broadway, where he won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play.

Griffiths’ other film credits include Roger Michell’s “Venus,” Richard Eyre’s

“Stage Beauty,” Roland Joffe’s “Vatel,” Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow,” Peter Chelsom’s

“Funny Bones,” “Guarding Tess,” “Blame It on the Bellboy,” “The Naked Gun 2½,”

“King Ralph,” “Withnail & I,” “A Private Function,” Hugh Hudson’s “Greystoke: The

Legend of Tarzan,” Michael Apted’s “Gorky Park,” Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi,”

Milos Forman’s “Ragtime,” Karel Reisz’s “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” and Hugh

Hudson’s Oscar-winning “Chariots of Fire.”

On television in the U.K., Griffiths is perhaps best known for his work on the

BBC television series “Pie in the Sky” and “Hope & Glory.” His other notable television

credits include roles in “Bleak House,” “The Brides in the Bath,” “Gormenghast,” “In the

Red,” “Ted & Ralph,” “Inspector Morse,” “Mr. Wakefield’s Crusade,” “Goldeneye: The

Secret Life of Ian Fleming,” “The Marksman,” “Casanova,” “The Cleopatras,” “Bird of

Prey” and the series “Nobody’s Perfect.”

An accomplished stage actor, Griffiths recently appeared in the West End

production of “Heroes.” He has also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company in

“The White Guard,” “Once in a Lifetime,” “Henry VIII,” “Volpone,” and “Red Star.”

His major theatre credits also include productions of “Luther,” “Heartbreak House,”

“Galileo,” “Rules of the Game,” “Art,” “Katherine Howard” and “The Man Who Came

to Dinner.”

JASON ISAACS returns in the role of Death Eater Lucius Malfoy, which he first

played in the second Harry Potter film, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” and

reprised in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Isaacs more recently starred alongside

Catherine Keener, Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack and Frances McDormand in the

comedy “Friends with Money,” which premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.

In Fall 2006, Isaacs starred in three prestigious projects, playing three very

diverse characters. In the BBC’s six-part conspiracy thriller “The State Within,” he

starred as Sir Mark Brydon, the besieged British Ambassador to Washington DC. In the

smash hit Showtime series “Brotherhood,” Isaacs played Irish-American gangster

Michael Caffee. In Channel 4’s telefilm “Scars,” written and directed by Leo Regan, he

starred as a damaged and dangerous Londoner named Chris. The film deals with the

causes and effects of violence via a virtual monologue, taken from interview transcripts.

The year prior, Isaacs appeared in equally varied roles, from the heartbreaking

romantic in Rodrigo Garcia’s award-winning “Nine Lives,” opposite Robin Wright Penn,

to the repressed suburban dad in “The Chumscrubber.” Both films premiered at the 2005

Sundance Film Festival. He also played the homophobic movie star in Donal Logue’s

independent comedy “Tennis Anyone?” and, on television, portrayed a cynical photojournalist

in a recurring role on NBC’s “The West Wing.”

Isaacs has been working non-stop since his portrayal of the cruel Colonel William

Tavington in 2000’s “The Patriot,” opposite Mel Gibson. His scene-stealing turn in that

film garnered him a London Film Critics’ Circle Award nomination for Best Supporting

Actor. The following year, Isaacs appeared in a sequined, strapless gown in the remake

of the romantic drama “Sweet November,” with Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron, and

was then virtually unrecognizable as the bullet-headed Capt. Mike Steele in Ridley

Scott’s critically acclaimed war drama “Black Hawk Down.” Isaacs went on to star in

John Woo’s World War II drama “Windtalkers,” with Nicolas Cage; the bittersweet

romantic comedy “Passionada”; and the action comedy “The Tuxedo,” with Jackie Chan.

In 2003, Isaacs starred in the dual roles of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling in the live-

action feature “Peter Pan,” for director P.J. Hogan.

Isaacs has also made several movies with his friend, director Paul Anderson,

including the sci-fi thriller “Event Horizon,” “Soldier” and the British cult film

“Shopping.” Eagle-eyed viewers can also spot his uncredited cameos in Anderson’s

“Resident Evil,” Rob Bowman’s “Elektra,” Mike Figgis’ experimental film “Hotel” and,

most recently, “Grindhouse.” Isaacs’ other film credits include “The End of the Affair,”

the box office giant “Armageddon,” “Dragonheart,” “Divorcing Jack,” the musical “The

Last Minute” and “The Tall Guy,” which marked his feature film debut.

Born in Liverpool, England, Isaacs attended Bristol University where, while

studying law, he directed and/or starred in over twenty theater productions. After

graduating from London’s prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama, Isaacs

starred for two seasons on the hit British TV series “Capital City” and then appeared in

Lynda LaPlante’s controversial “Civvies” for the BBC.

On stage, he created the role of Louis in the critically acclaimed Royal National

Theatre production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Angels in America - Parts 1 & 2,” and

has performed to packed houses at the Royal Court Theatre, the Almeida Theatre, the

King’s Head and the Edinburgh Festival. He most recently returned to the stage to star

opposite Lee Evans in the West End revival of Harold Pinter’s “The Dumb Waiter,”

presented at Trafalgar Studios in a critically acclaimed limited run through February and

March of 2007.

GARY OLDMAN reprises the role of Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black, the

character he first portrayed in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and also

played in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Oldman is currently filming the new Batman film, “The Dark Knight,” in which

he reprises the role of Lieutenant James Gordon, the character he originated in the

blockbuster “Batman Begins.”

Oldman began his career in 1979 on the London stage. Between 1985 and 1989

he worked exclusively at London’s Royal Court Theatre and, in 1985, was named Best

Newcomer by London’s Time Out for his performance in “The Pope’s Wedding.” That

same year he shared the London Critic’s Circle Best Actor Award with Anthony

Hopkins.

In 1986, Oldman made his major feature film debut in “Sid and Nancy,” winning

the Evening Standard British Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer for his

portrayal of punk rock legend Sid Vicious. The following year, he starred in Stephen

Frears’ “Prick Up Your Ears,” winning the Best Actor Award from the London Film

Critics Circle for his portrayal of doomed British playwright Joe Orton.

Oldman has since become one of today’s most respected and versatile actors,

appearing in both mainstream hits and acclaimed independent films. His early film

credits also include Nicolas Roeg’s “Track 29”; “Criminal Law”; “Chattahoochee”; Tom

Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,” for which he received an

Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actor; “State of Grace”; “Henry & June”;

Oliver Stone’s “JFK,” playing Lee Harvey Oswald; and the title role in Francis Ford

Coppola’s “Dracula.”

Oldman’s subsequent film work includes memorable roles in Tony Scott’s “True

Romance”; “Romeo is Bleeding”; the Luc Besson films “The Professional” and “The

Fifth Element”; “Immortal Beloved”; “Murder in the First”; Roland Joffe’s “The Scarlett

Letter”; Julian Schnabel’s “Basquiat”; Wolfgang Petersen’s “Air Force One”; the big

screen version of “Lost in Space”; and Ridley Scott’s “Hannibal.”

In 1995 Oldman and manager/producing partner Douglas Urbanski formed the

production company The SE8 Group, which produced Oldman’s directorial debut feature

“Nil by Mouth,” which Oldman also wrote. The film was invited to open the 1997 50th

Cannes Film Festival in the main competition, where Kathy Burke won Best Actress for

her role. In addition, Oldman won two BAFTA Awards for Best British Film and Best

Screenplay; the Channel 4 Director’s Award at the 1997 Edinburgh International Film

Festival, and the Empire Award for Best Debut Film. He also executive produced and

starred in the SE8 Group film “The Contender,” which received two Oscar nominations

and brought Oldman a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Supporting

Actor.

On television, Oldman earned an Emmy nomination for his guest appearance as

an alcoholic actor on the hit comedy series “Friends.” His earlier television work

includes the telefilms “Meantime,” directed by Mike Leigh, and “The Firm,” directed by

Alan Clarke.

ALAN RICKMAN once again reprises his role as the enigmatic potions teacher

Severus Snape, the character he has played in all of the Harry Potter films.

He next stars as Judge Turpin in Tim Burton’s screen version of the Stephen

Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd,” due out in December 2007.

Rickman was already an award-winning stage actor in his native England when he

made his feature film debut in the 1988 action blockbuster “Die Hard.” He has since

been repeatedly honored for his work in films and on television.

In 1992, he won a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of

the Sheriff of Nottingham in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Also that year, he

garnered both the Evening Standard British Film Award and the London Film Critics

Circle Award for Best Actor for his work in that film, as well as in Anthony Minghella’s

“Truly, Madly, Deeply” and Stephen Poliakoff’s “Close My Eyes,” with the London Film

Critics Circle adding his performance in “Quigley Down Under” for good measure. He

later earned BAFTA Award nominations for his performances in Ang Lee’s “Sense and

Sensibility” and Neil Jordan’s “Michael Collins.”

In 1997, Rickman won Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards

for his performance in the title role of the HBO movie “Rasputin.” He more recently

received an Emmy nomination for his starring role in the acclaimed HBO movie

“Something the Lord Made.”

Rickman’s additional film credits include “Nobel Son,” “Perfume: The Story of a

Murderer,” “Snow Cake,” “Love Actually,” “Blow Dry,” “Galaxy Quest,” “Dogma,”

“Judas Kiss” and “Mesmer,” for which he was named Best Actor at the 1994 Montreal

Film Festival.

In 1997, Rickman made his feature film directorial debut with “The Winter

Guest,” starring Emma Thompson, which he also scripted with Sharman Macdonald from

Macdonald’s original play. An official selection at the Venice Film Festival, the film was

nominated for a Golden Lion and won two other awards, and it was later named Best

Film when it screened at the Chicago Film Festival. Rickman also directed the play for

the stage at both the West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Almeida Theatre in London. In

addition, he directed the West End plays “Wax Acts” and “My Name is Rachel Corrie,”

the latter of which won Best New Play and Best Director at the Theatregoers’ Choice

Awards.

Rickman studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts before joining the Royal

Shakespeare Company (RSC) for two seasons. In 1985, he created the role of the

Vicomte de Valmont in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” and, in 1987, he earned a Tony

Award nomination when he reprised the role on Broadway. Rickman more recently

starred in the acclaimed West End production of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives,” winning

a Variety Club Award and earning Olivier and Evening Standard Award nominations for

Best Actor. The play then moved to Broadway, where Rickman received his second

Tony Award nomination for Best Actor.

FIONA SHAW once again portrays Harry’s aunt, Petunia Dursley, who lives to

spoil her son, Dudley. She also played the role in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s

Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of

Azkaban.”

Shaw was seen earlier this year in the acclaimed crime thriller “Fracture,” with

Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. Last year, she co-starred in the romantic comedy

“Catch and Release” and Brian De Palma’s “The Black Dahlia.” Her next film is the

comedy adventure “The Other Side.” Shaw’s additional film credits include “Close Your

Eyes,” “The Triumph of Love,” “The Last September,” “The Avengers,” “The Butcher

Boy,” “Anna Karenina,” “Jane Eyre,” “Persuasion,” “3 Men and a Little Lady,”

“Mountains of the Moon” and “My Left Foot.”

A celebrated stage actress, Shaw recently won the Evening Standard Award for

her performance in the London revival of “Medea.” When the production moved to New

York, Shaw won an Obie Award and earned a Tony Award nomination for her role. She

had previously been honored with an Olivier Award for the role of Rosalind in “As You

Like It”; Olivier and London Critics Circle Awards for her performances in “The Good

Person of Sichuan” and “Electra”; a London Critics Circle Award for the title role in

“Hedda Gabler”; Olivier and Evening Standard Drama Awards for Stephen Daldry’s

“Machinal”; and a New York Critics Award for her tour de force in T.S. Elliot’s “The

Waste Land.”

Shaw has also performed at the Royal National Theatre and with the Royal

Shakespeare Company, as well as on the stages of her native Ireland. In addition, she

embarked on a world tour in “The Waste Land.”

Shaw also reprised her roles in “The Waste Land,” “Hedda Gabler” and “Richard

II” for the BBC. Her television work also includes the recent ABC miniseries “Empire,”

as well as “The Seventh Stream,” “Mind Games,” “Gormenghast,” “RKO 281,”

“Seascape” and Danny Boyle’s “For the Greater Good.”

In 2000, Shaw was named an Officier des Arts et des Lettres in France, and the

following year received a CBE on the New Year’s Honours List.

MAGGIE SMITH reprises the role of Hogwarts professor Minerva McGonagall,

which she has played in all of the Harry Potter films.

One of the entertainment industry’s most esteemed actresses, Smith has been

honored numerous times for her work on the stage, screen and television. A two-time

Academy Award winner, Smith won her first Oscar for her unforgettable performance in

the title role of 1969’s “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” for which she also won a

BAFTA Award and earned a Golden Globe Award nomination. A decade later, she won

her second Oscar, as well as Golden Globe and Evening Standard Awards and a BAFTA

Award nomination, for her role in “California Suite.” More recently, Smith garnered

Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominations for her performance in Robert

Altman’s “Gosford Park,” also winning Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice Awards

as part of the ensemble cast.

Smith’s myriad film acting honors also include Oscar nominations for “Othello,”

“Travels with My Aunt” and “A Room with a View,” for which she also won BAFTA

and Golden Globe Awards; and BAFTA Awards for “A Private Function” and “The

Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne,” also winning an Evening Standard Film Award for the

latter. She more recently won an Emmy Award for her performance in the HBO movie

“My House in Umbria.”

Smith started acting on the stage in 1952 with the Oxford University Drama

Society, and made her professional debut in New York in “The New Faces of 1956

Revue.” Three years later, she joined the Old Vic Company, where she won the 1962

Evening Standard’s Best Actress Award for her roles in “The Private Ear” and “The

Public Eye.” Joining the National Theatre in 1963, Smith played Desdemona to

Laurence Olivier’s “Othello.” Her other notable National Theatre productions include

“Black Comedy,” “Miss Julie,” “The Country Wife,” “The Beaux Stratagem,” “Much

Ado About Nothing” and “Hedda Gabler.”

But it was in 1969 that Smith was catapulted to screen stardom with her Oscar-

winning performance in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” Today’s film audiences know

Smith best for her work in the “Harry Potter” movies, as well as her roles in such films as

“Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” “The First Wives Club,” “Sister Act,” “The

Secret Garden” and Steven Spielberg’s “Hook.” Her additional film credits include

“Becoming Jane,” “Ladies in Lavender,” “The Last September,” “Washington Square,”

“Richard III,” “The Missionary,” “Death on the Nile,” “Murder by Death” and “The

Honey Pot.”

Throughout her career Smith has continued to appear on the stages of London and

New York. She won a Tony Award for her performance in “Lettice and Lovage,” and

had earlier received Tony Award nominations for “Night and Day” and “Private Lives.”

She has also won Evening Standard Drama Awards for her performances in “Virginia”

and “Three Tall Women.”

On television, Smith has earned Emmy nominations for her roles in the telefilms

“Suddenly, Last Summer” and “David Copperfield,” for which she also received a

BAFTA TV Award nomination. Additionally, she earned BAFTA TV Award

nominations for the television movies “Memento Mori” and “Mrs. Silly,” as well as the

miniseries “Talking Heads,” winning a Royal Television Society Award for the last.

She became a Dame in 1990 when she received the DBE, is a Fellow of the

British Film Institute and was awarded a Silver BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in

1993.

IMELDA STAUNTON joins the cast as Hogwarts’ new Defense Against the

Dark Arts teacher, the ruthlessly ambitious Dolores Umbridge.

In 2004, Staunton portrayed the title role in Mike Leigh’s drama “Vera Drake,”

delivering a searing performance that was heralded by both critics and audiences. For her

work in the film, Staunton earned numerous Best Actress honors, including Academy

Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations. She also

won a BAFTA Award, an Evening Standard British Film Award, a British Independent

Film Award, a European Film Award and the 2004 Venice Film Festival Award for Best

Actress. In addition, Staunton was named the Best Actress of the year by many top

critics groups, including the New York Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, London

Critics Circle, Toronto Film Critics, Chicago Film Critics and National Society of Film

Critics, among others.

Staunton more recently starred in Richard LaGravenese’s true-life drama

“Freedom Writers,” with Hilary Swank, and Kirk Jones’ fantasy comedy “Nanny

McPhee,” with Emma Thompson. Her additional film credits include Stephen Fry’s

“Bright Young Things”; John McKay’s “Crush,” with Andie MacDowell; John Madden’s

Oscar-winning “Shakespeare in Love,” for which she shared in a SAG Award for

Outstanding Cast Performance; Trevor Nunn’s “Twelfth Night”; Ang Lee’s “Sense and

Sensibility”; the Kenneth Branagh films “Peter’s Friends” and “Much Ado About

Nothing”; and Beeban Kidron’s “Antonia & Jane.” She has also lent her voice to several

animated features, most notably the clay animation hit “Chicken Run.”

Honored for her work on the London stage, Staunton has won three Olivier

Awards for her performances in “A Chorus of Disapproval,” “The Corn is Green” and

“Into the Woods.” Additionally, she has earned three Olivier nominations for her roles in

“Uncle Vanya,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Guys and Dolls.” Her extensive theatre

repertoire also includes productions of “There Came a Gypsy Riding,” “Calico,” “The

Beggar’s Opera,” “The Fair Maid of the West,” “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?,”

“Habeas Corpus,” “Travesties,” “Electra,” “A Little Night Music,” “Mack and Mabel”

and “She Stoops to Conquer.”

Staunton is also well-known to British television audiences for her roles in such

longform projects as “Cranford Chronicles,” “The Wind in the Willows,” “My Family

and Other Animals,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Fingersmith,” “Cambridge

Spies,” “David Copperfield,” “Citizen X” and “The Singing Detective.” She has also had

recurring roles on several series, most recently including “Little Britain.”

In 2006, Staunton received an OBE on the New Year’s honours list.

DAVID THEWLIS rejoins the cast as former Defense Against the Dark Arts

teacher Remus Lupin.

Thewlis gained international acclaim when he starred in Mike Leigh’s drama

“Naked.” For his powerful performance in the film’s central role, he was named Best

Actor at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, and also won Best Actor honors from the

London and New York Film Critics and the Evening Standard Film Awards. He had

previously worked with Leigh on the film “Life is Sweet” and the television project “The

Short and Curlies.”

He has appeared in more than 30 films over the past 20 years, also including

Beeban Kidron’s “Vroom,” Paul Greengrass’ “Resurrected,” Louis Malle’s “Damage,”

David Jones’ “The Trial,” Caroline Thompson’s “Black Beauty,” Agnieszka Holland’s

“Total Eclipse,” Mike Hoffman’s “Restoration,” Rob Cohen’s “Dragonheart,” John

Frankenheimer’s “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” Jean-Jacques Annaud’s “Seven Years in

Tibet,” the Coen brothers’ “The Big Lebowski,” Bernardo Bertolucci’s “Besieged,” Peter

Hewitt’s “Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?,” Richard Donner’s “Timeline,” Ridley

Scott’s “Kingdom of Heaven,” Jordan Scott’s segment of “All the Invisible Children,”

Terrence Malik’s “The New World,” Michael Caton-Jones’ “Basic Instinct 2: Risk

Addiction” and John Moore’s recent remake of “The Omen.”

He recently completed work on the indie feature “The Inner Life of Martin Frost,”

in which he plays the title role, and is currently filming “The Boy in the Striped

Pyjamas,” being directed by Mark Herman and produced by David Heyman.

In addition to his acting, Thewlis made his directorial and writing debut on the

short “Hello, Hello, Hello,” which earned a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Short

Film. He recently wrote, directed and starred in the 2003 independent film “Cheeky.”

On television, Thewlis has been seen in such longform projects as “Dinotopia,”

“Endgame,” “Dandelion Dead,” the award-winning “Prime Suspect 3,” “Black and

Blue,” “Journey to Knock,” “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit,” “Skulduggery” and “The

Singing Detective.” He also had a recurring role on the series “A Bit of Do.”

In addition to his film and television work, Thewlis has starred in a number of

plays, including “The Sea,” directed by Sam Mendes at the Royal National Theatre; “Ice

Cream” at the Royal Court; “Buddy Holly” at the Regal in Greenwich; “Ruffian on the

Stairs/The Woolley” at Farnham; and “The Lady and the Clarinet” at the Kings Head.

EMMA THOMPSON returns to the Harry Potter films as Sybill Trelawney, the

character she first played in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Thompson most recently starred in the widely praised comedy drama “Stranger

than Fiction.” She was virtually unrecognizable in the title role of the hit family film

“Nanny McPhee,” for which she also wrote the screenplay. She is currently working on a

sequel to “Nanny McPhee.” Additionally, Thompson is presently filming “Brideshead

Revisited,” in which she stars with Michael Gambon, and she then stars in the romantic

drama “Last Chance Harvey,” opposite Dustin Hoffman.

Thompson is one of today’s most honored talents for her work as both an actress

and a screenwriter. In 1993, she swept the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award,

BAFTA Award and Evening Standard Film Award, in addition to Best Actress Awards

from the New York and Los Angeles Film Critics, the National Society of Film Critics

and National Board of Review, for her role in the Merchant Ivory drama “Howards End.”

The following year, Thompson earned dual Oscar and Golden Globe nominations: for

Best Actress in James Ivory’s “The Remains of the Day,” for which she also received a

BAFTA Award nomination; and for Best Supporting Actress in Jim Sheridan’s “In the

Name of the Father.” She also won an Evening Standard Film Award for her work in

both “The Remains of the Day” and Kenneth Branagh’s “Much Ado About Nothing”

In 1996, Thompson again received dual Academy Award nominations, receiving

a nod for her role in Ang Lee’s “Sense and Sensibility” and winning the Oscar for her

screenplay, adapted from the book by Jane Austen. The honor made her the only person

ever to win Academy Awards in both acting and screenwriting categories. Additionally,

she won Best Adapted Screenplay Awards from the Writers Guilds of America and Great

Britain, as well as the New York, Los Angeles, Boston, London and Broadcast Film

Critics. She also took home Golden Globe and Evening Standard Film Awards and

earned a BAFTA Award nomination. For her role in the film she won BAFTA and

National Board of Review Awards, and earned Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild

Award nominations.

Her more recent film honors include an Evening Standard Film Award, an Empire

Award and the London Film Critics Circle Award for Richard Curtis’ “Love Actually,”

for which she also gained another BAFTA Award nomination. On the small screen,

Thompson earned Emmy and SAG Award nominations for her multiple roles in the 2003

HBO miniseries “Angels in America,” directed by Mike Nichols. She and Nichols had

previously collaborated on the HBO movie “Wit,” in which she starred under his

direction. In addition, they co-wrote the screenplay, based on the play by Margaret

Edson, for which they won a Humanitis Prize and shared an Emmy nomination.

Thompson also received Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for her

performance in the drama. She had earlier won an Emmy Award for her hilarious guest

turn on the sitcom “Ellen.”

Thompson was literally born into show business, with her father, Eric Thompson,

a theatre director and writer, and her mother, Phyllida Law, an actress. Studying English

at Cambridge, she was invited to join the school’s Footlights comedy troupe. She also

co-directed Cambridge’s first all-women revue, “Women’s Hour.” While still a student,

she made her television debut on the BBC’s “Friday Night, Saturday Morning.”

Throughout the 1980s Thompson appeared frequently on British television,

including the telefilm “The Crystal Cube” and a recurring role on the series “Alfresco,”

both with Hugh Laurie. In 1985, Channel 4 offered Thompson her own TV special, “Up

for Grabs,” and, in 1988, she wrote and performed in her own BBC series called

“Thompson.”

Remaining active in the theatre, Thompson appeared in “A Sense of Nonsense,”

in a tour of England; the self-penned “Short Vehicle” at the 1983 Edinburgh Festival;

“Me and My Girl,” first at Leicester and then in London’s West End in 1985; and “Look

Back in Anger” at the Lyric Theatre in 1989.

In 1989, she made her feature film debut in the comedy “The Tall Guy” and

played Katherine in Kenneth Branagh’s film directing debut, “Henry V.” Her additional

film credits include Branagh’s “Dead Again” and “Peter’s Friends”; Ivan Reitman’s

“Junior”; Christopher Hampton’s “Carrington”; Alan Rickman’s “The Winter Guest”;

and Mike Nichols’ “Primary Colors.”

JULIE WALTERS reprises her role as the maternal Mrs. Weasley, the role she

has played in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of

Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Walters can also be seen this fall in the independent film “Becoming Jane.” She

next co-stars with Meryl Streep in the film version of the musical “Mama Mia!”

A two-time Academy Award nominee, Walters gained her first nomination in

1984 for her feature film debut in the title role of “Educating Rita,” for which she also

won BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards. She earned her second Oscar nod for her

performance in Stephen Daldry’s “Billy Elliot.” Her portrayal of Billy’s ballet teacher in

that film also brought her BAFTA, Empire, Evening Standard Film and London Film

Critics Circle Awards, in addition to Golden Globe and European Film Award

nominations and two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, one for Supporting

Actress and a second, shared with her castmates, for Outstanding Cast Performance.

Walters has also earned BAFTA Award nominations for her roles in “Personal Services”

and “Stepping Out,” winning a Variety Club Award for the latter.

Walters includes among her other film credits “Driving Lessons,” with her Harry

Potter son Rupert Grint, “Wah-Wah,” “Calendar Girls,” “Before You Go,” Roger

Michell’s “Titanic Town,” “Girls’ Night,” “Intimate Relations,” “Sister My Sister,” “Just

Like a Woman,” “Buster” and Stephen Frears’ “Prick Up Your Ears.”

Walters has also worked extensively on television in the U.K. and recently won

three consecutive BAFTA TV Awards in 2002, 2003 and 2004 for her roles in “Strange

Relations”; “Murder,” for which she also won a Royal Television Society Award; and the

series “The Canterbury Tales,” for which she also won a Broadcasting Press Guild

Award. She previously earned four BAFTA TV Award nominations, in 1983 for the

miniseries “Boys From the Blackstuff”; in 1987 for the series “Victoria Wood: As Seen

on TV”; in 1994 for the telefilm “The Wedding Gift”; and in 1999 for the series

“Dinnerladies.” Her television credits also include “The Ruby in the Smoke,” “Ahead of

the Class,” “The Return,” “Oliver Twist,” “Jake’s Progress,” “Pat and Margaret,” “The

Summer House,” “Julie Walters and Friends,” “Talking Heads” and “The Birthday

Party,” to name only a portion.

An accomplished stage actress, Walters won an Olivier Award in 2001 for her

performance in Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” and was earlier nominated for an Olivier

for her work in Sam Shepard’s “Fool for Love.” She had made her London stage debut

in “Educating Rita,” creating the role that she would later bring to the screen. Her theatre

credits also include productions of such plays as “Jumpers,” “Having a Ball,” “Frankie

and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” “When I was a Girl I Used to Scream and Shout,”

Tennessee Williams’ “The Rose Tattoo” and the musical “Acorn Antiques.”

In addition to her acting work, Walters’ first novel, Maggie’s Tree, was published

in 2006.

ROBERT HARDY reprises his role as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic,

whom he has also portrayed in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Hardy has been one of the U.K.’s most respected character actors, with a career

spanning six decades and encompassing a wide range of film, television and stage roles.

He most recently co-starred in the family film “Lassie,” and also includes among his

many film credits “The Gathering,” David Yates’ “The Tichborne Claimant,” “An Ideal

Husband,” “Mrs. Dalloway,” Ang Lee’s “Sense and Sensibility,” Kenneth Branagh’s

“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” David Hare’s “Paris by Night,” “The Shooting Party,”

“Yellow Dog,” Richard Attenborough’s “Young Winston,” Martin Ritt’s classic thriller

“The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,” and several French films.

Hardy is perhaps best known for his television work, including his seven seasons

on the series “All Creatures Great and Small,” for which he earned a BAFTA TV Award

nomination. He also received a BAFTA TV Award nomination and won a Broadcasting

Press Guild Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the miniseries “Winston

Churchill: The Wilderness Years.” In 1988, he played Churchill twice, in the miniseries

“War and Remembrance” and the telefilm “The Woman He Loved.” He most recently

returned to the role of Churchill in the 2006 telefilm “Marple: The Sittaford Mystery.”

His more than 80 television credits go on to include “Death in Holy Orders,” “Lucky

Jim,” “The Falklands Play,” “Bertie and Elizabeth,” “Shackleton,” “The Lost World,”

“The 10th Kingdom,” “Gulliver’s Travels,” “Jenny’s War,” “The Far Pavillions,”

“Edward the King,” “The Gathering Storm,” “Elizabeth R,” and the series “Hot Metal”

and “Mogul.”

Hardy began his acting career on the stage in 1949 with the Shakespeare

Memorial Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon. His distinguished stage career includes

productions of such plays as “Much Ado About Nothing,” “The River Line,” “Camino

Real,” “The Rehearsal,” “A Severed Head,” “The Constant Couple,” “Habeas Corpus,”

“Dear Liar,” “Body and Soul,” and the role of Winston Churchill in the French

production of “The Man Who Said No” at the Palais des Congres in Paris.

Hardy also wrote and co-directed the TV film “The Picardy Affair,” the radio play

“The Leopard and the Lilies,” and two documentaries for BBC’s “Chronicle.” In

addition, he has published two books on medieval warfare entitled Longbow and The

Great War-Bow.

DAVID BRADLEY returns in the role of Hogwarts’ caretaker, Argus Filch, the

character he has played in all of the Harry Potter films.

One of the U.K.’s most distinguished stage actors, Bradley is a longstanding

member of both the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the National Theatre. In

1991, he won an Olivier Award for his performance as the Fool in “King Lear” at the

National Theatre. In 1993, he won the Clarence Derwent Award for the roles of Polonius

in “Hamlet” and Shallow in “Henry IV, Part II” at the RSC, also earning an Olivier

Award nomination for the latter. He most recently received an Olivier Award nomination

in 2006 for the title role in “Henry IV, Parts I and II,” at the National Theatre.

His numerous credits with the RSC also include “Titus Andronicus,” “The

Tempest,” “Julius Caesar,” “The Alchemist,” “Dr. Faustus,” “Cymbeline,” “Three

Sisters,” “Twelfth Night,” “Tartuffe,” and “The Merchant of Venice,” to name only a

few. His appearances at the National are equally extensive, with a partial list including

“The Night Season,” “The Mysteries,” “The Homecoming,” “Mother Courage,” “Richard

III,” “Measure for Measure,” “The Cherry Orchard,” “`Tis Pity She’s a Whore” and “The

Front Page.” West End audiences have also seen Bradley in such plays as “Uncle

Vanya,” “Britannicus,” “Phedre” and “Funny Peculiar.”

On the big screen, Bradley includes among his film credits “Hot Fuzz,” “Red

Mercury,” “Exorcist: The Beginning,” “Nicholas Nickleby,” “The Intended,” “This is

Not a Love Song,” “Gabriel & Me,” “Blow Dry,” “The King is Alive,” “Tom’s Midnight

Garden” and “Left Luggage.”

A familiar face to British television audiences, Bradley previously worked with

David Yates in the miniseries “The Way We Live Now.” He has also been seen in such

longform productions as “Sweeney Todd,” “Mr. Harvey Lights a Candle,” “Blue Dove,”

“The Last King,” “”The Mayor of Casterbridge,” “Murphy’s Law,” “Sweet Dreams,”

“Vanity Fair,” “Our Mutual Friend,” “Reckless,” “Our Friends in the North” and “Martin

Chuzzlewit.” He has also guest starred on numerous series and had a recurring role on

the series “A Family at War.”

MARK WILLIAMS returns as Arthur Weasley, the Weasley family patriarch,

the role he previously played in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Since graduating from Oxford University, Williams has become familiar in the

U.K. for his work in films, television and theatre. His film credits include Michael

Winterbottom’s “Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story,” Metin Huseyin’s “Anita and

Me,” Peter Hewitt’s “The Borrowers,” Stephen Herek’s “101 Dalmatians,” Karen Adler’s

“Fever,” Gabriel Axel’s “Prince of Jutland,” Clare Peploe’s “High Season, the British

Film Institute’s “Out of Order” and Michael Hoffman’s “Privileged.”

Williams is perhaps best known in the U.K. as a regular on the BBC TV series

“The Fast Show,” on which he appeared for four seasons as well as a Christmas special.

His most recent television work includes the series “Carrie & Barrie” and the telefilms

“The Rotters’ Club” and “Viva Blackpool.” He next stars in the miniseries adaptation of

Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.” He has also been seen in such projects as “Red

Dwarf,” “Stuff,” “Bottom,” “Harry Enfield,” “Tumbledown,” “Making Out,” “Kinsey,”

“Bad Company,” “Hunting Venus” and “Happy Birthday Shakespeare.” He was also a

team host on the quiz show “Jumpers for Goalposts.”

In 2002, Williams presented a 10-part series for the Discovery Channel, entitled

“Industrial Revelations with Mark Williams,” followed by 2004’s “On the Rails with

Mark Williams” and 2005’s “More Industrial Revelations with Mark Williams.” His

most recent documentary was “Mark Williams’ Big Bangs,” a four-part series for Sky

One. In addition, Williams has directed for the Channel 4 sitcom “Festival” and coproduced

the Channel 4 sitcom “In Exile.”

On stage, Williams spent three years touring by narrowboat with the Mikron

Theatre Company. His credits also include the title role in “William” for the Royal Court

Theatre’s Young Writers Festival; “Fanshen” at the National Theatre; “Doctor of

Honour,” for the Cheek by Jowl Theatre Company; “The City Wives Confederacy” at

Greenwich Theatre; “Moscow Gold,” “Singer,” “A Dream of People” and “As You Like

It,” for the Royal Shakespeare Company; “Art” in the West End; and “Toast” at the

Royal Court Theatre. In 1988, he enjoyed a sold-out run in “The Fast Show Live on

Stage.” In 2002, “The Fast Show Live on Tour” played to great success across the U.K.

TOM FELTON returns as Harry Potter’s arch-enemy and Slytherin schoolboy

Draco Malfoy, a role he has made his own in all five of the “Harry Potter” films.

Felton was first seen on the big screen in 1996, when he played the role of

Peagreen Clock in Peter Hewitt’s fantasy “The Borrowers.” In 1999, he portrayed Jodie

Foster’s screen son, Louis, in “Anna & the King.”

On television, Felton has appeared in a number of series in the U.K., including

“Bugs,” in which he played James, and “Second Sight,” opposite Clive Owen. He has

also starred in two BBC Radio 4 plays, “The Wizard of Earthsea” and “Here’s to

Everyone.”

Felton has been acting professionally since he was eight years old. He first came

to attention in 1995 when he was featured in a number of top television commercials.

When he is not acting, he is an avid carp fisherman.

MATTHEW LEWIS plays Harry Potter’s faithful friend Neville Longbottom,

the character he has portrayed in all of the Harry Potter films.

Lewis began acting when he was just five years old after joining a performing arts

club. He won the role of Neville when an open casting call was held in his hometown of

Leeds. In addition to the Harry Potter films, Lewis has been featured in a number of

television series in the U.K., including “Heart Beat,” “City Central,” “Where the Heart

Is,” “Sharpe,” “Dalziel and Pascoe” and “Some Kind Of Life.”

When Lewis is not busy in front of the camera, he enjoys reading and writing

short stories, and has developed an interest in filmmaking.

EVANNA LYNCH makes her acting debut in the role of Luna Lovegood, the

free-spirited new friend to Harry Potter.

Lynch’s story is the kind of which fairytales are made. A dedicated Harry Potter

fan, Lynch felt an immediate affinity with the character of Luna upon first reading Harry

Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She even took the bold step of sending an audition

tape to the production in hopes of being able to read for the character. She then learned

of an open casting call for the role, scheduled for January 2006 in London. Flying with

her father from her Dublin-area home, she patiently lined up with 15,000 other young

hopefuls, all vying for the part of Luna. Lynch, however, stood out for both the casting

director and filmmakers and landed the coveted role.

At home in County Louth, Ireland, Lynch enjoys spending time with the family

pets (which include a cat called Luna and a kitten named Dumbledore). She has never

had any formal acting training but has been active in a local drama club, and also enjoys

modern dance, ballet and contemporary dance. Her many hobbies include jewelry

design, and she often makes rings and earrings for herself and friends.

KATIE LEUNG is appearing in her second Harry Potter film in the role of Cho

Chang, a Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts and the object of Harry Potter’s affections.

Prior to playing Cho in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Leung had had no

prior acting experience. By chance, her father saw the open casting call advertisement on

a Chinese television channel. Leung auditioned and, out of more than 5,000 contenders,

won the much-coveted role of Harry Potter’s love interest.

Leung is an avid music fan and listens to all genres, including jazz, R&B, pop,

indie rock and hip-hop. She also plays the piano.

HARRY MELLING rejoins the cast as Harry’s spoiled Muggle cousin, Dudley

Dursley. He made his acting debut playing Dudley in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s

Stone,” and reprised the role in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry

Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

In addition, Melling is a member of the National Youth Theatre and has had roles

in their productions of “The Master and Margarita,” “The Merchant of Venice” and

“Watch Over Me Three.” He also portrayed Young Oliver in Stephen Poliakoff’s

“Friends and Crocodiles” for the BBC.

Melling is in school studying drama, English and art. He has recently written a

short play, which he is trying to get produced on the London Fringe.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

DAVID YATES (Director) is an award-winning director, who has been primarily

best known for his television work.

Yates won his first BAFTA TV Award for his work on the BBC miniseries “The

Way We Live Now,” a period drama starring Matthew Macfadyen and Miranda Otto. In

2003, he directed the drama series “State of Play,” for which he received a BAFTA TV

Award nomination and won the Directors Guild of Great Britain (DGGB) Award for

Outstanding Directorial Achievement. The project also won the Broadcasting Press

Guild Award, the Royal Television Society (RTS) Award, and Banff Television

Festival’s Rockie Award for Best Series.

The following year, Yates directed the gritty two-part drama “Sex Traffic,” for

which he won another BAFTA TV Award and earned his second DGGB Award

nomination. The unflinching look at sex trafficking also won a number of international

awards, including eight BAFTA TV and four RTS Awards, both including Best Drama,

as well as the Jury Prize for Best Miniseries at the Reims International Television

Festival, and a Golden Nymph at the Monte Carlo Television Festival.

Yates more recently earned an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding

Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special for his work on the 2005 HBO

movie “The Girl in the Café,” a love story starring Bill Nighy and Kelly Macdonald. His

other television credits include the telefilm “The Young Visitors,” starring Jim Broadbent

and Hugh Laurie, and the miniseries “The Sins,” starring Pete Postlethwaite and

Geraldine James.

Yates grew up in St. Helens, Merseyside, and studied Politics at the University of

Essex and at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He began his directing career

with the short film “When I Was a Girl,” which he also wrote. The film brought him the

prize for Best European Short Film at the Cork International Film Festival in Ireland and

a Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco Film Festival. It also assured his entrance into

the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, England.

His graduation film, “Good Looks,” won a Silver Hugo at the Chicago

International Film Festival. In 1998, Yates made his feature film directorial debut with

“The Tichborne Claimant,” starring Stephen Fry and John Gielgud. His most recent short

film, 2002’s “Rank,” was nominated for a BAFTA Award.

DAVID HEYMAN (Producer) is once again the producer of this, the fifth in the

series of film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s hugely successful Harry Potter stories.

Educated in England and the United States, Heyman began his career as a

production runner on Milos Forman’s “Ragtime” and David Lean’s “A Passage to India.”

He moved to Los Angeles in 1986 to become a creative executive at Warner Bros.,

working on such films as “Gorillas in the Mist” and “Goodfellas.” Heyman became a

Vice President at United Artists in the late 1980s and subsequently embarked on a career

as an independent producer, making several films, including Ernest Dickenson’s “Juice,”

starring Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps, and the low-budget classic “The Daytrippers,”

which was directed by Greg Mottola and stars Liev Schreiber, Parker Posey, Hope Davis,

Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott.

Having spent many years working in the States, it was in 1997 that Heyman

returned to the U.K. to set up Heyday Films. In addition to producing all of the Harry

Potter films, the company has gone on to produce a variety of projects for film and

television, including the feature “Taking Lives,” starring Angelina Jolie and Ethan

Hawke, and the television series “Threshold.”

Heyman is currently producing “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,” written and

directed by Mark Herman and starring David Thewlis and Vera Farmiga, and is a

producer on “I Am Legend,” directed by Frances Lawrence and starring Will Smith.

Later this year, in addition to producing “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,”

Heyman will produce “Is There Anybody There?,” directed by John Crowley and starring

Michael Caine.

Other Heyday films shooting this year include “Dogs of Babel,” directed by

Charles McDougall; “Yes Man,” directed by Peyton Reed; and “Unique,” directed by

David Goyer. Future projects include “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,”

an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel, being written and directed by

Steve Kloves; and “The History of Love,” which Heyman will co-produce with Alfonso

Cuaron.

In 2003, Heyman won ShoWest’s Producer of the Year Award, the first British

producer to have ever been honored with this accolade.

DAVID BARRON (Producer) previously served as executive producer on both

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Barron has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 25 years,

beginning his career in commercials before moving into television and film production.

In addition to his work as a producer, he has held a wide range of posts, including

location manager, assistant director, production manager and production supervisor,

working on such films as “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” “The Killing Fields,”

“Revolution,” “Legend,” “The Princess Bride,” “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne,”

“Hellbound,” “Night Breed” and Franco Zeffirelli’s “Hamlet.”

In 1991, Barron was appointed executive in charge of production on George

Lucas’ ambitious television project “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.” The

following year, he served as the line producer on the feature “The Muppet Christmas

Carol.”

In 1993, Barron joined Kenneth Branagh’s production team as associate producer

and unit production manager on “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” That film began an

association with Branagh, with Barron going on to produce the director’s films “A

Midwinter’s Tale,” “Hamlet” and “Love’s Labour’s Lost.” Barron also produced Oliver

Parker’s “Othello,” in which Branagh starred with Laurence Fishburne.

In spring 1999, he formed his own company, Contagious Films, with British

director Paul Weiland. Barron more recently launched a second company, Runaway

Fridge Films.

MICHAEL GOLDENBERG (Screenwriter) recently co-wrote the screenplay

for the live-action feature “Peter Pan,” based on J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s tale. He

had earlier scripted Robert Zemeckis’ science fiction drama “Contact,” based on the

novel by Carl Sagan and starring Jodie Foster. Goldenberg made his feature filmmaking

debut writing and directing the romantic drama “Bed of Roses,” starring Christian Slater

and Mary Stuart Masterson.

Goldenberg also writes for the theater, where he received the Richard Rodgers

Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for his musical “Down the

Stream.”

Currently, he is preparing “Uncertainty,” a futuristic drama that he will direct

from his own screenplay.

LIONEL WIGRAM (Executive Producer) was educated at Oxford University,

where he was one of the founding members of the Oxford Film Foundation. He started

working in the film business while still at Oxford, serving as a production assistant for

producer Elliott Kastner during Wigram’s summer holidays. Following graduation, he

went to work for Kastner in California. Wigram produced his first film, “Never on

Tuesday,” in 1987, followed by “Cool Blue,” starring Woody Harrelson, and “Warm

Summer Rain,” starring Kelly Lynch, in 1988. In the same period, Wigram was involved

in the development of the early drafts of what would become “Carlito’s Way.”

In 1990, Wigram joined Alive Films as a development executive and worked on

films by Wes Craven and Sam Shepard. He also produced “Cool as Ice,” and was an

executive producer on Steven Soderbergh’s “The Underneath.” In 1993, Wigram started

a chef management company, Alive Culinary Resources, with Alive owner Shep Gordon.

In addition to managing most of the top chefs in the U.S., they produced a cooking video

series for Time Life, which featured Emeril Lagasse for the first time.

In 1994, Wigram joined Renny Harlin and Geena Davis’s company, The Forge,

where he headed up development. Some of the projects on which he worked include

“The Long Kiss Goodnight,” “Cutthroat Island” and the HBO film “Mistrial.”

Wigram joined Warner Bros. in 1996 as a Vice President of Production. During

his tenure, he was responsible for buying the Harry Potter book series for the studio and

has overseen all of the installments of the franchise to date. He has also supervised such

projects as “The Avengers,” “The Big Tease,” “Charlotte Gray,” “Three Kings” and “The

Good German.”

In January 2005, Wigram moved into a first-look producing deal for Warner Bros.

He will continue to oversee the “Harry Potter” film franchise as executive producer. He

is also an executive producer on the upcoming film “August Rush.” Additionally,

Wigram is developing a new Sherlock Holmes film franchise for Warner Bros.

SLAWOMIR IDZIAK (Director of Photography) is an internationally regarded

cinematographer. In 2002, he earned both Academy Award and BAFTA Award

nominations for his work on Ridley Scott’s war drama “Black Hawk Down.” Earlier in

his career, he won Best Cinematography Awards from the 1993 Venice and Polish Film

Festivals and earned a French Cesar Award nomination for his collaboration with

Krzysztof Kieslowski’s on “Three Colors: Blue,” which Idziak also co-wrote.

Additionally, he won an award from the 1998 Berlin International Film Festival for his

haunting images in Michael Winterbottom’s “I Want You.”

Idziak has also lensed such films as Antoine Fuqua’s “King Arthur,” Taylor

Hackford’s “Proof of Life”; Deborah Warner’s “The Last September”; Cathal Black’s

“Love and Rage”; Andrew Niccol’s “Gattaca”; John Sayles’ “Men with Guns”; John

Duigan’s “Paranoid” and “The Journey of August King”; and the Krzysztof Kieslowski

films “The Double Life of Veronique,” “A Short Film About Killing” and “Blizna,”

which marked their first feature film collaboration.

A native of Poland, Idziak also teamed with director Krzysztof Zanussi on 11

films during the 1980s and early 90s, the more recent including “The Year of the Quiet

Sun” and “Wherever You Are…”

Between his film projects, Idziak also teaches at workshops and film schools

throughout the world.

STUART CRAIG (Production Designer) is one of the film industry’s most

honored production designers. A three-time Academy Award winner and two-time

BAFTA Award winner, he has served as the production designer on all of the Harry

Potter films. Craig received Oscar nominations for his work on “Harry Potter and the

Sorcerer’s Stone” and, most recently, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” for which he

also won a BAFTA Award. Additionally, he garnered BAFTA Award nominations for

each of the previous Harry Potter movies.

Craig won his first Academy Award for his work on Richard Attenborough’s

acclaimed biopic “Gandhi.” He subsequently won Oscars for his artistry on Stephen

Frears’ “Dangerous Liaisons” and Anthony Minghella’s “The English Patient.” He has

also been Oscar-nominated for his production designs for David Lynch’s “The Elephant

Man,” for which he won his first BAFTA Award, Roland Joffe’s “The Mission” and

Attenborough’s “Chaplin.” Craig was also recognized with BAFTA Award nominations

for all of the aforementioned films, as well as Hugh Hudson’s “Greystoke: The Legend of

Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.”

Craig had a long association with director Richard Attenborough, with whom he

first worked as an art director on “A Bridge Too Far.” Continuing their creative

partnership, Craig was the production designer on “Cry Freedom,” “Shadowlands” and

“In Love and War,” in addition to “Gandhi” and “Chaplin.”

Craig’s additional credits as a production designer include Robert Redford’s “The

Legend of Bagger Vance,” Roger Michell’s “Notting Hill,” “The Avengers,” Stephen

Frears’ “Mary Reilly,” Agnieszka Holland’s “The Secret Garden,” “Memphis Belle” and

“Cal.” Earlier in his career, Craig served as art director on Richard Donner’s

“Superman.”

MARK DAY (Editor) is an award-winning editor, who has enjoyed a long

association with director David Yates. Last year, Day earned an Emmy Award

nomination for his editing work on the television movie “The Girl in the Cafè,” directed

by Yates. In 2005, he won a BAFTA TV Award and a Royal Television Society (RTS)

Award for Best Editor on the Yates-directed telefilm “Sex Traffic.” The year before, he

won a BAFTA Award and also earned a nomination for an RTS Award for his

collaboration with Yates on the miniseries “State of Play”

For his editing work on Yates-directed projects, Day was previously honored with

RTS and BAFTA Award nominations for the miniseries “The Way We Live Now,” and

another RTS Award nomination for the telefilm “The Young Visitors.” Day has also

worked with Yates on the miniseries “The Sins” and the short film “Rank.”

Day has also had multiple collaborations with other directors, including David

Blair on the feature “Mystics,” and the television projects “Anna Karenina,” “Split

Second” and “Donovan Quick”; Paul Greengrass on the feature “The Theory of Flight”

and the television movie “The Fix”; and John Schlesinger on the telefilms “The Tale of

Sweeney Todd,” “Cold Comfort Farm” and “A Question of Attribution.”

Day’s other television credits include such longform projects as Julian Farino’s

“Flesh and Blood,” Paul Seed’s “Murder Rooms,” Richard Eyre’s “Suddenly Last

Summer” and Jack Clayton’s “Memento Mori,” for which he was nominated for a

BAFTA TV Award.

NICHOLAS HOOPER (Composer) continued his long association with director

David Yates on “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Hooper won a BAFTA TV

Award for Best Original Score for his music for Yates’ television movie “The Young

Visitors.” His collaborations with Yates have also brought the composer three BAFTA

TV Award nominations for Best Original Score for the telefilms “The Way We Live

Now” and “The Girl in the Café,” and the series “State of Play.” Hooper has also teamed

with Yates on the feature film “The Tichborne Claimant,” as well as the short films

“Punch” and “Good Looks.”

Hooper most recently won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Original Score for the

television movie “Prime Suspect – The Final Act,” directed by Philip Martin and starring

Helen Mirren. He had earlier worked with Martin on the telefilm “Bloodlines.”

Hooper has also scored a wide range of film and television projects and

documentaries. His recent credits include the feature “The Heart of Me,” starring Helena

Bonham Carter; and the television movies “The Best Man,” “The Chatterley Affair,”

“My Family and Other Animals” and “Messiah: The Promise.” He also wrote the music

for the documentary feature “Land of the Tiger,” and multiple episodes of the National

Geographic series “Nature.”

TIM BURKE (Visual Effects Supervisor) earned Academy Award and BAFTA

Award nominations for his work as a visual effects supervisor on “Harry Potter and the

Prisoner of Azkaban.” In addition, the film won the Visual Effects Society’s award for

Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Motion Picture. Burke has also

served as a visual effects supervisor on the Harry Potter films “Harry Potter and the

Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

A 20-veteran in the field of motion picture visual effects, he previously won an

Academy Award and received a BAFTA Award nomination as a member of the visual

effects team on Ridley Scott’s epic “Gladiator.” He also collaborated with Ridley Scott

as the visual effect supervisor on “Black Hawk Down” and “Hannibal.”

Burke also served as the visual effects supervisor on “A Knight’s Tale” and as the

digital effects supervisor on “Enemy of the State.” His additional credits include the

films “Babe: Pig in the City” and “Still Crazy” and the television movies “Merlin” and

“The Mill on the Floss.”

JANY TEMIME (Costume Designer) returns for her third Harry Potter film

following her work on “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and

the Goblet of Fire.”

Temime most recently served as the costume designer on Alfonso Cuaron’s

“Children of Men,” starring Clive Owen, and Agnieszka Holland’s “Copying

Beethoven,” starring Ed Harris. Her recent credits also include such diverse films as

Beeban Kidron’s “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,” starring Renee Zellweger;

Werner Herzog’s “Invincible,” starring Tim Roth; and Mel Smith’s “High Heels and Low

Lifes,” starring Minnie Driver, for which Temime earned a British Independent Film

Award nomination. She had earlier won a BAFTA Cymru Award for her costume

designs for Marc Evans’ “House of America,” and the 1995 Utrecht Film Festival’s

Golden Calf for Best Costume Design for Marleen Gorris’ “Antonia’s Line,” the Oscar

winner for Best Foreign Language Film.

Temime is currently working on Martin McDonagh’s “In Bruges,” starring Ralph

Fiennes and Colin Farrell. Her other credits encompass more than 40 international

motion picture and television projects. Among her film credits are Todd Komarnicki’s

“Resistance”; Marleen Gorris’ “The Luzhin Defense”; Paul McGuigan’s “Gangster No.

1”; Ed Thomas’ “Rancid Aluminum”; Mike van Diem’s “The Character,” the 1998 Oscar

winner for Best Foreign Film; Danny Deprez’s “The Ball”; George Sluizer’s “The

Commissioner” and “Crimetime”; Ate de Jong’s “All Men Are Mortal”; and Frans

Weisz’s “The Last Call,” among others.

NICK DUDMAN (Creature & Make-Up Effects Designer) and his team have

created the make-up effects and the magical animatronic creatures in the Harry Potter

films, garnering BAFTA Award nominations for all of the films to date.

Dudman got his start working on the Jedi master Yoda as a trainee to famed

British make-up artist Stuart Freeborn, on “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes

Back.” After apprenticing with Freeborn for four years, Dudman was asked to head up

the English make-up laboratory for Ridley Scott’s “Legend.” He subsequently worked

on the make-up and prosthetics for such films as “Mona Lisa,” “Labyrinth,” “Willow,”

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Batman,” “Alien3” and “Interview with the

Vampire,” among others.

In 1995, Dudman’s career path widened into animatronics and large-scale

creature effects when he was asked to oversee the 55-man creature department for the

Luc Besson film “The Fifth Element,” for which he won a BAFTA Award for Visual

Effects. Since then, he has lead the creatures/make-up effects departments on several

blockbusters, including “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace,” “The Mummy”

and “The Mummy Returns,” and consulted on the costume effects for “Batman Begins.”

Dudman recently designed the animatronics for Alfonso Cuaron’s “Children of Men.” In

2007, he was awarded a special achievement Genie by the Canadian Academy for the

make-up on “Beowulf and Grendel.”

In addition, Dudman’s company, Pigs Might Fly, creates and sells non-staining

blood.

Harry Potter ya quiere comenzar su quinto año de estudios en la Escuela

Hogwarts de Magia y Hechicería. El verano ha sido largo y solitario para él, y ya

tuvo bastante aguantando a los odiosos Dursley. No ha recibido ni siquiera una

nota de sus compañeros de estudios ni de sus mejores amigos, Ron Weasley y

Hermione Granger. No sabe nada de nadie tras su confrontación con el maligno

Lord Voldemort. Por eso, al recibir una carta, esperaba mejores noticias que las

que la misiva trae: Harry va a ser expulsado de Hogwarts, por haber utilizado

magia ilegalmente fuera de la escuela y en presencia de un Muggle, en este caso,

su molesto primo Dudley. No importa si él lo hizo en defensa del ataque no

provocado e inexplicable de dos Dementores.

Harry espera poder defenderse en la ficticia y ya arreglada corte que

orquestó el Ministro de Magia, Cornelius Fudge, quien tiene sus propias razones

para querer que el joven mago desaparezca de una vez por todas. Pero pese a las

intenciones de Fudge, Harry es absuelto en gran parte gracias a la intervención

del venerable Albus Dumbledore, Director de la Escuela Hogwarts. Al volver a

Hogwarts, Harry por primera vez se siente temeroso e incómodo. Es que él se ha

enterado, que a la mayoría de la comunidad de magos, les hicieron creer que su

reciente encuentro con Voldemort fue una mentira total, y ahora su integridad

como persona y como mago está en tela de juicio.

Harry se siente rechazado y solo, y todo el tiempo tiene atormentadoras

pesadillas que parecieran augurar siniestros eventos por venir. Aún peor, el

profesor Dumbledore, cuyos consejos necesita más que nunca, repentina y

extrañamente comienza a tomar distancia y a separarse de él.

Mientras tanto, Fudge nombró una nueva maestra de Defensa Contra las

Artes de la Oscuridad, la muy falsa profesora Dolores Umbridge. Su intención al

designarla era mantenerse informado sobre las idas y venidas de Dumbledore, y

a la vez, mantener a los estudiantes de Hogwarts en línea, especialmente a

Harry.

Pero el curso de magia de defensa “aprobado por el Ministerio” de la

profesora Umbridge, deja a los jóvenes magos muy mal preparados para

defenderse contra las Fuerzas de la Oscuridad que los amenazan. Por eso,

cuando Hermione y Ron se lo proponen, Harry, convencido, tratar de enderezar

las cosas él mismo. Se reúne en secreto con un pequeño grupo de estudiantes que

se llaman a ellos mismos “El Ejército de Dumbledore”. Harry les enseña a

defenderse contra las Artes de la Oscuridad, y prepara a los jóvenes magos para

la extraordinaria batalla, que él sabe que está por venir.

Warner Bros. Pictures presenta una producción Heyday Films, “

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””. En la película actúan Daniel Radcliffe,

Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick

Davis, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Richard Griffiths,

Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Imelda

Staunton, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, y Julie Walters.

La película fue dirigida por David Yates, y producida por David Heyman

y David Barron. Michael Goldenberg escribió el guión, basándose en la novela de

J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram fue productor ejecutivo.

Tras las cámaras, el equipo creativo incluyó: al director de fotografía

Slawomir Idziak, al diseñador de producción Stuart Craig, al editor Mark Day, a

la diseñadora de vestuario Jany Temime, y al compositor Nicholas Hooper.

Simultáneamente con el estreno de la película en los cines comunes,

“

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xx”: Una Experiencia® IMAX 3D podrá

verse en los cines IMAX® de todo el mundo. Utilizando la tecnología patentada

IMAX de conversión de 2 dimensiones a 3 dimensiones, aproximadamente 20

minutos de las escenas finales de la película fueron convertidas a Una

Experiencia® IMAX 3D, la cual brinda la sensación de sumergirse en un mundo

tridimensional. La película fue arreglada digitalmente con la tecnología IMAX

Experience® con tecnología registrada IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering). Una

señal especial en la pantalla – un ícono verde guiñando en el borde inferior de la

pantalla- avisará a los espectadores cuándo ponerse las gafas especiales para ver

tridisionalmente. Al cambiar el ícono a color rojo, deberán sacárselas. IMAX®

IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, IMAX MPX®, The IMAX Experience® y Una

Experiencia IMAX 3D ® son marcas registradas de la Corporación IMAX.

“

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xx” será distribuida

mundialmente por Warner Bros. Pictures, una compañía Warner Bros.

Entertainment.

Esta película ha sido clasificada PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned =

Advertencia Especial para Padres – parte del material puede ser inapropiado

para menores de 13 años), por la asociación MPAA (Motion Picture Association

of America) dada sus “secuencias de fantasía violenta e imágenes que dan

miedo”.

www.harrypotterorderofthephoenix.com

Para descargar información y fotos de

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

del Internet, por favor visite: http://press.warnerbros.com

SOBRE LA PRODUCCIÓN

UNA NUEVA ORDEN

El quinto año de estudios en la Escuela Hogwarts es un gran cambio en la

vida de Harry Potter y también lo es para sus amigos y compañeros de clase.

Ahora que ya no son tan niños, de pronto tienen que enfrentarse con las opciones

y los problemas que conlleva convertirse en adultos… lo cual tiene sus propias

consecuencias. Con la vuelta y enfrentamiento con Lord Voldemort, y la muerte

de su amigo Cedric Diggory, Harry tuvo que crecer de repente, y ahora se volvió

mucho más maduro que sus amigos, y siente que tiene responsabilidades que

nunca antes se le hubieran ocurrido.

David Yates entra por primera vez en el mundo de Harry Potter como

director, y sobre ello comenta: -“Para mí fue muy interesante que esta secuela

suceda en el momento en que los estudiantes de la historia están madurando, y

todo se vuelve más complicado. Esta vez se trata de rebelión y de comprender

los límites de ser adulto. Se trata sobre el descubrir qué difícil se puede poner la

vida, sobre cómo uno, a veces, debe abrirse camino por sí mismo en este mundo.

Esta película tiene la magia y la diversión que J.K. Rowling pone en sus libros,

mezclada con todas las cosas maravillosas que comenzaron en las películas

anteriores. Ahora todo está junto, con ideas y cosas un poco más complicadas y

con elementos conmovedores que son más de adultos”.

David Heyman, el productor de todas las películas de Harry Potter,

comenta que la naturaleza de la historia es lo que lo llevó a elegir a Yates como

director. Yates es un director para la televisión británica que ha ganado premios,

y fue elegido para timonear la quinta película de la serie. -“David es un

fantástico director de actores, y también ha demostrado que puede manejar muy

bien los temas políticos de una manera entretenedora. En sí, esta no es una

película de tema político, sin embargo la política del mundo mágico se pone en

juego en este film. Nosotros pensamos que David lo manejaría brillantemente, y

en verdad lo hizo. El ya estaba bastante apasionado por el material que manejaría

y tenía una clara idea de los problemas emocionales que atravesarían los

personajes. El sabía que el punto de conexión nuestro y el de los espectadores en

esta historia, eran los personajes”.

-“Fue muy bueno ver cómo los muchachos inmediatamente se llevaron

muy bien con él, y él con ellos”- agrega Heyman –“al igual que sus personajes,

estos muchachos han crecido, y David los trataba como a iguales. David se daba

cuenta que sus jóvenes actores conocían a sus personajes muy bien por ese

entonces, por lo tanto siempre les pedía ideas, y dejaba que pusieran lo suyo en

la interpretación de sus papeles, como nunca antes lo habían hecho. Eso fue muy

interesante tanto para ellos como para nosotros”.

Daniel Radcliffe, que vuelve a retomar su papel de Harry Potter, detalla

diciendo: -“Me encantó trabajar con David. Es un hombre maravilloso que habla

en voz queda, y sin embargo nunca antes me sentí tan exigido como en esta

película. En parte tal vez haya sido por la naturaleza de la historia, y en parte por

su manera de dirigir. Nunca se conformaba tan sólo con un poco, siempre nos

exigía ir a fondo, que es exactamente lo que yo necesitaba. Es un director

brillante”.

-“David es genial; así que nos llevamos muy bien con él” - dice Rupert

Grint, el actor que interpreta a Ron Weasley, el mejor amigo de Harry -“El es

muy distinto de los otros directores porque tiene un estilo más relajado, y

siempre tiene buenas sugerencias para darnos”.

Emma Watson, quien interpreta a la leal amiga de Harry, Hermione

Granger, comenta: -“Fue muy lindo, porque David escuchaba qué teníamos para

decir nosotros sobre nuestros personajes. El respetaba el hecho de que nosotros

ya habíamos actuado estos roles en cuatro otras películas anteriormente.

Apreciaba la historia y a la vez, la relación especial que Dan, Rupert y yo

tenemos, porque eso le da realismo a la amistad entre Harry, Ron y Hermione. A

David le gusta que todos sus personajes sean lo más realistas posible”.

Yates trabajó a partir del guión de otro nuevo miembro del grupo de

producción, el guionista Michael Goldenberg. -“Para mí fue una alegría cuando

David Heyman me llamó y me propuso hacer el guión” - recuerda Goldenberg -

“Lo bueno de trabajar en una película de Harry Potter es que es algo tan gigante,

que no existen cuestiones de ego. Yo sé que es cliché, pero es mágico poder ser

parte de algo que se convirtió en un fenómeno asombroso, y tener la

oportunidad de llevarlo a la pantalla. Yo sentí que tenía una gran

responsabilidad a tomar. David Heyman lo hizo divertido, lo cual es lo correcto

en una película de Harry Potter, y Jo (J.K. Rowling) fue increíblemente dulce. Ella

fue más que generosa al darnos margen para trabajar, y lograr así la mejor

película posible. David Yates intentó que la historia tuviera un sentido de

realidad en todo momento, y creo que es eso lo que hace a lo mágico aún más

mágico”.

-“Era muy importante ser fiel al espíritu del libro”- detalla Goldenberg “

Esta historia en particular se trata en gran parte de las tribulaciones de Harry.

Harry se vuelve mayor y se da cuenta que las cosas no son tan en blanco y negro

como parecían ser al principio… y los adultos que él idolatraba tal vez tengan

más defectos y sean más humanos de lo que él pensaba. Quisimos explorar esos

temas, no sólo con Harry sino también con Ron y con Hermione. Todos estos

muchachos deben tratar ahora con temas mucho más complejos que los que ellos

jamás se imaginaban al iniciar la escuela Hogwarts”.

En “

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xx”, las peripecias de Harry

comienzan cuando él está pasando otro interminable verano con los Dursley.

Para empeorar las cosas, él siente que sus mejores amigos Ron y Hermione se

han alejado de él, dado que inexplicablemente no le escribieron en todo el

verano. Eso no solamente lo hiere sino que es raro, dado los tumultuosos y

trágicos eventos del año anterior.

El productor David Barron comenta: -“Pobre Harry. Después de todo lo

que le pasó quedó aislado en Little Whinging sin ninguna noticia de nadie. El

piensa que todo el mundo lo está ignorando - Ron, Hermione, hasta el mismo

Dumbledore – y eso agregado al estrés de ser adolescente, es tal vez demasiado

para soportar. Este es un costado de Harry que nunca antes habíamos visto. Aquí

no comienza siendo el muchacho calmo y asentado que vimos anteriormente, no

sin una buena justificación al menos”.

Con esto en mente, el insufrible y provocador Dudley Dursley eligió un

pésimo momento para su pasatiempo favorito: tratar de provocar a Harry. Sin

embargo, su pelea termina abruptamente cuando de repente un par de

Dementores los atacan, y Harry se vé forzado a realizar el encantamiento

Patronus para salvar las vidas de ambos. Pocos momentos después llega una

carta a la dirección Privet Drive, informándole a Harry que lo han expulsado de

la Escuela Hogwarts por uso ilegal de la magia. Harry se desespera y en cambio,

los Dursley están deleitados.

Pese a todo, no hay que perder la esperanza. Esa noche un grupo de

Aurores (cazadores de magos tenebrosos), entre los que estaban Alastor ‘Ojoloco’

Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt y no-me-llames-Nymphadora Tonks, llegan a la

puerta de Harry y se lo llevan, diciéndole que Dumbledore organizó una

apelación a su favor, en contra de su expulsión, en una audiencia formal en el

Ministerio de la Magia.

Pero, primero deberán desviarse para ir a un lugar secreto en donde

Harry descubrirá todas las cosas que sucedieron mientras que él estaba

secuestrado en Little Whinging. Al llegar al número 12 de la calle Grimmauld

Place –lugar que si no sabes que está allí, no está allí – Harry vuelve a

encontrarse con sus amigos Ron y Hermione. Es allí donde él se entera por

primera vez sobre la Orden del Fénix: -“una organización clandestina formada

originalmente por Dumbledore para combatir las fuerzas del mal representadas

por Voldemort” – explica David Heyman - “Ellos se reúnen en secreto, en gran

parte porque Fudge, quien está a cargo del Ministerio de la Magia, se siente

amenazado por Dumbledore, y trata de no escuchar historias sobre la vuelta de

Voldemort. Pero los muchachos del grupo de la Orden saben que Voldemort está

juntando seguidores y su poder está creciendo”.

Harry ahora sabe que sus padres formaron parte de la Orden del Fénix

original. En la actualidad, entre sus miembros activos están Molly y Arthur

Weasley, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape y, para su sorpresa y deleite, Sirius Black,

quien abrió la casa de la familia Black para que sirviera como lugar de encuentro

para la Orden del Fénix. David Yates dice: -“Sirius no puede salir porque aún lo

buscan. No puede ayudar demasiado, por eso presta su casa a la Orden”.

Gary Oldman, quien dio vida a Sirius Black en “Harry Potter and the

Prisoner of Azkaban”, cuenta: -“Sirius es un hombre atormentado por estar

falsamente acusado y por haber sido prisionero en Azkaban por tantos años. Se

ha quedado emocionalmente estancado en el pasado, en los primeros días de la

Orden. De muchas maneras, su relación con Harry para él, es como volver al

pasado. Harry se parece mucho a su papá, James, quien era el mejor amigo de

Sirius. Sirius es el padrino de Harry, y para él eso es algo muy importante. Entre

Harry y él hay una relación muy especial, la cual poco a poco se fue haciendo

muy fuerte”.

-“Para Harry la relación es parecida” – explica Radcliffe -“Sirius ve a un

joven James en Harry, y Harry, a través de Sirius, puede saber más cosas sobre su

papá y su relación con Sirius”.

Para Harry, la Orden del Fénix es una manera de conectarse con su

pasado… y mucho más. -“Oficialmente él no pertenece a la Orden, no obstante,

él se siente como parte de ella porque la mayoría de sus amigos están allí. La

Orden significa mucho para Harry, porque sus padres habían pertenecido a la

original. Por eso la Orden tiene importancia emotiva para él, y a la vez, le da la

oportunidad de enfrentar a Voldemort” - explica Radcliffe.

PROCEDIMIENTOS EN EL MINISTERIO

Antes de que Harry piense siquiera en pelear contra Voldemort, debe

volver a ser admitido en Hogwarts. Para eso, deberá defenderse ante el

Ministerio de la Magia.

El decorado del gran atrio del Ministerio de la Magia, es en gran parte lo

que el diseñador de producción Stuart Craig describe como “un poster de Fudge

al estilo de propaganda soviética”.

El diseñador agrega que, pese a que la gente vuela por los pasillos y los

magos se envían memos entre ellos a través de su propio correo aéreo, -“El

Ministerio es una burocracia. En Inglaterra, los edificios del gobierno

frecuentemente tienen el diseño arquitectónico victoriano del siglo XIX, el cual es

muy decorativo. El Ministerio además está bajo tierra, así que lo primero que

hicimos fue visitar una de las estaciones Tube más antiguas de Londres

(tren/metro subterráneo). Muchas de esas estaciones tienen extravagantes

decoraciones hechas en cerámicas. Mezclamos eso con un mundo subterráneo

inventado, lleno de túneles, y recubrimos esos túneles con cerámica negra

brillante, la cual se ve muy interesante fotográficamente. Eso presentó un gran

desafío para el director de fotografía Slawomir Idziak, ya que la luz se reflejaba

por todos lados”.

El atrio del Ministerio fue el escenario más grande jamás construido para

una película de Harry Potter. Tenía 200 pies de largo, por 120 pies de ancho y 30

pies de altura. Se necesitaron 30,000 cerámicas para cubrirlo, las cuales tuvieron

que ser instaladas una por una. En la pantalla, el atrio se ve aún mucho más

grande de lo que era, gracias a efectos visuales.

Escoltado por el señor Weasley, Harry entra en el ministerio a través de la

entrada para visitantes, la cual con toda intención y para todos los propósitos, se

vé como una cabina de teléfonos común, ubicada en el corazón de Londres. “

Pensamos que iba a ser divertido ubicar al Ministerio de la Magia justo debajo

del Ministerio de los Muggles, así que pusimos la cabina telefónica en una vereda

muy cerca del Ministerio de Defensa inglés. Así, aunque los Muggles no lo saben,

bajo el Ministerio de Defensa Británico está el Ministerio de la Magia”- dice Craig

sonriendo.

Yates agrega: -“Uno de los elementos más graciosos de Harry Potter es

que existe un mundo de magia al lado de nuestro mundo Muggle. A veces está

en la puerta de al lado del lugar donde estamos, otras, justo debajo de nuestros

pies, si tan solo uno se fijara… De hecho, los dos mundos muchas veces se tocan,

y nosotros ¡ni nos damos cuenta!”

Durante la audiencia de Harry las cosas no van como Fudge lo había

planeado, gracias a Dumbledore y a un testigo inesperado. Harry es sobreseído

de todos los cargos, pero cuando termina la audiencia y trata de hablarle a

Dumbledore, su amado mentor se escapa rápidamente, evitando siquiera hacer

contacto visual con Harry, el joven mago.

Retomando el papel de Albus Dumbledore, está Michael Gambon, quien

dice: -“Para Harry, Dumbledore es todo, y en esta película ese ídolo se derrumba

un tanto. El poder de Dumbledore está en gran peligro, lo cual lo vuelve más

humano, ¿no? El detalle además, dio una nueva faceta a desarrollar en mi

personaje, lo que fue una experiencia interesante”.

Aún impresionado por la reacción de Dumbledore, Harry vuelve a

Hogwarts. Pero la prueba que allí le espera, y el comportamiento de sus

compañeros, va a ser algo completamente diferente, algo a lo que nunca se

enfrentó.

LA VIDA NO ES TAN COLOR DE ROSA

Al regresar a Hogwarts, Harry se da cuenta que todos los miran con cierta

desconfianza, y como si eso fuera poco, el titular del diario “The Daily Prophet” lo

llama “Harry el Complotador”, y lo acusa abiertamente de mentir sobre el

retorno de Lord Voldemort. Harry se siente solo y rechazado y no quiere aceptar

las ofertas de ayuda de Ron y de Hermione. El piensa que nadie lo entiende, y

que ninguno sabe por lo que él está pasando. Ni siquiera sus propios amigos.

Daniel Radcliffe comenta al respecto: -“El está un poco en el papel de

mártir, pero creo que es parte de lo atractivo de Harry: él no es perfecto. Su

personalidad tiene falencias, y eso es lo que lo vuelve tan humano. Harry es una

buena persona, si bien está lleno de dudas personales, y pienso que la mayoría

de la gente se identifica con eso”.

Yates dice: -“Esta es una etapa interesante en la vida de Harry. Siente que

el “The Daily Prophet”, el diario del Ministerio de la Magia, quiere desacreditarlo

y publica calumnias, y lo que es peor, la gente está comenzando a creerlas. Por

eso, cuando Harry vuelve a Hogwarts, no se siente tan cómodo y a salvo como se

sentía siempre. El se siente como sapo de otro pozo, y va a tener que decidir si va

a dejar que esa situación continúe así para siempre o si va a confiar en el apoyo

de sus amigos, con los que pasó por tantas cosas a través de sus años de estudio.

Por momentos, uno cree que Harry podría elegir cualquiera de las opciones, y

eso es lo emocionante de la historia, particularmente para Harry”.

-“Dan como actor, también tuvo que enfrentarse con algo distinto esta vez,

porque su personaje tiene una actuación compleja”- explica el director -“Lo

bueno es que Dan no tiene miedo de actuar y es muy determinado. Hubo

momentos en los que hacíamos toma tras toma de filmación, y uno podía verle

las ganas de hacerlo mejor y mejor cada vez, en los ojos. Eso es lo que me gusta

de él: quiere actuar lo mejor que pueda”.

Este año en Hogwarts hay una nueva profesora, la profesora Dolores

Umbridge, maestra de Defensa Contra las Artes de la Oscuridad, interpretada

por la premiada actriz Imelda Staunton. La profesora Umbridge se viste de rosa

de la cabeza a los pies, tiene una sonrisa forzada y una manera de hablar medio

cantando, que aunque aparenta ser dulce, deja ver su verdadera naturaleza.

Yates explica: -“Fudge está obsesionado con Dumbledore, porque piensa

que quiere quedarse con su puesto. Por eso, pone a su lugarteniente más

confiable - Dolores Umbridge – en Hogwarts, para que ella sea sus ojos y sus

oídos allí. Por su lado, la profesora Umbridge decide que su misión será sacar a

todos los inútiles de la escuela y que la enseñanza en Hogwarts se vuelva

perfecta y ortodoxa, a la manera que el Ministerio piensa que debería ser. Y eso

claro, va a resultar en una gran colisión de valores”.

-“Sin ninguna duda ella es una enemiga encubierta”- afirma Barron – “No

es tan “rosa” como ella se pinta. Pienso que Fudge no sabe muy bien lo que hace

cuando la envía allí. Es más, creo que ni siquiera se imagina lo que ella es capaz

de hacer”.

-“Umbridge es una controladora obsesiva, y el orden es su prioridad

número uno”- dice David Heyman -“Cualquier cosa diferente de su punto de

vista casi fachista de cómo deben ser las cosas, no tiene posibilidad de sobrevivir

en su mundo. Definitivamente no piensa que debe inspirar las mentes de sus

estudiantes, sino más bien llenarlas con los pensamientos y las ideas del

Ministerio”.

Los estudiantes de Hogwarts no son el único objetivo que tiene en vista

Dolores Umbridge. Los empleados y los profesores de la escuela no están más a

salvo de sus resentidos ataques que los alumnos. La profesora de Adivinación,

Sybill Trelawney, interpretada por Emma Thompson, no pudo ver que

Umbridge la despediría sin siquiera pestañar, y el profesor de Encantamientos

Flitwick, en la actuación de Warwick Davis, supuestamente tampoco llega al

nivel que exige la profesora Umbridge. Inclusive los profesores más respetados,

como Severus Snape, al quien da vida el actor Alan Rickman, y Minerva

McGonagall, interpretada por Maggie Smith, no pueden interferir con las

acciones de la garra rosa de la Gran Inquisidora. Nadie está a salvo del poder

implacable de Umbridge. Ni siquiera el director de la escuela, Albus

Dumbledore.

Heyman agrega: -“Su objetivo es desacreditar a Dumbledore y tomar el

control de la escuela, en nombre del Ministerio. No hay nada que pueda

interponerse en su camino. Imelda pudo interpretar el papel con una sonrisa”.

Staunton, la actriz, comenta al respecto: -“Hay mucha gente así. Por fuera

son encantadores, pero por dentro son algo totalmente distinto. Para mí este fue

un papel muy interesante para actuar. Pienso que Dolores, personalmente, cree

que no hace nada malo. Está convencida que lo que hace es por el bien de todos.

Ese es el tipo de persona más temible, simplemente porque solo pueden ver un

costado de las cosas. Así, es consecuente consigo misma”.

-“Imelda estuvo maravillosa en su personaje”- declara Yates - “Es una

actriz muy talentosa, con mucho sentido de los tiempos cómicos. Ella puedo

mostrar a la profesora Umbridge como a una mujer muy compleja, y no como a

una caricatura”.

Staunton basó su interpretación en la manera en que su personaje está

descrito en el libro: -“Se supone que la profesora Umbridge es muy fea, como un

sapo, por eso cuando la gente me decía ‘¡estarás perfecta para el personaje!’ yo

les contestaba, “¡Bueno! ¡Muchas gracias!’”- dice riendo la actriz –“Pero en serio

me gustó mucho que me elijan para hacer este papel, porque en verdad es un rol

de oro, y me siento en el cielo por haber podido entrar en este maravilloso

mundo… además, tengo que admitir, que ahora tengo mucho status en mi casa,

con mi hija de 12 años”.

Staunton trabajó conjuntamente con la diseñadora de vestuario Jany

Temime para crear el aspecto final de Umbridge. -“Nos divertimos muchos

creando esta no- tan -buena persona ‘redondeada’” –dice la actriz- “Yo no quería

que su aspecto fuera de mala, porque pensé que era importante que tuviera una

apariencia cálida, suave… porque en realidad ella no es ni lo uno ni lo otro”.

La vestuarista Temime revela que, para darle un toque de suavidad a

Umbridge:-“le puse muchos rellenos a Imelda, porque ella es una mujer

flaquita”. La diseñadora también utilizó telas peluditas y suaves para los

vestidos de Umbridge para darle a ella esa misma calidez.

El color de los vestidos no obstante, ya estaba determinado en el libro:

rosa, rosado y más rosa. -“En cada toma, ella tiene un vestido de un distinto color

de rosa”- dice Temime - “A medida que Umbridge va ganando poder, el color se

vuelve más y más fuerte y más atroz, hasta que termina envuelta en un

estridente color cereza”.

El color rosado de Umbridge se llevó hasta el entorno de su oficina, la cual

Stuart Craig y su equipo, decoraron en una extendida paleta de rosas, adornada

con puntillas, terciopelo y pequeños detalles aquí y allá. Los muebles son estilo

francés, y el diseñador quiso mostrarlos -“con curvas y líneas definidas, como

algo que en parte se parece bastante a la personalidad real de su dueña. Un

detalle interesante en su oficina, son los 200 platos con gatitos, algunos de ellos

decididamente ruidosos y muy activos”.

Completamente lo opuesto, el aula de la profesora Umbridge es mucho

más austera, complementando su estilo de enseñanza: ella limita a los

estudiantes severamente, y con toda intención les da un libro de texto para

corregir lo que según ella hacen mal. Rupert Grint comenta: -“Las técnicas de

enseñanza de Umbridge son muy raras, teniendo en cuenta que ella es la maestra

que enseña técnicas de Defensa Contra las Artes de la Oscuridad. A su parecer

no debería haber progreso, y los alumnos deberían estudiar pura teoría sin

aplicación práctica, lo cual es ridículo en una escuela de magia”.

Emma Watson está de acuerdo con Grint. -“Es como si no hubiera ya más

lecciones de Defensa Contra las Artes de la Oscuridad, porque a los alumnos no

se les permite usar magia. Para una mente tan dinámica como la de Hermione,

eso es como una bofetada. Ella no se aguanta quedarse allí sentada y ser tratada

como una idiota. Eso la pone loca, porque para ella aprender es lo más

importante en la vida. Por primera vez Hogwarts, que siempre había sido un

lugar muy seguro y estable para Harry, Ron y Hermione, ya no es seguro, sino

más bien un lugar peligroso y que da miedo”.

Es peligroso porque los alumnos no aprenden a pelear o a defenderse…

especialmente teniendo en cuenta que están en un mundo en donde el Señor

Tenebroso anda suelto.

EL EJÉRCITO DE DUMBLEDORE

Según va la profesora Umbridge desplegando su creciente poder en

Hogwarts, impone nuevas y muy estrictas Reglas Educacionales, una más

restrictiva que la otra. Casi diariamente se proclaman nuevos reglamentos que se

pegan en las paredes, prohibiendo cualquier cosa que pudiera ser subversiva. Sin

embargo, su complot no tendrá lo buenos resultados que ella espera, pues su

mano de hierro hace que los estudiantes se resuelvan con más fuerza que nunca

a desafiar su autoridad.

Yates dice: -“Es interesante que al tratar de obtener poder absoluto, en

última instancia Umbridge logra exactamente lo opuesto”.

Hermione es la primera en actuar, e incita a sus compañeros a la acción.

Watson comenta al respecto: -“Ellos saben que si no aprenden encantamientos no

van a poder defenderse. Si bien el Ministerio de la Magia niega que Voldemort

ha vuelto, ellos no piensan lo mismo. Ellos le creen a Harry; y saben que hay algo

tenebroso y horroroso rondando. Creo que esa es la razón por la cual Hermione,

por primera vez en su vida, siente la necesidad de rebelarse. Ahora, ella se da

cuenta que hacer lo que le dicen que haga no va a funcionar. Uno no puede

confiar en las autoridades siempre, algunas veces uno tiene que confiar en sí

mismo”.

Con el apoyo de Hermione y de Ron, Harry toma la responsabilidad de

enseñar a los estudiantes de Hogwarts a defenderse contra las Artes de la

Oscuridad. Radcliffe dice: -“Al principio Harry no quiere hacerlo, pero Hermione

como siempre lo convence, porque aunque a él no le guste, ella tiene razón” –

dice el joven actor riendo -“Entonces trabajamos en secreto y formamos el

Ejército de Dumbledore. Harry se vuelve el maestro de todos ellos, y usa sus

conocimientos para entrenar a los estudiantes a luchar. Según él lo vé, pronto

habrá una guerra, y el peligro creciente se siente por todos lados. Si la profesora

Umbridge no nos enseña lo que necesitamos saber, si debemos pelear, no

tendremos posibilidades de salir vivos”.

David Heyman señala que el pasar de ser alumno a ser maestro,

representa un momento muy importante en la vida del personaje. -“Al comienzo

vemos a Harry como si fuera un forastero. El siente que la gente no confía en él y

que no le creen nada. Eso lo lleva a sentir que él ya no pertenece a ese lugar.

Eventualmente, se da cuenta que ese es su lugar, y que sí pertenece allí. No sólo

eso, sino que la gente quiere seguirlo. Eso es algo muy fuerte y emocionante, ver

a Harry que pasa de sentirse solo, aún estando con su grupo de amigos, a ser el

líder del grupo. Es más, resulta ser mejor maestro que muchos que tuvo él”.

Uno de los miembros del grupo es la etérea Luna Lovegood, una

muchacha de hablar suave con una personalidad un tanto rara, que parece pasar

de largo de lo que la gente dice de ella. Esta es la primera vez que el personaje

aparece en una película de Harry Potter, y al mismo tiempo es el debut como

actriz profesional de Evanna Lynch.

Dada las cualidades únicas de Luna, elegir una actriz para llenar ese

papel, fue una tarea difícil. La directora de casting Fiona Weir y los cineastas,

entrevistaron a docenas de postulantes, pero ninguna juntaba todos los requisitos

para la imagen que querían de Luna, entonces decidieron hacer una llamada

abierta a nuevas postulantes. Se presentaron más de 15 mil muchachas de todos

los lugares de Inglaterra, e hicieron cola durante larguísimas horas, con tal de

tener una oportunidad, y poder tener una entrevista. Una de las muchachas era

Evanna Lynch, una gran fanática de Harry Potter, a quien le fascinaba el

personaje de Luna, desde que había leído el libro H

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de ser honesta con todo el mundo, inclusive con ella misma. Ella es libre y

graciosa, es como si flotara por la vida, por eso casi todos creen que es una

‘lunática’, pero en realidad, no lo es. En verdad ella es muy inteligente – a su

manera-y tiene muy buen sentido de las cosas”.

Lynch inmediatamente se sintió identificada con Luna al leer sobre el

personaje en el libro. Ella filmó un video de ella misma interpretando uno de los

diálogos de Luna, y lo envió a la casa productora para ver si la podían considerar

para el papel. Poco después, se enteró de que habría una selección abierta de

actrices. Al respecto cuenta: -“Yo tenía que ir…era lo que tenía que hacer”.

Convenció a su papá para que la llevase, y viajaron ambos desde el sur de

Irlanda, y pasaron a formar la larga cola con miles de candidatas que tenían su

misma ambición. Pero seguramente no la confianza que ella tenía en sí misma. “

Yo no estaba nerviosa, porque para mí, ser Luna, era una cosa natural”.

Los cineastas estuvieron completamente de acuerdo. David Barron

recuerda: -“Fiona Weir entrevistó a las 15 mil postulantes, hasta que en la

selección quedaron 29 candidatas. Fiona las filmó y nos envió un DVD de todas

ellas. Nos dijo que allí había una muchacha muy especial, pero no nos dijo cuál.

Al llegar a la postulante número nueve, llamé a Fiona y le dije: ‘debe ser la

número nueve’. Y así era Evanna. ¡Era simplemente fantástica!”.

Heyman por su lado dice: -“La diferencia entre Evanna y todas las otras

chicas que entrevistamos, es que las otras muchachas podían actuar como Luna;

en cambio Evanna Lynch es Luna”.

Jany Temime comenta que Lynch inclusive hizo aportes en cuanto al

vestuario que debía tener Luna. -“Ella fue muy específica en cuanto a ciertos

detalles. Yo hice unos aretes especiales para ella, que tenían la forma de

rabanitos. Ella insistió en que tenían que ser anaranjados. Sin ninguna duda

conocía muy bien su personaje. Quisimos asegurarnos de que el vestuario de

Luna reflejara a la muchacha con su gusto muy personal, y sus intereses

especiales, pero al mismo tiempo, no debía ser tan distinta que no tuviera nada

que ver con los otros estudiantes”.

Otro de los miembros de Ejército de Dumbledore, es Neville Longbottom,

en la actuación de Matthew Lewis. Neville tiene sus propios problemas para

encajar entre sus compañeros, pero al final demuestra ser verdaderamente uno

de ellos, al descubrir el lugar perfecto para que el grupo se pueda entrenar en

secreto: la Sala Multipropósito. La sala sólo aparece cuando se la necesita, y toma

la forma necesaria en el momento, pero permanece invisible para cualquiera que

no está dentro de ella.

Stuart Craig comenta sobre ella: -“Le dimos a la Sala Multipropósito un

aspecto neutral. Sus paredes son espejos que no dejan ver en dónde empieza y

en dónde termina el espacio real, o el reflejado. Yo pensé que sería muy

apropiado que las paredes lo reflejaran a uno y a lo que uno necesitara en ese

momento. Por eso, al estar dentro de la Sala, si ellos necesitaban libros o

almohadones, o Mortíferos de mentira para practicar luchar, aparecerían, al igual

que en el libro”.

Pero hacer realidad el escenario de la sala espejada, presentó ciertas

dificultades y necesidades. Craig comenta: -“Obviamente, los espejos

presentaron un gran problema, porque no sólo reflejan a los actores, sino

también a las cámaras, a la gente que trabaja en la filmación, a los equipos de

iluminación… Tuvimos que cambiar los ángulos de la cámara en cada toma, y en

otras tomas, utilizamos un spray especial para empañar los espejos y matar los

reflejos”.

Para minimizar uno de los problemas, Craig y el director de fotografía

Slawomir Idziak, diseñaron un ingenioso sistema de iluminación por debajo del

piso, con el cual podían iluminar el escenario entre las rejas ubicadas en el piso.

En cierto momento, pareció que el sistema no funcionaría como lo habían

planeado, porque -“iluminaba las suelas de los zapatos de la gente de muy mala

manera”- cuenta Craig - “Por eso, terminamos cubriendo las suelas de los

zapatos con terciopelo negro, y toda la gente del equipo de filmación debió

ponerse protectores de zapatos como usan en la sala de operaciones de los

hospitales, de color azul. Así evitamos que trajeran tierra al escenario, pues debía

ser absolutamente negro, para no exponer las luces bajo el piso”.

MUÉRDAGO

Cuando son las vacaciones por las Navidades en Hogwarts, la clase

clandestina de Harry también se suspende, si bien sin demasiado entusiasmo.

Los estudiantes se van yendo, pero alguien permanece en la escuela: la

encantadora Cho Chang, actuada por Katie Leung. Harry vio a Cho por primera

vez en “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, y aunque se atraen mutuamente,

las cosas entre ellos son complicadas, dada su mutua relación con Cedric

Diggory. El muchacho había sido la primera víctima de Lord Voldemort, luego

del retorno de este último. Al entrar en la Sala Multipropósito, se revela lo que

hay en sus corazones, entonces la Sala hace aparecer un ramito de muérdago, lo

que lleva al momento que tantos fanáticos de Harry Potter esperan desde hace

tiempo—el primer beso de amor de Harry.

-“Yo estaba un poco nervioso, porque yo sabía que Katie estaba nerviosa”

– admite Radcliffe -“No se trataba sólo del beso en sí, sino de la compleja relación

que existe entre Cho y Harry. Pero repetimos la escena varias veces, y al final

dejó de ser tan tremenda cosa, en verdad. Todo estuvo bien, y nos divertimos

mucho”.

-Por su parte, la nobel actriz Leung, comenta: -“Yo estaba muy nerviosa,

porque éste era mi primer beso en una actuación. Pero David Yates fue muy

bueno. Nos dijo exactamente qué quería, y logró que todo fuera menos

intimidante”- luego ella explica sobre el beso -“al principio era medio raro, pero

Daniel me ayudó muchísimo, y todo salió bien. Me gustó mucho… además

Daniel besa muy bien”- detalla sonriendo.

Yates cuenta: -“Queríamos que Dan y Katie se sintieran lo más cómodos

posible, por lo que sacamos a la mayor parte de la gente del set, y creamos una

atmósfera más íntima”.

Tal vez todas esas preparaciones del director ayudaron mucho a la pareja

de actores, pero no lograron calmar los nervios de muchos de los miembros del

equipo de filmación, que por mucho tiempo había visto crecer a Daniel Radcliffe

a través de todas las películas de Harry Potter.

Heyman relata: -“Muchos de nosotros conocemos a Daniel desde que él

tenía 10 años. Creció ante nuestros propios ojos. Entonces lo cuidamos, y lo

protegemos. Y he aquí que nos encontramos todos en el momento en que él actúa

su primer beso. Era raro. Yo pensaba ‘Yo no tendría que estar mirando esto’” –

dice riendo- “pero todo fue perfecto, y pienso que para los espectadores la escena

va a ser dulce y hermosa”.

Heyman continúa diciendo: -“Una de las mejores cosas de trabajar en las

películas de Harry Potter fue ver crecer a estos muchachos, y ver florecer su

talento. Son buenos chicos, amables, sensibles, brillantes, y creo que su actuación

en esta película va a mostrar cuánto crecieron como personas y como actores”.

TODAS LAS CRITURAS GRANDES Y NO TAN PEQUEÑAS

Al volver a comenzar las clases, la profesora Umbridge está más

determinada que nunca a encontrar a los alumnos rebeldes y a poner fin a sus

actividades subversivas. El sufriente conserje Argus Filch no tuvo mucha suerte

al tratar de encontrarlos. Entonces ella enlista a los estudiantes de la Casa

Slytherin, liderados por el enemigo de Harry, Draco Malfoy, para que espíen

para ella. Tom Felton vuelve a interpretar el personaje del joven Malfoy, quien

para ganarse más créditos escolares, se convierte en un miembro de la Brigada

Inquisitorial de la profesora Umbridge. Además, tiene la ventaja de que así, él

cobra poder sobre Harry Potter. Mientras tanto, nadie supervisa el creciente

poder de la profesora Umbridge, y ella ya no esconde que quiere sacar de

Hogwarts a todos los que no le caen bien.

Rubeus Hagrid, el cuidador de los animales y los jardines de Hogwarts,

sabe que es cuestión de tiempo el que lo saquen de la escuela. Entonces les pide a

Harry, a Ron y Hermione un favor especial. Cuando él no esté, ellos van a tener

que cuidar a su hermanastro Grawp, un gigante de 16 pies de altura.

Para llevar a Grawp a la pantalla, fue necesaria una mezcla de diseño,

captura de movimientos, efectos visuales y el talento del actor Tony Maudsley.

Heyman detalla: -“Decidimos que Grawp debía ser inocente y con muy poco

sentido de atención. Trajimos a Tony Maudsley, y él y David Yates, pasaron

mucho tiempo desarrollando lo que terminaría siendo Grawp a través del

proceso de captura de movimientos”.

Yates comenta: -“Tony Maudsley se transformó en el personaje, y le dio

sentido real e inteligencia a cada uno de sus movimientos. Pero la imagen que se

vé, es el resultado de efectos visuales, si bien Tony fue quien le dio alma y vida”.

Grawp tiene sentimientos, y eso se vé instantáneamente cuando queda

prendado de Hermione, que no puede menos que sentirse halagada. -“Hermione

piensa que Grawp es dulce”- aclara Emma Watson -“Es muy tierno en todo lo

que se refiere a Hermione, y ella pareciera ser la única que tiene algún control

sobre él, lo cual es muy gracioso. Yo sé que Grawp es en su mayor parte, el

resultado de efectos especiales, pero se las ingeniaron para hacerlo ver muy real.

Tiene ojos de perrito bueno, y yo no pude evitar encariñarme con él”.

El diseñador de criaturas y efectos especiales con maquillaje, Nick

Dudman, revela que tuvieron que construir una cabeza de gran tamaño para

Grawp, para que “actuase” con los actores en el set de filmación. También se

construyó un modelo tridimensional de él, para que el equipo de efectos visuales

pudiera escanearlo y ponerlo en las computadoras. -“Luego definimos cómo iban

a ser su pelo, sus ojos y sus dientes, los cuales nosotros controlábamos”.

-“Las escenas en las que estaba Grawp eran asombrosas”- afirma Rupert “

Habían puesto esta cabeza enorme con hombros en el set, pero uno hasta se

olvidaba que Grawp no estaba todo allí. Esas fueron algunas de mis escenas

favoritas durante la filmación, porque cuando a Grawp le gusta Hermione y la

levanta, Ron se pone celoso y trata de rescatarla. El quiere mostrarse como un

héroe, y trata de golpear al gigante, pero ya se imaginarán cómo termina eso”-

dice sonriendo el actor -“Fue muy divertido, porque me tocó hacer unos trucos

de acción cuando el gigante me hace volar por los aires”.

Hagrid esconde a Grawp en las profundidades del Bosque Prohibido,

donde también habitan los Centauros. El equipo de efectos visuales, encabezado

por el supervisor Tim Burke, trabajó junto con Dudman y el equipo de diseño,

para crear a esas nobles criaturas. Los Centauros ya se habían visto en “Harry

Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. Burke explica: -“Tuvimos Centauros en la

primera película, pero los espectadores verán los grandes cambios desde

entonces. Ya no son mitad hombre y mitad caballo, ahora son seres especiales”.

-“Los Centauros son criaturas del bosque, son poderosos, y se sienten muy

orgullosos de sus territorios, a los cuales protegen. Ellos representan todo lo que

la profesora Umbridge odia, porque para ella, ellos no son pura raza. No son ni

una cosa ni la otra”- explica Heyman.

Algo totalmente nuevo en Harry Potter, son unas criaturas esqueléticas

con alas, llamadas Thestrals, que tienen apariencia de caballos, pero que

decididamente no son caballos. Los Thestrals parecieran ser una combinación

extraña entre dragón y caballo, y sólo aquellos que presenciaron una muerte

pueden verlos.

Como Harry vio la muerte de Cedric, por primera vez puede ver que son

Thestrals los que tiran de los carros que los llevan a Hogwarts. Luna Lovegood,

cuando era niña vio morir a su madre. Ella también puede ver a los Thestrals, y

piensa que son criaturas gentiles y amistosas.

Aunque los Thestrals fueron creados con efectos visuales, Dudman y su

equipo construyeron una maqueta del tamaño que tendrían naturalmente, para

que los cineastas pudieran visualizarlos en el entorno en el que estaban filmando.

-“Es muy fácil decir que un Thestral tiene alas de 30 pies de ancho”- explica el

experto en efectos especiales- pero ¿qué quiere decir eso en verdad? ¿Va a caber

en el escenario? ¿Y cómo se vé con respecto a los actores? Además, como los

Thestrals son negros y se ven por las noches, discutimos mucho sobre cuál sería

su textura y cuál sería el esquema de negro sobre negro que utilizaríamos”.

Aunque solo son visibles para Harry y para Luna, los Thestrals fueron

muy importantes para transportar el Ejército de Dumbledore a su primera

batalla, en donde se pone a prueba su coraje, y todo su nuevo arsenal de

encantamientos recientemente aprendidos.

LUCHA EN EL FRENTE

Si bien Harry ahora se siente muy confiado en su nuevo papel de líder y

en su abierto desafío a la profesora Umbridge y sus enseñanzas, todavía lo

persiguen sus pesadillas. Aún peor, ahora pareciera que sus pesadillas predijeran

verdaderos eventos. Dumbledore está preocupado, porque más y más se va

dando cuenta que las pesadillas de Harry no son sueños en absoluto, sino más

bien Voldemort intentando utilizar la mente de Harry en contra del muchacho

mismo. Dumbledore pide al profesor Snape que le enseñe a Harry el arte de la

Oclumancia, el cual le permitirá a Harry bloquear al Señor Tenebroso infiltrar su

mente. El aprendizaje es extenuante y revelador, lo cual ni Harry ni Snape se lo

esperaban, pero no es en vano. Los juegos mentales de Voldemort resultan ser

demasiado fuertes para el joven mago.

Harry se despierta de una terrible pesadilla en la cual él vé que Sirius es

atacado detrás de una puerta, la cual él recuerda haber visto cuando fue a su

audiencia ante el Ministerio de la Magia. Harry sabe que existe la posibilidad de

que la pesadilla sea una trampa para llevarlo al Ministerio, pero él no puede

dejar de ir. Sirius es la única familia que le queda.

Sin embargo, Harry no va a ir solo. Pese a sus protestas iniciales cinco

valientes miembros del Ejército de Dumbledore se unirán a él: Hermione, Ron,

Neville, Luna, y la Hermana menor de Weasley, Ginny. Si Harry quiere arriesgar

todo para salvar a Sirius, todos van a tomar el mismo riesgo y van a luchar con

él.

Al llegar al Departamento de Misterios en el Ministerio de la Magia, los

seis jóvenes magos irán hasta la Sala de las Profecías: un lugar que parece

infinito, lleno de profecías envasadas en esferas de cristal, catalogadas y

archivadas en interminables filas de estantes. Stuart Craig dice que el plan

original era: -“físicamente construir 15 mil esferas de cristal y ponerlas en

estantes de vidrio. Todo junto iba a parecer un palacio de cristal cubierto de

telarañas y polvo. Pero después nos dimos cuenta que, cuando los estantes se

rompieran íbamos a poder hacer solamente una toma. Luego, tomaría semanas

reemplazar las esferas y armar el set para poder repetir la toma”. Hubo que optar

por lo práctico, y la escena se filmó contra un fondo verde. Así, la Sala de las

Profecías pasó a ser el primer set totalmente creado por computadora en una

película de Harry Potter.

Harry inmediatamente se da cuenta de que él ya había estado en la Sala de

las Profecías antes, pero al ir pasando por las filas de estantes numerados, es

Neville quien descubre algo asombroso: La etiqueta de una de las esferas de

cristal dice Harry Potter.

Sin saber que la profecía es la clave de la conexión entre él y Lord

Voldemort, Harry toma la esfera en sus manos… y la trampa se abre. Los magos

adolescentes son rodeados por un grupo de Mortífagos, liderados por el pérfido

Lucius Malfoy. Jason Isaacs vuelve a interpretar el papel de Lucius, y dice: -“En

ese momento, la máscara de civilidad de Lucius se cae para siempre. Los frentes

de batalla quedan definidos, y ya no tiene nada que fingir, ahora saben para qué

lado pelea”.

Uno de los aliados de Lucius, es la sádica prima de Sirius, Bellatrix

Lestrange. Quien recientemente se escapó de la Prisión Azkaban. Ella es una

secuaz del Señor Tenebroso. Fue Bellatrix quien hizo el encantamiento Cruciatus

a los padres de Neville, y los torturó hasta la locura: algo que Sirius dice que es

“peor que la muerte misma”. Su presencia da a Neville una muy buena razón

para estar allí. Matthew Lewis, el actor que dio vida a Neville en todas las

películas de Harry Potter, comenta: -“Neville resulta ser mucho más valiente de

lo que uno piensa. Llevó al personaje desde el punto de ser un niño, de quien

uno nunca pensaría que podría pelear, mucho menos contra los Mortífagos, a ser

un hombre que pelea para vengar a sus padres… ¡fue increíble!”

Helena Bonham Carter también se une al grupo de actores de Harry Potter

por primera vez, y dice que le fascinó poder hacer el papel de la diabólica

Bellatrix Lestrange. -“Si a uno le preguntan si quiere estar en una película de

Harry Potter tiene que decir que sí. Para mí fue muy divertido hacer este papel.

Sin duda alguna, Bellatrix tiene problemas de personalidad”- dice riendo la

actriz -“Es más, creo que a ella le gusta ser mala. Me parece que está enamorada

de Lord Voldemort; ya que quiso ir a prisión en su lugar durante 14 años. Pero

ahora salió de allí, y se volvió todavía más fanática”.

Los seis jóvenes magos pelean con mucha valentía, utilizando sus varitas

mágicas para hacer encantamientos que en su mayoría, recién aprendieron. Pese

a todo, no son suficientemente buenos contendientes para los muy

experimentados Mortífagos. Justo cuando los muchachos están al borde de la

muerte, llegan los miembros de la Orden del Fénix, con Sirius Black liderándolos,

y ordenándole a Malfoy, “¡Aléjate de mi ahijado!”.

Se desata la batalla, y Sirius parece disfrutar el momento, tal vez por el

peligro que conlleva. Gary Oldman relata: -“Sirius está muy frustrado, primero

por haber estado en prisión durante 12 años, y tras ello, por haber estado

escondido en Grimmauld Place. El había estado muy ansioso para comenzar a

hacer algo, y ahora que volvió es el momento. Como en los viejos tiempos”.

Michael Goldenberg cuenta que escribir el guión para el enfrentamiento

crucial entre la Orden del Fénix y los Mortífagos fue uno de sus trabajos más

difíciles. –“Intentar capturar la esencia de lo que decía el libro, y darle forma

para la pantalla, necesitó hacer mucho equilibrio. Queríamos asegurarnos que la

escena transmitía una verdadera sensación de peligro, el sentimiento de que

cualquier cosa podía suceder, y que cualquiera de ellos podía vivir o morir en un

instante. Eso es lo que logra que la gente quede petrificada de suspenso en sus

asientos”.

Para la coreografía de las batallas, David Yates contó con el arte de Paul

Harris, quien le dio al combate de varitas mágicas movimientos parecidos a la

esgrima. -“David quería que yo pusiera reglas a la pelea con varitas mágicas, lo

cual no había sido establecido en las otras películas” – explica Harris -“El quería

que los encantamientos tuvieran que tener determinado movimiento o posición

para que sucedieran, y al mismo tiempo, debían ser únicos del mundo de Harry

Potter”.

Además de definir los movimientos básicos a realizar, Harris trabajó con

cada uno de los actores para desarrollar sus técnicas individuales. El explica: “

Jason Isaacs por ejemplo, es puro estilo, muy formal, mientras que el estilo de

Gary Oldman es más ‘callejero’ si se quiere, lo que va más de acuerdo con la

personalidad de su personaje”.

A través de la batalla, hay triunfos y tragedias, las cuales llegan a su

clímax en el enfrentamiento entre Albus Dumbledore y Lord Voldemort. Yates

comenta: -“La pelea entre Voldemort y Dumbledore necesitaba ser épica y

visceral. La intención era que el público se sintiera dentro de la batalla, que la

experimentara como estando allí mismo, por eso, cada vez que fue posible,

usamos cámara en mano para filmar”.

Tim Burke, el supervisor de efectos especiales, agrega que, dado que se

trataba de una gran batalla entre dos magos muy poderosos: - “David Yates tuvo

la brillante idea de basar todo en elementos: agua, fuego, arena… lo cual tuvo

sentido y al mismo tiempo fue asombroso”.

El director aclara: - “En última instancia, esta gran pelea entre

Dumbledore y Voldemort que uno vé, es el momento cumbre, resultado de las

primeras cinco historias anteriores. Era nuestro deber hacer de ella la batalla más

espectacular entre el bien y el mal, y poner a Harry en el centro”.

-“En realidad, la verdadera razón por la que están peleando, es el alma de

Harry” - afirma David Heyman - “en medio de todo ello, Harry, que al principio

de la historia se sentía rechazado y profundamente solo, aún estando entre

amigos, finalmente logra ver que, esa gente es el regalo más preciado e

irremplazable que la vida le dio”.

Daniel Radcliffe dice: -“Harry sabe que Voldemort es poderoso y tiene

muchos seguidores, pero en última instancia nunca va a tener lo que Harry tiene,

y eso es la lealtad verdadera e incondicional de sus amigos”.

Heyman agrega: -“Además, Harry tiene algo que su madre y sus amigos

le dieron, y que Voldemort nunca tendrá: el regalo del amor”.

Yates finaliza diciendo: -“‘

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trata de temas exigentes y complejos, pero creo que entre ellos el más

contundente es el poder de la amistad y la lealtad”.

SOBRE LOS ACTORES

DANIEL RADCLIFFE es conocido por su actuación como el niño mago

Harry Potter en todas las películas basadas en los libros súper ventas de J.K.

Rowling.

Al principio de este año, Radcliffe actuó en teatro por primera vez en su

carrera, interpretando a Alan Strang en la obra premiada de Peter Shaffer,

“Equus”. La obra, que no había sido ofrecida en Londres por más de 30 años,

estuvo dirigida por Thea Sharrock. En ella era co-protagonista el actor ganador

del Premio Tony, Richard Griffiths.

Próximamente se lo podrá ver a Radcliffe en la película independiente

australiana “December Boys”, dirigida por Rod Hardy, y que se estrenará en

Septiembre del 2007.

Durante el verano, Radcliffe estará filmando el drama “My Boy Jack”,

escrito y dirigido por David Haig, para el canal británico ITV. La película relata

la historia de Jack, el hijo de 17 años de Rudyard Kipling, que nunca volvió de la

Primera Guerra Mundial. Allí actúa también Kim Cattrall y Carey Mulligan, bajo

la dirección de Brian Kirk.

El año pasado Radcliffe fue estrella invitada en un episodio de la serie

“Extras”, de la cadena HBO, protagonizada por Ricky Gervais.

RUPERT GRINT vuelve a retomar su papel como el mejor amigo de

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, personaje que interpretó en todas las películas de

Harry Potter.

Grint debutó profesionalmente como actor en “Harry Potter and the

Sorcerer’s Stone”. Su trabajo le valió grandes loas, y fue postulado para el premio

del Círculo de Críticos Británicos de Cine como Actor Revelación y al premio

Joven Artista al Actor Revelación Más Prometedor. Además, la principal revista

británica de cine, “Empire”, otorgó recientemente a Grint y a sus compañeros coprotagonistas

de Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe y Emma Watson, el prestigioso

Premio a la Contribución Sobresaliente, en reconocimiento a su trabajo en todas

las películas de Harry Potter.

Luego de su actuación en la primera película de Harry Potter, Grint

interpretó el papel principal de un profesor loco, en la película de Peter Hewitt,

“Thunderpants”, junto a Simon Callow, Stephen Fry y Paul Giamatti. Tras ello,

volvió a su papel de Ron Weasley, en “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”,

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y “Harry Potter and the Goblet of

Fire”. En el año 2006, Grint apareció junto a Julie Walters y Laura Linney en la

aclamada película independiente de Jeremy Brock, “Driving Lessons”.

Antes de ganar el papel de Ron Weasley, Grint ya había actuado en obras

teatrales de su escuela y en teatros de barrio, entre s producciones como “Annie”,

“Peter Pan” y “Rumpelstiltskin”.

Cuando no está filmando, es muy común encontrar a Grint jugando en las

canchas de golf.

EMMA WATSON retoma el papel de Hermione Granger, la estudiosa y

vieja amiga de Harry Potter y Ron Weasley.

Su papel en la primera película “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”,

fue su debut en el mundo de la actuación profesional y le valió ganar el Premio

Joven Artista en la categoría Mejor Joven Artista Principal. Su papel de

Hermione le ha creado muchos seguidores a través del mundo, y también le hizo

ganar el prestigioso premio AOL a la Mejor Actriz Secundaria, por “Harry Potter

and the Chamber of Secrets” y “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

Watson fue dos veces candidata al premio Critics’ Choice otorgado por la

Asociación de Críticos de Películas para Televisión, por su actuación en “Harry

Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Además, los lectores de la revista “Total Film” la votaron Mejor Nueva Actriz por

su trabajo en “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Más recientemente

Watson fue reconocida por la revista británica líder sobre cine, “Empire”, junto

con sus co-protagonistas Daniel Radcliffe y Rupert Grint, con el prestigioso

Premio Contribución Sobresaliente, en reconocimiento a su trabajo en las

películas de Harry Potter.

Watson continúa dividiendo su tiempo entre sus estudios y filmaciones, a

la vez de ser una floreciente atleta. Algunos de sus hobbies son viajar, bailar y

cantar.

HELENA BONHAM CARTER se suma al reparto de “Harry Potter and

the Order of the Phoenix” como el personaje que es la sobrina de Sirius Black, la

Mortífaga Bellatrix Lestrange.

Bonham Carter ha prestado su talento a una extensa colección

heterogénea de largometrajes, televisión y obras de teatro, tanto en los Estados

Unidos como en su nativa Inglaterra. Más tarde este mismo año, podrá vérsela

en el papel de Mrs. Lovett, en la adaptación para cine, del musical de Stephen

Sondheim, “Sweeney Todd”, dirigido por Tim Burton. Su co-protagonista será

Johnny Depp en el papel del personaje del título.

Previamente ella ya había sido co-protagonista junto a Depp, en la exitosa

película para la familia “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, también dirigida

por Burton.

En 1997, por su actuación en la película de drama y romance “The Wings

of the Dove”, Bonham Carter recibió nominaciones a los Premios de la

Academia, a los Globos de Oro y al que otorga el Gremio de Actores de Cine. Su

actuación en dicho film también le brindó premios a La Mejor Actriz de parte de

varias organizaciones de críticos de cine, entre ella la de los Críticos de Cine de

Los Ángeles, la Broadcast Film Critics, la Junta Nacional de Críticos y el Círculo

de Críticos de Cine de Londres.

Bonham Carter debutó prometedoramente en cine, con el papel principal

en la película biográfica/histórica “Lady Jane”. Ni bien terminó de filmarla, el

director James Ivory le ofreció el papel principal en “A Room With a View”, la

cual se basa en el libro de E.M. Forster. Tras ellos, recibió loas con la actuación de

otras dos adaptaciones de novelas de Forster: “Where Angels Fear to Tread” del

director Charles Sturridge y “Howard’s End” de James Ivory’s, con la cual fue

postulada por primera vez para el premio de la Academia Británica de Artes de

Cine y Televisión (BAFTA).

Entre las primeras películas que interpretó la actriz, se encuentran:

“Hamlet” de Franco Zeffirelli, junto a Mel Gibson; “Mary Shelley’s

Frankenstein”, dirigida y actuada por Kenneth Branagh; “Mighty Aphrodite” de

Woody Allen; y “Twelfth Night”, en la que volvió a actuar con Trevor Nunn.

Más tarde actuó en la película de David Fincher, “Fight Club”, junto a Brad Pitt y

a Edward Norton; en el drama “Big Fish” y la película de ciencia-ficción “Planet

of the Apes”, ambas del director Tim Burton. También actuó en películas como

“Carnivale”, “Novocaine”, “The Heart of Me”, y “Till Human Voices Wake Us”.

En el año 2005, Bonham Carter prestó su voz a dos películas animadas: la

de Tim Burton “Corpse Bride”, en el papel principal; y la ganadora del Oscar

“Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”. Ese mismo año

protagonizó el film independiente de acción “Conversations with Other

Women”, junto con Aaron Eckhart.

El trabajo de Bonham Carter en televisión, le valió nominaciones al Emmy

y al Globo de Oro, por el telefilm “Live From Baghdad” y la miniserie “Merlin”,

y otra candidatura al Globo de Oro, por su interpretación de Marina Oswald, en

la miniserie “Fatal Deception: Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald”. La actriz también

encarnó a Anna Bolena en la miniserie británica “Henry VIII”, y a la madre de

siete niños – cuatro de ellos autistas- en el telefilm del canal BBC, “Magnificent

7”.

Entre las obras teatrales en las que actuó Bonham Carter, cabe mencionar

“Woman in White”, “The Chalk Garden”, “House of Bernarda Alba” y

“Trelawny of the Wells”, entre muchas otras.

ROBBIE COLTRANE vuelve a tomar su papel de Rubeus Hagrid,

cuidador del entorno de Hogwarts, y en parte también maestro.

Coltrane es uno de los actores más respetados y prolíficos del cine y la

televisión británicos, y ha sido postulado al premio de la Academia Británica de

Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) y al del Círculo de Críticos de Cine de Los

Ángeles, por su actuación como Hagrid en “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s

Stone”. Volvió a retomar el mismo papel en “Harry Potter and the Chamber of

Secrets”, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y en “Harry Potter and the

Goblet of Fire”.

Entre la larga lista de trabajos que realizó en cine, cabe mencionar las

películas: “Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker”; “Provoked: A True Story”;

“Ocean’s Twelve” de Steven Soderbergh; “Van Helsing”; “From Hell” de los

hermanos Hughes, en donde actuó junto a Johnny Depp; las películas de James

Bond “The World is Not Enough” y “Goldeneye”; “The Adventures of

Huckleberry Finn” de Stephen Sommers; “Message in a Bottle” de Luis Mandoki;

“Buddy”; “The Pope Must Die”; “Nuns on the Run”, por la cual ganó el Premio

Peter Sellers de Comedia en 1991 en la entrega de Premios Evening Standard de

cine inglés; “Henry V” de Kenneth Branagh; “Let It Ride”; “Bert Rigby, You’re a

Fool” de Carl Reiner; “Mona Lisa” de Neil Jordan; “Absolute Beginners”; y

“Defense of the Realm”, entre muchas otras.

Coltrane es reconocido internacionalmente por su personaje en la

premiada serie televisiva “Cracker”, la cual fue el inicio de varias otras películas

para televisión. La más reciente de ellas, se transmitió en el otoño del 2006. Su

interpretación del duro y gracioso psicólogo de la policía, Dr. Eddie “Fitz”

Fitzgerald, le valió varios honores por su actuación, entre ellos tres premios

consecutivos de la BAFTA al Mejor Actor de Televisión en 1994, 1995 y 1996; el

Premio al Mejor Actor de Televisión del Gremio de Periodistas de Televisión en

1993; el Premio Ninfa de Plata al Mejor Actor, en el Festival de Televisión de

Montecarlo 1994; el premio al Mejor Actor de la Sociedad Real de Televisión en

1994; también ganó el Premio FIPA (Festival Internacional de Programas

Audiovisuales, Cannes) al Mejor Actor y el Premio Cable Ace al Mejor Actor de

Mejor Película o Mini Serie.

Al principio de los años 80, Coltrane se lanzó como artista cómico, y se lo

vio actuar en espectáculos como “Alfresco”, “Kick Up the Eighties”, “Laugh??? I

Nearly Paid My Licence Fee” y “Saturday Night Live”. Luego tuvo apariciones

estelares en 13 producciones “Comic Strip” y numerosos shows televisivos, como

“Blackadder the Third” y “Blackadder’s Christmas Carol”. Fue nominado para el

Premio BAFTA al Mejor Actor por su actuación como Danny McGlone, en la

serie “Tutti Frutti”. Entre los trabajos más recientes de Coltrane en televisión,

están los telefilms “The Ebb-Tide”, “Alice in Wonderland” y “The Planman”, este

último en el cual él también fue productor ejecutivo. El fue también artista

invitado en el último episodio de la serie “Frasier”.

Coltrane fue parte de la Lista de Honor de Año Nuevo 2006, de la Orden

del Imperio Británico (OBE) por sus servicios a las Artes Dramáticas.

WARWICK DAVIS vuelve a ser el profesor Filius Flitwick, papel que ya

había desempeñado en todas las películas de Harry Potter anteriores.

Hace poco, Davis apareció en televisión, en un episodio de la popular

serie del canal a HBO, “Extras”, escrita y protagonizada por Ricky Gervais, y en

la cual actuaban tanto Davis como Daniel Radcliffe. Otros de sus trabajos que

merecen destacarse se vieron en: “The Chronicles of Narnia”; “Murder Rooms”;

la película de Steve Cogan, homenaje a los filmes de la casa productora inglesa

Hammer Horror, “Dr. Terrible’s House of Horrible”; “Carrie & Barry”; “The

Fitz”; “Gulliver’s Travels”; “The 10th Kingdom”; y “Snow White: The Fairest of

Them All”.

Davis es un experto actor teatral en Inglaterra, y trabajó en diversas

producciones de “Snow White”, “Peter Pan” y “Aladdin”.

Sin embargo, es posible que Davis sea más reconocido por sus apariciones

en el cine. Su carrera comenzó con el papel de Wicket en la película de “Star

Wars: Return of the Jedi”, a la cual llegó a ofrecerse para actuar, luego de que su

abuela escuchara una llamada para actores bajitos por la radio. Tras ello actuó en

el film “Labyrinth”, a lo que siguió la internacionalmente exitosa aventura

“Willow”, en la cual interpretó el papel principal; escrito especialmente para él.

Recientemente, en la aclamada película biográfica “Ray”, Davis hizo las

veces de Oberon, el maestro del club de jazz que vio la primera actuación de Ray

Charles. Entre sus muchos trabajos, cabe destacar las películas: “Leprechaun” y

sus cinco secuelas, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace”, “A Very

Unlucky Leprechaun”, “The White Pony”, “The New Adventures of Pinocchio”

y “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.

En este momento Davis está filmando “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince

Caspian”, la secuela de la muy exitosa “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”.

RALPH FIENNES, una vez más vuelve a darle vida al pérfido Lord

Voldemort, uno de los más horrorosos malos de la literatura moderna. El actor

interpretó por primera vez al personaje en el año 2005, en “Harry Potter and the

Goblet of Fire”.

Fiennes protagonizó seis películas que se estrenaron en el 2005, entre ellas

“The Constant Gardener” de Fernando Meirelles, con la cual ganó el Premio al

Cine Británico Independiente, el Premio Evening Standard al cine Británico y el

Premio del Círculo de Críticos de Cine de Londres. Por esa misma película fue

postulado al premio de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión

(BAFTA). Otras películas en las que actuó que se estrenaron ese mismo año,

fueron: “The White Countess” de James Ivory, “The Chumscrubber”,

“Chromophobia” de Martha Fiennes y la película animada premiada con el

Oscar, “Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”.

Fiennes fue dos veces candidato al Premio de la Academia, la primera en

1994, por su actuación en la película de Steven Spielberg, ganadora del Oscar a la

Mejor Película, “Schindler’s List”. Su escalofriante retrato del Comandante Nazi,

Amon Goeth también le valió la candidatura a los Globos de Oro, el premio de la

BAFTA, y varios galardones como Mejor Actor Secundario, de parte de varios

grupos de críticos de cine, entre ellos: la Sociedad Nacional de Críticos de Cine, y

el de los Críticos de Cine de Nueva York, Chicago, Boston y los Críticos de

Londres. Fiennes fue propuesto para el Oscar por segunda vez en 1997, por su

trabajo en otra película ganadora del premio a la Mejor Película, “The English

Patient” de Anthony Minghella. El actor fue nominado también a los premios

Globo de Oro, y al de la BAFTA, y también a dos otros premios otorgados por el

Gremio de Actores de cine (SAG) al Mejor Actor, y otro compartido con el resto

del reparto.

Fiennes recientemente terminó la filmación de la película aún por

estrenarse, “In Bruges”. Los siguientes son algunos de sus múltiples trabajos:

“Red Dragon”; “The End of the Affair” y “The Good Thief”, ambas de Neil

Jordan; “Spider” de David Cronenberg; “Onegin” de Martha Fiennes, película en

la cual él también fue productor ejecutivo; “Sunshine” de Istvan Szabo; “Maid in

Manhattan”, en donde actuó junto a Jennifer Lopez; el musical animado “The

Prince of Egypt”; “The Avengers”; “Oscar and Lucinda”; “Strange Days”; “Quiz

Show” de Robert Redford; y “Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights”, película con la

cual debutó en el cine.

Tras graduarse de la Academia Real de Artes Dramáticas, Fiennes

comenzó a trabajar en teatros de Londres. El actor se unió a la compañía teatral

de Michael Rudman, en el Teatro Royal National, y más tarde trabajó dos años

con la Compañía Royal Shakespeare (RSC). En 1994, Fiennes fue Hamlet en la

producción de Jonathan Kent de la obra. Más tarde ganó un Premio Tony por su

actuación cuando la producción pasó a los teatros de Broadway. Luego se reunió

con Kent para la producción en Londres de “Ivanov”, la cual posteriormente fue

llevada a Moscú. En el año 2000, Fiennes volvió a los escenarios de Londres para

actuar en los papeles principales en las obras “Richard II” y “Coriolanus”. En el

2002, actuó por primera vez el papel de Carl Jung en la obra “The Talking Cure”

de Christopher Hampton, la cual se ofreció en el teatro Nacional Real. Al año

siguiente, interpretó el papel protagonista en la obra de Ibsen, “Brand” con la

RSC. En 2005, Fiennes fue el primer actor en la producción de Deborah Warner

de “Julius Caesar”. Hace poco tiempo, Fiennes volvió a trabajar con el director

Jonathan Kent, en “Faith Healer” de Brian Friels, obra que se ofreció en el Teatro

Gate de Dublin antes de pasar a los escenarios de Broadway. Fiennes fue listado

para los premios Tony por su actuación en dicha obra.

MICHAEL GAMBON vuelve a tomar su papel de Albus Dumbledore, el

muy sabio y respetado director de la escuela Hogwarts. Ya lo había hecho en

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y en “Harry Potter and the Goblet of

Fire”.

Gambon ha sido galardonado por su trabajo en el escenario, en cine y

televisión en el curso de su carrera, la cual se extiende a lo largo de cuatro

décadas. Compartió los premios de Gremio de Actores de Cine (SAG) y el Critics

Choice como parte del grupo de actores de “Gosford Park” de Robert Altman.

También ganó cuatro Premios Televisivos de la Academia Británica de Artes de

Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) por su actuación en los telefilms “Perfect Strangers”;

“Longitude”; “Wives and Daughters” – por el cual también ganó el Premio de la

Sociedad Real de Televisión (RTS) - y “The Singing Detective”. Por este último

también ganó el Premio RTS y el del Gremio de Periodistas de Televisión, por su

trabajo en el papel protagónico. Gambon también fue nominado a los premios

Emmy y Globo de Oro, por su interpretación como el Presidente Lyndon Baines

Jonson, en la película del canal HBO, “The Path to War”. En 1998, fue nombrado

caballero por la Reina Isabel II por sus servicios al teatro.

Hace muy poco, Gambon actuó en el filme de Jake Paltrow, “The Good

Night”, que tuvo su première en el Festival de Cine de Sundance 2007, y en el

drama de Robert De Niro “The Good Shepherd”, donde también actuaron Matt

Damon y Angelina Jolie. Próximamente se lo verá en “Brideshead Revisited” y

en “My Boy”.

Gambon nació en Irlanda, y comenzó su carrera en el teatro Edwards-

MacLiammoir Gate de Dublin. En 1963, fue uno de los miembros originales de la

Compañía Teatral Nacional de teatro Old Vic bajo la dirección de Laurence

Olivier. Más tarde su unió a la compañía repertorio Birmingham, con quienes

interpretó “Othello”. El extenso repertorio teatral en que actuó incluye varias

producciones en teatros del West End de Londres. Entre esas obras se destacan:

“Otherwise Engaged” de Simon Gray; las premières en Londres de tres obras de

Alan Ayckbourn: “The Norman Conquests”, “Just Between Ourselves” y “Man

of the Moment”; “Alice’s Boys”; “Old Times” de Harold Pinter; “Uncle Vanya”

en la cual interpretó el papel principal; y “Veterans Day” con Jack Lemmon,

siendo estas sólo algunas. En 1987, ganó muchos premios, entre ellos el Olivier al

Mejor Actor, por su trabajo en el re-estreno de la obra de Arthur Millar, “A View

From the Bridge”.

Actuando en el Teatro Royal National (RNT), Gambon desarrolló papeles

principales en las obras: “Betrayal” y “Mountain Language” de Harold Pinter;

“Close of Play” de Simon Gray; “Tales from Hollywood” de Christopher

Hampton; otras tres obras de Alan Ayckbourn, “Sisterly Feelings”, “A Chorus of

Disapproval” –por la cual ganó el Premio Olivier- y “A Small Family Business”;

y “Skylight” de David Hare, la cual luego se ofreció en teatros del West End y en

Broadway. Junto con la compañía teatral de RNT, Gambon interpretó

“Endgame”, con Lee Evans, y fue Falstaff en la obra “Henry IV, Parts I and II”.

Su trabajo más reciente en teatro fue un rol principal en “Volpone”, por el cual

ganó un premio Evening Standard; la producción de “Cressida” de Nicholas

Hytner, en el teatro Almeida; la producción de Patrick Marber de “Caretaker”, en

el West End; y la producción de Stephen Daldry de “A Number” en el teatro The

Royal Court.

Entre los muchos trabajos de Gambon en cine están: la nueva versión de

“The Omen”, “The Life Aquatic” de Wes Anderson, “Sky Captain and the World

of Tomorrow”, “Sylvia”, “Open Range”, “The Insider”, Tim Burton’s “Sleepy

Hollow”, “The Last September”, “Dancing at Lughnasa”, “The Gambler”, “The

Wings of the Dove” y “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover”. El actor

también trabajó el la muy premiada miniserie del canal HBO “Angels in

America”, dirigida por Mike Nichols.

BRENDAN GLEESON vuelve a interpretar a Alistor ‘Ojoloco’ Moody,

papel que ya había interpretado en “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Gleeson trabajó en más de 40 películas desde que debutó en el cine con el

filme de Jim Sheridan, “The Field”. Tuvo pequeños papeles en películas como

“Into the West” de Mike Newell, y en la de Ron Howard, “Far and Away”.

Luego le llegó el papel de Hamish, en la película de Mel Gibson ganadora del

Oscar a la Mejor Película, “Braveheart”. A eso le siguieron las películas de Neil

Jordan “Michael Collins” y “The Butcher Boy”. También actuó en la película

independiente “Angela Mooney”, en la cual fue John Boorman productor

ejecutivo.

En 1998, Boorman dirigió a Gleeson en el papel del héroe folklórico

irlandés de la vida real, Martin Cahill, en la aclamada película histórica “The

General”. Por su actuación en ella, Gleeson recibió varios honores a la actuación,

entre ellos, el Premio al Mejor Actor otorgado por el Círculos de Críticos de Cine

de Londres. Desde entonces, trabajó en las películas de John Boorman “The

Tailor of Panama”, “In My Country” y “The Tiger’s Tail”.

Entre los muchos otros trabajos de Gleeson están: “Mission: Impossible II”

de John Woo, “Harrison’s Flowers”, “Wild About Harry”, “Artificial Intelligence:

A.I.” de Steven Spielberg, “28 Days Later…” de Danny Boyle, “Gangs of New

York” de Martin Scorsese, “Cold Mountain” de Anthony Minghella, “Troy” de

Wolfgang Petersen, “The Village” de M. Night Shyamalan, “Kingdom of

Heaven” de Ridley Scott, “Breakfast on Pluto” de Neil Jordan, y “Black Irish”.

En este momento Gleeson presta su voz para la película animada

“Beowulf”, dirigida por Robert Zemeckis, y que se estrenará en Noviembre del

2007.

Próximamente se lo podrá ver en los filmes “In Bruges”, en donde son coprotagonistas

Colin Farrell y Ralph Fiennes, bajo la dirección de Martin

McDonagh. En la pantalla chica, actuará el papel principal del estadista en

“Churchill at War”, del director Thaddeus O’Sullivan, la cual será emitida por el

canal HBO.

Gleeson nació en Irlanda, donde comenzó a trabajar como maestro. Pero

luego cambió de carrera y se unió a la compañía teatral irlandesa Passion

Machine. Entre sus trabajos en los escenarios, cabe mencionar las producciones

“King of the Castle”, “The Plough and the Stars”, “Prayers of Sherkin”, “The

Cherry Orchard”, y “Juno and the Paycock”, en el teatro Gaiety, esta última la

cual fue también presentada en el Festival Teatral de Chicago. En 2001, Gleeson

volvió al escenario del Teatro Peacock de Dublin con la obra de Billy Roche, “On

Such As We”, dirigida por Wilson Milam.

RICHARD GRIFFITHS vuelve a aparecer como el tío de Harry, Vernon

Dursley, que es un Muggle. Previamente, él ya había actuado en “Harry Potter

and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” y “Harry

Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

Recientemente Griffiths actuó junto a Daniel Radcliffe en teatros del West

End, en el re-estreno de Peter Shaffer de la obra “Equus”. El año pasado, Griffiths

fue postulado al premio Mejor Actor de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y

Televisión (BAFTA), por su actuación como Héctor en la adaptación para cine de

“The History Boys” de Nicholas Hytner. El actor interpretó al personaje por

primera vez, en la producción en el Teatro Nacional Hytner de Londres. Por ello,

ganó el Premio Olivier al Mejor Actor. Griffiths actuó su papel en giras por

teatros regionales e internacionales, y también en Broadway, en donde ganó el

Premio Tony al Mejor Actor Principal en una Obra Teatral.

Entre los muchos trabajos de Griffiths se encuentran: “Venus” de Roger

Michell, “Stage Beauty” de Richard Eyre, “Vatel” de Roland Joffe, “Sleepy

Hollow” de Tim Burton, “Funny Bones” de Peter Chelsom, “Guarding Tess”,

“Blame It on the Bellboy”, “The Naked Gun 2½”, “King Ralph”, “Withnail & I”,

“A Private Function”, “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan” de Hugh Hudson,

“Gorky Park” de Michael Apted, “Gandhi” de Richard Attenborough, “Ragtime”

de Milos Forman, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” de Karel Reisz y la película

ganadora del Oscar de Hugh Hudson “Chariots of Fire”.

En la televisión inglesa tal vez Griffiths sea reconocido por las series del

canal BBC “Pie in the Sky” y “Hope & Glory”. Otros de sus trabajos notables en

televisión fueron diversos papeles en: “Bleak House”, “The Brides in the Bath”,

“Gormenghast”, “In the Red”, “Ted & Ralph”, “Inspector Morse”, “Mr.

Wakefield’s Crusade”, “Goldeneye: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming”, “The

Marksman”, “Casanova”, “The Cleopatras”, “Bird of Prey” y la serie “Nobody’s

Perfect”.

Griffiths es un logrado actor teatral que recientemente actuó en la

producción de “Heroes”en el West End de Londres. El actor, también trabajó con

la Compañía Royal Shakespeare en las obras “The White Guard”, “Once in a

Lifetime”, “Henry VIII”, “Volpone”, y “Red Star”. Entre los trabajos teatrales

más importantes del actor, cabe mencionar las producciones de la obras

“Luther”, “Heartbreak House”, “Galileo”, “Rules of the Game”, “Art”,

“Katherine Howard” y “The Man Who Came to Dinner”.

JASON ISAACS retoma su papel del Mortífago Lucius Malfoy, que

interpretó primero en la segunda película de Harry Potter film, “Harry Potter

and the Chamber of Secrets”. Volvió a actuar en el mismo papel en “Harry Potter

and the Goblet of Fire”. Isaacs recientemente actuó junto a Catherine Keener,

Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack y Frances McDormand, en la comedia “Friends

with Money”, que se pasó por primera vez en el Festival de Cine de Sundance

2006.

En el otoño del 2006, Isaacs actuó en tres prestigiosas películas, con

personajes muy diferentes. Para la cadena BBC, realizó una serie de suspenso en

seis partes, “The State Within”, en donde interpretaba a Sir Mark Brydon, el

embajador británico asediado en Washington DC. Luego fue el arrasador éxito

del canal Showtime, la serie “Brotherhood”, en la cual Isaacs interpretaba al

gángster irlandés- americano, Michael Caffee. Finalmente actuó en el telefilm

“Scars” del Canal 4 inglés, escrito y dirigido por Leo Regan, en él hacía el papel

de un peligroso llamado Chris. Dicha película trata de la causa y efecto de la

violencia a través de un monólogo virtual, compuesto de copias de entrevistas.

El año anterior, interpretó papeles tan distintos como: un desconsolado

romántico en la premiada película de Rodrigo Garcia “Nine Lives”, en la cual

también actuaba Robin Wright Penn, y el arrabalero papá reprimido en“The

Chumscrubber”. Ambas películas fueron estrenadas mundialmente en el Festival

de Cine de Sundance 2005. Luego encarnó al sexista y homofóbico galán de cine

en la cómica película independiente de Donal Logue, “Tennis Anyone?”; y en

televisión on televisión, dio vida al cínico periodista gráfico repetidamente en la

serie del canal NBC, “The West Wing”.

Isaacs ha estado trabajando sin parar desde el año 2000, cuando interpretó

al cruel Coronel William Tavington en “The Patriot”, donde también actuaba Mel

Gibson. Isaac robó lo pantalla en el filme y eso le valió ser postulado al premio

del Círculo de Críticos de Londres al Mejor Actor Secundario. Al año siguiente,

se lo vio a Isaacs envuelto en lentejuelas en un traje sin breteles, en una nueva

versión del drama romántico “Sweet November”, con Keanu Reeves y Charlize

Theron. Luego, estuvo casi irreconocible como el Capt. Mike Steele de cabeza de

bala, en el aclamado drama de la guerra de Ridley Scott, “Black Hawk Down”.

Más tarde Isaacs actuó en: el drama sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial de John

Woo, “Windtalkers”, con Nicolas Cage; en la semidulce comedia romántica

“Passionada”; y en la comedia película de acción “The Tuxedo”, con Jackie Chan.

En el año 2003, Isaacs realizó dos papeles en la película “Peter Pan” del director

P.J. Hogan: el capitán Hook y el Señor Darling.

Además, Isaacs ha hecho varias películas con su amigo, el director Paul

Anderson, entre ellas: la película de misterio y ciencia ficción “Event Horizon”,

“Soldier” y el film de culto británico “Shopping”. El que tenga vista de lince lo

descubrirá en unos cuantos cameo en los filmes: “Resident Evil” de Anderson,

“Elektra” de Rob Bowman; la película experimental de Mike Figgis, “Hotel”; y

más recientemente en “Grindhouse”. Otras de las películas en las que trabajó

son: “The End of the Affair”, la taquillera “Armageddon”, “Dragonheart”,

“Divorcing Jack”, el musical “The Last Minute” y “The Tall Guy”, película que

fue su debut cinematográfico.

Isaacs nació en Liverpool, Inglaterra, y asistió a la Universidad de Bristol

donde estudió Leyes. Él dirigió y/o protagonizó más de veinte producciones

teatrales.

Tras graduarse de la prestigiosa Escuela Central de Interpretación y

Locución de Londres, el actuó dos temporadas en la exitosa serie de la televisión

británica “Capital City”, luego trabajó en la controvertida miniserie de Lynda

LaPlante, “Civvies” para el canal BBC.

Sobre el escenario teatral, él creó el personaje de Louis, en la aclamada

producción en el Teatro Royal National de la obra “Angels in America - Parts 1 &

2” ganadora de un premio Pulitzer. Luego llenó las salas del los teatros Royal

Court, Almeida, el King’s Head y el del Festival de Edinburgh. Recientemente

volvió al teatro en el West End de Londres, para actuar junto a Lee Evans, en el

re-estreno de “The Dumb Waiter” de Harold Pinter, obra que se ofreció a

extensión limitada en el Trafalgar Studios, desde Febrero hasta Marzo del 2007.

GARY OLDMAN retoma el papel del padrino de Harry, Sirius Black,

personaje que interpretó en “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y

también en “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

En este momento Oldman está filmando la nueva película de Batman,

“The Dark Knight”, en la cual vuelve a tomar su antiguo papel del Lugarteniente

James Gordon, el cual ya había interpretado en la muy popular “Batman Begins”.

Oldman comenzó su carrera actoral en 1979 sobre los escenarios de

Londres. Desde 1985 hasta 1989, trabajó exclusivamente en el teatro londinense

Royal Court. En 1985, fue nombrado Mejor Nuevo Actor por la revista inglesa

“Time Out” por su actuación en “The Pope’s Wedding”. Ese mismo año

compartió con Sir Anthony Hopkins, el título de Mejor Actor otorgado por el

Círculo de Críticos de Londres.

En 1986, Oldman debutó en el cine con la película “Sid and Nancy”. Su

interpretación del legendario cantante de rock punk Sid Vicious, le valió el

premio Actor Revelación Más Prometedor, otorgado a las películas británicas por

la publicación Evening Standard. Al año siguiente, fue protagonista en la obra de

Stephen Frears “Prick Up Your Ears”, con la cual ganó al Premio al Mejor Actor

del Círculo de Críticos de Londres, por su retrato del desventurado escritor

teatral británico Joe Orton.

Desde entonces, se ha transformado en uno de los actores más talentosos y

respetados de cine, y trabajó en aclamadas e importantes películas, así también

como exitosdas películas independientes. Entre sus primeros trabajos figuran:

“Track 29” de Nicolas Roeg; “Criminal Law”; “Chattahoochee”; “Rosencrantz &

Guildenstern Are Dead” de Tom Stoppard, por cuya actuación fue candidato al

premio Independent Spirit al Mejor Actor; “State of Grace”; “Henry & June”;

“JFK” de Oliver Stone, en la cual interpretaba el papel de Lee Harvey Oswald; y

“Dracula” de Francis Ford Coppola, en la que era el actor principal.

Otras actuaciones memorables de Oldman pudieron verse en las películas:

“True Romance” de Tony Scott; “Romeo is Bleeding”; las películas de Luc Besson

“The Professional” y “The Fifth Element”; “Immortal Beloved”; “Murder in the

First”; “The Scarlett Letter” de Roland Joffe; “Basquiat” de Julian Schnabel; “Air

Force One” de Wolfgang Petersen; la versión para la pantalla grande de “Lost in

Space”; y “Hannibal” de Ridley Scott.

En 1995 Oldman y su manager y socio productor Douglas Urbanski,

formaron la compañía productora The SE8 Group, con la cual produjeron la

primera película de Oldman como director “Nil by Mouth”, la cual Oldman

también escribió. La película se estrenó en 1997 en el 50avo competencia del

Festival de Cine de Cannes. Allí Kathy Burke ganó el Premio a la Mejor Actriz

por su interpretación. Además, Oldman ganó dos premios de la Academia

Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) , a la Mejor Película Británica y

al Mejor Guión, también ganó el premio al Director del británico del Canal 4,

durante el Festival de Cine Internacional de Edinburgo 1997; más el Premio

Empire a la Mejor Película Debutante. Oldman fue productor ejecutivo y

protagonista en la película de su compañía SE8 Group, “The Contender”, la cual

tuvo dos nominaciones para el Oscar, y la candidatura de Oldman al Mejor Actor

Secundario para los premios de Gremio de Actores de Cine (SAG).

On televisión, Oldman fue postulado al premio Emmy por su papel como

estrella invitada, de un actor alcohólico, en la popular serie cómica “Friends”.

Otros de sus trabajos en televisión se vieron en los telefims: “Meantime”, dirigido

por Mike Leigh, y “The Firm”, dirigido por Alan Clarke.

ALAN RICKMAN retoma su papel como el enigmático maestro de

pociones, Severus Snape, personaje que ha interpretado anteriormente en todas

las películas de Harry Potter.

Próximamente será el juez Turpin en la versión para la pantalla grande del

musical “Sweeney Todd” de Stephen Sondheim, dirigido por Tim Burton, el cual

se estrenará en Diciembre del 2007.

Rickman era un actor teatral varias veces premiado en su nativa

Inglaterra, cuando en 1988 debutó en el cine con la película rompetaquillas “Die

Hard”. Desde entonces ha sido galardonado repetidas veces por su labor tanto en

cine como en televisión.

En 1992, ganó el Premio de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y

Televisión (BAFTA) al Mejor Actor Secundario, por su interpretación del Sheriff

de Nottingham en “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”. Ese mismo año, ganó los

premios al Mejor Actor tanto de la publicación Evening Standard de cine

británico, como el del Círculo de Críticos de Cine de Londres, por su trabajo en

esa película. Volvió a ser premiado por las películas: “Truly, Madly, Deeply” de

Anthony Minghella y “Close My Eyes” de Stephen Poliakoff. El Círculo de

Críticos de Cine de Londres agregó a las lista “Quigley Down Under” en la que

también actuó. Más tarde se encontró listado para los premios de la BAFTA por

su actuación en las películas “Sense and Sensibility” de Ang Lee y “Michael

Collins” de Neil Jordan.

En 1997, Rickman ganó los premios Emmy, Globo de Oro y el del Gremio

de Actores de Cine (SAG) por su actuación en la película “Rasputin”, del canal

HBO. Más recientemente volvió a ser candidato al premio Emmy por su labor en

la aclamada película del canal HBO, “Something the Lord Made”.

Entre otros de los trabajos de Rickman en cine, se encuentran las películas:

“Nobel Son”, “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”, “Snow Cake”, “Love

Actually”, “Blow Dry”, “Galaxy Quest”, “Dogma”, “Judas Kiss” y “Mesmer”,

esta última por la cual ganó el Premio al Mejor Actor en el Festival de Cine de

Montreal 1994.

En 1997, Rickman debutó como director con el filme “The Winter Guest”,

protagonizado por Emma Thompson. El también había escrito el guión con

Sharman Macdonald a partir de la obra original de Macdonald. Elegida para la

selección oficial del Festival de Cine de Venecia, la película fue candidata al León

de Oro, y ganó otros dos premios. Más tarde fue nombrada Mejor Película

durante la selección para le Festival de Cine de Chicago. Rickman también

dirigió la obra teatral en los teatros West Yorkshire Playhouse y en el Almeida de

Londres. Además él dirigió las obras “Wax Acts” y “My Name is Rachel Corrie”

– esta última ganó los premios a la Mejor Obra Nueva y al Mejor Director de los

premios Theatregoers’ Choice – que se ofrecieron en teatros del West End.

Rickman estudió en la Academia Real de Artes Dramáticas, tras lo que se

unió a la Compañía Royal Shakespeare (RSC) por dos temporadas. En 1985,

Rickman creó el papel del Vizconde de Valmont en “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”,

y en 1987, fue candidato a los premios Tony, al retomar el papel en Broadway.

Más recientemente Rickman protagonizó la producción de “Private Lives” de

Noel Coward en el West End, con lo cual ganó el premio Variety Club, y fue

propuesto para los premios Olivier y Evening Standard al Mejor Actor. La obra

luego pasó a Broadway, en donde Rickman fue postulado por segunda vez al

premio Tony al Mejor Actor.

FIONA SHAW una vez más vuelve a hacer el papel de la tía de Harry,

Petunia Dursley, que vive para malcriar a su hijo, Dudley. Ella interpretó el

mismo papel en “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, en “Harry Potter and

the Chamber of Secrets” y en “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

Al principio de este año, Shaw pudo ser vista en la aclamada película de

suspenso “Fracture”, junto a Anthony Hopkins y a Ryan Gosling. El año pasado,

fue co-protagonista en la comedia romántica “Catch and Release” y en la película

de Brian De Palma “The Black Dahlia”. Su próximo trabajo será la comedia de

aventuras “The Other Side”. Otras películas en las que trabajó la actriz son:

“Close Your Eyes”, “The Triumph of Love”, “The Last September”, “The

Avengers”, “The Butcher Boy”, “Anna Karenina”, “Jane Eyre”, “Persuasion”, “3

Men and a Little Lady”, “Mountains of the Moon” y “My Left Foot”.

Shaw es una de las más aclamadas actrices inglesas. Recientemente recibió

el Premio del Evening Standard, por su labor en el re-estreno en Londres de

“Medea”. Cuando la producción pasó a Nueva york, Shaw recibió el premio de

la Orden del Imperio Británico (OBI), y una nominación al Tony por su labor.

Anteriormente, recibió el premio Olivier a la Mejor Actriz por su actuación como

Rosalind en “As You Like It”; los premios Olivier y el del Círculo de Críticos de

Londres por su actuación en “The Good Person of Sichuan” y en “Electra”;

volvió a recibir el Premio del Círculo de Críticos de Londres por el papel

protagónico de “Hedda Gabler”; el premio Olivier y el Evening Standard Drama,

por su actuación en la obra de Stephen Daldry “Machinal”; y el Premio de los

Críticos de Nueva York, por su virtuosa interpretación en la obra de T.S. Elliot,

“The Waste Land”.

Shaw también trabajó para el Teatro Royal National con la Compañía

Teatral Royal Shakespeare, y también en escenarios de su nativa Irlanda.

Además realizó una gira mundial con la obra “The Waste Land”.

Shaw volvió a retomar sus personajes de las obras “The Waste Land”,

“Hedda Gabler” y “Richard II” para el canal BBC. Entre sus trabajos en

televisión, cabe mencionar la reciente miniserie del canal ABC, “Empire”, y

también “The Seventh Stream”, “Mind Games”, “Gormenghast”, “RKO 281”,

“Seascape” y “For the Greater Good” de Danny Boyle.

En el año 2000, Shaw fue nombrada Oficial de las Artes y las Letras en

Francia, y al año siguiente formó parte de la Lista de Honor de Año Nuevo, de

los premios Comandante de la Orden del Imperio Británico (CBE).

MAGGIE SMITH actúa una vez más como la profesora Minerva

McGonagall, en la escuela, papel que ya había realizado en todas las otras

películas de Harry Potter.

Smith es s una de las mejores actrices de la industria, y ha sido

galardonada varias veces tanto por su trabajo en teatro, como en cine y

televisión. Recibió dos premios de la Academia: su primer por su inolvidable

actuación en el papel protagónico en “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” en 1969,

papel por el cual fue postulada a los premios de la Academia Británica de Artes

de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA), y al Globo de Oro. Una década más tarde, ganó su

segundo Oscar, el Globo de Oro, el Premio del Evening Standard y una

nominación al premio de la BAFTA, por su papel en “California Suite”. Más

recientemente, estuvo listada para los premios Oscar, Globo de Oro y el de la

BAFTA, por su actuación en la película de Robert Altman, “Gosford Park”, por la

cual también ganó los premios compartidos como parte del reparto, del Gremio

de Actores de Cine (SAG) y el Critics’ Choice.

Entre la miríada de galardones por su actuación en películas, cabe

mencionar su candidatura al Oscar por las películas: “Othello”, “Travels with My

Aunt” y “A Room with a View”, por las cuales ella ganó los premios de la

BAFTA y el Globo de Oro; el premio de la BAFTA por “A Private Function” y

“The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne”, y también el premio de películas

Evening Standard por esta última. Más recientemente, Smith ganó el premio

Emmy por su actuación en la película del canal HBO, “My House in Umbria”.

Smith debutó en escena con la Sociedad de Drama de la universidad de

Oxford en 1952, y luego debutó en Nueva York econ “The New Faces of 1956

Revue”. Tres años más tarde, Ella se juntó a la Compañía Old Vic y ganó el

premio Evening Standard 1962 a la Mejor Actriz, por su trabajo en las películas

“The Private Ear” y “The Public Eye”. Smith comenzó a trabajar en el Teatro

Nacional en 1963, actuando como Desdemona junto a Laurence Olivier, en la

obra “Othello”. Otras producciones en las que actuó con el Teatro Nacional

fueron: “Black Comedy”, “Miss Julie”, “The Country Wife”, “The Beaux

Stratagem”, “Much Ado About Nothing” y “Hedda Gabler”.

En 1969 pasó a la pantalla grande, y su actuación en “The Prime of Miss

Jean Brodie” le valió un Oscar. El público del presente tal vea reconozca más a

Smith por su trabajo en las películas de “Harry Potter”, y por otros papeles que

interpretó en “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood”, “The First Wives Club”,

“Sister Act”, “The Secret Garden” y en la película de Steven Spielberg, “Hook”.

Otros de sus trabajos que se deben mencionar, se vieron en “Becoming Jane”,

“Ladies in Lavender”, “The Last September”, “Washington Square”, “Richard

III”, “The Missionary”, “Death on the Nile”, “Murder by Death” y “The Honey

Pot”.

A través de su carrera teatral, Smith trabajó en los escenarios de teatros de

Londres y Nueva York. Ganó un Premio Tony por su labor en “Lettice and

Lovage”, y anteriormente fue candidata al premio Tony por “Night and Day” y

“Private Lives”. También ganó los premios la Drama del Evening Standard por

su actuación en “Virginia” y “Three Tall Women”.

En televisión, Smith fue nominada al Emmy por su trabajo en los telefilms

“Suddenly, Last Summer” y “David Copperfield”, esta última por la cual

también fue listada a los premios Televisivos BAFTA. Además, nuevamente fue

candidata al premio Televisivo BAFTA por las películas para televisión

“Memento Mori” y “Mrs. Silly”, y también por la miniserie “Talking Heads”, por

la cual ganó el Premio de la sociedad Real de Televisión.

Fue nombrada Dame Maggie Smith en 1990 título de Dama del Imperio

Británico. Ella es Miembro del Instituto Británico de Filmación, y recibió el

Premio de Plata Logros de toda una Vida, otorgado por la BAFTA, en 1993.

IMELDA STAUNTON se suma al reparto como la nueva maestra de

Defensa Contra las Artes de la Oscuridad en la escuela Hogwarts, la

despiadadamente ambiciosa Dolores Umbridge.

En el año 2004, Staunton interpretó el papel protagónico en el drama

“Vera Drake” de Mike Leigh, donde ofreció una extraordinaria actuación que fue

reconocida tanto por los críticos como por los espectadores. Por su trabajo en la

película, Staunton fue postulada a varios premios a la Mejor Actriz, entre ellos: al

Premio de la Academia, al Globo de Oro, y al del Gremio de Actores de Cine

(SAG). Ella ganó el Premio de la BAFTA, el del Evening Standard al cine

Británico, el Premio al Cine Británico Independiente, el Premio al cine Europeo, y

el Premio a la Mejor Actriz del Festival de Cine de Venecia 2004. Además,

Staunton fue nombrada Mejor Actriz por varios grupos de críticos, entre ellos del

Círculo de Críticos de Nueva York, el Círculo de Críticos de Los Angeles, el

Círculo de Críticos de Londres, el Círculo de Críticos de Toronto, el Círculo de

Críticos de Cine de Chicago, y el de la Sociedad Nacional de Críticos de Cine,

entre otros.

Más recientemente, Staunton protagonizó el drama de la vida real de

Richard LaGravenese, “Freedom Writers”, junto a Hilary Swank; y la comedia

fantástica de Kirk Jones, “Nanny McPhee”, con Emma Thompson. Otros de sus

trabajos en cine son: “Bright Young Things” de Stephen Fry; “Crush” de John

McKay, con Andie MacDowell; la película ganadora del Oscar, de John Madden

“Shakespeare in Love”, por la cual ella compartió el premio del SAG a la

Actuación sobresaliente del Reparto; “Twelfth Night” de Trevor Nunn; “Sense

and Sensibility” de Ang Lee; las películas de Kenneth Branagh “Peter’s Friends”

y “Much Ado About Nothing”; y “Antonia & Jane” de Beeban Kidron. Staunton

prestó su voz a varias películas animadas, más notablemente la animada con

muñecos de plastilina “Chicken Run”.

Staunton fue galardonada por su trabajo en los escenarios de Londres.

Ganó tres premios Olivier por su actuación en “A Chorus of Disapproval”, “The

Corn is Green” e “Into the Woods”. Además, fue postulada a tres premios

Olivier por su actuación en “Uncle Vanya”, “The Wizard of Oz” y “Guys and

Dolls”. Entre su extenso repertorio teatral, merecen distinguirse las obras: “There

Came a Gypsy Riding”, “Calico”, “The Beggar’s Opera”, “The Fair Maid 3 the

West”, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?”, “Habeas Corpus”, “Travesties”,

“Electra”, “A Little Night Music”, “Mack and Mabel” y “She Stoops to Conquer”.

Staunton es bien conocida por el público de televisión británico, por sus

papeles en telefilms como “Cranford Chronicles”, “The Wind in the Willows”,

“My Family and Other Animals”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”,

“Fingersmith”, “Cambridge Spies”, “David Copperfield”, “Citizen X” y “The

Singing Detective”. Ella tuvo papeles recurrentes en varias series, la más reciente,

“Little Britain”.

En el año 2006, Staunton distinguida el Lista de Honor de Año Nuevo de

la Orden del Imperio Británico (OBE).

DAVID THEWLIS vuelve a ser parte del reparto como el profesor Remus

Lupin, que enseña Defensa Contra las Artes de la Oscuridad.

Thewlis comenzó a ser conocido internacionalmente cuando actuó en el

drama de Mike Leigh, “Naked”. Su impresionante interpretación del papel

principal le valió el Premio al Mejor Actor en el Festival de Cine de Cannes 1993

Cannes, y ganó honores de Mejor Actor de los Círculos de Críticos de Cine de

Londres y de Nueva York, más el premio de Evening Standard. Ya había

trabajado con Leigh previamente, en la película “Life is Sweet” y en el film de

televisión “The Short and Curlies”.

Thewlis actuó en más de 30 película a los largo de 20 años de carrera,

entre ellas: “Vroom” de Beeban Kidron, “Resurrected” de Paul Greengras,

“Damage” de Louis Malle, “The Trial” de David Jones, “Black Beauty” de

Caroline Thompson, “Total Eclipse” de Agnieszka Holland, “Restoration” de

Mike Hoffman, “Dragonheart” de Rob Cohen, “The Island of Dr. Moreau” de

John Frankenheimer, “Seven Years in Tibet” de Jean-Jacques Annaud, “The Big

Lebowski” de los hermanos Coen, “Besieged” de Bernardo Bertolucci, “Whatever

Happened to Harold Smith?” de Peter Hewitt, “Timeline” de Richard Donner,

“Kingdom of Heaven” de Ridley Scott, el capítulo “All the Invisible Children” de

Jordan Scott, “The New World” de Terrence Malik, “Basic Instinct 2: Risk

Addiction” de Michael Caton-Jones y la nueva versión de “The Omen” de John

Moore.

Hace poco terminó de filmar la película independiente “The Inner Life of

Martin Frost”, en la cual él es el protagonista. En este momento está filmando

“The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”, dirigida por Mark Heyman y producida por

David Heyman.

Además de su trabajo de actor, Thewlis debutó como escritor y director

con el corto “Hello, Hello, Hello”, que obtuvo una nominación de la BAFTA al

Mejor cortometraje. Recientemente, en el año 2003, él dirigió y actuó la película

independiente “Cheeky”.

En televisión, Thewlis trabajó en telefilmes como: “Dinotopia”,

“Endgame”, “Dandelion Dead”, y la ganadora “Prime Suspect 3”, “Black and

Blue”, “Journey to Knock”, “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit”, “Skulduggery” y

“The Singing Detective”. También tuvo un papel recurrente en la serie “A Bit of

Do”.

Además de su trabajo en cine y televisión, Thewlis actuó en varias obras

de teatro, entre ellas: “The Sea”, dirigida por Sam Mendes en el Teatro Royal

National; “Ice Cream” en el teatro Royal Court; “Buddy Holly” en el teatro Regal

de Greenwich; “Ruffian on the Stairs/The Woolley” en Farnham; y “The Lady

and the Clarinet” en el Kings Head.

EMMA THOMPSON vuelve a ser la profesora Sybill Trelawney, papel

que desempeñó por primera vez en la película de Harry Potter, “Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

Thompson hace poco protagonizó la comedia/ drama “Stranger than

Fiction”. Estuvo virtualmente irreconocible, en el papel protagonista de “Nanny

McPhee”, película para la cual ella misma escribió el guión. En este momento se

encuentra trabajando en una secuela de “Nanny McPhee”. También en este

momento, Thompson está filmando “Brideshead Revisited”, en la que actúa

junto a Michael Gambon, y también actúa en el drama romántico “Last Chance

Harvey”, junto a Dustin Hoffman.

Thompson es uno de los más reconocidos talentos tanto como actriz como

escritora de guiones. En 1993, su papel en el drama de Merchant Ivory,

“Howards End”, le permitió arrasar con los premios a la Mejor Actriz de la

Academia, los Globos de Oro, los de la BAFTA y del Evening Standard de Cine,

además de los premios de los grupos de Críticos de Cine de New York y Los

Angeles, el de la Sociedad Nacional de Críticos de Cine y la Junta Nacional de

Críticos. Al año siguiente, Thompson fue postulada para el Oscar y el Globo de

Oro a la Mejor Actriz, por la película de James Ivory “The Remains of the Day”.

También fue candidata al premio de la BAFTA , y al de Mejor Actriz Secundaria

en la película de Jim Sheridan “In the Name of the Father”. Thompson ganó el

premio Evening Standard de filmación por su trabajo en “The Remains of the

Day” y por la película de Kenneth Branagh “Much Ado About Nothing”.

En 1996, Thompson recibió dos nominaciones al Premio de la Academia, y

ganó con su papel en la película de Ang Lee “Sense and Sensibility” y ganó el

Oscar por su guión, adaptado del libro de Jane Austen. Los honres la

convirtieron en la única persona que ganó los premios de la Academia en ambas

categorías: la Actuación y a la Escritura. Además, ella ganó el Premio a la Mejor

Adaptación de un Guión otorgado por el Gremio de Escritores de América y de

Gran Bretaña, y asimismo el premio de Círculos de Críticos de Nueva York, Los

Angeles, Boston, Londres y el Círculo de Críticos de Televisión. Ella también

ganó el Globo de Oro y el Premio de Cine del Evening Standard y fue candidata

al premio de la BAFTA. Por su papel en la película ganó el premio de la BAFTA

y el de la Junta Nacional de Críticos, y fue nominada a los Globos de Oro y al

premio del Gremio del Actores de Cine.

Sus reconocimientos en películas más recientes fueron: un premio Evening

Standard de Cine, un Premio Empire y el Premio del Círculo de Críticos de Cine

de Londres, por la película de Richard Curtis “Love Actually”, por la cual ella

fue postulada al premio de la BAFTA. En la pantalla chica, Thompson recibió

propuestas para los premios Emmy y SAG por sus múltiples papeles en la

miniserie del canal HBO del 2003, “Angels in America”, dirigida por Mike

Nichols. Ella y Nichols ya habían trabajado juntos previamente, en la película

“Wit” del canal HBO, en la cual ella actuaba bajo su dirección. Además, ellos coescribieron

el guión, basándose en la obra de Margaret Edson, por lo cual

ganaron el premio Humanitis y compartieron una nominación al premio Emmy.

Thompson fue también listada para los premios Emmy, Globo de Oro y el de la

SAG por su actuación en el drama. Previamente había Ganado el premio Emmy

por su muy graciosa interpretación en el programa cómico “Ellen”.

Thompson casi nació literalmente en el mundo del espectáculo. Su padre,

Eric Thompson, era director teatral y escritor, y su madre, Phyllida Law, era

actriz. Mientras que estudiaba inglés en Cambridge, fue invitada a integrar el

grupo de comedia de la escuela Footlights. Thompson co-dirigió la primera obra

sólo de mujeres de Cambridge, “Women’s Hour”. Siendo aún estudiante, debutó

en televisión en el programa de la BBC, “Friday Night, Saturday Morning”.

A lo largo de la década del ’80, Thompson apareció frecuentemente en la

televisión británica. Un buen ejemplo es el telefilm “The Crystal Cube” y un

papel recurrente en la serie “Alfresco”, ambas con Hugh Laurie. En 1985, el

Canal 4 británico, le ofreció a Thompson tener su propio especial de TV, “Up for

Grabs”, y en 1988, ella escribió y actuó la serie de la BBC llamada “Thompson”.

Manteniéndose siempre activa en teatro, Thompson apareció en “A Sense

of Nonsense”, en gira por Inglaterra; en la obra que ella misma escribió “Short

Vehicle”, en el Festival de Edinburgo 1983; “Me and My Girl”, primero en

Leicester y después en el West End de Londres en 1985, y en “Look Back in

Anger” en el teatro Lyric en 1989.

En 1989, debutó en el cine con la comedia “The Tall Guy” e interpretó el

papel de Catherine, en la película debut como director de Kenneth Branagh

“Henry V”. Otros de sus trabajos en cine son: “Dead Again” de Branagh y

“Peter’s Friends”; “Junior” de Ivan Reitman; “Carrington” de Christopher

Hampton; “The Winter Guest” de Alan Rickman; y “Primary Colors” de Mike

Nichols.

JULIE WALTERS vuelve a tomar su maternal papel de Mrs. Weasley, el

cual ya había tenido en “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, “Harry Potter

and the Chamber of Secrets” y “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

Se la podrá ver a Walters este otoño, en la película independiente

“Becoming Jane”. También actuará junto a Meryl Streep en la versión para cine

del musical “Mama Mia!”

Walters fue postulada dos veces al premio de la Academia. La primera

vez en 1984 por su película debut “Educating Rita”, con la cual ganó los premios

de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) y el del Globo

de Oro. La segunda vez que fue listada para el Oscar fue por su actuación en la

película “Billy Elliot” de Stephen Daldry. Ella hacía de la maestra de danzas de

Billy, y dicho rol le valió los premios BAFTA, Empire, Evening Standard de Cine

y el del Círculo de Críticos de Cine de Londres; además de ser postulada a los

premios Globo de Oro y de Cine Europeo, mas dos postulaciones al los premios

del Gremio de Actores de Cine, una en la categoría Mejor Actriz Secundaria, y el

segundo compartido con sus compañeros por Actuación Sobresaliente del

Reparto. Walters también fue candidata a los premios de la BAFTA por su

actuación en las películas “Personal Services” y “Stepping Out”, y ganó el

premio Variety Club por esta última.

Entre los trabajos anteriores de Walters se incluyen: “Driving Lessons”,

con el actor Rupert Grint, supuestamente su hijo en Harry Potter, “Wah-Wah”,

“Calendar Girls”, “Before You Go”, “Titanic Town” de Roger Michell, “Girls’

Night”, “Intimate Relations”, “Sister My Sister”, “Just Like a Woman”, “Buster”

y “Prick Up Your Ears” de Stephen Frears.

Walters trabajó mucho en la televisión británica y ganó recientemente tres

premios Televisivos de la BAFTA, consecutivamente en los años 2002, 2003 y

2004 por su actuación en “Strange Relations”; “Murder” – por la cual también

ganó el Premio Real de Televisión -, y la serie “The Canterbury Tales”, por la cual

ella también ganó el Premio de la Prensa de Televisión. Anteriormente, fue

candidata cuatro veces al Premio Televisivo de la BAFTA: en1983 por la

miniserie “Boys From the Blackstuff”; en 1987 por la serie “Victoria Wood: As

Seen on TV”; en 1994 por el telefilm “The Wedding Gift”; y en 1999 por la series

“Dinnerladies”. Entre sus trabajos en televisión cabe mencionar: “The Ruby in

the Smoke”, “Ahead of the Class”, “The Return”, “Oliver Twist”, “Jake’s

Progress”, “Pat and Margaret”, “The Summer House”, “Julie Walters and

Friends”, “Talking Heads” y “The Birthday Party”, por nombrar algunos.

Walters es también una lograda actriz de teatro, y en el año 2001, ganó el

Premio Olivier por su actuación en la obra de Arthur Miller “All My Sons”.

Anteriormente, fue postulada al premio Olivier por su trabajo en la obra de Sam

Shepard “Fool for Love”. Debutó en los escenarios de Londres con “Educating

Rita”, creando allí el personaje que luego llevaría a la pantalla. Entre sus trabajos

en teatro, están las producciones de las obras “Jumpers”, “Having a Ball”,

“Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune”, “When I was a Girl I Used to Scream

and Shout”, “The Rose Tattoo” de Tennessee Williams, y el musical “Acorn

Antiques”.

Además de su trabajo como actriz, Walters escribe, y su primera novela,

“Maggie’s Tree”, se publicó en el año 2006.

ROBERT HARDY vuelve a tomar su papel de Cornelius Fudge, el

Ministro de la Magia, que ya había interpretado en “Harry Potter and the

Chamber of Secrets”, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y “Harry

Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Hardy es un actor muy respetado en Gran Bretaña, y tiene una carrera que

se expande a los largo de seis décadas, tanto en cine, televisión y teatro.

Recientemente fue co-protagonista en la película para la familia “Lassie”. Entre

sus muchos trabajos en cine, caben mencionar las películas: “The Gathering”,

“The Tichborne Claimant” de David Yates, “An Ideal Husband”, “Mrs.

Dalloway”, “Sense and Sensibility” de Ang Lee, “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein”

de Kenneth Branagh, “Paris by Night” de David Hare, “The Shooting Party”,

“Yellow Dog”, “Young Winston” de Richard Attenborough, la película clásica de

suspenso de Martin Ritt “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold”, y otros muchos

filmes franceses.

Tal vez Hardy sea más conocido poor su trabajo en televisión, en donde

realizó siete temporadas de la serie “All Creatures Great and Small”, por la cual

fue postulado al premio Televisivo de la BAFTA. Volvió a llenar las listas de los

premios Televisivos de la BAFTA y ganó el premio otorgados por al Gremio de

Prensa de Televisión, por su interpretación de Winston Churchill, en la miniserie

“Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years”. En 1988, hizo de Churchill dos

veces, en la miniseries “War and Remembrance” y en el telefilm “The Woman He

Loved”. Recientemente volvió a retomar el papel de Churchill para el telefilm del

2006, “Marple: The Sittaford Mystery”. Entre sus más de 80 trabajos en televisión,

cabe mencionar “Death in Holy Orders”, “Lucky Jim”, “The Falklands Play”,

“Bertie and Elizabeth”, “Shackleton”, “The Lost World”, “The 10th Kingdom”,

“Gulliver’s Travels”, “Jenny’s War”, “The Far Pavillions”, “Edward the King”,

“The Gathering Storm”, “Elizabeth R”, y las series “Hot Metal” y “Mogul”.

Hardy comenzó su carrera en actuación sobre los escenarios en 1949, junto

con el Teatro Shakespeare Memorial en Stratford-upon-Avon. Su distinguida

carrera teatral, le dio la oportunidad de actuar en las obras “Much Ado About

Nothing”, “The River Line”, “Camino Real”, “The Rehearsal”, “A Severed

Head”, “The Constant Couple”, “Habeas Corpus”, “Dear Liar”, “Body and

Soul”, y el rol principal de Winston Churchill, en la producción francesa “The

Man Who Said No” en el Palacio del Congreso de París.

Hardy escribió y co-dirigió la película para televisión “The Picardy

Affair”, la obra radiofónica “The Leopard and the Lilies”, y dos documentales

para el programa de la BBC “Chronicle”. Además, él publicó dos libros sobre

guerras medievales titulados Longbow y The Great War-Bow.

DAVID BRADLEY vuelve al papel de conserje de Hogwarts, Argus Filch,

papel que ya había interpretado en otras películas de Harry Potter.

Bradley es uno de los más distinguidos actores ingleses, miembro por

largo tiempo de la Compañía Royal Shakespeare (RSC) y el Teatro Nacional. En

1991, ganó el Premio Olivier por su actuación como el loco en la obra “King

Lear” que se ofreció en el Teatro Nacional. En 1993, ganó el Premio Clarence

Derwent por su papel de Polonius en “Hamlet”, y el de Shallow en “Henry IV,

Part II” en el RSC, resultando candidato al premio Olivier por esta última obra.

Recientemente volvió a ser listado para el premio Olivier en el año 2006, por su

actuación protagónica en “Henry IV, Parts I and II”, en el Teatro Nacional.

Entre sus numerosas actuaciones en el repertorio de RSC, cabe mencionar:

“Titus Andronicus”, “The Tempest”, “Julius Caesar”, “The Alchemist”, “Dr.

Faustus”, “Cymbeline”, “Three Sisters”, “Twelfth Night”, “Tartuffe”, y “The

Merchant of Venice”, por nombrar algunas. Sus actuaciones en el Teatro

Nacional fueron muchas, y una lista parcial de las obras en las que actuó ellas es

esta: “The Night Season”, “The Mysteries”, “The Homecoming”, “Mother

Courage”, “Richard III”, “Measure for Measure”, “The Cherry Orchard”, “`Tis

Pity She’s a Whore” y “The Front Page”. El público de los teatros del West End

pudo ver a Bradley en obras como “Uncle Vanya”, “Britannicus”, “Phedre” y

“Funny Peculiar”.

En la pantalla grande, cabe mencionar la actuación de Bradley en las

películas: “Hot Fuzz”, “Red Mercury”, “Exorcist: The Beginning”, “Nicholas

Nickleby”, “The Intended”, “This is Not a Love Song”, “Gabriel & Me”, “Blow

Dry”, “The King is Alive”, “Tom’s Midnight Garden” y “Left Luggage”.

Bradley es una cara familiar para los televidentes británicos, que vieron

trabajar previamente a Bradley con David Yates en la miniserie “The Way We

Live Now”. El actor también trabajó en varias películas para televisión, como:

“Sweeney Todd”, “Mr. Harvey Lights a Candle”, “Blue Dove”, “The Last King”,

“”The Mayor of Casterbridge”, “Murphy’s Law”, “Sweet Dreams”, “Vanity

Fair”, “Our Mutual Friend”, “Reckless”, “Our Friends in the North” y “Martin

Chuzzlewit”. Bradley fue actor invitado en numerosas serie, y tuvo un papel

recurrente en la serie “A Family at War”.

MARK WILLIAMS vuelve como Arthur Weasley, el patriarca de la

familia Weasley, papel que ya había interpretado en “Harry Potter and the

Chamber of Secrets”, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” y “Harry

Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Tras graduarse de la Universidad de Oxford, Williams se volvió conocido

en Inglaterra, por su trabajo en cine, televisión y teatro. Entre las películas para

cine en las que actuó, están: “Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story” de

Michael Winterbottom, “Anita and Me” de Metin Huseyin, “The Borrowers” de

Peter Hewitt, “101 Dalmatians” de Stephen Herek, “Fever” de Karen Adler,

“Prince of Jutland” de Gabriel Axel, “High Season” de Clare Peploe, la película

del Instituto de Cine Británico “Out of Order” y “Privileged” de Michael

Hoffman.

Tal vez Williams sea más conocido en Gran Bretaña por su actuación

regular en la serie televisiva de la BBC, “The Fast Show”, en la cual actuó durante

cuatro temporadas, y también en el especial de Navidad. Entre sus trabajos más

recientes en televisión está la serie “Carrie & Barrie” y los telefilms “The Rotters’

Club” y “Viva Blackpool”. Próximamente se los verá en la miniserie adaptación

de la obra de Jane Austen “Sense and Sensibility”. El también trabajó en películas

como: “Red Dwarf”, “Stuff”, “Bottom”, “Harry Enfield”, “Tumbledown”,

“Making Out”, “Kinsey”, “Bad Company”, “Hunting Venus” y “Happy Birthday

Shakespeare”. Williams fue invitado para uno de los equipos del show “Jumpers

for Goalposts”.

En 2002, Williams presentó una serie en 10 partes para el Discovery

Channel, titulada “Industrial Revelations with Mark Williams”, a lo que siguió

“On the Rails with Mark Williams” en el año 2004 y “More Industrial Revelations

with Mark Williams” en el 2005. Su documental más reciente fue “Mark

Williams’ Big Bangs”, una serie en cuatro partes para Sky One. Además,

Williams dirigió “Festival”, un programa cómico del Canal 4. También co –

produjo el programa cómico “In Exile” para el Canal 4.

En teatro, Williams pasó tres años haciendo giras por barco con la

compañía teatral Mikron. Entre sus trabajos en escenarios, cabe mencionar su

papel protagónico en “William” con el Teatro Royal Court en el Festival de

Jóvenes Escritores; “Fanshen” en el Teatro Nacional; “Doctor of Honour”, para la

compañía teatral Cheek by Jowl; “The City Wives Confederacy” en el teatro

Greenwich; “Moscow Gold”, “Singer”, “A Dream of People” y “As You Like It”,

para la Compañía Royal Shakespeare; “Art” que se ofreció en el West End; y

“Toast” en el Teatro Royal Court. En 1988, pudo actuar a sala llena en “The Fast

Show Live on Stage”. En el año 2002, “The Fast Show Live on Tour” se ofreció

con gran éxito a lo largo de toda Inglaterra.

TOM FELTON vuelve a Harry Potter como el archi- enemigo de Harry

Draco Malfoy, de la casa Slytherin, papel que ha desempeñado en las cinco

películas de “Harry Potter”.

Se lo vio por primera vez en cine en 1996, en el papel de Peagreen Clock,

en la película fantástica de Peter Hewitt, “The Borrowers”. En 1999, hizo del hijo

de Jodie Foster, Louis, en “Anna & the King”.

En televisión, Felton actuó en varias series británicas, entre ellas “Bugs”,

en la que actúa como James, y en “Second Sight”, junto con Clive Owen. Felton

también actuó en dos obras de la BBC Radio 4, “The Wizard of Earthsea” y

“Here’s to Everyone”.

El joven actor comenzó a actuar profesionalmente a sus ocho años.

Comenzó a ser conocido en 1995, cuando apareció en diversos anuncios

publicitarios de primera categoría en televisión. Cuando él no está actuando, y

aprovecha cualquier oportunidad para ir a pescar.

MATTHEW LEWIS actúa como el leal amigo de Harry Potter, Neville

Longbottom, personaje que interpretó en todas las películas de Harry Potter.

Lewis comenzó a actuar cuando tenía sólo cinco años, tras unirse a un

club amateur de teatro. El consiguió el papel de Neville tras pasar una selección

abierta a la que había respondido en Leeds, su ciudad natal.

Además de las películas de Harry Potter films, Lewis ha protagonizado

numerosas series de televisión inglesas, entre las que figuran “Heart Beat”, “City

Central”, “Where the Heart Is”, “Sharpe”, “Dalziel and Pascoe” y “Some Kind Of

Life”.

Cuando Lewis no está ocupado con rodajes, disfruta leyendo y

escribiendo cuentos cortos, y ha desarrollado gran interés en cinematografía.

EVANNA LYNCH debuta en Harry Potter con el papel de Luna

Lovegood.

La historia de Lynch parece de cuentos. Ella era una dedicada fanática de

Harry Potter fan, Lynch que inmediatamente se sintió identificada con Luna, tras

haber leído Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Ella hasta tomó la iniciativa

de enviar un video grabado con su actuación como Luna a la compañía de

producción, esperando así tener la oportunidad de hacer una audición para el

personaje. Luego se enteró que había una llamada abierta para actrices para

cubrir el papel, que había sido programada para Enero del 2006 en Londres. Ella

voló junto con su padre desde Dublín, lugar en que vivían, y pacientemente

formó la cola de 15 mil muchachitas que tenían sus mismas esperanzas. Lynch,

sin embargo, sobresalió, y la directora de casting y los cineastas le dieron el muy

ambicionado papel.

En su casa en County Louth, Irlanda, a Lynch le gusta pasar el tiempo con

sus mascotas (una gata llamada Luna y un gatito llamado Dumbledore). Ella

nunca antes había tenido entrenamiento en actuación, pero frecuentemente

intervenía en obras en el club de drama local. A ella le gusta la danza moderna,

el ballet y la danza contemporánea. Entre sus muchos hobbies está el diseño de

joyería, y ella hacer anillos y aretes para ella misma y sus amigas.

KATIE LEUNG aparece por segunda vez en una película de Harry Potter,

interpretando el papel de Cho Chang, la estudiante de la casa Ravenclaw en la

escuela Hogwarts, y la muchacha de la que gusta Harry Potter.

Antes de interpretar a Cho en “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”,

Leung nunca había actuado. Por casualidad, su padre vio la llamada abierta a

actrices para el papel, en una publicidad del canal chino. Leung se presentó a la

audición en la que derrotó a otras 5.000 aspirantes para el papel: el muy

ambicionado rol de la muchacha centro de la atención de Harry Potter.

Leung es una gran aficionada a la música, y escucha toda clase de estilos,

incluyendo R & B, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop; además ella toca el piano.

HARRY MELLING vuelve a unirse al reparto interpretando al consentido

primo Muggle de Harry, Dudley Dursley. El papel Dudley fue su actuación

debut en “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, el cual volvió a retomar en

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” y en “Harry Potter and the Prisoner

of Azkaban”.

Además, Melling es miembro del Teatro Nacional del a Juventud, con el

cual ha desempeñado papeles en las obras “The Master and Margarita”, “The

Merchant of Venice” y “Watch Over Me Three”. Melling interpretó al joven

Oliver en la película de Stephen Poliakoff, “Friends and Crocodiles” para el canal

BBC.

Melling va a la escuela en donde estudia actuación, inglés y arte.

Recientemente escribió una obra corta, la cual está tratando de producir en algún

teatro de barrio de Londres.

SOBRE LOS REALIZADORES

DAVID YATES (Director) es un director premiado, más conocido por su

trabajo en televisión.

Yates ganó su primer premio Televisivo de la Academia Británica de Artes

de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) TV por su trabajo en la miniserie de época “The

Way We Live Now”, del canal británico BBC, en la que actúan Matthew

Macfadyen y Miranda Otto. En el año 2003, él dirigió la serie dramática “State of

Play”, por la cual postulado al Premio Televisivo de la BAFTA y ganó el Premio

del Gremio de Directores De Gran Bretaña (DGGB) al Logro Sobresaliente en

Dirección. La serie también ganó los premios: del Gremio de Prensa de

Televisión, de la Sociedad Real de Televisión (RTS), y el premio Rockie a la Mejor

Serie en el Festival Banff de Televisión.

Al año siguiente, Yates dirigió el drama de dos partes “Sex Traffic”, por el

cual ganó otro premio Televisivo de la BAFTA, y fue candidato por segunda vez

al premio del DGGB. La atrevida visión del tráfico sexual le valió cantidad de

premios internacionales, entre ellos ocho premios Televisivos de la BAFTA y

cuatro de la RTS, Ambos al Mejor Drama, también el Premio del Jurado a la

Mejor miniserie en el Festival Reims de Televisión Internacional, y la Ninfa de

Oro en el Festival Monte Carlo de Televisión.

Yates recientemente fue postulado al premio Emmy a la Dirección

Sobresaliente de una Miniserie, Película o Drama Especial, por su trabajo en la

película “The Girl in the Café” para el canal HBO, en el año 2005. El filme era una

historia de amor protagonizada por Bill Nighy y Kelly Macdonald. Entre otros de

sus trabajos en televisión deben mencionarse: “The Young Visitors”, con Jim

Broadbent y Hugh Laurie, y la miniserie “The Sins”, protagonizada por Pete

Postlethwaite y Geraldine James.

Yates creció en St. Helens, Merseyside, y estudió Política en la universidad

de Essex y en la universidad de Georgetown en Washington DC. Comenzó su

carrera como director con el cortometraje “When I Was a Girl”, el cual él también

escribió. La película le valió el premio al Mejor Cortometraje Europeo del

Festival Cork de Cine Internacional en Irlanda, y un premio Golden Gate en el

Festival de Cine de San Francisco. Además con él se aseguró la entrada en la

Escuela Nacional de Cine y Televisión, de Beaconsfield, Inglaterra.

La película de su graduación “Good Looks”, ganó el premio Silver Hugo

en el Festival de Cine Internacional de Chicago. En 1998, Yates debutó como

director de cine con la película “The Tichborne Claimant”, protagonizada por

Stephen Fry y John Gielgud. Su película más reciente, “Rank”, filmada en el 2002,

fue nominada paea un premio de la BAFTA.

DAVID HEYMAN (Productor) por quinta vez es el productor de una de

las películas de la serie de adaptaciones para la pantalla grande, de las

increíblemente exitosas novelas de Harry Potter, de J.K. Rowling.

Heyman se educó en Inglaterra y en Estados Unidos, y comenzó su

carrera trabajando en la producción de la película de Milos Forman, “Ragtime” y

en la de David Lean, “A Passage to India”. Heyman se mudó a Los Ángeles

donde pasó a ser Ejecutivo Creativo para Warner Bros. Pictures, y trabajó en

películas tales como “Gorillas in the Mist” y “Goodfellas”. Heyman luego se

convirtió en vicepresidente en United Artists, y a fines de los años ’80 comenzó

una la carrera como productor independiente, realizando películas como “Juice”

de Ernest Dickenson, protagonizada por Tupac Shakur y Omar Epps, y el clásico

de bajo presupuesto “The Daytrippers”, que fue dirigido por Greg Mottola y

protagonizado por Liev Schreiber, Parker Posey, Hope Davis, Stanley Tucci y

Campbell Scott.

Tras trabajar durante varios años en los Estados Unidos, en 1997 Heyman

regresó de Norteamérica al Reino Unido para montar Heyday Films. Además de

haber porducido todas las películas de Harry Potter, la compañía produjo gran

cantidad de películas para cine y televisión, entre ellas el film “Taking Lives”,

protagonizada por Angelina Jolie y Ethan Hawke, y la serie televisiva

“Threshold”.

En este momento Heyman está produciendo “The Boy in the Striped

Pyjamas”, escrita y dirigida por Mark Heyman, en la que actúan David Thewlis y

Vera Farmiga, y es productor de “I Am Legend”, dirigida por Frances Lawrence

y protagonizada por Will Smith. Más tarde este mismo año, además de producir

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, Heyman producirá “Is There

Anybody There?”, dirigida por John Crowley y protagonizada por Michael

Caine.

Otras películas que Heyday filmará este año son: “Dogs of Babel”,

dirigida por Charles McDougall; “Yes Man”, dirigida por Peyton Reed; y

“Unique”, dirigida por David Goyer. Futuros proyectos incluyen: “The Curious

Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”, que es una adaptación para cine de la

novela mejor vendida de Mark Haddon, que está siendo adaptada y dirigida por

Steve Kloves; y “The History of Love”, la cual Heyman va a co-producir con

Alfonso Cuarón.

En el 2003 Heyman ganó el Premio Productor del Año en ShoWest,

convirtiéndose en el pimer productor británico que ha sido distinguido con este

reconocimiento.

DAVID BARRON (Productor) ya había trabajado anteriormente como

productor ejecutivo, en “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” y en “Harry

Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Barron ha trabajado dentro de la industria del entretenimiento por más de

25 años. Comenzó su carrera realizando comerciales de televisión, pasando luego

a la producción de películas y programas de televisión.

Además de haber trabajado como productor, trabajó en variadas

posiciones dentro de la producción, como por ejemplo jefe de localización o

ayudante del director, jefe de producción o supervisor de producción, en filmes

tales como “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”, “The Killing Fields”,

“Revolution”, “Legend”, “The Princess Bride”, “The Lonely Passion of Judith

Hearne”, “Hellbound”, “Night Breed” y la película de Franco Zeffirelli

“Hamlet”.

En 1991, Barron fue nombrado ejecutivo, a cargo de la producción del

ambicioso proyecto para televisión de George Lucas, “The Young Indiana Jones

Chronicles”. Tras eso, trabajó como productor activo para la película “The

Muppet Christmas Carol”.

In 1993, Barron se unió al equipo de producción de Kenneth Branagh,

como productor asociado y como gerente de unidad de producción “Mary

Shelley’s Frankenstein”. Ese largometraje inició una asociación de producción

informal con Branagh, la cual terminó Barron produciendo las películas del

director: “A Midwinter’s Tale”, “Hamlet” y “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. Barron

también produjo “Othello” de Oliver Parker, en la cual actuaba Branagh junto a

Laurence Fishburne.

En la primavera de 1999, Barron fundó su propia empresa, Contagious

Films, junto con el director británico Paul Weiland. Más recientemente, Barron

lanzó una segunda compañía, Runaway Fridge Films.

MICHAEL GOLDENBERG (Guionista) recientemente co-escribió el

guión para la película en vivo de aventuras “Peter Pan”, basada en la novela

clásica de J.M. Barrie, para niños. Previamente había escrito el drama de cienciaficción

de la película dramática de Robert Zemeckis, “Contact”, basada en la

novela de Carl Sagan, y que fue protagonizada por Jodie Foster. Goldenberg

debutó en el cine escribiendo y dirigiendo el drama romántico “Bed of Roses”,

protagonizado por Christian Slater y Mary Stuart Masterson.

Goldenberg también escribe para teatro, campo en el que recibió el Premio

Richard Rodgers otorgado por la Academia Americana de Artes y Letras, por su

musical “Down the Stream”.

En este momento, Goldenberg está preparando “Uncertainty”, un drama

del futuro que él mismo va a dirigir con su propio guión.

LIONEL WIGRAM (Productor Ejecutivo) se educó en la universidad de

Oxford, en donde fue uno de los miembros fundadores de la Fundación de Cine

Oxford. Wigram comenzó a trabajar en el campo del cine todavía estando en

Oxford, como asistente de producción para Elliott Kastner, durante el tiempo de

sus vacaciones de verano. Tras graduarse, fue a trabajar con Kastner en

California. Wigram produjo su primera película, “Never on Tuesday”, en 1987, a

la que siguió “Cool Blue”, protagonizada por Woody Harrelson, y luego “Warm

Summer Rain”, con Kelly Lynch, en 1988. Durante ese mismo período, Wigram

se dedicó al desarrollo de los primeros bosquejos de lo que un día sería “Carlito’s

Way”.

En 1990, Wigram pasó a trabajar para Alive Films, como ejecutivo de

desarrollo, y trabajó en películas dirigidas por Wes Craven y Sam Shepard.

También produjo “Cool as Ice”, y fue productor ejecutivo de la película de

Steven Soderbergh “The Underneath”. En 1993, Wigram inició una compañía de

manejo de chefs, llamada Alive Culinary Resources, junto con el dueño de Alive,

Shep Gordon. Además de manejar a los mejores chefs de los Estados Unidos, la

compañía produjo series de videos de cocina para el canal Time Life, el cual

lanzó a Emeril Lagasse por primera vez.

En 1994, Wigram comenzó a trabajar en la compañía de Renny Harlin y

Geena Davis, The Forge, en donde se encargaba del desarrollo de películas como:

“The Long Kiss Goodnight”, “Cutthroat Island” y el filme de HBO, “Mistrial”.

Wigram se unió a Warner Bros. en 1996 tomando el cargo de

Vicepresidente de Producción. Desde su cargo, fue responsable de la compra de

la serie de libros de Harry Potter para el estudio. Hasta el día de la fecha, fue él

quien supervisó todas y cada una de las películas de la franquicia. El supervisó

otros trabajos, tales como las películas “The Avengers”, “The Big Tease”,

“Charlotte Gray”, “Three Kings” y “The Good German”.

En Enero del 2005, Wigram firmó un arreglo de primera opción para la

producción de películas, con Warner Bros. El continuará supervisando la

franquicia de “Harry Potter” como productor ejecutivo. Wigram es también

productor ejecutivo para el film aún por salir “August Rush”. En este momento,

Wigram está desarrollando una nueva franquicia de películas de Sherlock

Holmes para Warner Bros.

SLAWOMIR IDZIAK (Director de Fotografía) es un camarógrafo

internacionalmente reconocido. En el año 2002, fue candidato tanto al premio de

la Academia como al de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión

(BAFTA), por su trabajo en la película dramática sobre la guerra de Ridley Scott,

“Black Hawk Down”. Al principio de su carrera, en 1993, ganó el Premio a la

Mejor Fotografía en ambos festivales de cine de Venecia y Polonia, y ganó el

premio francés Cesar por su trabajo en colaboración con Krzysztof Kieslowski, en

“Three Colors: Blue”, la cual Idziak también co-escribió. Además, en 1998, ganó

un premio en el Festival de Cine de Berlín por las inolvidables imágenes que

mostró en la película de Michael Winterbottom, “I Want You”.

Idziak también filmó las películas de Antoine Fuqua “King Arthur”, la de

Taylor Hackford “Proof of Life”; la de Deborah Warner “The Last September”; la

de Cathal Black “Love and Rage”; la de Andrew Niccol “Gattaca”; la de John

Sayles “Men with Guns”; “Paranoid” de John Duiganand ;“The Journey of

August King”; y las películas de Krzysztof Kieslowski “The Double Life of

Veronique”, “A Short Film About Killing” y “Blizna”, siendo esta última la

primera película que realizaron juntos.

Idziak nació en Polonia. Trabajó con el director Krzysztof Zanussi en 11

películas durante la década entre 1980 y principios de 1990. Las más recientes

fueron “The Year of the Quiet Sun” y “Wherever You Are…”

Entre filmación y filmación, Idziak enseña cursos de cinematografía en

distintas escuelas alrededor del mundo.

STUART CRAIG (Diseñador de Producción) es uno de los diseñadores

de producción más galardonados de la industria del cine. Tres veces ganó el

premio de la Academia y dos veces el de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine

y Televisión (BAFTA). Craig fue diseñador de producción de todas las películas

de Harry Potter. Fue candidato al Oscar por su trabajo en “Harry Potter and the

Sorcerer’s Stone” y más recientemente por “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”,

por la cual ganó el Premio de la BAFTA. Además, él fue postulado para el

premio de la BAFTA por cada una de las películas anteriores de Harry Potter.

Craig ganó su primer Premio de la Academia por su trabajo en la

aclamada película biográfica de Richard Attenborough, “Gandhi”. Volvió a

ganar otro Premio de la Academia, por la película de Stephen Frear, “Dangerous

Liaisons” y por la de Anthony Minghella, “The English Patient”. Fue postulado

para el Oscar por el diseño de producción para la película de David Lynch, “The

Elephant Man”, con la cual fue galardonado con su primer premio BAFTA, y

volvió a ser candidato al mismo premio por su trabajo en las películas “The

Mission” de Roland Joffe y “Chaplin” de Attenborough. Craig fue listado para

los premios de la BAFTA por todas las películas antes mencionadas, y también

por “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” de Hugh Hudson.

Craig y el director Richard Attenborough trabajaron muchos años juntos,

y su trabajo al principio fue como director de arte en “A Bridge Too Far”.

Continuando como equipo creativo, Craig pasó a ser diseñador de producción de

las películas de Attenborough “Cry Freedom”, “Shadowlands” e “In Love and

War”, además de “Gandhi” y “Chaplin”.

Entre otros de los trabajos de Craig como diseñador de producción, están:

“The Legend of Bagger Vance” de Robert Redford, “Notting Hill” de Roger

Michell, “The Avengers”, “Mary Reilly” de Stephen Frears, “The Secret Garden”

de Agnieszka Holland, “Memphis Belle” y “Cal”. Al principio de su carrera

Craig fue director de arte para la película de Richard Donner, “Superman”.

MARK DAY (Editor) ha ganado premios de montaje, y hace ya largo

tiempo que trabaja con el director David Yates. El año pasado, Day fue postulado

a los premios Emmy por el montaje de la película para televisión “The Girl in the

Cafè”, dirigida por Yates. En el año 2005, ganó el premio Televisivo de la

Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA) además del Premio

de la Sociedad Real de Televisión (RTS) al Mejor Editor, por su trabajo en el

telefilm dirigido por Yates, “Sex Traffic”. El año anterior, había Ganado el

Premio de la BAFTA y una nominación al RTS, por su trabajo en la miniserie

“State of Play”, dirigida por Yates.

Por su trabajo de montaje en todas las películas dirigidas por Yates, Day

fue candidato a los premios de la RTS y el de la BAFTA por la miniserie “The

Way We Live Now”, y fue nuevamente listado al premio de la RTS por el telefilm

“The Young Visitors”. Day también trabajó con Yates en la miniseries “The Sins”,

y en el cortometraje “Rank”.

Day ha hecho varios trabajos con otros varios directores, entre ellos David

Blair para su película “Mystics”, y en los filmes para televisión “Anna Karenina”,

“Split Second” y “Donovan Quick”; Paul Greengrass en la película “The Theory

of Flight” y el telefilme “The Fix”; y John Schlesinger en los filmes para televisión

“The Tale of Sweeney Todd”, “Cold Comfort Farm” y “A Question of

Attribution”.

Otros trabajos de Day para televisión que cabe mencionar son las películas

de Farino “Flesh and Blood”, de Paul Seed “Murder Rooms”, de Richard Eyre

“Suddenly Last Summer” y de Jack Clayton “Memento Mori”, esta última por la

cual fue candidato al premio Televisivo de la BAFTA.

NICHOLAS HOOPER (Compositor) hace ya largo tiempo que trabaja

conjuntamente con el director David Yates, y vuelve a hacerlo ahora en “

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Original, por la película para televisión de Yates “The Young Visitors”. Otros

trabajos que realizó para Yates le valieron nominaciones al premio Televisivo de

la BAFTA a la Mejor Música Original, por los telefilms “The Way We Live Now”

y “The Girl in the Café”, y por la serie “State of Play”. Hooper volvió a formar

equipo con Yates para la película “The Tichborne Claimant”, y también para los

cortometrajes “Punch” y “Good Looks”.

Recientemente Hooper ganó el Premio Televisivo de la BAFTA TV a la

Mejor Música Original por el film para televisión “Prime Suspect – The Final

Act”, dirigido por Philip Martin, y protagonizado por Helen Mirren.

Anteriormente ya había trabajado con Martin en el telefilm “Bloodlines”.

Hooper compuso la música para una gran cantidad de películas,

programas de televisión y documentales. Entre sus trabajos reciente, está la

música de “The Heart of Me”, protagonizada por Helena Bonham Carter; y la de

las películas para televisión “The Best Man”, “The Chatterley Affair”, “My

Family and Other Animals” y “Messiah: The Promise”. Fue Hooper quien

escribió la música del documental “Land of the Tiger”, y para múltiples

episodios de la serie Nature” de National Geographic.

TIM BURKE (Supervisor de efectos visuales) fue candidato al premio de

la Academia y al de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión

(BAFTA) por su trabajo como Supervisor de Efectos Visuales en “Harry Potter

and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. La película, además ganó el Premio a los Efectos

Visuales sobresalientes en una Película con Efectos Visuales que Conducen a la

Acción, otorgado por la Sociedad de Efectos Visuales. Burke también fue el

Supervisor de efectos visuales en las películas de Harry Potter “Harry Potter and

the Chamber of Secrets” y “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Burke tiene 20 años de experiencia en el campo de efectos visuales en

películas, y previamente había ganado un Premio de la Academia, y había sido

postulado para el premio de la BAFTA, como parte del equipo de efectos

visuales en la gran película de Ridley Scott, “Gladiator”. El especialista, ya había

trabajado con Ridley Scott como supervisor de efectos visuales en “Black Hawk

Down” y en “Hannibal”.

Burke también fue el supervisor de efectos visuales en “A Knight’s Tale”,

y supervisor de efectos digitales en “Enemy of the State”. Algunos de sus otros

trabajos pudieron verse en “Babe: Pig in the City” y “Still Crazy”, y en las

películas para televisión “Merlin” y “The Mill on the Floss”.

JANY TEMIME (Diseñadora de vestuario) por tercera vez vuelve a las

películas Harry Potter, tras haber trabajado en “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of

Azkaban” y “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”.

Recientemente Temime fue la vestuarista de la película de Alfonso Puaron

“Children of Men”, protagonizada por Clive Owen; y también en “Copying

Beethoven” de Agnieszka Holland, con el primer actor Ed Harris. Entre sus

últimos trabajos, cabe mencionar filmes tan diversos como “Bridget Jones: The

Edge of Reason” de Beeban Kidron, con Renee Zellweger; “Invincible” de

Werner Herzog’s, protagonizada por Tim Roth; y la película de Mel Smith “High

Heels and Low Lifes”, con la estrella Minnie Driver, por la cual la diseñadora fue

postulada al premio British Independent Film. Anteriormente, Temime ganó el

premio de la organización galesa BAFTA Cymru, por sus diseños de vestuario en

la película de Marc Evans “House of America”, y en 1995 ganó el Ternero de Oro

en el muy Holandés Festival de Cine de Utrecht, al Mejor Vestuario, para la

película de Marleen Gorris, “Antonia’s Line”, ganadora del Oscar a la Mejor

Película Extranjera.

En este momento Temime está trabajando para la película del director

Martin McDonagh, “In Bruges”, protagonizada por Ralph Fiennes y Colin

Farrell. La diseñadora ha realizado el vestuario para más de 40 películas

internacionales y programas de televisión. Entre sus muchos trabajos, cabe

mencionar: “Resistance” de Todd Komarnicki; “The Luzhin Defense” de Marleen

Gorris; “Gangster No. 1” de Paul McGuigan; “Rancid Aluminum” de Ed

Thomas; “The Character” de Mike van Diem, ganadora del Oscar 1998 a la Mejor

Película Extranjera; “The Ball” de Danny Deprez; “The Commissioner” y

“Crimetime” de George Sluizer; “All Men Are Mortal” de Ate de Jong; “The Last

Call” de Frans Weisz, entre otras.

NICK DUDMAN (Diseñador de Criaturas y Maquillaje para Efectos

Especiales) y su equipo han creado los efectos de maquillaje y las mágicas

criaturas de animación electrónica (animatronic) de todas las películas de la saga

Harry Potter. Su trabajo en cada una de las películas fue postulado para los

premios de la Academia Británica de Artes de Cine y Televisión (BAFTA).

Dudman empezó en el cine, como aprendiz del artista de maquillaje

británico Stuart Freeborn, trabajando en el maestro Jedi, Yoda, en la película

“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back”. Tras cuatro años de práctica

con Freeborn, le pidieron a Dudman que encabezara el laboratorio inglés de

maquillaje para la película de Ridley Scott, “Legend”. Tras ello, trabajó

realizando el maquillaje y las prótesis para películas tales como “Mona Lisa”,

“Labyrinth”, “Willow”, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, “Batman”,

“Alien3” e “Interview with the Vampire”, entre otras.

En 1995, su carrera profesional se extendió hacia al área de animación

electrónica (animatronics). La creación de criaturas de gran tamaño comenzó

cuando le encargaron supervisar el departamento de 55 hombres criaturas para

la película de Luc Besson film “The Fifth Element”, por la cual ganó el premio de

la BAFTA a los Efectos Visuales. Desde entonces, él ha dirigido los

departamentos de criaturas y efectos de maquillaje en varios sonados éxitos de

taquilla como “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace”, “The Mummy” y

“The Mummy Returns”. También fue asesor para los efectos para vestuario en

“Batman Begins”. Recientemente Dudman diseñó los animatronics para la

película de Alfonso Cuarón, “Children of Men”. En el año 2007, ganó el Premio

Genie a logros especiales de la Academia Canadiense, por el maquillaje de

“Beowulf and Grendel”.Además, la compañía de Dudman, Pigs Might Fly, crea y

comercializa sangre que no mancha.

WARNER BROS. PICTURES Presents

A HEYDAY FILMS Production

CAST

IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Harry Potter ........................................................................... DANIEL RADCLIFFE

Dudley Dursley ...........................................................................HARRY MELLING

Piers.................................................................................................. JASON BOYD

Malcolm ..................................................................................RICHARD MACKLIN

Mrs. Arabella Figg .................................................................. KATHRYN HUNTER

TV Weatherman ................................................................................. MILES JUPP

Petunia Dursley .................................................................................FIONA SHAW

Vernon Dursley....................................................................RICHARD GRIFFITHS

Mafalda Hopkirk................................................................. JESSICA STEVENSON

James Potter............................................................................. ADRIAN RAWLINS

Lily Potter.....................................................................GERALDINE SOMERVILLE

Cedric Diggory.....................................................................ROBERT PATTINSON

Lord Voldemort............................................................................RALPH FIENNES

Nymphadora Tonks........................................................................NATALIA TENA

Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody..................................................... BRENDAN GLEESON

Kingsley Shacklebolt .................................................................GEORGE HARRIS

Elphias Doge ......................................................................PETER CARTWRIGHT

Emmeline Vance ...................................................................BRIDGETTE MILLAR

Sirius Black....................................................................................GARY OLDMAN

Arthur Weasley............................................................................MARK WILLIAMS

Remus Lupin................................................................................ DAVID THEWLIS

Minerva McGonagall......................................................................MAGGIE SMITH

Mrs. Weasley...............................................................................JULIE WALTERS

Kreacher................................................................................TIMOTHY BATESON

Hermione Granger........................................................................EMMA WATSON

Ron Weasley ................................................................................ RUPERT GRINT

Fred Weasley................................................................................ JAMES PHELPS

George Weasley..........................................................................OLIVER PHELPS

Ginny Weasley ...........................................................................BONNIE WRIGHT

Newspaper Vendor.....................................................................JAMIE WOLPERT

Bob ........................................................................................... NICHOLAS BLANE

Voice of Lift................................................................................ DAISY HAGGARD

Cornelius Fudge..........................................................................ROBERT HARDY

Lucius Malfoy................................................................................. JASON ISAACS

Percy Weasley................................................................................CHRIS RANKIN

Albus Dumbledore .................................................................. MICHAEL GAMBON

Dolores Umbridge.................................................................. IMELDA STAUNTON

Amelia Bones...................................................................................SIAN THOMAS

Draco Malfoy..................................................................................... TOM FELTON

Vincent Crabbe............................................................................JAMIE WAYLETT

Gregory Goyle .............................................................................JOSH HERDMAN

Cho Chang........................................................................................KATIE LEUNG

Neville Longbottom....................................................................MATTHEW LEWIS

Luna Lovegood............................................................................ EVANNA LYNCH

Slightly Creepy Boy ........................................................................RYAN NELSON

Argus Filch...................................................................................DAVID BRADLEY

Seamus Finnigan........................................................................DEVON MURRAY

Nigel 2nd Year..........................................................................WILLIAM MELLING

Professor Grubbly-Plank ................................................................APPLE BROOK

Severus Snape ............................................................................. ALAN RICKMAN

Sybil Trelawney .......................................................................EMMA THOMPSON

Dean Thomas .............................................................................. ALFRED ENOCH

Padma Patil .................................................................................... AFSHAN AZAD

Parvati Patil...................................................................... SHEFALI CHOWDHURY

Filius Flitwick...............................................................................WARWICK DAVIS

Barman............................................................................................JIM McMANUS

Somewhat Doubtful Boy..................................................................... NICK SHIRM

Everard ........................................................................................... SAM BEAZLEY

Phineas....................................................................................JOHN ATTERBURY

Bellatrix Lestrange....................................................HELENA BONHAM CARTER

Rubeus Hagrid....................................................................... ROBBIE COLTRANE

Azkaban Death Eater ........................................................ARBEN BAJRAKTARAJ

Dawlish .......................................................................................... RICHARD LEAF

Grawp ........................................................................................TONY MAUDSLEY

Young Severus Snape...................................................................ALEC HOPKINS

Young James Potter....................................................................ROBERT JARVIS

Young Sirius Black ....................................................................JAMES WALTERS

Young Peter Pettigrew............................................................CHARLES HUGHES

Young Remus Lupin ................................................................... JAMES UTECHIN

Centaurs ...................................................... JASON PIPER, MICHAEL WILDMAN

Death Eaters..................................................RICHARD CUBISON, PETER BEST

TAV MACDOUGALL, RICHARD TRINDER

Stunt Coordinator ..........................................................................GREG POWELL

Stunt Performers .......................................DAVID HOLMES, BRADLEY FARMER

NICK CHOPPING, MARC MAILLEY, GEORGE COTTLE

JO WHITNEY, TOLGA KENAN, ROWLEY IRLAM

ANDY SMART, GORDON SEED, MAURICE LEE

ROB INCH, SARAH FRANZL, JAMES GROGAN

NICHOLAS DAINES, SCOTT BRADY

MATTHEW STIRLING, DANIEL NAPROUS

MIKE LAMBERT, MARK ARCHER, RICK ENGLISH

TINA MASKELL, PAUL LOWE, KIM McGARRITY

ROY TAYLOR, LUCY ALLEN, RYAN NEWBERRY

RHYS HENSON, ANTHONY KNIGHT

LEE HORNBLOWER, CHARLIE BILLSON

KELLY ATTFIELD, MARTIN BAYFIELD

FILMMAKERS

Directed by........................................................................................DAVID YATES

Screenplay by................................................................MICHAEL GOLDENBERG

Produced by.................................................................................. DAVID HEYMAN

DAVID BARRON

Based on the novel by ..................................................................... J.K. ROWLING

Executive Producer .................................................................... LIONEL WIGRAM

Director of Photography........................................................... SLAWOMIR IDZIAK

Production Designer ......................................................................STUART CRAIG

Edited by................................................................................................MARK DAY

Co-Producer ..................................................................................... JOHN TREHY

Score Composed by ............................................................. NICHOLAS HOOPER

Visual Effects Supervisor......................................................................TIM BURKE

Costume Designer...........................................................................JANY TEMIME

Casting by...........................................................................................FIONA WEIR

Unit Production Manager & Associate Producer...................................TIM LEWIS

Second Unit Director ................................................... STEPHEN WOOLFENDEN

First Assistant Director ................................................................. CLIFF LANNING

Production Manager .................................................................. SIMON EMANUEL

Production Manager Second Unit ............................................. RUSSELL LODGE

Special Effects Supervisor.................................................... JOHN RICHARDSON

Creature & Make-Up Effects Designer ........................................... NICK DUDMAN

Director of Photography, Second Unit.......................................MIKE BREWSTER

Visual Effects Producer................................................................EMMA NORTON

Visual Effects Supervisor.................................................................. CHRIS SHAW

Model Unit Supervisor .................................................................. JOSÉ GRANELL

Supervising Sound Editor............................................................JAMES MATHER

Supervising Art Director................................................................... NEIL LAMONT

Set Decorator.................................................................... STEPHENIE McMILLAN

Animals Supervisor.............................................................................GARY GERO

Head of Harry Potter Production Publicity................................VANESSA DAVIES

Post Production Supervisor......................................................KATIE REYNOLDS

Key Second Assistant Director.................................................MATTHEW SHARP

Script Supervisor ...........................................................................ANNA WORLEY

Construction Manager.......................................................................PAUL HAYES

Senior Art Director.....................................................ANDREW ACKLAND-SNOW

Art Directors................................MARK BARTHOLOMEW, ALASTAIR BULLOCK

MARTIN SCHADLER, GARY TOMKINS, ALEX WALKER

Art Department Coordinator ........................................................JODIE JACKMAN

On Set Art Directors ......................................MARTIN FOLEY, STEPHEN SWAIN

Draughtsmen ........................... JULIA DEHOFF, MOLLY HUGHES, EMMA VANE

Junior Draughtsmen ...............................................................ANDREW BENNETT

GARY JOPLING, HATTIE STOREY

Specialist Researcher.................................................................. CELIA BARNETT

Archivist .........................................................................................CHRIS LUNNEY

Storyboard Artists .....................................................JIM CORNISH, JANE CLARK

NICK PELHAM, DENIS RICH

Prop Conceptual Artist....................................................... MIRAPHORA CARUSO

Graphic Artist................................................................................EDUARDO LIMA

Conceptual Artists ................................................................................ ROB BLISS

ADAM BROCKBANK, ANDREW WILLIAMSON

Art Department Assistants.........................................................ASHLEY LAMONT

MATTHEW KERLY, ROSE WINDSOR

Production Buyer .....................................................................LUCINDA STURGIS

Assistant Production Buyer ....................................................... ROSIE GOODWIN

Home Economist ............................................................................MARY LUTHER

Drapesmaster .............................................................................. GARY HANDLEY

Drapes Supervisor..........................................................................DAN HANDLEY

Property Master ......................................................................BARRY WILKINSON

Assistant Property Master ...........................................................BEN WILKINSON

Supervising Modeller ............................................................... PIERRE BOHANNA

2nd Assistant Directors......... ROB BURGESS, JANE BURGESS, BEN LANNING

3rd Assistant Directors ........................................ NICK SIMMONDS, ALI MORRIS

Key Set Production Assistant .............................................................NICK STARR

A Camera Operator & Steadicam.................................................. JEREMY HILES

B Camera Operator .............................................................. WOJCIECH STARON

1st Assistant Camera ........................................ KIM SEBER, HENRYK JEDYNAK

2nd Assistant Camera ...................... TOM McFARLING, FRANCESCO FERRARI

FIONN COMERFORD, GERRY CONWAY

Key Grip............................................................................STEVE ELLINGWORTH

Grips .................................................................... DAVID WELLS, PAUL WORLEY

Crane & Head Technician Grip.................................................ANDY THOMPSON

Gaffer..........................................................................................JAMES McGUIRE

Rigging Gaffer.................................................................................DAVID RIDOUT

Best Boys........................STEWART MONTEITH, JOHN MARTIN O'FLATHARTA

Key Grip Electricians............LIAM MAGILL, IAN GLENISTER, BARRY CONROY

Rigging Best Boy ................................................................................ SAM BLOOR

Grip Electricians .........................DAVID MAYES, NIAL MONROE, GEOFF READ

GARY NOLAN, GRAEME HAUGHTON, IWAN WILLIAMS

AL WATSON, CHRIS GILBERTSON, JACK RIDOUT

ELLIOT THOMAS, PAUL WOOD, MARK LAIDLAW

STEVE POWTON, PATRICK O'FLYNN, TONY SKINNER

JIM KNOX, GRAHAM O'DRISCOL, ROSS SLATER

BOB DIEBELIUS, MARK LOOKER, MICHAEL WHITE

JAMIE HENNEY, STEVE MATHIE, JACK WHITE

Stills Photography.............................. MURRAY CLOSE, TAYLOR TULIP-CLOSE

Video Playback Coordinator............................................................BOB BRIDGES

Video Playback Operator..........................................................STUART BRIDGES

Production Sound Mixer.............................................................STUART WILSON

Boom Operator ................................................................................ORIN BEATON

Sound Assistant...................................................................................MITCH LOW

Producers' Coordinator........................................................................ ANNA HALL

Assistant to Mr. Yates.................................................................JAMIE WOLPERT

Assistant to Mr. Heyman ..................................................... GERALDINE PATTEN

Assistant to Mr. Barron...........................................................ANDREW T. SURRY

Supervising Location Manager............................................................ SUE QUINN

Unit Location Managers.................................................JOSEPH JAYAWARDENA

MARK SOMNER, STEVE HARVEY

Assistant Location Managers ....................AURELIA THOMAS, PIPPA BULLOCK

First Assistant Editors................................................................ HERMIONE BYRT

TANIA CLARKE, DEBORAH RICHARDSON

Assistant Editor.................................................................................... ALEX FENN

2nd Assistant Editors...........................................TOM KEMPLEN, MARK CULLIS

Visual Effects Editor ............................................................................MATT GLEN

Visual Effects Assistant Editor....................................................... TOBIAS LLOYD

Sound Designer...........................................................................ANDY KENNEDY

Co-Sound Designer ........................................................................ JAMES BOYLE

Sound Effects Editors........DOMINIC GIBBS, JON OLIVE, JETHRO LOUGHRAN

Dialogue Editor............................................................BJØRN OLE SCHROEDER

ADR Editor..........................................................................................DAN LAURIE

Assistant Dialogue Editor ....................................................... STEVEN BROWELL

Foley Supervisor..............................................................................DEREK TRIGG

Foley Editor......................................................................................VANESA TATE

Foley Artists.......................................................PETER BURGIS, ANDI DERRICK

ANDREA KING, PAUL ACKERMAN

Assistant Sound Editors ...................................................... GEMMA NICHOLSON

ALISTAIR HAWKINS, AMY FELTON

Re-recording Mixers ...................................................MIKE PRESTWOOD SMITH

MARK TAYLOR, DOUG COOPER

Foley Mixers .................................................. EDWARD COLYER, NIGEL HEATH

Supervising Digital Colourist........................................................... PETER DOYLE

DI Operations Supervisor ....................................................................GRACE LAN

Lead Digital Colourist ...................................................................GABRIEL DEDIC

Additional Post Production Supervisor .......................................... JESSIE THIELE

Post Production Secretary...........................................................CHERRI ARPINO

Post Production Assistants...........................................................STEVEN MATES

LUKE O'CONNELL, OLLY YOUNG

Costume Supervisor......................................................GRAHAM CHURCHYARD

Assistant Costume Designers .................... GUY SPERANZA, RICHARD DAVIES

SARA MEEK, VIVIENNE JONES, CHLOE AUBRY

Wardrobe Supervisor........................................................... GEORGINA GUNNER

Wardrobe Master.............................................................................NEIL MURPHY

Wardrobe Mistresses......................................SALLY PUTTICK, HELEN JEROME

Wardrobe.................................................WILLIAM STEGGLE, SUNNY ROWLEY

RUPERT STEGGLE, DAVE EVANS

Costume Coordinator ......................................................... BIRGITTA FREDLUND

Costumiers..............................................................TIM SHANAHAN, STEVE KILL

MAURICIO CARNEIRO, MICHELLE GISONDA

ROSY COPPOLA, SUSAN BRADBEAR

SHARON McCORMACK, GARY PAGE

JO VAN SCHUPPEN, FRANK SIMON

ANGELA PLEDGE, CHRISTINA REX

CLAIRE KITCHENER, MARTIN McSHANE

RACHEL DIXON, JANE BOGUNOVIC

SHELLY HAZELL, JANE FLANAGAN

SUSAN MacKENZIE, DAVID McLAUGHLIN

KAREN MITCHELL, NICK ROCHE-GORDON

YVONNE OTZEN, SHIRLEY NEVIN

CAT LOVETT, FRANÇOISE FOURCADE

EMMA WALKER, DEREK CLARK

Make-Up Designer..................................................................... AMANDA KNIGHT

Make-Up Artists...................................................................LYNDA ARMSTRONG

BELINDA HODSON, SHARON NICHOLAS

Assistant Make-Up Artist ....................................................... GRACE BREWSTER

Hair Designer............................................................................... COLIN JAMISON

Key Hairdresser................................................................................JAN JAMISON

Hairdressers ......................... TRACEY SMITH, LISA TOMBLIN, HILARY HAINES

Assistant Hairdresser ..................................................... CHARLOTTE HAYWARD

Production Coordinator..............................................................WINNIE WISHART

Assistant Production Coordinators ................................................. VICKY BISHOP

TONY DAVIS, ALEX KLIEN

Stunt Secretary..............................................................................JADE GORDON

Set Assistants..............................................................ADAM BYLES, EILEEN YIP

RACHAEL TOTTINGHAM, HANNAH MOORMAN

ANDY MADDEN, GARETH LEWIS

VALENTINA BORFECCHIA, ED SYMON

Production Assistants.................................... KATIE BYLES, TOM EDMONDSON

MARIA PUDLOWSKA, CLAIRE DUNN

ESTHER BINTLIFF, ANDY ELLINAS, TAMARA KING

Production Accountant ......................................................................GARY NIXON

Department Accountant...................................................................NICKY COATS

Assistant Accountants...........................................DILIP PATEL, NICHOLA KERR

JAY ROSENWINK, JACKY HOLDING

PAULA SARGEANT, ALASTAIR McNEIL

JAYNE BARTON, LOUISE VAN HAMME

LINDA TAYLOR, HELEN GLOVER

Special Effects Assistant Supervisor...................................STEPHEN HAMILTON

Special Effects Main Unit Floor Supervisor.....................................RICKY FARNS

Special Effects Supervising Engineers.....................................BRIAN MORRISON

NIGEL BRACKLEY, DAVID HUNTER

MARK BULLIMORE, MIKE DURKAN

Special Effects Coordinator.................................................ROSIE RICHARDSON

Special Effects Buyer .....................................................................PETER ASTON

Special Effects Senior Technicians....................TERRY BRIDLE, JOHN MORRIS

FRANK GUINEY, DIGBY MILNER

PAUL TAYLOR, PETER PICKERING

PAUL STEPHENSON, PAUL WHYBROW

STEVE CULLANE, ROBBIE SCOTT

Special Effects Technicians................................................ JONATHAN BULLOCK

MARCUS RICHARDSON, LEE PHELAN

RONNIE DURKAN, KEVIN WESCOTT

JOHN PILGRIM, PHOEBE TAIT, CHRIS GILES

MATT HARLOW, MATT WOOD, BEN PHILLIPS

HELENA BRACKLEY, ANDY WARNER

DEMI DEMETRIOU, JONATHON BARRASS

Special Effects Flying Wire Coordinator..........................................KEVIN WELCH

Special Effects Flying Wire Technician.............................................ALAN PEREZ

Make-Up & Creature Effects Coordinator..................................... JENNY WEIGHT

Make-Up & Creature Effects Buyer ..............................................JOHN LAMBERT

Supervising Sculptor................................................................... JULIAN MURRAY

Fabrication Supervisor.................................................................... JANET BURNS

Key Prosthetic Make-Up Artists......................................................PAUL SPATERI

SHAUNE HARRISON, MARK COULIER

Key Mould Makers...............................................MEL COLEMAN, JAMIE IOVINO

Animatronic Model Designers............................. PHIL ASHTON, CHRIS BARTON

JOSH LEE, ESTEBAN MENDOZA

JIMMY SANDYS, JOE SCOTT, STEVE WRIGHT

Fabricators..................................................... GEMMA DE VECCHI, LOUISE DAY

Mould Makers..............................................BARRY FOWLER, TAMZIN SMYTHE

TERRY SIBLEY, CHRIS KEAREY

HELEN WILSON, MARTYN FOWLER

Prosthetic Make-Up Artists..............................PAULA EDEN, DUNCAN JARMAN

BARNEY NIKOLIC, STEPHEN MURPHY

Art Finishers..................................................................................... JENI WALKER

ANDREA HOCHGATTERER, TRACEY O'BRIEN

Sculptors.......................................................................KATE HILL, LUKE FISHER

CHRIS FITZGERALD, DAN WOODLEY

MAX PATTE, ANDREW HUNT, COLIN JACKMAN

Assistant Construction Manager................................................ DAVID WESCOTT

Construction Coordinator.........................................................AMANDA PETTETT

Construction Buyer ........................................................................ GARRY HAYES

HOD Carpenter................................................................................ JOHN KIRSOP

HOD Metal Worker ....................................................................... KEVIN NUGENT

HOD Scenic Painter ....................................................................PAUL WESCOTT

HOD Plasterer ..............................................................................PAUL TAGGART

HOD Rigger ............................................................ STEVE 'GINGER' McCARTHY

HOD Stagehand ........................................................................ GRAHAM BLINCO

HOD Construction Electrician........................................................... ANDY EVANS

HOD Letter & Décor Artist ........................................................STEVE HEDINGER

Letter and Décor Artist...............................................................FRANCIS MARTIN

HOD Scenic Artist...................................................................MARCUS WILLIAMS

Scenic Artists...........................................MATT WALKER, STEVE SALLYBANKS

HOD Sculptor....................................................................................BRYN COURT

Construction Supervisors .........................LAURENCE BURNS, DAVID WHYMAN

DAVID PERSCHKY, MALCOLM FOSTER

PETER STEPHENSON, PAUL WHITELOCK

TREVOR EVE, MARTIN MORAN

ALAN HOPKINS, CLIVE GOBLE

SIMON DUTTON, CHRISTOPHER HEDGES

Construction Chargehands................................. JAMIE GAMBLIN, DAVID KELLY

BRIAN NEIGHBOUR, STAN LATTIMORE

STEVE CLARK, MICHAEL WESCOTT

DAVID LAINSBURY, STEVE BROWN

ERNIE HALL, GARY WALKER

DAVID JONES, SIMON CULLEN

Construction Standbys ....................................... PETER MANN, TOMMY LOWEN

PAUL DUNCAN, SEAN HIGGINS

BRIAN STACHINI, WILL STICKLEY

ROB WELLER, BRIAN HARTNOLL

IAN MURPHY, PAUL DAVIES, MARTIN BROWN

Property Storeman ....................................................................PAUL CHEESMAN

Chargehand Dressing Propmen........................................................MICKY MILLS

PAUL BURGESS, CHRISTIAN SHORT

Dressing Propmen............................................................................MATT COOKE

RON HIGGINS, BARRY ARNOLD

GARY DAWSON, GERRY O'CONNOR

JIM SKIPSEY, SYDNEY WILSON

Supervising Standby Propman............................................... SIMON WILKINSON

Chargehand Standby Propman Second Unit ............................. MARCUS SMART

Standby Propmen............................................ GARY IXER, SONNY MERCHANT

Assistant Supervising Modeller ......................................................JOHN WELLER

Senior Modellers.......................................... ADRIAN GETLEY, TRACEY CURTIS

Modellers...............................JIM BARR, PAUL KNIGHT, JONATHAN JACKSON

CHRISTOPHER ELDRIDGE, HANNAH BIGGS

TIFFANY WOODS, STEVE WOTHERSPOON

Junior Modellers ................................. CATRIONA MacCANN, VICTORIA HAYES

Prop Manufacturing Buyer.......................................................STUART MERIDEW

Animals by.....................................................................BIRDS AND ANIMALS UK

Head Animal Trainers.........................................JULIE TOTTMAN, DAVE SOUSA

Assistant Animal Trainers...........................................................MATT PATCHING

DONNA McCORMICK-SMITH

LEANNE HUBBARD

CAROLINE BENOIST

HAMISH SECRETT

Choreographers Wand Combat .................................. PAUL HARRIS, NICK GOH

Unit Doctor................................................................................DR. IAN FURBANK

Unit Nurses....................................................................................LESLEY QUINN

KAREN FAYERTY, LAURA WILLIAMS

Casting Assistants...................................ALICE SEARBY, CHARLIE MacMILLAN

Unit Publicist.............................................................................AMY ROBERTSON

Transport Coordinator .......................................................... DAVID ROSENBAUM

Transport Captain.......................................................................EDDIE COLEMAN

Assistant Transport Captains ............VIVIENNE ROSENBAUM, STEVE GRIGGS

Production Administrators ...........................DANIEL DARK, OLIVER GREETHAM

Catering Managers ................................................................ ROBIN DEMETRIOU

ALAN SPRINGFIELD, PETER BARTON

Safety Coordinator.......................................................................JAKE EDMONDS

Safety Advisors.................... JASON CURTIS, LARRY EYDMANN, LEAH CHALK

Leading Fire Fighters........................................STEVE SCRACE, MICK HOLTOM

Location Security...........................................................................TONY DENHAM

Set Security ......................................................... RESHAD ESMAIL, KEN BURRY

Weather Consultant............................................................. DR. RICHARD WILDE

SECOND UNIT

First Assistant Directors......................... DOMINIC FYSH, JAMIE CHRISTOPHER

LEE TAILOR, PAUL TAYLOR

Second Assistant Director......................................................LYNDSAY ROGERS

Third Assistant Director ....................................................................... JANE RYAN

Set Assistants...................................SAM HAVELAND, CLAIRE COLLINGRIDGE

DARREN O'CONNELL, AMY STARES

ALEX JORDAN, PHILLIPPA HUNT

KATIE NEAL, PAUL BRENNAN

TOM BROWNE, SOPHIE EASTON

CRAIG TOPHAM, DANIEL SMITH

Production Coordinators.........................KATE GARBETT, NATASHA GORMLEY

Production Assistant.......................................................................... HOLLY SALE

Additional Second Unit Photography................................ STEFAN STANKOWSKI

NIC MILNER

Steadicam Operator ....................................................................PAUL EDWARDS

C Camera Operator......................................................................PETER VERSEY

First Assistant Camera ..........................JOHN FERGUSON, MARC ATHERFOLD

CLIVE MACKEY, MILES PROUDFOOT

Second Assistant Camera......................................RAY MEERE, DAVID MACKIE

MARTIN LEWIS, LUKE COULTER, ALFIE BIDDLE

Script Supervisor ................................................................ SHARON MANSFIELD

B Camera Script Supervisors ............................................................... LOU WADE

LAURAJANE MILES, KATIE HARLOW

Wardrobe Assistants ................................LAURENT GUINCI, STEPHANIE PAUL

Gaffer..................................................................................................WICK FINCH

Best Boy .....................................................................................TOM O'SULLIVAN

Best Boy Floor ................................................JOE BROWN, RICKY PATTENDEN

Grip Electricians ...............................................JAMES SMART, PERRY CULLEN

BEN KNIGHT, WILLIAM FINCH

WAYNE KING, AARON KEATING

IAN SINFIELD, ANDY MOUNTAIN

CHARLIE MUSPRATT, ANDY CHALLIS

Key Grip..................................................................................DARREN HOLLAND

B Camera Grips...........................................................DAVE CROSS, DAVE RIST

Grip...............................................................................................ANDY HOPKINS

Crane Technician ............................................................................. DAN BLUNDY

Head Technicians............................................DAVID FREETH, MARIO SPANNA

Crane Technician Grip........................................................... ADAM SAMUELSON

Special Effects Technicians............... STEPHEN HUTCHINSON, LUKE MURPHY

NICK JOSCELYNE, NOAH MEDDINGS

Hairdresser ................................................................................... ANDREA FINCH

Make-Up Artist................................................................................ NORMA WEBB

Sound Mixer......................................................................................JOHN CASALI

Boom Operators ............................................... GARY DODKIN, CHRIS MURPHY

Video Operator ............................................................................... DAN HARTLEY

Aerial Coordinator............................................................................ MARC WOLFF

Helicopter Pilot ........................................................................ WILL SAMUELSON

Wescam Operator ...............................................................................ADAM DALE

Wescam Technicians ..........................CHARLIE WOODBURN, GLYN WILLIAMS

Aerial Ground Safety .............................................. STEVE NORTH, TOM CLODE

Miniature Construction and Photography by.........CINESITE (EUROPE) LIMITED

Executive Producer ....................................................................... ANTONY HUNT

Model Unit Producer...................................................................BRENDA COXON

Director of Photography...........................................................NIGEL STONE BSC

Model Workshop Supervisor ..................................................NIGEL TREVESSEY

Model Unit 1st Assistant.............................................................DAVID PEARSON

Gaffer.............................................................................................JOHN ROGERS

HOD Rigger .................................................. DANNY WEBSTER, DOUG BISHOP

JENNY BOWES, ANDY BULL, INEZ BUNCLARK

ALEXANDRA COXON, MATTHEW D’ANGIBAU

NICHOLAS J. DAVIS, ROB DUNBAR, MIGUEL GRANELL

INÉS GRANELL, RONNIE GREEN, GARRY HEDGES JR.

CHARITY HOBBS-WOOD, GREG HORSWILL

JOHN LEE, LES McGEE, IAN MENZIES

KARL MORGAN, JOHN MURPHY, GEOFF NEWTON

MICHAEL PARKIN, ANDY PROCTOR

TERRY RICHARDS, NICK RICHARDSON

ADAM ROGERS, ALEX RUTHERFORD, BILL THOMAS

Head of Education ........................................................................... JANET WILLIS

Head of Crowd Tuition.........................................................................IAN HOSKIN

Department of Education....................................ADAM SLATTER, JANE RALLEY

PETER WRIGHT, CARMELINA WRIGHT

MAUREEN BOWEN, EITHNE BUCHANAN-BARROW

JO DRAKE, SUE ENOCH, ELLA GOODWIN

THERESA KELLY, WILMA KEPPEL, ANN LANIGAN

SHARON MILTON, PAT ODDY, CHRIS PITTSON

CHRIS PRING, DAWN SLATTER

MARI SMITH, JOHN TWIGG

Score Produced by...........................................................DARRELL ALEXANDER

Music Conducted by.....................................................................ALASTAIR KING

Orchestra Leader.................................................................. MARCIA CRAYFORD

Orchestrations ............................................ ALASTAIR KING, JULIAN KERSHAW

GEOFF ALEXANDER, SIMON WHITESIDE

BRADLEY MILES

Assistant Music Supervisor ..................................................... RICHARD NELSON

Supervising Music Editor..........................................................GRAHAM SUTTON

Music Editors ..........................................SOPHIE CORNET, ROBIN WHITTAKER

Score Programmer.......................................................................ALLAN JENKINS

Music Performed by................................. CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF LONDON

Music Recorded & Mixed at.............................................ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS

Music Recorded & Mixed by..........................................................PETER COBBIN

Assistant Music Mixer..........................................................................SAM OKELL

Choir ................................................................................................ RSVP VOICES

Music Copying & Librarians...........................ROBERT SNEDDON, DAVID HAGE

Scanning & Recording.............................................................................CINESITE

Titles by .....................................................................................FOREIGN OFFICE

End Credits by.....................................................................................CAPITAL FX

Visual Effects Producer ..........................................................THERESA CORRAO

Additional Visual Effects Supervision ...........................................GAVIN TOOMEY

Senior Visual Effects Coordinator ................................................... LAYA ARMIAN

Visual Effects Coordinators..................................................RICHARD YEOMANS

SARAH L. SMITH, NICHOLAS ATKINSON

Assistant Visual Effects Coordinator ................................SHELLY LLOYD-JAMES

Visual Effects Compositor ....................................................... SIMON BURCHELL

Visual Effects Pre-visualisation Artist .............................. ANTHONY ZWARTOUW

Visual Effects Match Move Technician.....................................MIKE WOODHEAD

Visual Effects by .................................................................... DOUBLE NEGATIVE

Visual Effects Supervisor............................................................. PAUL FRANKLIN

Visual Effects Producer...............................................................DOMINIC SIDOLI

2D & 3D Supervisors ............................................................... EAMONN BUTLER,

JELENA STOJANOVIC, JOLENE McCAFFREY

JUSTIN MARTIN, RICHARD CLARKE

Lead Artists................................................... ADAM PASCHKE, ADRIAN PINDER

ANDREW WHITEHURST, CHRIS MANGNALL

COLIN McEVOY, DAVID VICKERY, DAYNE COWAN

EUGENIE VON TUNZELMANN, GED WRIGHT

GEORGE ZWIER, GRAHAM JACK, GUREL MEHMET

HEGE ANITA BERG, MARTIN PARSONS

MIKE NIXON, PAUL RAEBURN, PHIL JOHNSON

PHILIPPE LePRINCE, SANJU TRAVIS

STUART LOVE, SUSAN WEEKS, TOM ROLFE

TREVOR YOUNG, TRISTAN MYLES, TRINA M. RO

VICTOR WADE, BEN TAYLOR

Visual Effects Production............................. CLAUDIA DEHMEL, KATE PHILLIPS

MORIAH SPARKS, RICHARD DIVER

TRACEY LEADBETTER

Animation.......................................................... ANDY FRASER, AYSHA MADINA

CLARE WILLIAMS, CRAIG CRANE

DAVID LOWRY, ELIZABETH GRAY

MAURIZIO PARIMBELLI, MICHAEL HULL

NICK SYMONS, NICOLA BRODIE

PAUL CHARISSE, RUDY RAIJMAKERS

STAFFORD LAWRENCE, STEVE HOOGENDYK

STEWART ASH, TOM O'FLAHERTY, THOMAS WARD

Lighting .......................................ADRIAN THOMPSON, ALEXANDER KAMINSKI

ALEXANDER SEAMAN, ALISON WORTMAN

ANDREAS VRHOVSEK, ANDREW WARREN

ANDY BEAN, BECKY GRAHAM

BJORN HENRIKSSON, BRUNO BARON

CHANGEUI IM, DAMEON O'BOYLE

DAN WOOD, DAVID BASALLA

DELE MOMOH, DIEGO TRAZZI

DONNA LANASA, EMILY LORECA COBB

FAHRAN QURESHI, FERNANDA MORENO

FLORIAN HU, GAVIN HARRISON

GAWAIN LIDDIARD, HELENA MASAND

IMERY WATSON, JAMES BENSON

JAMES FURLONG, JAMES TOMLINSON

JAMIE BRIENS, JAMIE STEWART

JAMSHED SOORI, JAN NATARAJAN

JEREMY HARDIN, JEREMY SMITH

JOEL GREEN, JOHN KILSHAW

JON VEAL, JORDAN KIRK

JUAN-LUIS SANCHEZ, KARI BROWN

KATHERINE ROBERTS, LAURENT-PAUL ROBERT

LUCY WARD, MARIA GIANNAKOUROS

MARK MASSON, MARK WAINWRIGHT

MARKUS DRAYSS, MATTHEW SMITH

MAY LEUNG, MICHAEL WALTL

NEIL MILLER, NICOLA FONTANA

NICOLA HOYLE, NIKLAS JACOBSON

PATRICK ZENTIS, PAWEL GROCHOLA

PIERRE GRAGE, PIETER WARMINGTON

PIETRO PONTI, SCOTT COOPER

SIMON GUSTAFSSON, STEVEN MOORE

STUART FARLEY, TIMOTHY JONES

TOM GRIFFITHS, TYSON CROSS

UNNSTEIN GUDJONNSON, UZMA CURTIS

VANESSA BOYCE, VIKTOR RIETVELD

WAI IN LEONG, WILL ELSDALE

XAVIER ROIG, ZOE CRANLEY

Matchmovers ...................................................... ABRAHAM KAMBANOPOULOS

ANDRE BRAITHWAITE, AZZARD GORDON

CHANTELLE WILLIAMS, CHRIS UNG

DANIEL WAROM, DOMINIC CARUS

ELISENDA FAUSTINO DEU

EUGENE LIPKIN, HUW J. EVANS

JAMES EDWARD REID

JASON HUE, LUKE BAILEY

MARCELLO DA SILVA

MICHAEL ATKIN, NICOLA ATKINSON

RHYS SALCOMBE, SAM SCHWIER

SIMON PYNN, TOM RICHARDSON

TOM STEADMAN

Compositing..........................................ALASTAIR CRAWFORD, ALEX IRELAND

ALEXANDRA PAPAVRAMIDES

ALICE MITCHELL, ANDRE DD BRIZARD

ASTRID BUSSER-CASAS

BRIDGET M. TAYLOR, BRONWYN EDWARDS

CLAIRE INGLIS, DAN SNAPE

DAVI STEIN, DEBRA COLEMAN

EDWARD WILKIE, FOAD SHAH]

FRANK BERBERT, FRED PLACE

HELEN WOOD, IAN Z. SIMPSON

ISAAC LAYISH, JAMES ETHERINGTON

JAMES RUSSELL, JAN MAROSKE

JAUME ARTEMAN, JERRY HALL

JIM STEEL, JOHN J. GALLOWAY

JONATHAN BOWEN, JUDY BARR

JULIA REINHARD, JULIAN GNASS

LUKE LETKEY, MARCUS HINDBORG

MARK TRAN-TREMBLE, MATTHEW SHAW

MATTHEW TWYFORD, MICHAEL HARRISON

MIKE MARCUS, NIK BROWNLEE

OLIVER ATHERTON, PAUL BELLANY

PAUL CHAPMAN, PEDRO LARA

PETE HOWLETT, PHILIPP DANNER

RAFAL KANIEWSKI, RICHARD B. STAY

ROBIN BEARD, ROHIT GILL

SANDRA REIS, SARAH LOCKWOOD

SARAH SOULSBY, SCOTT PRITCHARD

SCOTT TAYLOR, SEAN STRANKS

SERENA LAM, SERGIO AYROSA

SHARON PENG, SIMON TRAFFORD

STEPHEN JAMES, TILMAN PAULIN

Rotoscope & Prep Artists ........................ ANA MESTRE, CHARLOTTE MERRILL

CLAIRE McLACHLAN, DANIEL CAIRNIE

DAVID LUKE, GRAEME EGLIN, GRAHAM PAGE

IAN COPELAND, JAMES FOSTER

JOHN PURDIE, MIKE FOYLE

NAVEEN MEDARAM, RICHARD COLLIS

SANGITA MISTRY, SIMON TINGELL

STEPHEN BENNETT, THIERRY MULLER

TIAGO SANTOS, WALTER GILBERT

Software Development ................................... IAN MASTERS, JAMES ROBERTS

JEFF CLIFFORD, JENNIFER WOOD

JON STROUD, MATTHIAS SCHARFENBERG

OLIVER JAMES, PETE HANSON

PETE KYME, STEVE LYNN

TED WAINE, TOM MAWBY

Visual Effects by ........................................... THE MOVING PICTURE COMPANY

Visual Effects Supervisor................................................................GREG BUTLER

Visual Effects Producer .................................................................. JASON HEAPY

Supervisors..............................................................................CHARLEY HENLEY

CLWYD EDWARDS, FERRAN DOMENECH

Visual Effects Production..........................MICHAEL ELSON, JULIA WIGGINTON

GEMMA JAMES, JANE ELLIS

KIRSTY WILSON, ALED ROBINSON

Lighting & Compositing Sequence Leads .............................. PETER SZEWCZYK

DOUG LARMOUR

STUART LASHLEY

Animators, Effects, Lighting & Matchmove Artists.............................. JASON WEN

BRUNO SIMOES, STEPHEN MURPHY

GEORGIOS CHEROUVIM, RICHARD GOMES

EVANGELOS CHRISTOPOULOS

SIMON LEWIS, DAVID STOPFORD

ALEXIS WAJSBROT, MARK NEWPORT

GREG KING, LUIS PAGES

KAREN SMITH, MICHAEL GAISER

NIC BIRMINGHAM, JOE EVELEIGH

TOM PHILLIPS, CHRISTIAN PARADIS

NAKIA McGLYNN, ROB ANDREWS

CHRISTOPHE DAMIANO, FLORIAN SALANOVA

MILES GLYN, DANIEL SMOLLAN

CLARE PAKEMAN, ALEC KNOX

GEORGE PLAKIDES, JON CAPLETON

CHRISTOPH GAUDL, PENG KE

Compositors & Rotoscoping.............................................. ARUNDI ASREGADOO

HENRY BADGETT, KIRSTY LAMB

RUPERT DAVIES, ALEX GUR

CHRISTINE WONG, MATTHEW PACKHAM

REUBEN BARKATAKI, SUZANNE JANDU

TONY YIU KEUNG MAN

MARCO FIORANI PARENZI

JEREMY HEY, HAYLEY COLLINS

QIAN HAN, TERANCE ALVARES

DAVE GRIFFITHS, JON VAN HOEY SMITH

LORAINE COOPER, IZET BUCO

JENNIFER HERBERT, PAUL KULIKOWSKI

STUART BULLEN, RICHARD BAILLIE

GRAHAM DAY

Modellers, Concept Illustrator, Character Rigging & Textures ........ TIM LEDBURY

OLIVIER PRON

ANGELA MAGRATH

LISA GONZALES

PATSY YIU PING YUEN

Software Development & Technical Support......................ANDERS LANGLANDS

DAVIDE PESARE, TOM COWLAND

HANNES RICKLEFS, MARK STREATFIELD

MARTIN PARSONS

Special Visual Effects & Animation

INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC

a Lucasfilm Ltd. Company

San Francisco, California

Visual Effects Supervisor............................................................ TIM ALEXANDER

Visual Effects Animation Supervisor .......................................... STEVE RAWLINS

Visual Effects Producer ..................................................... STEPHANIE HORNISH

Digital Production Supervisor...................................................ROBERT WEAVER

Compositing Supervisor ............................................................SEAN MacKENZIE

Character Rigging Supervisor ............................................................ ERIC WONG

CG Modelling Supervisor.....................................................................KEN BRYAN

Matte Painter Supervisor............................................................GILES HANCOCK

CG Supervisor ............................................................................... JOHN WALKER

Lead Digital Artists......................................... JEFF SALTZMAN, LANCE BAETKE

JOHN HANSEN, MICHAEL BALOG

JOE CEBALLOS, LANA LAN

Digital Artists........................................................ISMAIL ACAR, MARK HOPKINS

ANDREW RUSSELL, STEVE APLIN

JEAN-CLAUDE LANGER

MISTY SEGURA, JILL BERGER

SEUNGHUN LEE, NELSON SEPULVEDA

MATHIEU BOUCHER, ALYSON MARKELL

RYAN SMITH, AMANDA BRAGGS

KEVIN MARTEL, JAMES SOUKUP

MATT BRUMIT, MICHELLE MOTTA

DAMIAN STEEL, PALLAVI DEVABHAKTUNI

STEVE NICHOLS, CHI CHUNG TSE

NATASHA DEVAUD, JOSHUA ONG

PASCALE VILLE, JEREMY GOLDMAN

HIROMI ONO, TIM WADDY

JEAN-DENIS HAAS, STEPHEN PARISH

BRUCE VECCHITTO, DON HATCH

SCOTT PARRISH, GREGORY WEINER

JULIAN HODGSON, JASON ROSSON

DEAN YURKE

Visual Effects Coordinator.....................................................BRIAN BARLETTANI

Visual Effects Editors........................................ JEROME BAKUM, TONY PITONE

Software and Technical Support .....................THOMAS CHAN, BRIAN McGRAW

RAYMOND CHOU, CHRISTINE MUNDAY

Visual Effects by.....................................................................FRAMESTORE-CFC

Visual Effects Supervisor...................................................................... CRAIG LYN

Visual Effects Producer ............................................................ AMY BERESFORD

CG Supervisor ..................................................................................... BEN WHITE

Animation Supervisor ................................................................... MAX SOLOMON

Compositing Supervisor ................................................................. ALEX PAYMAN

Visual Effects Coordinator........................................................ LUCINDA KEELER

Digital Artists..........................................................BEN AICKIN, SIMON J. ALLEN

ROB ALLMAN, OHKBA AMEZIANE-HASSANI

JAMES ATKINSON, MARK BAILEY

FELIX BALBAS, HARRY BARDAK

LAURENT BENHAMO, CARL BIANCO

ALESSANDRO BONORA

DAVID BOWMAN, ROSS BURGESS

STUART ELLIS, SOTOS GEORGHIOU

DANNY GEURTSEN, JULIEN GOLDSBROUGH

ALEX HESSLER, MARK HODGKINS

MARC JONES, EDMUND KOLLOEN

CHI KWONG LO, ZOE LAMAERA

JEREMY LAZARE, PATRICIA LLAGUNO

ARON MAKKAI, BARTH MAUNOURY

NATHAN McCONNEL, PHILIP MORRIS

ALESSANDRO MOZZATO, PAUL OAKLEY

CONOR O'MARA, ROBERT O'NEILL

OLEKSANDR PANASKEVYCH

ANTHONY PECK, JOHN PECK

CRAIG PENN, RICHARD POET

MATTHIEU POIREY, MELVYN POLAYAH

SEBASTIEN POTET, STEFAN PUTZ

SIRIO QUINTAVALLE

DENIS SCOLAN, JOHN SHARP

DAVID SHORT, RICHARD SLECHTA

UDO SMUTNY, JEAN-DAVID SOLON

WILSON STOCKMAN, KRISTI VALK

DANIEL WADE, RACHEL WARD

MATTHIAS ZELLER

Visual Effects by .............................................................. RISING SUN PICTURES

KAT SZUMINSKA, DAN BETHELL

DANIELA GIANGRANDE, FELIX CRAWSHAW

ALEX FRY, KEITH HERFT

KYLE GOODSELL, BEN TOOGOOD

CARSTEN KOLVE, NICK PITT-OWEN

KATIE GOODWIN, DANIEL THOMPSON

CAMERON SONERSON, ALEXIS HALL

ALEX KIM, STUART WILLIS

MARK WEBB, BECK VEITCH

Visual Effects by....................................................CINESITE (EUROPE) LIMITED

MICHAEL ILLINGWORTH

PAUL EDWARDS, JON NEILL

ALEX SMITH, KAREN WAND

GERT VAN DERMEERSCH

JIM PARSONS, RYAN CRONIN

CHRIS PETTS, GRAHAME CURTIS

GRANT CONNOR, CHAS CASH

TOM HOCKING, SANDRO HENRIQUES

EVAN DAVIES

Visual Effects by ......................................................................... BASEBLACK LTD

Visual Effects by .............................................................MACHINE EFFECTS LTD

Motion Control by .......................................................................THE VFX CO LTD

JAY MALLET, DANNY MURPHY, ELLIOT WYN JONES

Soundtrack Album on Warner Sunset Records/Warner Bros. Records Inc.

"Hedwig's Theme"

Written by John Williams

"Boys Will Be Boys"

Written by William Brown, James Gregory, Matthew Murphy & Samuel Preston

Performed by The Ordinary Boys

Courtesy of Warner Music U.K. Ltd./B-Unique Records

By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

The Producers wish to thank the following for their assistance

The Casting Collective Ltd

Ann Koska/Sally King Ltd

The Italia Conti School

Centrestage School For Performing Arts

Redroofs Agency

Ravenscourt Theatre School

Jackie Palmer Agency

Young Un's Agency

Abbots Langley Young People's Drama Centre

Lyps Inc

The Staff at King's Cross Station & Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

The Staff at Westminster Underground Station, Kate Reston at London Underground Film Office

The Staff of Great North Eastern Railway at Kings Cross Station

The Staff at Black Park

The Staff of Burnham Beeches

The Staff of Blenheim Palace Estate

West Coast Railway Company Ltd

Made on location in England & Scotland, & at Leavesden Studios, Hertfordshire, England.

American Humane Association monitored the animal action.

No animal was harmed in the making of the film. AHA01350 (logo)

Colour by TECHNICOLOR ®

Cameras and Lenses by JDC

Lee Lighting

KODAK Motion Picture Products

FUJIFILM Motion Picture Products

DOLBY Digital DTS Digital SDDS

Approved #43476

Motion Picture Association of America

Harry Potter characters, names and related indicia

This motion picture

Screenplay

Original Score

Heyday

Warner Bros. Distribution

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July 03, 2007

June Auto Sales

July 3

Kia Motors America Announces June Sales

-- Kia Motors America (KMA) remains on track toward another annual sales record with year-to-date sales of 154,392 units, a 5.3-percent increase over the same period last year. June sales totaled 26,288 units, and the all-new Rondo had its best month of the year with 4,139 units sold.

"The Rondo encompasses Kia's core promises of value, safety and quality, and its increasing sales volume is evidence that consumers agree," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "The strength of Kia's overall line-up is constantly increasing by delivering these core promises on each vehicle across the brand."

The Rio sub-compact sedan and five-door as well as the Sportage entry SUV also had strong June sales. Rio saw 3,173 units sold, an 89.3-percent increase over the same period last year, while Sportage sales were up 51.9 percent with 4,069 units sold.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.

MONTH OF JUNE YEAR-TO-DATE

Model 2007 2006 2007 2006

Rio 3,173 1,676 16,240 13,099

Spectra 6,946 7,532 37,154 36,073

Optima 3,106 3,996 20,781 19,268

Amanti 326 2,533 4,340 5,338

Sportage 4,069 2,679 24,157 17,727

Sorento 2,466 5,147 18,539 24,978

Sedona 2,063 3,880 23,185 30,095

Rondo 4,139 N/A 9,996 N/A

Total 26,288 27,443 154,392 146,578

Source: Kia Motors America

CONTACT: Alex Fedorak of Kia Motors America, +1-949-468-4813

Chrysler Group Announces June 2007 U.S. Sales and International Sales Highlights
- Chrysler Group car sales rise 55 percent fueled by "Maximize Your Miles" program
- Jeep(R) brand up 19 percent
- Jeep Wrangler increases 93 percent
- Dodge Charger gains 19 percent
- Inventory down by 25 percent or 162,266 units
- Sales outside of North America up 21 percent -- highest month ever

Chrysler Group reported sales for June 2007 of 183,347 units; down 1 percent compared to June 2006 with 185,946 units. All sales figures are reported unadjusted.

"In a challenging market, Chrysler Group had softer sales in June than a year ago. We saw strong customer interest in our newly launched, fuel efficient models," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - U.S. Sales. "Supported by the fuel economy message of our 'Maximize Your Miles' program, Chrysler continued to show strong car sales with an increase of 55 percent over the previous year."

Chrysler brand car sales in June were up 104 percent year-over-year, while Dodge brand car sales increased 30 percent. Chrysler Group's offerings in the car segment include the Chrysler Sebring Sedan and Sebring Convertible, the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber and Dodge Charger.

Jeep brand sales continued to increase in June and posted a gain of 19 percent over the previous year. This result was again driven by the continuously strong Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot. Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited posted sales of 10,952 units, up 93 percent compared to June 2006 with 5,674 units. The Jeep Patriot also kept its momentum and finished June with sales of 4,633 units, up 3 percent from May 2007. The vehicle is one of Chrysler Group's recently introduced models that achieve 30 miles per gallon or better in highway driving. In addition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee also posted a gain of 3 percent year-over-year.

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible finished the month with sales of 3,759 units which is 22 percent over May 2007. The recently launched redesigned model offers what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.

Sales of the Dodge Charger increased in June by 19 percent with 11,529 units compared to 9,710 units in the previous year.

"As our strong car sales in May and June demonstrate, our 'Maximize Your Miles' program resonated well with customers," said Michael Keegan, Vice President - Volume Planning and Sales Operations. "Moving forward, Chrysler Group will extend its low-rate financing plus additional bonus cash in July, with a 0% APR offering for 60 months on select models. These great value packages were successful in the recent months as well."

Chrysler Group finished the month with 485,429 units of inventory, or a 71-day supply. Inventory is down by 25 percent compared to June 2006 when it was at 647,695 units.

Posting its highest month ever of sales outside of North America and sustaining 25 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains; Chrysler Group's International monthly sales increased 21 percent to 22,901 units in June 2007 compared to 18,971 units in June 2006.

"The strength of our new product portfolio coupled with the support of our dealer network outside North America is driving the growth we have seen so far this year," said Thomas Hausch - Vice President of International Sales. "We expect to maintain the double digit growth this year, including record export numbers, and continue to strategically grow production volumes and sales outlets outside North America for all three brands."

DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru June 2007

Month Sales DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Sebring 10,249 1,329 643% 671%

300 11,796 9,140 24% 29%

Crossfire 1,708 364 352% 369%

PT Cruiser 10,047 14,693 -34% -32%

Aspen 1,846 0 0% 0%

Pacifica 3,861 6,516 -43% -41%

Town & Country 8,151 19,944 -61% -59%

CHRYSLER BRAND 47,658 51,986 -12% -8%

Compass 3,393 0 0% 0%

Patriot 4,633 0 0% 0%

Wrangler 10,952 5,674 86% 93%

Liberty 8,554 12,155 -32% -30%

Grand Cherokee 10,968 10,688 -1% 3%

Commander 6,100 8,958 -34% -32%

JEEP BRAND 44,600 37,475 15% 19%

Neon 0 848 -100% -100%

Caliber 10,815 12,098 -14% -11%

Stratus 0 778 -100% -100%

Avenger 8,261 0 0% 0%

Charger 11,529 9,710 14% 19%

Viper 22 106 -80% -79%

Magnum 2,523 2,281 7% 11%

Dakota 4,812 7,120 -35% -32%

Ram P/U 31,114 32,375 -7% -4%

Caravan 9,342 21,937 -59% -57%

Durango 5,277 7,366 -31% -28%

Nitro 5,768 0 0% 0%

Sprinter 1,626 1,866 -16% -13%

DODGE BRAND 91,089 96,485 -9% -6%

TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 183,347 185,946 -5% -1%

TOTAL CG CAR 55,498 35,739 50% 55%

TOTAL CG TRUCK 127,849 150,207 -18% -15%

Selling Days 27 26

Sales CYTD DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Sebring 49,046 42,669 13% 15%

300 62,995 73,135 -15% -14%

Crossfire 6,252 5,221 18% 20%

PT Cruiser 53,192 70,153 -25% -24%

Aspen 12,778 0 0% 0%

Pacifica 32,363 42,468 -25% -24%

Town & Country 75,102 88,887 -17% -16%

CHRYSLER BRAND 291,728 322,533 -11% -10%

Compass 22,205 0 0% 0%

Patriot 14,969 0 0% 0%

Wrangler 65,651 35,265 84% 86%

Liberty 50,114 70,106 -29% -29%

Grand Cherokee 60,461 72,871 -18% -17%

Commander 33,742 39,674 -16% -15%

JEEP BRAND 247,142 217,916 12% 13%

Neon 0 16,381 -100% -100%

Caliber 59,379 43,694 34% 36%

Stratus 1,478 48,564 -97% -97%

Avenger 40,628 0 0% 0%

Charger 65,972 59,005 10% 12%

Viper 249 743 -67% -66%

Magnum 15,988 22,013 -28% -27%

Dakota 29,155 40,497 -29% -28%

Ram P/U 185,257 183,174 0% 1%

Caravan 103,562 125,813 -19% -18%

Durango 28,905 38,871 -27% -26%

Nitro 37,212 0 0% 0%

Sprinter 6,438 10,342 -39% -38%

DODGE BRAND 574,223 589,097 -4% -3%

TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 1,113,093 1,129,546 -3% -1%

TOTAL CG CAR 293,219 296,527 -2% -1%

TOTAL CG TRUCK 819,874 833,019 -3% -2%

Selling Days 154 152

Global Sales Reporting & Analysis

July 3, 2007

Source: Chrysler Group

BMW Group Reports Strong June
June sales for BMW and MINI increase 6.0 percent
First half-year sales for the BMW Group up 4.5 percent

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reports strong June sales of 29,394 vehicles, an increase of 6.0 percent over the 27,735 vehicles sold in June 2006. The BMW Group also increased its first half-year sales to 164,338 vehicles, an increase of 4.5 percent, compared to 157,246 vehicles in the same period of 2006.

BMW Brand Sales reach best June and YTD ever

Sales of BMW brand vehicles climbed to reach the best June and best year- to-date figures ever. In June, sales are up 4.3 percent for a total of 25,220 compared to 24,179 reported in the same month a year ago.

Year-to-date BMW brand sales increase 5.4 percent, to 144,579 vehicles compared to 137,220 vehicles sold in first six months of 2006.

BMW Automobile Sales

BMW's automobile sales are up 1.9 percent in June to 20,068 versus 19,695 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales are also up 5.3 percent, to 113,396 automobiles compared to 107,651 in the same period of 2006.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales

Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles increased by 14.9 percent in June to 5,152 vehicles over the 4,484 sold last June. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are up 5.5 percent, to 31,183 vehicles compared to the 29,569 sold in the first six months of 2006.

Certified Pre-Owned

Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are slightly down 0.1 percent, to 7,540 vehicles versus 7,550 vehicles reported last June. Year-to-date, CPO sales are down 4.6 percent, to 42,384 over the 44,439 reported in the same period in 2006.

MINI Brand

MINI Automobiles

MINI USA reports June sales of 4,174 automobiles, a strong increase of 17.4 percent, from the 3,556 cars sold in June 2006. Year-to-date, the division reports sales of 19,759 automobiles, a slight decrease of 1.3 percent, compared to the 20,026 cars reported in the first six months of 2006.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 81 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

www.bmwusa.com

www.bmwmotorradusa.com

www.miniusa.com

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

BMW Car Sales Report for June 2007

2007 2006

June 20,068 19,695

Year-to-Date 113,396 107,651

Year-to- Year-to-

Model June Date June Date

2007 2007 2006 2006

325i (E90 & E46) 410 1,476 4,342 25,632

325Ci (E46) 11 40 253 1,700

325Ci Convertible (E46) 5 41 455 2,519

325i Sports Wagon (E91) 0 0 0 4

325xi (E90 & E46) 27 82 1,320 8,325

325xi Sports Wagon (E90 & E46) 15 51 239 1,276

328i (E90) 4,234 25,251 0 0

328i Coupe (E92) 736 5,283 0 0

328i Convertible (E93) 935 4,977 0 0

328i Sports Wagon (E91) 117 787 0 0

328xi (E90) 1,932 11,501 0 0

328xi Coupe (E92) 308 2,852 0 0

328xi Sports Wagon (E91) 127 909 0 0

330i (E90 & E46) 55 314 1,800 9,432

330Ci (E46) 3 8 106 946

330Ci Convertible (E46) 4 27 477 2,627

330xi (E90 & E46) 8 28 1,090 5,636

335i (E90) 1,333 8,960 0 0

335i Coupe (E92) 877 5,297 0 0

335i Convertible (E93) 1,026 3,668 0 0

335xi (E90) 569 1,422 0 0

M3 (E46) 6 12 334 1,467

M3 Convertible (E46) 0 15 145 792

3 Series 12,738 73,001 10,561 60,356

Z4 2.5i Roadster (E85) - US 13 73 35 297

Z4 3.0i Roadster (E85) - US 440 2,287 920 2,731

Z4 Roadster 3.0si (E85) - US 225 1,229 486 1,420

Z4 M Roadster (E85) - US 49 238 100 525

Z4 Coupe 3.0si (E86) - US 57 393 42 43

Z4 M Coupe (E86) - US 50 356 50 56

Z4 834 4,576 1,633 5,072

525i (E60) 9 3,245 1,353 6,670

525xi (E60) 28 1,685 411 2,797

528i (E60) 1,265 2,942 0 0

528xi (E60) 630 1,361 0 0

530i (E60) 22 3,451 1,466 6,655

530xi (E60) 45 2,804 723 4,576

530xi Sports Wagon (E60) 13 407 259 1,437

535i (E60) 964 2,272 0 0

535xi (E60) 792 1,769 0 0

535xi Sports Wagon (E60) 137 284 0 0

545i (E60) 0 0 0 6

550i (E60) 559 2,709 792 3,803

M5 (E60) 193 878 195 1,891

5 Series 4,657 23,807 5,199 27,835

645Ci (E63) 0 0 0 21

650i Coupe (E63) 184 963 178 1,395

645Ci Convertible (E64) 0 0 0 16

650i Convertible (E64) 426 2,205 499 2,985

M6 (E63) 63 514 186 444

M6 Convertible (E64) 113 785 0 0

6 Series 786 4,467 863 4,861

ALPINA B7 42 188 0 0

745Li (E65) 0 0 0 0

750i (E65) 238 1,683 359 2,240

750Li (E66) 762 5,589 1,048 7,069

760i (E66) 0 0 3 26

760Li (E65) 11 85 27 188

7 Series 1,053 7,545 1,437 9,523

Z8 0 0 1 3

Z8 Alpina 0 0 1 1

Z8 0 0 2 4

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (light trucks) Sales Report for June 2007

2007 2006

June 5,152 4,484

Year-to-Date 31,183 29,569

Year-to- Year-to-

Model June Date June Date

2007 2007 2006 2006

X3 2.5i (E83) 0 3 5 174

X3 3.0i (E83) 89 366 2,402 15,753

X3 3.0si (E83) 2,546 13,657 0 0

X3 2,635 14,026 2,407 15,927

X5 3.0i (E53) - US 46 179 1,507 10,084

X5 3.0si (E70) - US 1,475 10,935 0 0

X5 4.4i (E53) - US 55 156 495 3,048

X5 4.8i (E70) - US 940 5,878 0 0

X5 4.8is (E53) - US 1 9 75 510

X5 2,517 17,157 2,077 13,642

MINI Sales Report for June 2007

2007 2006

June 4,174 3,556

Year-to-Date 19,759 20,026

Year-to- Year-to-

Model June Date June Date

2007 2007 2006 2006

MINI Cooper (R50) 19 1,797 1,223 5,969

MINI Cooper (R56) 1,536 5,983 0 0

MINI Cooper S (R53) 11 1,578 1,268 8,299

MINI Cooper S (R56) 1,741 6,467 0 0

MINI Cooper Convertible 346 1,636 339 1,813

MINI Cooper S Convertible 519 2,268 726 3,945

MINI Cooper S JCW GP 2 30 0 0

Total MINI 4,174 19,759 3,556 20,026

Source: BMW Group

Web site: http://www.bmwgroupna.com/
http://www.bmwusa.com/
http://www.bmwmotorradusa.com/
http://www.miniusa.com/
http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/

Mitsubishi Motors Reports June Sales Up 30%

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported June sales of 13,014 units, up 30% over last year's volume and the best June in four years. Calendar year-to-date sales of 70,357 are up 21% compared to last year's first-half total.

"The new Lancer and Outlander are well-received by new customers and current Mitsubishi owners," said President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "Going into the summer travel season, our dealers are reporting excellent results from our new fuel-efficient sedan and SUV."

-- Outlander was the volume leader at 3,414, up 63% from last month's

volume and up 350% from last year's volume; and up 163% from last

year's CYTD volume.

-- Lancer closed at 3,091 units up 195% from last year's volume and up

108% from last year's CYTD volume.

-- Galant closed at 3,026 units up 17% from last month's volume and up 18%

from last year's June volume.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America

Subaru Reports June Sales
- Subaru Impreza and Forester post gains -

-- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported June sales of 17,108 total units. Both the Subaru Impreza and Forester models posted gains over the same period last year.

The Subaru Tribeca posted 1,336 units in June. Subaru Legacy recorded 7,420 unit sales, while the Outback accounted for 5,313 units of that line for the month. Subaru Forester recorded a gain of four percent in June totaling 4,145 units. The Subaru Impreza line was up 24 percent with 4,137 units for the month, following a trend of double digit gains this year prior to the new 2008 model year arriving in dealer showrooms in August. The discontinued Subaru Baja also recorded 70 units in June.

For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at www.media.subaru.com.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

Toyota Reports June, Second-Quarter and First-Half Sales

-- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever first-half year sales of 1,331,074. June sales of 245,739, an increase of 6.1 percent over last June, contributed to a record-setting second quarter, with sales of 725,219 units.

"Tundra really hit its stride this month, posting a record sales pace," said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "In a short five months the new truck's earned its stripes with both loyal Toyota owners and those new to the brand."

The Toyota Division posted best-ever June sales of 216,870, up 6.9 percent over last June. The Lexus Division reported best-ever June sales of 28,869 units, an increase of 0.4 percent.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever June sales of 128,239, an increase of 4.9 percent over last June. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever June sales of 46,630, up 8.4 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 5,530 units in June. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted best-ever June sales of 17,756, an increase of 76.3 percent over June 2006. The Yaris subcompact reported an increase of 28 percent, posting best-ever June sales of 9,155 units. Corolla reported best-ever June sales of 36,499 units.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 10 percent, with a best-ever June total of 88,631 units. Light truck sales were led by the all-new Tundra full-size pickup with all-time best-ever sales of 21,727, an increase of 137.2 percent over the year-ago month. The RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) reported best-ever June sales of 14,677, up seven percent over the same period last year. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined June sales of 11,253, up 3.8 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,403 units for the month.

Scion posted June sales of 12,536 units. The tC sports coupe led the way with June sales of 6,509 units. The xB urban utility vehicle posted sales of 5,257 units for the month.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars reported best-ever June sales of 17,457 units, an increase of 6.1 percent over June 2006. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with June sales of 7,232 units. The all-new LS 460 and LS 460 L reported combined sales of 2,631, an increase of 149.9 percent over last June. Combined sales of the IS 250 and IS 350 posted best-ever June sales of 5,182 units, up 11.9 percent over the year-ago month.

Lexus Division light trucks reported June sales totaling 11,412 units. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined June sales of 9,349 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,562 units for the month, up 26 percent over last June.

TMS Hybrids

TMS first-half hybrid sales totaled 146,536 units, an increase of 69 percent over the same period last year. In June, TMS posted sales of 27,382 hybrid vehicles, up 46 percent over last June. Toyota Division posted sales of 25,689 hybrids, up 48 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,693 hybrids, an increase of 15 percent over last June.

There were 27 selling days this month, as compared to 26 selling days last June.

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES

(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)

June, 2007

----- CURRENT MONTH ----- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --

DSR% DSR%

2007 2006 CHG 2007 2006 CHG

YARIS 9,155 6,888 28.0 46,522 22,685 102.4

COROLLA 36,499 37,311 -5.8 202,221 197,303 1.2

CAMRY 46,630 41,427 8.4 240,530 218,517 8.6

AVALON 5,661 6,608 -17.5 37,522 45,036 -17.8

PRIUS 17,756 9,696 76.3 94,503 48,156 93.7

SCION xA 770 2,411 -69.2 8,866 16,832 -48.0

SCION xB 5,257 5,964 -15.1 18,588 31,375 -41.5

SCION tC 6,509 7,462 -16.0 33,550 37,533 -11.8

TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.

PASS. CAR 128,239 117,769 4.9 682,306 617,464 9.1

ES 350 7,232 7,645 -8.9 40,398 32,589 22.4

LS 460 2,631 1,014 149.9 17,572 6,716 158.2

SC 430 391 531 -29.1 2,096 3,087 -33.0

GS 350 1,880 1,771 2.2 10,099 11,349 -12.2

GS 430/450h 141 420 -67.7 1,069 2,144 -50.8

IS 250/350 5,182 4,461 11.9 27,676 26,946 1.4

TOTAL LEXUS PASS.

CAR 17,457 15,842 6.1 98,910 82,831 17.9

TOTAL TOYOTA PASS.

CAR 145,696 133,611 5.0 781,216 700,295 10.1

SIENNA 12,780 13,381 -8.0 73,349 80,785 -10.4

RAV4 14,677 13,204 7.0 87,124 75,015 14.6

FJ CRUISER 4,483 6,366 -32.2 29,754 21,469 36.8

4RUNNER 6,256 8,647 -30.3 44,194 54,866 -20.5

HIGHLANDER 11,253 10,436 3.8 64,749 61,357 4.2

LAND CRUISER 167 228 -29.5 1,245 1,625 -24.4

SEQUOIA 1,953 2,484 -24.3 12,849 16,898 -24.9

TOTAL SUV 38,789 41,365 -9.7 239,915 231,230 2.4

4X2 TACOMA 9,212 8,508 4.3 54,780 51,414 5.2

4X4 TACOMA 6,123 5,487 7.5 37,682 34,450 8.0

TOTAL TACOMA 15,335 13,995 5.5 92,462 85,864 6.3

TUNDRA 21,727 8,822 137.2 82,840 57,458 42.3

TOTAL PICKUP 37,062 22,817 56.4 175,302 143,322 20.7

TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT

TRUCK 88,631 77,563 10.0 488,566 455,337 5.9

LX 470 215 406 -49.0 1,545 2,869 -46.8

GX 470 1,848 1,787 -0.4 10,506 11,759 -11.8

RX 350/400h 9,349 9,651 -6.7 49,241 53,282 -8.8

TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT

TRUCK 11,412 11,844 -7.2 61,292 67,910 -10.9

TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT

TRUCK 100,043 89,407 7.8 549,858 523,247 3.7

TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 216,870 195,332 6.9 1,170,872 1,072,801 7.7

TOTAL LEXUS 28,869 27,686 0.4 160,202 150,741 4.9

TOTAL TOYOTA 245,739 223,018 6.1 1,331,074 1,223,542 7.4

MEMO:

DOM. COROLLA 33,862 31,104 4.8 181,662 170,357 5.3

DOM. CAMRY 40,276 33,769 14.9 198,544 187,957 4.3

DOM. PICKUP 37,062 22,817 56.4 175,302 143,322 20.7

DOM. RX 350 6,866 7,683 -13.9 35,398 34,511 1.2

SELLING DAYS 27 26 154 152

TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT

CAR 48,440 46,288 0.8 264,578 214,114 22.0

LEXUS IMPORT CAR 17,457 15,842 6.1 98,910 82,831 17.9

TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT

CARS 79,799 71,481 7.5 417,728 403,350 2.2

TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 145,696 133,611 5.0 781,216 700,295 10.1

TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT

LT TRUCK 36,836 38,881 -8.8 227,066 214,332 4.6

LEXUS IMPORT LT

TRUCK 4,546 4,161 5.2 25,894 33,399 -23.5

TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT

LT TRUCK 51,795 38,682 28.9 261,500 241,005 7.1

LEXUS NA BUILT LT

TRUCK 6,866 7,683 -13.9 35,398 34,511 1.2

TOTAL TOYOTA LT

TRUCK 100,043 89,407 7.8 549,858 523,247 3.7

SPORT UTILITY

VEHICLES 45,718 46,843 -6.0 271,453 277,671 -3.5

Memo: Lexus Sport

Utility 11,412 11,844 -7.2 61,292 67,910 -10.9

SMALL VANS 12,780 13,381 -8.0 73,349 80,785 -10.4

PICKUPS 37,062 22,817 56.4 175,302 143,322 20.7

* NORTH AMERICAN

BUILT VEHICLES

COROLLA 33,862 31,104 4.8 181,662 170,357 5.3

CAMRY 40,276 33,769 14.9 198,544 187,957 4.3

AVALON 5,661 6,608 -17.5 37,522 45,036 -17.8

SIENNA 12,780 13,381 -8.0 73,349 80,785 -10.4

PICKUP 37,062 22,817 56.4 175,302 143,322 20.7

SEQUOIA 1,953 2,484 -24.3 12,849 16,898 -24.9

RX 350 6,866 7,683 -13.9 35,398 34,511 1.2

TOTAL 138,460 117,846 13.1 714,626 678,866 3.9

N.A. VEHICLES % OF

TOTAL 56.3% 52.8% 53.7% 55.5%

SELLING DAYS 27 26 154 152

DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.

Volvo Cars of North America Reports Sales for June

-- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC reports June sales of 9,586 units in the United States,* down 12 percent compared to the same period last year.

Overall in North America (United States including Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico), 10,802 unit were sold. For the month, sales were down 10.6 percent year-over-year. Sales for Volvo in Canada and in Mexico were 1,008 and 208 units, respectively.

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA), based in Irvine, Calif., is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Goteborg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Volvo has been building cars with safety in mind for 80 years. The current model lineup of Volvo cars includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the new Volvo C70 -- the convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop, and the all-new Volvo S80.

* U.S. sales include Puerto Rico

VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Retail Sales by Model 2-Jul-07

UNITED STATES

June* Year-to-Date *

2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %

Volvo Model

S40 1,534 2,005 -23.5 % 10,557 12,335 -14.4 %

V50 254 354 -28.2 % 1,517 2,103 -27.9 %

S60 1,939 2,877 -32.6 % 9,453 13,791 -31.5 %

V70 322 572 -43.7 % 1,714 2,949 -41.9 %

XC70 1,132 1,268 -10.7 % 6,202 6,694 -7.3 %

C70 442 562 -21.4 % 2,502 1,111 125.2 %

S80 1,100 879 25.1 % 6,164 4,315 42.9 %

XC90 2,863 2,380 20.3 % 15,777 15,943 -1.0 %

USA TOTAL 9,586 10,897 -12.0 % 53,886 59,241 -9.0 %

CANADA

June Year-to-Date

2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %

Volvo Model

C30 117 n/a n/a 525 n/a n/a

S40 175 156 12.2 % 658 776 -15.2 %

V50 78 59 32.2 % 370 407 -9.1 %

S60 188 209 -10.0 % 1,043 1,283 -18.7 %

V70 55 104 -47.1 % 254 592 -57.1 %

XC70 155 176 -11.9 % 718 902 -20.4 %

C70 31 4 675.0 % 245 55 345.5 %

S80 37 18 105.6 % 308 184 67.4 %

XC90 172 232 -25.9 % 1,150 1,526 -24.6 %

CANADA TOTAL 1,008 958 5.2 % 5,271 5,725 -7.9 %

MEXICO

June Year-to-Date

2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %

Volvo Model

C30 0 n/a n/a 70 n/a n/a

S40 106 112 -5.4 % 625 586 6.7 %

V50 0 2 -100.0 % 8 15 -46.7 %

S60 18 39 -53.8 % 117 165 -29.1 %

V70 0 0 n/a 0 0 n/a

XC70 1 1 0.0 % 4 6 -33.3 %

C70 11 5 120.0 % 56 5 1020.0 %

S80 10 3 n/a 100 14 614.3 %

XC90 62 69 -10.1 % 434 415 4.6 %

MEXICO TOTAL 208 231 -10.0 % 1,414 1,206 17.2 %

NAFTA TOTAL 10,802 12,086 -10.6 % 60,571 66,172 -8.5 %

* U.S. totals include Puerto Rico

Source: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC

.volvocars.com/
http://www.volvocars-pr.com/

Hyundai Closes First Half of 2007 With an All-Time Record

Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 49,368 vehicles for the month, which was Hyundai's all- time, anytime, record sales month. Hyundai sales are up 12 percent month-over-month and 11 percent over last June on the strength of the growing Hyundai model line up.

Hyundai's all-new 2007 Santa Fe continued it strong pace with an increase over June 2006 of 37 percent, followed closely by Sonata which experienced a 28 percent sales increase. Our 2007 fuel-efficient Elantra kept the momentum going in its segment increasing sales 8 percent over June 2006, along with the Entourage that more than doubled its sales over the same period last year.

"The first half of 2007 was the most successful in Hyundai history," said Dave Zuchowski, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "Our second quarter sales rebounded strongly and resulted in first half sales which were up 1 percent over record 2006 levels. We are encouraged by this strong momentum and are well positioned for continued growth in the second half."

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty(TM). Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

Following is the sales breakdown for June 2007:

CARLINE JUNE/2007 JUNE/2006 CY2007 CY2006

ACCENT 4,067 5,848 18,926 17,446

SONATA 15,080 11,739 67,658 87,361

ELANTRA 9,617 8,868 49,932 52,661

TIBURON 1,670 2,135 7,395 9,154

SANTA FE 8,460 6,156 44,372 24,189

AZERA 1,807 2,778 12,539 13,918

TUCSON 3,639 5,474 20,350 26,602

ENTOURAGE 3,479 1,510 11,946 2,704

VERACRUZ 1,549 n/a 3,477 n/a

TOTAL 49,368 44,508 236,595 234,035

Source: Hyundai Motor America

Web site: http://www.hyundainews.com/

Acura Announces June Sales Results
Light Trucks and TSX Post Monthly Sales Records

TORRANCE, Calif., July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven by record sales of Acura light trucks and the TSX sports sedan, Acura posted June sales of 16,766 units, up 6.9 percent* versus last year based on the daily selling rate, the division announced today. Year-to-date Acura sales reached 91,540 units.

Strong sales of Acura's luxury SUVs combined to set a June record of 6,503 for total light trucks, breaking the previous June record of 5,797 set in 2005. The MDX luxury SUV continued to post sales gains, with June sales of 4,639 units, up 26.2 percent versus last year. Year-to-date MDX sales reached 27,027, up 9.9 percent. Additionally, the RDX turbocharged crossover recorded sales of 1,864 for the month.

The TSX sports sedan also set a June sales record, up 4.0 percent compared to 2006. TSX sales of 3,414 units surpassed the previous record of 3,162 vehicles set last June. Year-to-date TSX sales reached 17,421.

The TL performance luxury sedan posted strong June sales of 6,221 units, up 8.1 percent for the month. Year-to-date TL sales reached 31,035, making it the top-selling Acura model.

"June marks the eleventh consecutive month of record Acura light-truck sales," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "Our two new SUVs, combined with strong sales from a broad sedan lineup, put Acura in a strong sales position for the second half of 2007."

*Based on 27 selling days in June 2007 versus 26 selling days in June 2006. Year-to-date percentages are based on 154 selling days in 2007 versus 152 in 2006

American Honda Vehicle Sales For June 2007

Month-to-Date Year-to-Date

June June DSR** June June DSR**

2007 2006 % Chg. 2007 2006 % Chg.

Acura Division Total 16,766 15,107 6.9% 91,540 96,301 -6.2%

RSX 4 1,882 -99.8% 291 10,193 -97.2%

TL * 6,221 5,541 8.1% 31,035 36,297 -15.6%

TSX 3,414 3,162 4.0% 17,421 19,826 -13.3%

RL 624 980 -38.7% 3,482 5,660 -39.3%

NSX 0 3 1 45 -97.8%

MDX * 4,639 3,539 26.2% 27,027 24,280 9.9%

RDX * 1,864 0 12,283 0

Selling Days 27 26 154 152

* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced parts.

** Daily Selling Rate

Source: Acura

American Honda Reports Record June Sales of 140,935
CR-V, Civic and Fit set records

-- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted record June sales of 140,935 Honda and Acura vehicles, up 7.3 percent on a daily-selling-rate basis*, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales totaled 766,929, up 2.1 percent.

Honda Division posted record June sales of 124,169, up 7.4 percent compared to last year. The CR-V sold 19,715, up 53.2 percent, achieving its sixth consecutive month of record sales. The Civic posted record sales of 36,512, up 33.6 percent over last June. Civic Hybrid sales increased by 20.1 percent to 3,246, also setting a new record for the month. The Fit, up 44.3 percent to 5,613, broke its all-time sales record from May, 2007 of 5,361.

"The Civic and CR-V gained an incredible amount of momentum in the first half of 2007," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "We expect the small car and crossover SUV segments to remain strong for the second half of the year, putting Honda on pace for a twelfth straight record year."

Acura Division sales increased 6.9 percent to 16,766. The TSX sports sedan, set a new June sales record of 3,414, up 4.0 percent. Sales for the TL luxury performance sedan increased by 8.1 percent to 6,221. Sales of the all- new MDX increased by 26.2 percent to 4,639, and RDX sales totaled 1,864.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 26 days for June 2007, versus 25 for 2006. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 154 days for 2007, versus 152 for 2006. All percentages in this release reflect DSR.

American Honda Vehicle Sales For June 2007

Month-to-Date Year-to-Date

June June DSR** June June DSR**

2007 2006 % Chg. 2007 2006 % Chg.

American Honda Total 140,935 126,449 7.3% 766,929 741,227 2.1%

Total Car Sales 81,827 75,008 5.1% 434,560 432,081 -0.7%

Total Truck Sales 59,108 51,441 10.6% 332,369 309,146 6.1%

Honda Total Car

Sales 71,564 63,440 8.6% 382,330 360,060 4.8%

Honda Total

Truck Sales 52,605 47,902 5.8% 293,059 284,866 1.5%

Acura Total Car

Sales 10,263 11,568 -14.6% 52,230 72,021 -28.4%

Acura Total

Truck Sales 6,503 3,539 76.9% 39,310 24,280 59.8%

Domestic Car Sales * 67,179 58,631 10.3% 350,295 345,865 0.0%

Honda Division 60,958 53,090 10.6% 319,260 309,568 1.8%

Acura Division 6,221 5,541 8.1% 31,035 36,297 -15.6%

Domestic Truck Sales * 42,127 39,047 3.9% 234,619 237,092 -2.3%

Honda Division 35,624 35,508 -3.4% 195,309 212,812 -9.4%

Acura Division 6,503 3,539 76.9% 39,310 24,280 59.8%

Import Car Sales 14,648 16,377 -13.9% 84,265 86,216 -3.5%

Honda Division 10,606 10,350 -1.3% 63,070 50,492 23.3%

Acura Division 4,042 6,027 -35.4% 21,195 35,724 -41.4%

Import Truck Sales 16,981 12,394 31.9% 97,750 72,054 33.9%

Honda Division 16,981 12,394 31.9% 97,750 72,054 33.9%

MODEL BREAKOUTS BY

DIVISION

Honda Division Total 124,169 111,342 7.4% 675,389 644,926 3.4%

Fit 5,613 3,747 44.3% 23,769 12,787 83.5%

Accord * 28,915 32,587 -14.6% 182,346 178,116 1.0%

Memo: Accord

Hybrid 342 396 -16.8% 2,044 3,245 -37.8%

Civic * 36,512 26,312 33.6% 173,800 165,056 3.9%

Memo: Civic

Hybrid 3,246 2,601 20.2% 17,141 15,755 7.4%

S2000 514 717 -31.0% 2,402 3,612 -34.4%

Insight 0 77 3 489 -99.4%

FCX 10 0 10 0

Odyssey * 15,516 15,552 -3.9% 80,338 88,493 -10.4%

Pilot * 10,371 11,458 -12.8% 66,632 70,746 -7.0%

CR-V * 19,715 12,394 53.2% 104,179 72,054 42.7%

Element * 3,163 4,580 -33.5% 19,891 26,705 -26.5%

Ridgeline 3,840 3,918 -5.6% 22,019 26,868 -19.1%

Acura Division Total 16,766 15,107 6.9% 91,540 96,301 -6.2%

RSX 4 1,882 -99.8% 291 10,193 -97.2%

TL * 6,221 5,541 8.1% 31,035 36,297 -15.6%

TSX 3,414 3,162 4.0% 17,421 19,826 -13.3%

RL 624 980 -38.7% 3,482 5,660 -39.3%

NSX 0 3 1 45 -97.8%

MDX * 4,639 3,539 26.2% 27,027 24,280 9.9%

RDX * 1,864 0 12,283 0

Selling Days 27 26 154 152

* Honda and Acura

vehicles are made

of domestic and

global sourced

parts.

** Daily Selling Rate

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Web site: http://www.honda.com/

Volkswagen Posts June Sales Increase of Fifteen Percent
-Best Overall Month since August 2006
-Best GTI and Rabbit Months since Relaunch
-Best Passat Sedan Month since November 2006
- Jetta Sedan up 14.0 percent over June 2006

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced June 2007 sales of 23,127 units, representing an increase of 15.0 percent over the June 2006 total of 20,121. This performance reflects the best overall sales month for the Volkswagen brand since August 2006.

This increase can be attributed to strong market acceptance of the entry level Rabbit model, and a 44.9% surge in deliveries of the sporty GTI. The retractable hardtop convertible Eos posted its second best month ever, as summer is now in full swing.

Volkswagen sales performance for June of 2007 underscores the brand's "return to its roots" affordability showing significant increases in Jetta and Rabbit volume car lines, combined with gathering momentum in spirited niche models like GTI and Eos.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

VW-US Snapshot YEAR-TO-DATE

June-07 June-06

June-07 June-06 Yr/Yr % YTD YTD Yr/Yr %

Actual Actual change Actual Actual change

New Beetle - Coupe 1,637 1,962 -16.6% 8,049 10,078 -20.1%

Convertible 1,489 1,814 -17.9% 7,129 8,700 -18.1%

Total New Beetle 3,126 3,776 -17.2% 15,178 18,778 -19.2%

Jetta Sdn 9,804 8,600 14.0% 49,973 53,325 -6.3%

Wgn - 1 -100.0% - 20 -100.0%

Total Jetta 9,804 8,601 14.0% 49,973 53,345 -6.3%

Eos 1,431 - N/A 6,625 - N/A

Golf - 295 -100.0% 21 2,177 -99.0%

Rabbit 3,134 831 277.1% 12,158 831 1363.1%

GTI 1,562 1078 44.9% 7,770 8,082 -3.9%

R32 - - N/A - - N/A

Total Golf/Rabbit/

GTI/R32 4,696 2,204 19,949 11,090 79.9%

Passat Sdn 3,015 3,960 -23.9% 15,346 23,025 -33.4%

Wgn 548 834 -34.3% 3,762 3,997 -5.9%

Total Passat 3,563 4,794 -25.7% 19,108 27,022 -29.3%

Phaeton 1 25 -96.0% 17 182 -90.7%

Touareg 516 721 -28.4% 4,030 5,628 -28.4%

Tiguan - - N/A - - N/A

TOTAL 23,137 20,121 15.0% 114,880 116,045 -1.0%

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Mercedes-Benz Reports 19,589 New Vehicle Sales for June
MBUSA Records Best First Half-Year Sales On Record

-- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 19,589 new vehicles for June 2007, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 118,240 units, a 2.9 percent increase over the first half of last year, marking the best first-half sales in the company's history.

Highlights for the month include a 12.4 percent increase (4,776 vs. 4,250 units) in sales for the company's volume-leading C-Class. The retail launch of the all-new 2008 C-Class is scheduled for early August. The high-end luxury CL-Class coupe also recorded impressive gains with a 322.2 percent (266 vs. 63 units) jump in sales compared to June of last year. Other highlights for the month include a 24.9 percent increase for the CLK-Class coupes and cabriolets (1,170 vs. 937 units).

Compared to the first-half of 2006, the same period this year marked increases across the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, from the gateway to the brand - the C-Class - which recorded a 20.9 percent gain (27,328 vs. 22,596 units), to the highly acclaimed E-Class which rose 7.4 percent (22,246 vs. 20,720 units). Mercedes-Benz's light truck offerings posted a year-to-date increase of 15.6 percent, from 29,540 SUVs sold in the first six months of 2006 to 34,154 SUVs sold in the same period 2007.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA marked an 11 percent increase for June sales with 4,703 vehicles sold, bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 26,058 units, an increase of 13.8 percent over the same period in 2006.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com.

Model June '07 June '06 Monthly % YTD 2007 YTD 2006 Yearly %

C-CLASS 4,776 4,250 12.4% 27,328 22,596 20.9%

E-CLASS 3,686 4,213 -12.5% 22,246 20,720 7.4%

S-CLASS 1,701 2,407 -29.3% 12,549 15,584 -19.5%

CL-CLASS 266 63 322.2% 1,699 329 416.4%

SL-CLASS 594 866 -31.4% 3,367 4,875 -30.9%

CLK-CLASS 1,170 937 24.9% 8,208 9,854 -16.7%

SLK-CLASS 968 1,068 -9.4% 4,614 5,939 -22.3%

CLS-CLASS 582 715 -18.6% 4,075 5,498 -25.9%

R-CLASS 1,305 1,445 -9.7% 6,835 9,672 -29.3%

M-CLASS 2,551 2,601 -1.9% 14,935 14,326 4.3%

GL-CLASS 1,920 2,201 -12.8% 11,789 5,245 124.8%

G-CLASS 70 36 94.4% 595 297 100.3%

GRAND TOTAL 19,589 20,802 -5.8% 118,240 114,935 2.9%

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

Web site: http://www.mbusa.com/

Nissan North America Announces June Sales

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) (NASDAQ:NSANY) today reported sales of 92,213 units in June, up 18.2 percent from the prior year. Nissan Division sales increased by 19.4 percent over last year. Infiniti Division posted a sales increase of 9.3 percent versus the prior year.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

* June sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 81,655 units increased by 19.4

percent on a daily sales rate basis compared with last year's 65,854

units sold.

* Altima sales, which include the first full month of the Altima Coupe,

reached 25,935 units.

* Sentra saw sales increase by 22.2 percent with sales of 11,996 units.

* Sales of the Versa subcompact totaled 7,555 units.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

* Sales for Infiniti were up 9.3 percent, with 10,558 units sold, as

compared with last June's 9,300 units.

* The all-new G Sedan contributed sales of 4,425 units, up 75.5 percent

over last year.

NNA INFORMATION

* Combined June sales for Nissan and Infiniti totaled 92,213 units, a 18.2

percent increase when compared with last year's sales of 75,154 units.

NISSAN DIVISION SALES

June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD DSR

DSR

2007 2006 % Change 2007 2006 % Change

Nissan Division Total 81,655 65,854 19.4 471,584 453,877 2.6

Versa 7,555 100 7,175.2 37,802 100 n/a

Sentra 11,996 9,456 22.2 57,079 63,392 -11.1

Altima 25,935 14,174 76.2 140,253 116,959 18.4

Maxima 4,280 5,539 -25.6 25,507 32,675 -23.0

350Z 1,757 2,436 -30.5 10,980 15,089 -28.2

Total Car 51,523 31,705 56.5 271,621 228,215 17.5

Frontier 5,722 6,411 -14.1 34,048 41,217 -18.5

Xterra 3,799 4,303 -15.0 25,787 32,406 -21.5

Pathfinder 5,073 5,355 -8.8 30,240 38,102 -21.6

Murano 5,869 6,617 -14.6 45,075 43,354 2.6

Quest 2,900 3,636 -23.2 15,653 15,822 -2.4

Armada 2,364 2,405 -5.3 16,080 15,924 -0.3

Titan 4,405 5,422 -21.8 33,073 38,837 -15.9

Total Truck 30,132 34,149 -15.0 199,963 225,662 -12.5

North American

Produced 74,029 56,801 25.5 415,529 395,431 3.7

Car 49,766 29,269 63.7 260,641 213,126 20.7

Truck 24,263 27,532 -15.1 154,888 182,305 -16.1

Import 7,626 9,053 -18.9 56,055 58,446 -5.3

Car 1,757 2,436 -30.5 10,980 15,089 -28.2

Truck 5,869 6,617 -14.6 45,075 43,357 2.6

INFINITI DIVISION SALES

June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD DSR

DSR

2007 2006 % Change 2007 2006 % Change

Infiniti Division

Total 10,558 9,300 9.3 63,796 57,891 8.8

G Sedan 4,425 2,428 75.5 29,245 17,397 65.9

G Coupe 1,249 1,963 -38.7 6,574 10,727 -39.5

M 1,8450 2,012 -11.7 11,701 13,128 -12.0

Q45 0 18 n/a 21 296 -93.0

QX56 1,111 828 29.2 5,194 5,971 -14.1

FX 1,927 2,050 -9.5 11,060 10,367 5.3

Total Car 7,519 6,422 12.7 47,541 41,550 12.9

Total Truck 3,039 2,878 1.7 16,255 16,341 -1.8

COMBINED NISSAN AND INFINITI SALES

June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD DSR

DSR

2007 2006 % Change 2007 2006 % Change

TOTAL VEHICLE 92,213 75,154 18.2 535,380 511,768 3.3

Total Car 59,042 38,127 49.1 319,162 269,765 16.8

Total Truck 33,171 37,027 -13.7 216,218 242,003 -11.8

Selling Days 27 26 154 152

* All numbers include Hawaii.

* One I35 was sold in CY2006.

* 2006 sales for QX4 resulted in 1 unit for June and 1 unit for calendar

year to date.

Source: Nissan North America, Inc.

Web site: http://nissannews.com/

Ford Retail Sales 'Edge' Higher in June as New, Redesigned Crossovers Soar
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury posted combined retail sales increase in June - the first such increase since October 2006.
- Combined crossover sales increased 83 percent, driven by strong demand for all-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, and redesigned Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
- Lincoln registers ninth month in a row of higher retail sales.
- All-new Ford Expedition gains for the tenth month in a row.
- Land Rover sales rose 8 percent, reflecting all-new LR2.
- Total sales were 247,599, down 8 percent from a year ago reflecting 39 percent reduction in daily rental sales.

-- Soaring demand for new and redesigned crossover vehicles, including the all-new Ford Edge, "edged" Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail sales to their first combined increase since October 2006.

Edge sales were 12,470 and Lincoln MKX sales were 3,400. Edge was recognized as the industry's top performing new vehicle in J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study TM (APEAL).

"These new crossovers are proof we are building more products people want to buy," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas. "The Edge and Lincoln MKX and other new and redesigned products are helping us to stabilize our retail market share, a key goal in our plan to return to profitability in North America."

The redesigned 2008 model Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner crossovers set sales records in June, with Escape sales reaching 19,147, up 33 percent from a year ago, and Mariner sales totaling 3,788, up 97 percent. In addition, the Escape and Mariner hybrid models set June sales records, with Escape hybrid sales of 2,192 and Mariner hybrid sales of 334.

In total, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossovers were up 83 percent compared with a year ago as the company continues to achieve the largest sales increase in the industry's fastest-growing segment.

Other new and redesigned products contributed to Ford's strong retail performance in June. Retail sales for the Ford Expedition were higher than a year ago, the full-size sport utility vehicle's tenth consecutive month of sales increases.

June sales of Ford's F-Series, America's best-selling truck, were essentially flat compared with a year ago, while sales of the Ford Focus small car climbed 20 percent. A redesigned Ford Focus will debut later this year.

The Lincoln brand posted its ninth month in a row of higher retail sales. June sales were 30 percent higher than a year ago. In the first six months of 2007, Lincoln sales were 15 percent higher than the same period a year ago. Lincoln's rebound reflects the new Lincoln MKX crossover, the new Lincoln MKZ sedan (up 38 percent in June), and the redesigned Navigator.

Land Rover dealers reported an 8 percent sales increase in June, reflecting the addition of the all-new LR2 crossover.

The company's total sales (including sales to fleet customers) were 247,599, down 8 percent. The decline in total sales reflected a planned reduction in sales to daily rental companies. Daily rental sales were down 39 percent (22,000 units) compared with a year ago. In the first half, sales to daily rental companies were 89,000 units lower than a year ago (down 30 percent).

FORD MOTOR COMPANY JUNE 2007 U.S. SALES

June Month % June CYTD %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

Sales By Brand

Ford 204,303 226,250 -9.7 1,125,016 1,292,629 -13.0

Mercury 15,660 16,670 -6.1 95,192 101,249 -6.0

Lincoln 12,494 9,610 30.0 73,333 64,028 14.5

Jaguar 1,410 2,160 -34.7 8,461 11,649 -27.4

Volvo 9,572 10,867 -11.9 53,808 59,092 -8.9

Land Rover 4,160 3,847 8.1 22,842 22,863 -0.1

Total Ford

Motor Company 247,599 269,404 -8.1 1,378,652 1,551,510 -11.1

Memo: Cars and

Trucks

Cars 81,087 107,608 -24.6 467,222 599,934 -22.1

Trucks 166,512 161,796 2.9 911,430 951,576 -4.2

Total Ford

Motor Company 247,599 269,404 -8.1 1,378,652 1,551,510 -11.1

FORD BRAND JUNE 2007 U.S. SALES

June Month % June CYTD %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

Crown Victoria 5,575 7,204 -22.6 36,211 36,110 0.3

Taurus (New) 5,836 0 NA 5,961 0 NA

Five Hundred 3,029 9,089 -66.7 30,309 48,101 -37.0

Fusion 12,435 13,691 -9.2 78,695 71,089 10.7

Focus 19,000 15,837 20.0 96,732 96,396 0.3

Mustang 12,781 15,165 -15.7 77,341 87,284 -11.4

Taurus (Old) 0 20,418 -100.0 0 103,705 -100.0

Thunderbird 0 0 NA 0 469 -100.0

GT 0 185 -100.0 231 1,075 -78.5

Total Ford Cars 58,656 81,589 -28.1 325,480 444,229 -26.7

Escape 19,147 14,361 33.3 92,205 89,339 3.2

Edge 12,470 0 NA 58,783 0 NA

Taurus X 0 0 NA 0 0 NA

Freestyle 2,457 6,268 -60.8 19,778 35,837 -44.8

Explorer 14,204 18,437 -23.0 74,704 95,642 -21.9

Expedition 8,972 6,852 30.9 50,334 41,233 22.1

Excursion 0 0 NA 0 965 -100.0

Freestar 0 7,614 -100.0 2,390 36,248 -93.4

Econoline/Club Wagon 14,194 16,052 -11.6 94,835 90,928 4.3

Ranger 7,372 8,046 -8.4 42,970 49,122 -12.5

F-Series 65,156 65,452 -0.5 355,438 400,177 -11.2

Low Cab Forward 491 354 38.7 1,627 1,874 -13.2

Heavy Trucks 1,184 1,225 -3.3 6,472 7,035 -8.0

Total Ford Trucks 145,647 144,661 0.7 799,536 848,400 -5.8

Total Ford Brand 204,303 226,250 -9.7 1,125,016 1,292,629 -13.0

LINCOLN AND MERCURY BRAND JUNE 2007 U.S. SALES

June Month % June CYTD %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

Grand Marquis 3,936 5,132 -23.3 31,263 33,896 -7.8

Sable (New) 1,520 0 1,520 0

Montego 927 1,880 -50.7 8,718 12,706 -31.4

Milan 2,764 3,194 -13.5 19,846 17,462 13.7

Total Mercury Cars 9,147 10,206 -10.4 61,347 64,064 -4.2

Town Car 3,170 3,201 -1.0 23,035 21,842 5.5

LS 0 965 -100.0 0 5,998 -100.0

MKZ 3,123 2,264 37.9 17,053 15,672 8.8

Total Lincoln Cars 6,293 6,430 -2.1 40,088 43,512 -7.9

Total Mercury

and Lincoln Cars 15,440 16,636 -7.2 101,435 107,576 -5.7

Mariner 3,788 1,922 97.1 19,678 18,598 5.8

Mountaineer 2,725 4,041 -32.6 13,467 16,275 -17.3

Monterey 0 501 -100.0 700 2,312 -69.7

Total Mercury Trucks 6,513 6,464 0.8 33,845 37,185 -9.0

MKX 3,400 0 NA 16,854 0 NA

Navigator 2,045 2,206 -7.3 12,059 12,255 -1.6

Aviator 0 0 NA 0 1,711 -100.0

Mark LT 756 974 -22.4 4,332 6,550 -33.9

Total Lincoln Trucks 6,201 3,180 95.0 33,245 20,516 62.0

Total Mercury

and Lincoln Trucks 12,714 9,644 31.8 67,090 57,701 16.3

Total Mercury

and Lincoln Vehicles 28,154 26,280 7.1 168,525 165,277 2.0

Total Lincoln Brand 12,494 9,610 30.0 73,333 64,028 14.5

Total Mercury Brand 15,660 16,670 -6.1 95,192 101,249 -6.0

JAGUAR BRAND JUNE 2007 U.S. SALES

June Month % June CYTD %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

XJ 309 522 -40.8 2,210 2,879 -23.2

S-TYPE 340 603 -43.6 2,004 3,627 -44.7

X-TYPE 355 525 -32.4 1,692 2,896 -41.6

XK 406 510 -20.4 2,555 2,247 13.7

Total Jaguar 1,410 2,160 -34.7 8,461 11,649 -27.4

VOLVO BRAND JUNE 2007 U.S. SALES

June Month % June CYTD %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

S40 1,528 1,988 -23.1 10,512 12,244 -14.1

V50 254 351 -27.6 1,517 2,093 -27.5

S60 1,937 2,872 -32.6 9,445 13,773 -31.4

V70 322 571 -43.6 1,714 2,948 -41.9

XC70 1,131 1,268 -10.8 6,200 6,691 -7.3

C70 441 562 -21.5 2,496 1,111 124.7

S80 1,099 879 25.0 6,162 4,311 42.9

XC90 2,860 2,376 20.4 15,762 15,921 -1.0

Total Volvo 9,572 10,867 -11.9 53,808 59,092 -8.9

LAND ROVER BRAND JUNE 2007 U.S. SALES

June Month % June CYTD %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

Range Rover 844 960 -12.1 5,538 5,718 -3.1

Range Rover Sport 1,222 1,341 -8.9 7,611 8,578 -11.3

LR3 998 1,545 -35.4 6,269 8,537 -26.6

LR2 1,096 0 NA 3,423 0 NA

Discovery 0 0 NA 0 1 NA

Freelander 0 1 -100.0 1 29 -96.6

Total Land Rover 4,160 3,847 8.1 22,842 22,863 -0.1

Source: Ford Motor Company

Web site: http://www.ford.com/

DaimlerChrysler AG Reports 2 Percent Decrease in U.S. Sales for Passenger Vehicles for June 2007
Chrysler Group Reports Sales of 183,347 Vehicles, a 1 Percent Decrease for June 2007
Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Sales of 19,589 Vehicles, a 6 Percent Decrease for June 2007

DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE:DCX) , the third largest U.S. auto maker, today reported total group sales of 202,936 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for June 2007, a 2 percent decrease compared to June 2006. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Chrysler Group, consisting of the Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands, posted sales of 183,347 vehicles in the U.S., a 1 percent decline in June. Spurred by the "Maximize Your Miles" ad campaign which highlights the fuel efficiency of its new cars and small SUVs; Chrysler Group combined car sales increased 55 percent for the month. In addition, led by the sales momentum of the Jeep Wrangler, total Jeep brand sales rose 19 percent in June. Following its most aggressive product launch in company history of 10 all-new vehicles in 2006, Chrysler Group continues its product offensive with the launch of eight all-new vehicles in 2007.

MBUSA's sales highlights for the month include gains from the entry-level of the Mercedes portfolio, the C-Class, to its high-end CL-Class. Compared to June of last year, C-Class sedans posted a 12 percent increase (4,776 vs. 4,250 units), and CL-Class coupes recorded a 322 percent jump (266 vs. 63 units). Year-to-date, MBUSA recorded its best first-half of the year ever with 118,240 units sold in the first six months of the year, a 3 percent increase over the same period last year.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA and Chrysler Group will be announced later today in separate press releases issued by the groups. June 2007 had 27 selling days and June 2006 had 26 selling days.

DaimlerChrysler AG U.S. Sales Summary Through June 2007

Month Sales % Sales CYTD %

Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change

CHRYSLER GROUP 183,347 185,946 -1%

1,113,093 1,129,546 -1%

MERCEDES-BENZ USA 19,589 20,802 -6% 118,240 114,935 3%

DAIMLERCHRYSLER 202,936 206,748 -2%

1,231,333 1,244,481 -1%

Selling Days 27 26 154 152

Source: DaimlerChrysler AG

Web site: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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July 02, 2007

License to Wed.”

July 2

License to Wed Production Notes and Credits

Robin Williams, Mandy Moore and John Krasinski star in the new comedy

“License to Wed.”

Newly engaged, Ben Murphy (John Krasinski) and Sadie Jones (Mandy Moore)

can’t wait to start their life together and live happily ever after. The problem is that

Sadie’s family church, St. Augustine’s, is run by Reverend Frank (Robin Williams), who

won’t bless Ben and Sadie’s union until they pass his patented, “foolproof” marriage prep

course. Consisting of outrageous classes, outlandish homework assignments and some

outright invasion of privacy, Reverend Frank’s rigorous curriculum puts Ben and Sadie’s

relationship to the test.

Forget happily ever after—do they even have what it takes to make it to the

altar?

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a

Robert Simonds/Phoenix Pictures production of a Ken Kwapis film, “License to Wed.”

The film also stars Christine Taylor, Eric Christian Olsen and Josh Flitter.

Directed by Ken Kwapis from a screenplay by Kim Barker and Tim Rasmussen &

Vince Di Meglio and story by Kim Barker & Wayne Lloyd, “License to Wed” was

produced by Mike Medavoy, Arnold W. Messer, Nick Osborne and Robert Simonds.

Bradley J. Fischer, David Thwaites, Kim Zubick, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Berman

served as executive producers, with Christine Sacani, Louis Phillips and Trevor

Engelson co-producing.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography John

Bailey, production designer Gae Buckley and editor Kathryn Himoff. The music is by

Christophe Beck.

“License to Wed” is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros.

Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

This film has been rated “PG-13” by the MPAA for “sexual humor and language.”

www.licensetowedthemovie.com

For downloadable information and photos from

“License to Wed,” please visit: press.warnerbros.com.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

GETTING DOWN THE AISLE

“To get a driver’s license, you need hours and hours of classroom instruction, a

learner’s permit, behind-the-wheel training, and so on. But, to get a marriage license, all

you have to do is show up at the courthouse and pay. This gives the bride and groom

much more time to focus on the truly important things, like finding the right venue, the

best photographer, the hippest DJ...etc.,” director Ken Kwapis smiles. “Who cares if you

end up in divorce court a year later as long as the wedding cake was to die for?”

In “License to Wed,” Ben Murphy and Sadie Jones are young, blissfully in love,

and have the best intentions of spending the rest of their lives together. However, like

many young couples, they have no idea what they’re getting into. Fortunately, Reverend

Frank is here to help with his highly successful marriage prep course.

Producer Robert Simonds offers, “This is a very real-life situation. There are

certain challenges of marriage that are common and unavoidable. Instead of dancing

around them and hoping that everything just works out, a pre-marital exploration of these

obstacles can increase the likelihood of a marriage staying together—and make for

some pretty funny situations.”

Producer Nick Osborne says, “There’s been a recent surge in popularity of

marriage prep classes, which teach couples how to communicate fairly, balance

finances, keep the romance alive, etc. In our movie, Reverend Frank teaches the

course, and he’s the kind of guy who’ll find the hot buttons in your relationship and push

them until they fall off. It’s his attempt at curbing divorce by weeding out the bad

couples.”

The story of “License to Wed” was inspired by a friend of co-screenwriter Kim

Barker who was getting married and told her about a marriage prep course he was

taking. Barker recalls, “There was a particular church where my friend and his fiancée

wanted to get married, but before the minister of the church would marry them, he

required that they pass his marriage prep course. Then my friend described the minister

and how he seemed a little off because he was swearing a bit in their first meeting,

which made me laugh.”

Following her creative instincts, Barker co-wrote a fictional story around an

offbeat minister who takes his job a tad too seriously. “I’ve always been drawn to quirky

individuals, especially those who aren’t afraid to do things their own way. I think most

people exhibit a kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder in one way or another, and

Reverend Frank is no exception. His obsession is creating happy, life-long unions...or at

least preventing divorces.”

In selecting the right director for the project, Simonds notes, “The story has both

simple comedic elements and complex emotional aspects at the same time. There’s a

lot of physical comedy in the script, but we also wanted to provide the audience with a

chance to be emotionally invested in the characters. Looking at his past projects, Ken

Kwapis has a strong grasp of how to blend both comedy and emotion to great effect.”

Executive producer Kim Zubick affirms, “Ken has a great track record, and he

can handle a wide range of material. Whether it is a film like ‘The Sisterhood of the

Traveling Pants’ or his work on ‘The Office,’ he knows how to make it work. What

Reverend Frank does in this movie is very unusual; I don’t think many marriage prep

courses are actually like this in real life—at least I hope not—but we are playing it as if

it’s completely real. Ken was the perfect director to pull this off.”

Kwapis says he instantly connected with the themes in “License to Wed” when

he read the script. “It amazes me that even half of all marriages last these days. Most

people see marriage as a day at the beach. Reverend Frank shows us all the blood,

sweat and tears that go into making them work. Our film is a cautionary tale for the

young and affianced—don’t dive in unless you know you can swim.”

THE WEDDING PARTY

The search for the right actor to don Reverend Frank’s collar didn’t take long.

Producer Mike Medavoy notes, “When I read the script, I just knew that Robin Williams

would be ideal for the role. In addition to being an incredibly funny actor and comedian,

he’s such a passionate and compassionate person. While Reverend Frank puts Ben

and Sadie through some really trying situations, at the core, likeability was a key

component for building the character.”

Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams says he gravitated

towards the project “for the characters, mostly, and the idea that Reverend Frank is

genuinely trying to help people. He creates simulated exercises and scenarios that a

young couple might not even think about or have to deal with until they’re already

married, when it’s too late. But if a couple doesn’t drop out and actually graduates his

class, they’ll be one step closer to living happily ever after.”

Kwapis remarks, “Robin Williams was the perfect choice to create an irreverent

Reverend. His ad-lib abilities, of course, are the stuff of legend. He can riff on anything

in his path, which, more often than not, was me. You wouldn’t believe the number of

ways you can mangle the name Kwapis. There is a method to Reverend Frank’s

madness. No matter how perverse his tactics, his goal remains noble: keeping couples

together.”

The bride-to-be character in the film, Sadie Jones, has long dreamed of getting

married at St. Augustine’s and will let nothing get in the way of fulfilling that dream. It’s

where her parents tied the knot, and where she was christened by Reverend Frank—

both very compelling reasons any groom would be reluctant to challenge.

Kwapis offers, “For the role of Sadie, I wanted someone who is adorable but

strong. Sadie is the girl that guys would do anything for, including something as crazy

as Reverend Frank’s patented marriage prep course. Mandy Moore could not be more

winning in this part, and it gave a chance to show off her comedic skills. Mandy is daffy

and real; she is Everywoman, but the funny version.”

“The thing that really struck me about this script, and what made me want to be a

part of this film so badly, was that whatever situation these characters found themselves

in, it really felt grounded and relatable,” says Moore. “I have yet to find myself in these

situations for real—like getting married—but when I do, I’ll certainly be much better

prepared!”

On the other side of the marriage equation is Sadie’s fiancé, Ben Murphy. For

the role, Kwapis knew exactly who he wanted. “I helped launch ‘The Office’ and knew

from the moment I first worked with John Krasinski that he was a rare find, a perfect

blend of comic actor and leading man. He was my very top choice for the role of Ben.

John has an innate ability to be both funny and grounded. He is both understated and

expressive. As fans of ‘The Office’ can attest, John really knows his way around an

awkward pause.”

Krasinski states, “I really wanted to do this movie. When I heard that Ken got

hired on to direct, it made me even more excited to do it. I am completely and totally

indebted to him for bringing me on.”

Osborne attests, “John was always on the top of the list for Ken, and when we

screen-tested Mandy and John, we couldn’t have agreed more. We saw real chemistry

between the two. We could see them as a couple struggling through the course

together...for better or for worse.”

Being paired with Moore onscreen for the first time, Krasinski notes, “I was very

excited to work with Mandy. She’s so sweet, and she brought such incredible warmth to

the set.”

Moore offers, “I’ve had a blast with John. We have a really good rapport. He’s

so talented and such a sweetheart; it’s been such a treat to work with him.”

In the film, Ben bravely proposes to Sadie in front of the entire Jones family at

her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Sadie accepts, but there’s a hitch to getting

hitched as the jubilant moment quickly spirals towards a pragmatic discussion about

where to have the wedding.

“Ben just wants a simple, casual wedding somewhere exotic, like the Caribbean,

not knowing that marrying Sadie comes with a stipulation,” says Krasinski.

“Sadie has dreamt of getting married at St. Augustine’s all her life because she

wants to keep the family tradition, so she’s very determined to make it happen and is

sticking to it,” states Moore.

To arrange a date at the church, Sadie introduces Ben to Reverend Frank, who

informs them that, as luck would have it, St. Augustine’s is booked solid for the next two

years. However, there has just been a cancellation, which opens up a slot in three

weeks. Sadie excitedly agrees to the abrupt wedding date, at which point the Reverend

tells them he won’t marry the couple unless they pass his mandatory prep course.

When it came to designing and shooting the prep course scenes, “imagine

marriage as a theme park, with thrill rides representing the various trials and tribulations

a couple undergoes. That’s how I conceived of the marriage prep course in the film.

wanted the audience to experience an emotional roller- coaster ride—thirty years of

marriage crammed into three weeks,” Kwapis says.

“Sadie’s the type that welcomes this kind of a challenge. To her, it’s just one

more thing that will bring her and Ben closer, and more in love,” says Moore.

Ben, on the other hand, can’t help but feel a little uneasy, especially when

Reverend Frank introduces two very important rules they must follow: Rule Number

One, they must each write their own wedding vows, which are only to be revealed at the

wedding ceremony; Rule Number Two, effective immediately, they are to have no sex

until the honeymoon.

“Rule Number Two is, without a doubt, one of the hardest rules to follow for a

modern couple, and that’s the beauty of the prep course,” states Williams. “I especially

like the idea of putting a young couple’s relationship to the test that way. Let’s just take

that tool out of your toolbox and see what you have left.”

“In the beginning of a typical relationship, the sex is everywhere, but after about

15 or 20 years, it’s another story,” Williams jokes, continuing, “Reverend Frank owes the

high success rate of his class to his commitment to helping couples discover what it is in

their relationship that will give it the staying power it needs to last through the years.”

Before Ben even realizes he’s being tested, Reverend Frank not-so-subtly grills

him with piercing personal questions. Krasinski notes, “One of the tests Ben goes

through with Reverend Frank is playing catch. What Ben thinks is a casual conversation

turns into 20 questions of a very personal nature: how long Sadie and Ben have been

dating, whether they sleep together, and things like that. I think Reverend Frank does

identify Ben as somebody who is worthy of Sadie, but just wants Ben to prove it, not only

to Sadie but also to Ben himself. He wants Ben to really understand why he wants to

get married and to look at the relationship past the starry-eyed perspective.”

Another exercise from Reverend Frank’s class involves the care and feeding of

eerily lifelike, but decidedly creepy-looking, animatronic babies. Drawing inspiration from

real-life experiences, Kim Barker recalls a high school assignment designed to teach

students the responsibilities of being a parent. “I remember, in one of my classes, we

had to carry around eggs for a week, 24 hours a day, as if they were real babies. We

had to take care of them; you couldn’t just leave them in your locker. From that idea, we

created a stress test in which Ben and Sadie would be responsible for something 24/7.

Initially, the idea was to use simple devices like baby pagers and, eventually, the idea

evolved into the twin robotic babies."

babies were controlled remotely via radio transmitters. Eye movements, hand

movements, mouth movements, and even bowel movements were controlled

independently. Each function was precisely coordinated and rehearsed for each shot.

Moore recalls, “Handling the babies was pretty difficult. I would hope that they

are actually more temperamental than real babies because they required a whole lot of

maintenance...and battery changes. They were also really heavy and smelled funny.

was surprised at how much effort it took to make them work behind the scenes. There

were four different people controlling one baby. Poor John...he had to do more scenes

with the babies than I did.”

Krasinski agrees, “There’s a scene where Sadie and Ben are in a department

store creating their wedding registry, and while Sadie’s picking out dinnerware I’m stuck

with the two babies, who suddenly decide to have a complete breakdown.”

Unbeknownst to Ben, the tot-sized terrors are being controlled remotely by

Reverend Frank’s right-hand man, a precocious minister-in-training, referred to in the

script as Choir Boy. Played by Josh Flitter, Choir Boy adjusts the “Robo Mood” of the

animatronic babies by flipping the switches on the remote control from “Calm,” skipping

the intermediate stages of “Cranky” and “Berserk,” and going directly to “Meltdown.”

“The toughest role to cast was Choir Boy,” Kwapis notes. “He’s like a miniature

thug, a little henchman who does all Reverend Frank’s heavy lifting. Most of the

candidates read the part as if they were little cherubs. When Josh Flitter walked into the

casting session, it was as if he was channeling every Hollywood tough guy from Edward

G. Robinson to James Gandolfini. The idea of Josh as a marriage enforcer was too

irresistible to pass up.”

Flitter says, “Choir Boy is enrolled in Reverend Frank’s ‘Ministers of Tomorrow’

program, and his life goal is to become the greatest reverend ever when he grows up.

He wholeheartedly believes in the prep course that Reverend Frank created and is the

one who gets things done behind the scenes.”

Choir Boy has covertly bugged Ben and Sadie’s bedroom with a mini-microphone

that gives Reverend Frank around-the-clock surveillance of the couple’s conversations.

In one instance, the bug serves to prevent a violation of Reverend Frank’s much-

dreaded Rule Number Two.

Rule Number Two notwithstanding, perhaps one of the more stress-inducing

tests in the Reverend’s course is the word association exercise with in-laws. Under the

guise of a wine and cheese tasting, the test is designed to open the lines of

communication between Ben and his future relatives, including Sadie’s older, jaded, and

recently divorced sister, Lindsey, played by Christine Taylor.

Taylor offers, “Having just gone through a nasty divorce, my character is very

sarcastic and bitter. She has no faith in marriage, or men for that matter, and is very

wary about Sadie getting married so suddenly. She’s definitely feeling like the black

sheep in the family being surrounded by her parents’ and grandparents’ successful

marriages—and now Sadie and Ben’s engagement. She can’t help but act a little

standoffish towards Ben, and it becomes really apparent during the in-laws exercise.”

Also invited to the wine and cheese tasting is Sadie’s attractive, sophisticated,

wealthy—and male—best friend, Carlisle, played by Eric Christian Olsen. “Carlisle is

Sadie’s B.F.F. They grew up together, took baths together, and know everything about

each other. He’s definitely part of Sadie’s family. This presents an interesting dynamic

for Ben, who should be made to feel very territorial by Carlisle’s mere presence. I mean,

you can’t really blame Ben for feeling a bit insecure when Carlisle’s around because,

besides having a good relationship with Sadie’s family, he’s also very charming, very

talented, and has great teeth and cheekbones,” smiles Olsen.

While Sadie confides in Carlisle for advice on just about everything, Ben seeks

out his best friend, Joel, who provides Ben with a slightly different point of view. Played

by actor-comedian DeRay Davis, Joel has been married for some time—complete with

two children and a lawnmower—and can perhaps be best summed up as a man’s man,

or as Davis puts it, “the everyman who thinks that men should be kings again. Joel

knows that, for him, the days of being the master of his domain have long passed since

he got married. So, living vicariously, he secretly wants Ben to reign as a free man just

a little bit longer.”

As Ben and Sadie get caught in the crossfire of conflicting influences and endure

the demands of the prep course, their true personalities materialize, putting their

compatibility to the ultimate test.

Krasinski states, “Ben and Sadie had never fought prior to enrolling in Reverend

Frank’s class, but as soon as the course begins and they’re feeling the pressure, Sadie’s

type-A personality really begins to emerge. She’s someone who is very organized, gets

things done, and needs to have them done a certain way, whereas Ben is happy to wake

up with a smile and just sort of get through the day. Then, when Sadie starts showing

favoritism towards Carlisle’s opinions, and Sadie’s sister starts in on Ben’s passive

nature, he can’t help but feel like everyone is teaming up against him.”

Sometimes the truth hurts, but other times the truth can be really funny. Taylor

notes, “When Reverend Frank asks Lindsey to word associate with Ben, she, in her

sarcastic, cutting way, calls him ‘assertive,’ which is the complete opposite of how she

really feels about him. She actually thinks Ben is a big pushover, and not necessarily

the right guy for Sadie. When Ben is asked to word associate with Lindsey, he calls her

‘blonde,’ which she takes as a cue to attack him right back. It was a really fun scene to

shoot. We kept blowing takes because everybody around the table was making

everyone else laugh so much.”

With a comedic dynamo like Robin Williams on the set, Kwapis encouraged

everyone to expect the unexpected. “With Robin, who has an inexhaustible desire to

invent, you have to make sure there’s plenty of film in the camera and you have a group

of actors who can hold their own when the ad-libs start flying.”

“My favorite thing about working with Ken is the fact that he just hands you the

ball, and gives you the leeway and the freedom to get into the moment,” says Moore.

“He doesn’t call ‘Action’ to begin a scene. Instead, he simply says, ‘Go ahead.’ It’s so

relaxed and conversational. Even though Ken was very supportive and gave us a lot of

freedom on the set to improvise, I was still terrified to try things in front of Robin because

he’s such a comic legend. But I was really impressed with him because he was so

considerate of all the other actors and so collaborative.”

The chance to work with Robin Williams was also an incredible highlight for

Krasinski, who reveals that when he was much younger he had written Williams a fan

letter asking for, and receiving, an autographed photo. “I was a big fan of Robin’s, and

had seen all of his movies. Even before I wanted to be an actor, I just loved, loved to

watch his work. So to act in a film with him now is nothing short of surreal. And, he’s

even funnier and more enthusiastic in person than he is on film.”

Too funny, perhaps; as Kwapis says, “The great hazard of putting together such

a group of nimble comic talents is that it was often impossible for them to get through a

take without laughing. Keeping a straight face became a Herculean task for John in

particular, faced with Robin’s onslaught of quips.”

Additionally, both Kwapis and Krasinski enjoyed an “office” party of their own

while shooting scenes featuring co-workers from “The Office,” including Brian

Baumgartner as Jim, Ben and Sadie’s potato skin-loving prep course classmate; Mindy

Kaling as Joel’s demanding wife, Shelly; and Angela Kinsey as Judith, a jewelry store

clerk.

NO PALM TREES IN CHICAGO

Though the story is set in Chicago, the film was primarily shot on location in and

around Los Angeles.

Location manager Tom Hillman notes, “Ken’s initial vision for the setting of this

film was Anytown, USA. He wasn’t originally going for Chicago, but he liked the

architecture and feel of the city and its suburbs.”

However, with a fairly short pre-production schedule, the filmmakers opted to

shoot Los Angeles for Chicago. Hillman and the team searched for neighborhoods

within the massive Los Angeles urban sprawl for settings that could pass for Chicago.

Co-producer Christine Sacani states, “It’s one thing if you are shooting L.A. for

L.A., but when you’re shooting L.A. for Chicago there are a number of

considerations...like avoiding palm trees.”

“There aren’t really any palm trees in Chicago,” says Hillman. “If you go down

into the Adams district of Los Angeles, there are a lot of craftsman-style houses, but the

people who settled there many decades ago were proud that they lived in L.A. so they

flooded the place with palm trees, even though the palm tree isn’t indigenous to Los

Angeles. But when you go to Pasadena and South Pasadena, the early developers

planted more deciduous trees, which look much more Midwestern.”

One of the centerpiece locations for the story is St. Augustine’s Church. After

scouting several locations, the filmmakers selected the First Congregational Church in

Long Beach, California. Constructed in 1914, the structure still looks very much the

same today as it did then.

“Oddly enough, that was the first church that played in my head when they said

Chicago. We had sold ourselves on a different church in downtown Los Angeles but,

through what can appropriately be deemed as divine intervention, it had problems and

didn’t end up working out,” recalls Hillman. “I then took them to what had been my first

choice, which ended up being much better for us. The church in Long Beach was a lot

warmer, a lot smaller, and more containable. When Ken and the producers saw it in

person, they said, ‘Oh my god, look at these windows. Look how beautiful this is!’”

With the climax of the film taking place in an exotic location, the filmmakers were

also faced with another decision. “I think Jamaica was what Ken had in mind. At one

point, it was going to be a winery, but it didn’t have the right tropical feel. The California

coast is still the California coast,” Hillman states. “You have to bring in a lot of greens to

sell it as a tropical beach, which can be done, but it takes a whole lot of set dressing.”

At first, the idea of filming these scenes in Jamaica seemed impractical, given the

production schedule. Paraphrasing the old studio adage, Kwapis quips, “A tree is a tree,

so let’s shoot it in Malibu.”

In the end, the filmmakers found no substitute for the real thing. The company

trekked down to the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort in Jamaica for the

final week of filming.

Kwapis concludes, “There’s no place on the West Coast that can substitute for

Jamaica. The blue of the Caribbean is so specific—it’s turquoise, really— there’s

nothing else quite like it. It was the perfect backdrop to shoot the film’s big finish.”

# # #

ABOUT THE CAST

ROBIN WILLIAMS (Reverend Frank) is an Academy Award-winning actor and

comedian with a career that spans over three decades. He won an Oscar for his

performance in Gus Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting,” and garnered previous Academy

Award nominations for his work in “The Fisher King,” “Dead Poets Society” and “Good

Morning Vietnam.” Williams has also received six Golden Globe awards, including the

Cecil B. DeMille Award. Additionally, he shared the National Board of Review Best Actor

Award with Robert De Niro for “Awakenings,” and, in 2004, he received the prestigious

Career Achievement Award from the Chicago International Film Festival.

More recently, Williams lent his voice talents to the Oscar-winning animated

feature “Happy Feet,” and played Theodore Roosevelt in the blockbuster holiday

comedy “Night at the Museum.” In the same year, he also starred in Barry Levinson’s

political satire “Man of the Year,” the hit comedy “RV” for director Barry Sonnenfeld, and

Patrick Stettner’s dark thriller “The Night Listener,” opposite Toni Collette.

Following “License to Wed,” Williams will be seen this fall in Kirsten Sheridan’s

“August Rush,” with Freddie Highmore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Terrence Howard.

He is currently filming the buddy comedy “Old Dogs” opposite John Travolta. The film is

slated for release in 2008.

Williams first captured the world’s attention as Mork from Ork on the popular

television series “Mork & Mindy.” He trained at New York’s Julliard School and made his

cinematic debut as the title character in Robert Altman’s “Popeye.” He followed up with

starring roles in Paul Mazursky’s “Moscow on the Hudson” and “The World According to

Garp,” George Roy Hill’s adaptation of John Irving’s acclaimed bestselling novel.

His filmography also includes such hit films as Chris Columbus’ “Mrs. Doubtfire,”

Mike Nichols’ “The Birdcage,” Tom Shadyac’s “Patch Adams,” Steven Spielberg’s

“Hook” and Joe Johnston’s “Jumanji.” Williams lent his voice talents in creating the

memorable character of the Genie in the blockbuster adventure “Aladdin” and voiced the

character of Fendor in the 2005 animated feature “Robots.” Additionally, he was the

voice of Dr. Know in Steven Spielberg’s “Artificial Intelligence: AI.”

Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian and is well known for his free-

associative monologues. In 2002, after a 16-year absence from the stand-up scene, he

hit the road with a sold-out 26-date U.S. tour. With its last stop on Broadway, the one-

man show was filmed as “Robin Williams: Live on Broadway” and garnered five Emmy

Award nominations.

Offstage, Williams takes great joy in supporting philanthropic efforts around the

world, benefiting health care, human rights, education and environmental protection.

Last year, he presented “Comic Relief 2006” with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, a

live concert to benefit families affected by Hurricane Katrina. To date, the Comic Relief

organization has raised over $50 million.

MANDY MOORE (Sadie Jones) is a multi-talented performer who has already

achieved much success as an actress and as a recording artist. Moore counts “License

to Wed” as her second of three feature films to be released this year and, in June, will

release her fifth record album.

Moore most recently starred opposite Diane Keaton in “Because I Said So,”

under the direction of Michael Lehmann. This August, Moore will star in Justin

Theroux’s “Dedication,” with Billy Crudup, Tom Wilkinson and Bob Balaban. The film

premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Last year, Moore

appeared in Richard Kelly’s “Southland Tales,” which premiered at the 2006 Cannes

Film Festival, and stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Seann William Scott and Sarah

Michelle Gellar.

In Brian Dannelly’s sardonic 2004 comedy “Saved!,” Moore’s performance as the

seemingly perfect Christian girl Hilary Faye garnered much critical acclaim. The film

also starred Jena Malone, Macaulay Culkin and Patrick Fugit.

Moore’s additional film credits include Paul Weitz’s “American Dreamz,” opposite

Hugh Grant, Willem Dafoe, Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Klein, Judy Greer and Dennis

Quaid; John Turturro’s musical “Romance and Cigarettes,” with James Gandolfini,

Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet and Mary-Louise Parker; Andy Cadiff’s “Chasing Liberty”;

and Clare Kilner’s “How to Deal.” She also lent her voice talents in the live action/CGI

animation family film “Racing Stripes.” In 2002, Moore starred opposite Shane West in

Adam Shankman’s romantic drama “A Walk to Remember,” for which she won an MTV

Movie Award for “Breakthrough Female Performance,” and performed four songs

featured on the film’s soundtrack.

Moore made her feature film debut playing a haughty high school cheerleader in

Garry Marshall’s hit family comedy “The Princess Diaries,” also starring Julie Andrews,

Anne Hathaway and Hector Elizondo.

On television, Moore has made appearances in NBC’s popular comedy “Scrubs”

and the HBO hit series “Entourage.”

Moore’s new record album, “Wild Hope,” showcases her first foray into

songwriting. All of the songs on the album were co-written by Moore in collaboration

with such acclaimed singer-songwriters as Lori McKenna, Rachael Yamagata and The

Weepies. “Wild Hope” will be released on June 19.

Her debut album, “So Real,” went platinum after only three months on the charts,

and includes the top ten single “Candy.” Moore’s second album, “I Wanna Be With

You,” was released in May 2000 and also went platinum. Her self-titled third album,

another major seller, featured the hit single “Cry.” Her fourth album, “Coverage,” was

released in October 2003 and featured a collection of classic songs by such artists as

Elton John, Joan Armatrading, Todd Rundgren and Cat Stevens.

Beyond film, television and music, Moore has an exclusive line of contemporary

tees and dresses based on original concepts and designs called MBLEM.

JOHN KRASINSKI (Ben Murphy) currently plays paper product pusher Jim

Halpert on NBC’s hit comedy “The Office.” The show won an Emmy Award for

Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006 and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding

Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2007, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award

for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy in 2007.

On film, Krasinski recently provided the voice of Sir Lancelot in “Shrek the Third,”

with Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy. He can also be seen in the

upcoming indie comedy “Smiley Face,” directed by Gregg Araki and starring Anna

Farris, Adam Brody, John Cho, Danny Masterson and Jane Lynch. The film premiered

at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, and is scheduled for release this summer.

Krasinski is currently filming the 1920s-era romantic comedy “Leatherheads,”

opposite George Clooney and Renée Zellweger, under the direction of Clooney.

Krasinski will play Carter Rutherford, a straight-laced college football sensation, who is

hired by team owner and confirmed bachelor Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly, played by

Clooney. When the sport becomes commercialized, “Dodge” finds himself falling for

Rutherford’s reluctant fiancée, Lexi, played by Zellweger. The film is currently scheduled

for release this December.

Krasinski’s other feature film credits include Christopher Guest’s “For Your

Consideration”; Nancy Meyers’ “The Holiday”; Bill Condon’s “Dreamgirls” and “Kinsey”;

Sam Mendes’ “Jarhead”; “Duane Hopwood”; and the animated family adventure

“Doogal.”

Behind the camera, Krasinski recently wrote and directed the film adaptation of

David Foster Wallace’s novel Brief Interviews with Hideous Men. The film stars Julianne

Nicholson as a graduate student who is coping with a recent breakup by conducting

probing and revealing interviews with various men.

Krasinski graduated from Brown University as an honors playwright, and later

studied at the National Theater Institute.

CHRISTINE TAYLOR (Lindsey Jones) starred in the smash hit comedy

“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” opposite Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn, and is

perhaps best-known for her role as Matilda Jeffries in the fashion industry satire

“Zoolander,” starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich and Jerry

Stiller. Taylor also starred in “The Wedding Singer,” with Adam Sandler and Drew

Barrymore, and received much attention for her performance as Marcia Brady in “The

Brady Brunch Movie” and its aptly named sequel, “A Very Brady Sequel.”

Upcoming, Taylor has a cameo in the romantic comedy “Dedication,” starring

Mandy Moore and Billy Crudup, and co-stars opposite Lisa Kudrow in the comedy

“Kabluey,” which will premiere at this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival. Her other film

credits include such films as “Desperate But Not Serious,” for director Bill Fishman; “Kiss

Toledo Goodbye,” starring Robert Forster, Michael Rapaport and Christopher Walken;

and Adam Rifkin’s “Denial.” She has also appeared in Andrew Fleming’s “The Craft”

and “Overnight Delivery,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd.

On television, she played the lead in the 1996 sitcom “Party Girl,” and has guest-

starred on “My Name is Earl,” “Spin City,” “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “Ellen” and “Murphy

Brown.” Taylor made her television debut as Melody Hanson on the Nickelodeon series

“Hey Dude.”

Outside of her career in film and television, Taylor is involved with Project A.L.S.,

an organization dedicated to raising funds for research towards finding effective

treatments and a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou

Gehrig’s Disease).

ERIC CHRISTIAN OLSEN (Carlisle) recently wrapped the indie comedy

“Sunshine Cleaning,” starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Steve Zahn and

Clifton Collins Jr.

Olsen recently starred in the highbraü comedy “Beerfest,” for director Jay

Chandrasekhar of Broken Lizard. He was also recently seen in the Tony Goldwyndirected

drama “The Last Kiss,” with Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett, Casey Affleck and

Rachel Bilson. His other film credits include “Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met

Lloyd,” “Cellular,” “Not Another Teen Movie” and “The Hot Chick,” along with the indie

features “Local Boys” and “Mojave.”

On television, Olsen currently stars in the sitcom “The Loop,” from the creative

team of Pam Brady and Will Gluck. His other TV credits include “Get Real,” “24” and

“ER.”

JOSH FLITTER (Choir Boy) can currently be seen in Andrew Fleming’s family

mystery adventure “Nancy Drew,” with Emma Roberts, Max Thieriot and Tate Donovan.

Last year, Flitter was seen on the big screen as Stewart in “Big Momma’s House

2,” starring Martin Lawrence and Nia Long. In 2005, he starred opposite Shia LaBeouf,

playing his caddy Eddie Lowery, in “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” directed by Bill

Paxton.

Flitter’s other film credits include “Duane Hopwood,” which premiered at the

Sundance Film Festival, and Michel Gondry’s award-winning drama “Eternal Sunshine of

the Spotless Mind.” He can also be heard in the animated film “Air Buddies,” as well as

the upcoming “Snow Buddies” and “Horton Hears a Who.”

On television, Flitter played the title role in “Stephen’s Life,” and made regular

appearances on Bravo’s “Situation: Comedy,” the reality show produced by Sean Hayes

in search of the next hit sitcom. Flitter’s other television credits include “Phil of the

Future,” “All My Children,” “Ed,” “Prodigy/Bully,” “Whoopi,” “My Life with Men,” “One Life

to Live” and “Blue’s Clues.”

Flitter began acting when he was five years old and appeared in numerous

commercials, including an Office Depot spot for which he won a Bobby Award.

DeRAY DAVIS (Joel) will next appear on the big screen in the Will Ferrell

basketball comedy “Semi-Pro.” He is a series regular on the hit MTV series “Wild ‘N

Out,” and wrote and performed the comedy skits on Kanye West’s LPs “Late

Registration” and “The College Dropout.”

Davis’ other film credits include “School for Scoundrels,” “Code Name: The

Cleaner,” “Scary Movie 4,” “The Fog,” “Johnson Family Vacation,” and “Barbershop 1 &

2.”

Additionally, Davis has a recurring role on “Reno 911!” and appeared in the HBO

hit series “Entourage.” He has also performed standup on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,”

“Comedy Central Presents: DeRay Davis,” Comedy Central’s “Laffapalooza” and

“Premium Blend,” and NBC’s “Late Friday.”

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

KEN KWAPIS (Director) is an award-winning director who has moved easily

between the worlds of feature filmmaking and television directing. He previously

directed “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” a film adaptation of Ann Brashares’

best-selling novel, starring Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis

Bledel. Kwapis recently signed to direct the film adaptation of another best seller, He’s

Just Not That Into You.

For television, Kwapis helped launch some of the most innovative comedies of

the past decade. He directed the pilot of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning series “The

Office,” starring Steve Carell, John Krasinski and Rainn Wilson, and directed this

season’s premiere and final episodes. Kwapis earned an Emmy nomination for his work

as a producer-director of FOX’s “Malcolm in the Middle.” He also directed the pilots for

the groundbreaking HBO series “The Larry Sanders Show,” and the Emmy Award-

winning “The Bernie Mac Show.” He also directed episodes of such critically acclaimed

comedies as “Freaks and Geeks” and “Bakersfield, P.D.”

Kwapis’ feature film credits include the romantic comedies “The Beautician and

the Beast,” starring Fran Drescher, and “He Said, She Said,” starring Kevin Bacon and

Elizabeth Perkins. “He Said, She Said” was conceived and co-directed with Kwapis’ wife

Marisa Silver. His other films include “Dunston Checks In,” starring Jason Alexander

and Faye Dunaway; “Vibes,” starring Jeff Goldblum and Cyndi Lauper; and “Sesame

Street Presents: Follow That Bird,” starring Jim Henson’s Muppets.

Kwapis’ film “Sexual Life” marked his first effort as a writer-director. Adapted

from Arthur Schnitzler’s play “La Ronde,” “Sexual Life” premiered to rave reviews at the

Los Angeles Film Festival and aired on Showtime in 2005. The ensemble cast includes

Anne Heche, Elizabeth Banks and Kerry Washington.

Kwapis studied filmmaking at Northwestern University and the University of

Southern California. He won the Student Academy Award in Dramatic Achievement for

his USC thesis film “For Heaven’s Sake,” an adaptation of Mozart’s one-act comic opera

Der Schauspieldirektor (“The Impresario”).

KIM BARKER (Screenwriter/Story) counts “License to Wed” as her first

produced feature screenplay. Her next project, the comedy “All About Steve,” stars

Sandra Bullock and is set to begin production this summer.

TIM RASMUSSEN & VINCE DI MEGLIO (Screenwriters) count “License to Wed”

as their first screenplay credit for a major studio. They are currently in post-production

on their debut comedy feature “Smother.” Written by Rasmussen & Di Meglio, with Di

Meglio directing and Rasmussen producing, the film stars Diane Keaton, Dax Shepard,

Liv Tyler and Mike White.

WAYNE LLOYD (Story) counts “License to Wed” as his first onscreen writing

credit. He previously worked in production on such films as “The Fog,” “Scary Movie 3”

and “Hope Springs.”

MIKE MEDAVOY (Producer) has played a role in the success of some 300

feature films over the past four decades. Seventeen of those films were nominated for

Academy Awards for Best Picture and seven have won, including “One Flew Over the

Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Rocky,” “Platoon,” “Dances With Wolves,” “The Silence of the Lambs,”

“Amadeus” and “Philadelphia.”

In 1995, Medavoy founded Phoenix Pictures with Arnold W. Messer, and the

company has since produced over 30 films. Phoenix’s recent films include David

Fincher’s “Zodiac,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and

Anthony Edwards; “Miss Potter,” directed by Chris Noonan and starring Renée

Zellweger, Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson; Steven Zaillian’s “All the King’s Men,”

with Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia

Clarkson and Anthony Hopkins; and Marcus Nispel’s “Pathfinder,” with Karl Urban. Rod

Lurie’s “Resurrecting the Champ,” starring Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett,

premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and will be released this summer.

The company’s other film productions include “The Mirror Has Two Faces,” “The

People vs. Larry Flynt,” “U Turn,” “Urban Legend,” “Lake Placid,” “Basic,” “Dick,” “The

Thin Red Line” and “Holes.”

Medavoy began his career in the mailroom at Universal Studios and from there

was promoted to casting director. In 1965, he joined General Artist Corporation and

soon after a merger with Creative Management Agency was promoted to Vice President.

He became one of the leading talent agents in Hollywood, and maintained a client roster

that included Jane Fonda, Hal Ashby, Michael Crichton, Tony Richardson, Karel Reisz,

Steven Spielberg, Terrence Malick, Gene Wilder, Donald Sutherland, John Milius,

Robert Aldrich, Jeanne Moreau and George Cukor. In 1971, Medavoy joined

International Famous Agency as Vice President in charge of the motion picture

department and was involved in packaging such films as “The Sting,” “Young

Frankenstein” and “Jaws.”

In 1974, Medavoy shifted gears to film production, joining United Artists as

Senior Vice President of Production. During his tenure, he, together with his colleagues

and superiors, influenced the production and release of such seminal films as “One Flew

Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Rocky” and “Annie Hall.”

Medavoy co-founded Orion Pictures in 1978, and was integral in bringing the

world such award-winning pictures as “Platoon,” “Amadeus” “RoboCop,” “Mississippi

Burning,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” “The Terminator”, “Dances with Wolves” and “The

Silence of the Lambs.”

In 1990, Medavoy assumed chairmanship of TriStar Pictures and helped bring to

fruition such acclaimed films as “Philadelphia,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,”

“Sleepless in Seattle,” “Cliffhanger,” “The Fisher King,” “Basic Instinct,” “Legends of the

Fall” and “Hook.”

Aside from entertainment, Medavoy has been a longtime community activist and

humanitarian. He serves on the Board of Directors of various organizations, including

the Museum of Science and Industry and the Los Angeles Board of Parks and

Recreation. He is also a member of the University of Tel Aviv, a trustee of the UCLA

Foundation, an advisor to the Board at the Kennedy School at Harvard University, a

member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an honorary fellow of the DeSantis

Center National Advisory Board. In 2002, former California Governor Gray Davis

appointed Medavoy to the California Anti-Terrorism Information Center’s Executive

Advisory Board.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1992 Motion Picture

Pioneer of the Year Award; the 1998 Cannes Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award;

the 1999 UCLA Neil H. Jacoby Award; the 2004 Louis B. Mayer Motion Picture Award

from Florida Atlantic University; and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television

and Producer’s Guild of America Vision Award. He was honored in 2005 by the

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

ARNOLD W. MESSER (Producer) teamed with his longtime colleague and friend

Mike Medavoy to launch Phoenix Pictures after two decades in the industry as one of

the most influential executives. As President and Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix

since 1995, he has overseen more than 30 features, many as producer or executive

producer.

Messer is a graduate of Harvard Law School and began his entertainment career

in 1979 as senior counsel of Columbia Pictures Television. After a stint as Viacom

International’s Vice President of Business Affairs, he was named Senior Executive Vice

President and President of TriStar Pictures’ Telecommunications Group in 1983. He

oversaw all theatrical production and ancillary marketing activities of the company.

In 1987, he returned to Columbia Pictures as Executive Vice President, where he

supervised worldwide television production and distribution, negotiating major

international television agreements. In 1989, he was named President of the

International Releasing Group for Sony Pictures Entertainment. In that role, Messer was

in charge of long-term global strategy and overseeing international production.

Among Messer’s feature film producing credits are “Zodiac,” “Pathfinder,” “Miss

Potter,” “All the King’s Men” and “Basic.” He also served as executive producer of

“Stealth” and the television series “The Chris Isaak Show.”

Currently, Messer serves as executive producer on the drama “Resurrecting the

Champ,” which premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and will be released this

summer. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett.

NICK OSBORNE (Producer) is a founding partner of Underground Films, a

production company based in Los Angeles.

Alongside his partner, Trevor Engelson, Nick most recently served as executive

producer on the comedy adventure “Zoom,” starring Tim Allen, Chevy Chase and

Courteney Cox, and co-executive producer on ABC Family’s holiday comedy “Santa

Baby.”

Upcoming projects for Osborne and Underground Films include the inspirational

drama “Class Act,” starring Halle Berry; the comedies “All About Steve,” starring Sandra

Bullock, “Rising Son,” “Muskrat Love,” “Soccer Mom,” and “Wishworks.”

He is currently penning a screenplay adaptation of Agatha Christie’s spy thriller

Destination Unknown, and has just finished his first novel, The Convert.

Osborne began his entertainment career as an intern for Silver Pictures and later

for Phoenix Pictures, where he worked his way through the ranks to Vice President of

Production. At Phoenix, he worked on a diverse slate of films, including “Apt Pupil,” “U

Turn,” “The Thin Red Line” and “Lake Placid.” In 1998, Osborne shepherded the hit

thriller “Urban Legend” to the big screen.

In 1999, he left Phoenix to start his own production company, O/Z Films, where

he served as an executive producer on the “Urban Legend” sequel “Urban Legends:

Final Cut.” In 2001, O/Z Films evolved into Underground Films.

Osborne studied at USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program, and has a B.A. in

Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University. He has also served as an

aid worker and teacher with International Rescue Committee’s Project Trust in

Peshawar, Pakistan.

ROBERT SIMONDS (Producer) is one of Hollywood’s most prolific producers of

motion picture comedies and family films. His over 30 features have generated in

excess of $3.5 billion worldwide.

BRADLEY J. FISCHER (Executive Producer) is currently Co-President of

Production for Phoenix Pictures. He most recently served as producer on David

Fincher’s “Zodiac,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and

Anthony Edwards. The film marked his second collaboration with screenwriter and coproducer

James Vanderbilt after the two completed the mystery thriller “Basic,” for which

Fischer served as a co-executive producer.

Fischer began his career at Phoenix in 1998 as an executive assistant to the

company’s Chairman and CEO, Mike Medavoy. Within a year, he was promoted to

director of development, and, by 2002, he was named Vice President of Production. In

2004, he became the company’s Senior Vice President of Production and in January of

2007 he was promoted to Co-President of Production.

He also recently served as executive producer on Marcus Nispel’s Viking saga

“Pathfinder,” starring Karl Urban, Clancy Brown and Russell Means, and as producer on

the upcoming drama “Resurrecting the Champ,” directed by Rod Lurie, starring Samuel

L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett.

Fischer graduated from Columbia University in 1998 with a B.A. in Film Studies

and Psychology.

DAVID THWAITES (Executive Producer) is currently Co-President of Production

at Phoenix Pictures. He most recently served as producer on “Miss Potter,” starring

Renée Zellweger, and as executive producer on “All the King’s Men,” starring Sean

Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson and

Anthony Hopkins.

Born and educated in England, Thwaites began his career as a child actor

appearing in a number of television series over a ten-year period. At the age of 18,

while an undergraduate at London University, he co-founded a film production company

that developed a number of projects, including a short called “The Skip,” which aired on

the UK’s Channel Four.

Thwaites moved to Los Angeles in 2000, and began his career in Hollywood as

an assistant to Phoenix Pictures’ Chairman and CEO, Mike Medavoy.

KIM ZUBICK (Executive Producer) is currently President of the Robert Simonds

Company, where she oversees all feature film development and production. Recent

Robert Simonds Company releases include “The Pink Panther” and “Cheaper by the

Dozen.”

Zubick most recently served as co-producer on the family comedy “Yours, Mine

and Ours,” starring Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo. In addition to “License to Wed,”

Zubick is currently serving as executive producer of the upcoming comedies “Father

Knows Less” and “Furry Vengeance.” Her additional film credits include “Mr. & Mrs.

Smith,” “Rebound” and “Taxi.”

Formerly, Zubick served as Senior Vice President of Stewart Pictures for

producer Allyn Stewart, and, prior to that, as Vice President of Production at MGM. She

graduated magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College.

DANA GOLDBERG (Executive Producer) is President of Production at Village

Roadshow Pictures. Since joining the company nine years ago, she has been involved

with Village Roadshow Pictures’ entire slate of films, including “The Matrix” trilogy,

“Ocean’s Eleven,” “Training Day,” “Mystic River,” “Miss Congeniality,” “Rumor Has It,”

and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” She also served as an executive producer on

the Academy Award-winning Best Animated Feature “Happy Feet,” starring the voice

talent of Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman and Nicole

Kidman; “Taking Lives,” starring Angelina Jolie; “The Dukes of Hazzard,” starring Johnny

Knoxville and Seann William Scott; and “The Lake House” starring Keanu Reeves and

Sandra Bullock.

Prior to joining Village Roadshow Pictures, Goldberg spent three years with Barry

Levinson and Paula Weinstein at Baltimore/Spring Creek Pictures, where she was Vice

President of Production. She began her career in show business as an assistant at

Hollywood Pictures.

BRUCE BERMAN (Executive Producer) is Chairman and CEO of Village

Roadshow Pictures. The company will co-produce 60 theatrical features in a joint

partnership with Warner Bros. through 2007, with all films distributed worldwide by

Warner Bros. Pictures and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

The initial slate of films produced under the pact included such hits as “Practical

Magic,” starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman; “Analyze This,” teaming Robert De

Niro and Billy Crystal; “The Matrix,” starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne;

“Three Kings,” starring George Clooney; “Space Cowboys,” directed by and starring Clint

Eastwood; and “Miss Congeniality,” starring Sandra Bullock and Benjamin Bratt.

Under the Village Roadshow Pictures banner, Berman has subsequently

executive produced such wide-ranging successes as “Training Day,” for which Denzel

Washington won an Academy Award; “Ocean’s Eleven,” starring George Clooney, Brad

Pitt and Julia Roberts; its sequels “Ocean’s Twelve” and “Ocean’s Thirteen”; “Two

Weeks’ Notice,” pairing Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant; “Mystic River,” starring Sean

Penn and Tim Robbins in Oscar-winning performances; the second and third

installments of “The Matrix” trilogy, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions”;

Tim Burton’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” starring Johnny Depp; the Oscar-

winning animated comedy adventure “Happy Feet”; and the romantic comedy “Music

and Lyrics,” pairing Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.

Village Roadshow’s upcoming projects include the psychological thriller “The

Brave One,” directed by Neil Jordan and starring Jodie Foster; the sci-fi action thriller “I

Am Legend,” starring Will Smith; and the comedy “Get Smart,” starring Steve Carell.

Berman got his start in the motion picture business working with Jack Valenti at

the MPAA while attending Georgetown Law School in Washington, DC. After earning

his law degree, he landed a job at Casablanca Films in 1978. Moving to Universal, he

worked his way up to production Vice President in 1982.

In 1984, Berman joined Warner Bros. as a production Vice President, and was

promoted to Senior Vice President of Production four years later. He was appointed

President of Theatrical Production in September 1989, and, in 1991, was named

President of Worldwide Theatrical Production, where he served through May 1996.

Under his aegis, Warner Bros. Pictures produced and distributed such films as

“Presumed Innocent,” “GoodFellas,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” the Oscar-winning

Best Picture “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Batman Forever,” “Under Siege,” “Malcolm X,” “The

Bodyguard,” “JFK,” “The Fugitive,” “Dave,” “Disclosure,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Outbreak,”

“The Client,” “A Time to Kill” and “Twister.”

In May of 1996, Berman started Plan B Entertainment, an independent motion

picture company at Warner Bros. Pictures. He was named Chairman and CEO of

Village Roadshow Pictures in February 1998.

JOHN BAILEY (Director of Photography) has enjoyed relationships with directors

as varied as Paul Schrader, Lawrence Kasdan, Michael Apted and Ken Kwapis.

”License to Wed” marks his third collaboration with Kwapis.

He has also worked with such leading directors as John Schlesinger, Robert

Redford, Herbert Ross, Walter Hill, Stuart Rosenberg, Harold Ramis, Wolfgang

Petersen, Jonathan Demme, Robert Benton, James L. Brooks and Sam Raimi, as well

as such directors on their feature debuts as Richard LaGravenese, Jennifer Jason Leigh

& Alan Cumming and Callie Khouri.

In an eclectic career, Bailey has photographed such mainstream Hollywood films

as “Ordinary People,” “Silverado,” “The Accidental Tourist,” “Groundhog Day,” “In the

Line of Fire,” “As Good as It Gets,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “The Sisterhood of

the Traveling Pants” and “Must Love Dogs”; such offbeat films as Norman Mailer’s

“Tough Guys Don’t Dance” and Jason Miller’s “That Championship Season”; and such

genre-bending pictures as “Swimming to Cambodia,” “A Brief History of Time” and “The

Kid Stays in the Picture.”

Bailey’s other film credits include “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood”; “The

Anniversary Party”; “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe”; Paul

Schrader’s “Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters,” for which he shares the 1985 Cannes

Film Festival Award for Best Artistic Contribution with composer Philip Glass and

production and costume designer Eiko Ishioka; “Incident at Loch Ness” for Werner

Herzog; and “The Architect,” which debuted at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival.

His upcoming projects include the romantic comedy “How I Met My Boyfriend’s

Dead Fiancée,” due out this September, and John Krasinski’s directorial debut film “Brief

Interviews with Hideous Men.” Bailey is currently shooting the crime comedy “Mad

Money” for Callie Khouri.

Beyond his work as a cinematographer, Bailey also directed the 1994 film noir

thriller “China Moon,” starring Ed Harris, Benecio del Toro and Madeline Stowe, and has

written essays and film articles for the New York Times, American Cinematographer,

ICG and DGA Monthly. He has served on the juries of the Venice Film Festival and

CamerImage in Poland, on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture

Arts and Sciences and as vice president of the American Society of Cinematographers.

Bailey is married to noted film editor Carol Littleton.

GAE BUCKLEY (Production Designer) reunites with director Ken Kwapis on

“License to Wed.” She previously served as production designer on Kwapis’ “The

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Kevin Costner’s Western drama “Open Range,”

starring Robert Duvall, Costner and Annette Bening and the action-filled “Death and Life

of Bobby Z.” She is currently in pre-production on “The Sisterhood of the Traveling

Pants 2.”

As an art director, Buckley’s film credits include “What Women Want,” “Coyote

Ugly,” “Tin Cup,” “The Craft,” “The Little Rascals,” “Indecent Proposal” and “Three

Wishes.” Her set designer credits include “Wayne’s World,” “Coneheads” and “Good

Night and Good Luck.”

Buckley began her career in filmed entertainment with work on music videos and

commercials. She received a degree in Architecture from Cornell University, and has

also studied drawing at The Brooklyn Academy of Art and scenic painting at The Lester

Polikoff School of Scenic Painting in New York City.

KATHRYN HIMOFF (Editor) counts “License to Wed” as her fourth collaboration

with director Ken Kwapis. She previously worked with Kwapis on “The Sisterhood of the

Traveling Pants,” “Sexual Life” and the pilot episode of the Emmy Award-winning

comedy series “The Office.” Additionally, she edited the pilot episode of the Golden

Globe-winning primetime series “Ugly Betty.”

Himoff also recently edited and co-produced the indie noir thriller “Lonely Hearts,”

starring John Travolta, James Gandolfini and Salma Hayek. Her other film credits

include “Pollock,” for Ed Harris; the documentary “Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion”; Rob

Zombie’s “House of a 1000 Corpses”; Roger Avary’s “Killing Zoe”; and Allison Anders’

“Mi Vida Loca.”

Prior to establishing a career in film editing, Himoff served as a story

development executive for various film production companies in Los Angeles, and

received a degree in Theater from Boston University.

CHRISTINE SACANI (Co-Producer) is a veteran producer of more than 40 film

and television productions.

Prior to filming “License to Wed,” she served as co-producer and line producer

on Ken Kwapis’ 2005 screen adaptation of the best-selling Ann Brashares novel The

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Sacani previously co-produced “New York Minute,”

starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

With television production as the foundation of her producing career, Sacani

counts among her accomplishments the Emmy Award-winning family dramas “Eloise at

Christmastime” and “Eloise at the Plaza,” starring Julie Andrews and Sofia Vassilieva;

the musical drama “South Pacific,” starring Glenn Close and Harry Connick Jr.; the crime

drama “Thin Air,” with Joe Montegna and Marcia Gay Harden; and the two critically

acclaimed productions “Trapped in a Purple Haze,” starring Jonathan Jackson and

JoBeth Williams, and “The Rosa Parks Story,” starring Angela Bassett.

Born in New York, Christine graduated from New York University with a B.F.A. in

film and television. She began her career in the entertainment industry in 1987 and

moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to pursue her career as a producer.

LOUIS PHILLIPS (Co-Producer) joined Phoenix Pictures in 2001, and is

currently Senior Executive Vice President of Production, Post-Production and Music.

Prior to joining Phoenix, he had been a production executive at Paramount, Disney and

Jim Henson Pictures.

Phillips most recently served as an executive producer on David Fincher’s

“Zodiac,” and is executive producer on the upcoming drama “Resurrecting the Champ,”

starring Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett. His other executive producing credits

include “Miss Potter,” starring Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson; and

“Holes,” Andrew Davis’ adventure drama starring Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight.

In addition to “License to Wed,” Phillips also co-produced Marcus Nispel’s Viking

saga “Pathfinder” and the mystery thriller “Basic,” starring John Travolta and Samuel L.

Jackson. In 2005, Phillips produced “Urban Legends: Bloody Mary,” the third film in the

hit horror franchise.

TREVOR ENGELSON (Co-Producer) most recently served as executive

producer of the comedy adventure “Zoom,” starring Tim Allen. He is currently a partner

at Underground Films & Management with producer Nick Osborne.

Underground Films’ upcoming projects include the inspirational drama “Class

Act,” starring Halle Berry, and the comedies “All About Steve,” starring Sandra Bullock,

“Venus Kincaid,” “Stepmonster,” “Rising Son,” “Muskrat Love,” “Soccer Mom” and

“Wishworks.”

Engelson started his film career on the set of the action movie “Deep Blue Sea”

as a production assistant, and thereafter became an assistant at Endeavor Talent

Agency. He is a graduate of the USC Annenberg School of Communications.

CHRISTOPHE BECK (Composer) has composed the score of well over 40

feature films and nearly 20 television shows. With over 15 years of experience, Beck

has scored a wide array of projects, including such action films as “The Sentinel” and

“Elektra,” the comedies “The Pink Panther” and “Bring It On,” and such dramas as

“Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Year of the Dog.”

He also recently composed the score of “We Are Marshall,” starring Matthew

McConaughey, Matthew Fox and David Strathairn. His other film credits include “School

for Scoundrels”; “Yours, Mine and Ours”; “Taxi”; “A Cinderella Story”; “Saved!”;

“Garfield”; “Cheaper by the Dozen”; “American Wedding”; and “Just Married.”

Beck began his scoring career on the Canadian television series “White Fang,”

and from there went on to score three seasons of the hit television series “Buffy the

Vampire Slayer,” for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition.

# # #

WARNER BROS. PICTURES Presents

In Association with VILLAGE ROADSHOW PICTURES

A ROBERT SIMONDS/PHOENIX PICTURES Production

A KEN KWAPIS Film

CAST

Reverend Frank..........................................................................ROBIN WILLIAMS

Sadie Jones..................................................................................MANDY MOORE

Ben Murphy ............................................................................... JOHN KRASINSKI

Carlisle...........................................................................ERIC CHRISTIAN OLSEN

Lindsey Jones........................................................................CHRISTINE TAYLOR

Choir Boy........................................................................................JOSH FLITTER

Joel ...................................................................................................DeRAY DAVIS

Mr. Jones................................................................................... PETER STRAUSS

Grandma Jones .......................................................................GRACE ZABRISKIE

Mrs. Jones ...................................................................................ROXANNE HART

Shelly..............................................................................................MINDY KALING

Judith the Jewelry Clerk ..............................................................ANGELA KINSEY

Janine.......................................................................................RACHAEL HARRIS

Jim ................................................................................... BRIAN BAUMGARTNER

Jewelry Clerk ........................................................................... JESS ROSENTHAL

Jewelry Store Customer..........................................................VAL ALMENDAREZ

Louise .....................................................................NICOLE RANDALL JOHNSON

Church Kid Sarah .........................................................................TASHANA HAYE

Church Kid Laurie...........................................................SARAH KATE JOHNSON

Church Kid Manny ......................................................................... TRAVIS FLORY

Joel & Shelly’s Kids ..............................................................DOMINIC SWINGLER

DEVIN SWINGLER

DIEGO SWINGLER

Macy’s Clerk ......................................................................... CYNTHIA ETTINGER

Macy’s Changing Room Lady....................................................... GILLIAN SKUPA

Macy’s Security Guard ............................................................PONCHO HODGES

Coach ......................................................................................... RUBEN GARFIAS

Carlisle’s Girlfriend .................................................................... KELSEY HARPER

Expectant Father ......................................................................... DAVID QUINLAN

Birthing Mom.................................................................................... IRENE KARAS

Doctor ............................................................................................ DEREK GREEN

Delivery Doctor .................................................................... CHRISTINE CANNON

Belly Dancer ...................................................................ANELIA DYOULGEROVA

Starbucks Customers..............NATHAN BARRETT, DARLA VANDENBOSSCHE

SEAN TYSON, CHIU-LIN TAM, GUY FAUCHON

St. Augustine’s Choir Director ..................................................GRANT GERSHON

St. Augustine’s Choir............................CRISPIN BARRYMORE, TANIA BATSON

JOSEPH BAZYOUROS, EDIE LEHMANN BODDRICKER

PAUL BENT, CINDY BOURQUIN, LEANNA BRAND

ANDY BROWN, KAREN HOGLE BROWN

VICKY PRESTON BROWN, ALVIN CHEALEBERTA LORÁL, PABLO CORÁ, CLAIRE FEDORUK

AMY FOGERSON, RACHELLE FOX, MICHAEL FREED

MICHAEL GEIGER, DYLAN GENTILE, SCOTT GRAFF

STEVEN HARMS, SAUNDRA HALL HILL

MARIE HODGSON, CLYDENE JACKSON

DIANA ZASLOVE KAHN, TERI KOIDE, BOB LEWIS

SEAN McDERMOTT, ALICE KIRWAN MURRAY

BOBBI PAGE, STEVE PENCE, FLETCHER SHERIDAN

KEVIN ST. CLAIR, CAHEN TAYLOR, CARMEN TWILLIE

WINTER WATSON, JOHN WEST

GERALD WHITE, EYVONNE WILLIAMS

Stunt Coordinators..........THOMAS ROBINSON HARPER, MELISSA R. STUBBS

Stunts................................................... JACK CARPENTER, JACOB CHAMBERS

ROBERT M. COLE, DONNA EVANS MERLO

ANNIE ELLIS, CHRISTIAN FLETCHER

J. ARMIN GARZA II, TAD GRIFFITH

JIM HALTY, MICHAEL HANSEN

OAKLEY LEHMAN, JIM PRATT, TIM RIGBY

LARRY RIPPENKROEGER, ERIK RONDELL

MICHAEL RUNYARD, DAVID SCHULTZ

TIM TRELLA, MARK VANSELOW

FILMMAKERS

Directed by.........................................................................................KEN KWAPIS

Screenplay by...........KIM BARKER and TIM RASMUSSEN & VINCE Di MEGLIO

Story by…............................................................KIM BARKER & WAYNE LLOYD

Produced by..................................................................................MIKE MEDAVOY

ARNOLD W. MESSER

NICK OSBORNE

ROBERT SIMONDS

Executive Producers...........................................................BRADLEY J. FISCHER

DAVID THWAITES

KIM ZUBICK

DANA GOLDBERG

and BRUCE BERMAN

Director of Photography..........................................................JOHN BAILEY, A.S.C.

Production Designer.......................................................................GAE BUCKLEY

Edited by........................................................................KATHRYN HIMOFF, A.C.E.

Casting by..................................... SHANI GINSBERG, C.S.A. & JAKKI FINK, C.S.A.

Costumes Designed by .................................................................. DEENA APPEL

Co-Producers..........................................................................CHRISTINE SACANI

LOUIS PHILLIPS

TREVOR ENGELSON

Music by.................................................................................CHRISTOPHE BECK

Music Supervisor........................................................................SPRING ASPERS

Unit Production Manager.......................................................... RICHARD PRINCE

First Assistant Director ....................................................MARTY ELI SCHWARTZ

Second Assistant Director...............................................CYNTHIA A. POTTHAST

Supervising Art Director................................................................ ANDREW CAHN

Art Director.........................................................................................SUE HENZEL

Set Decorator................................................................................ KAREN O’HARA

Assistant Art Directors ...........................ELIZABETH FLAHERTY, AUSTIN GORG

Set Designer....................................................................................JAMES TOCCI

Graphic Designer................................................................................. JANE FITTS

Art Department Coordinator ..............................................MONICA FROMMHOLZ

Art Department Assistant............................................................. BRITTANY PALA

Leadperson............................................................................ANTHONY CARLINO

On Set Dresser............................................................................PHILIP THOMON

Property Master ..................................................................................... TIM WILES

Assistant Props...............................MICHAEL BERTOLINA, JEFFREY BARNETT

Script Supervisor .........................................................................VEDA SEMARNE

A Camera Operator ....................................................................MATT MORIARTY

B Camera Operators ......... MICHAEL RINTOUL, MICHAEL TSIMPEROPOULOS

Steadicam Operator ..................................................................... BOB GORELICK

A Camera 1st Assistant............................................................. PETER KUTTNER

B Camera 1st Assistants ............. JANICE RUONA, CHELI CLAYTON SAMARAS

A Camera 2nd Assistant............................................................... JENNIFER BELL

B Camera 2nd Assistant...............................................................TOMMY TIECHE

Still Photographer ........................................................................... PETER SOREL

Sound Mixer..........................................................................CRAIG WOODS C.A.S.

Boom Operator...........................................................................MARK JENNINGS

Video Assist........................................................................................DAVID KATZ

Assistant Costume Designer ................................................. MICHELLE HARPER

Costume Coordinator ...........................................................NICKOLAUS BROWN

Set Costumer........................................................................... GLORIA FONSECA

Costumers ..................................................BOB MOORE, KATHLEEN MUSSEHL

Hair and Make-Up for Mr. Williams...................................................CHERI MINNS

Hair Department Head/Hair for Ms. Moore.................JANINE RATH-THOMPSON

Hairstylists ..................................... DAVID DANNON, ROXANE GRIFFIN-CRANK

NICOLE VENERABLES

Make-Up Department Head..............................................................SCOTT EDDO

Key Make-Up/Make-Up for Ms. Moore......................................STEVE ARTMONT

Make-Up Artist................................................................................JAMES R. KAIL

Chief Lighting Technician................................................MIKE “MOISHE” MOYER

Assistant Chief Lighting Technicians...............KEN BALLANTINE, EARL BROWN

Rigging Gaffer............................................................................. DAVID BURNETT

Key Grip...........................................................................................ART BARTELS

Best Boy Grip................................................................... BRUCE CHIMEROFSKY

Dolly Grip......................................................................GEORGE SANTO PIETRO

Key Rigging Grip ..................................................................JOSEPH A. GRAHAM

Best Boy Rigging Grip .............................................................. STEVEN W. GAGE

Special Effects Coordinator......................................................... TOM BELLISIMO

Special Effects.........................CHARLES BELARDINELLI, JOHNNY FRANCO III

MALIA THOMPSON, SHANNON THOMPSON

Post Production Coordinator .................................................MARGO JOHNSTON

1st Assistant Editors...............................ANGELA BARTON, JEFFREY C. PRICE

2nd Assistant Editors.................................. TIM WILSON, PETER TACKABERRY

Post Production Associate...........................................................BEN BRANDFON

Production Office Coordinator ...................................................... SUSAN DUKOW

Assistant Production Office Coordinator ...................................... ANDREW ZILCH

Production Secretary............................................................JAMIE R. ROBINSON

Location Managers.....................................TIMOTHY HILLMAN, ALRICK BURKE

Assistant Location Managers .........................JUSTIN HEALY, PERRI FICHTNER

STEPHEN ANDRZEJEWSKI

CATHERINE KAGAN, SUZETTE ELLIS

Animal Handlers ...................................................BIRDS & ANIMALS UNLIMITED

Production Accountant .......................................................... KATHRYN MINDALA

Assistant Production Accountants.......................SANDRA L. YEARY, LAURA TIZ

Assistant to Mr. Kwapis ....................................................REBECCA RAJKOWSKI

Assistant to Mr. Williams ........................................ REBECCA ERWIN SPENCER

Assistant to Ms. Moore.............................................................. JAMIE PAGLIANO

Assistants to Mr. Simonds............................... JULIE VALINE, TERRI GODDARD

Assistants to Mr. Medavoy .......................................TIM MARION, DOUG McKAY

Assistant to Mr. Messer..................................................................RON PUCKETT

Assistant to Mr. Osborne............................................................ NICOLE WRIGHT

Construction Coordinator.................................................................... JONAS KIRK

Construction Foreman............................................................... MARCEL WORCH

Greens.............................................................LEE RUNNELS, TODD WOLCOTT

Standby Painter ....................................................................... TIMOTHY ACKERS

Transportation Coordinator......................................................... RUSS McINTYRE

Transportation Captain..................................................................WAYNE STONE

Catering .............................................................................LIMELIGHT CATERING

Craft Service.......................................NICK MESTRANDREA, LLOYD JACKSON

Staff Assistants............................................LAURA BRODY, KENISHA GOODEN

KRISTEN KOPP, RUBEN MARQUEZ

SANTINO MOREA, PAIGE POTTER

Set Staff Assistants ..........................SCOTT DVORAK-SHELDON, ISAAC MEIJA

LORENZO dela ROSA, DeANDRE “SILKY” RUSSELL

ELIJAH CSIDER, ONEIL BURKE

RALPH FARQUHARSON, JAHSEN LEVY

NICOLAS NEWBY, SIMON PACKER

Additional 2nd Assistant Directors... EMILY McGOVERN, SARAH BLUMENTHAL

2nd 2nd Assistant Directors........JOHN “PONCH” PONTRELLI, AMANDA LOPEZ

DGA Trainee.................................................................................STACY STUART

Extras Casting ...................................................................................... JEFF OLAN

Casting Assistant......................................................................FREYA KRANSOW

Unit Publicist...............................................................................MICHAEL UMBLE

Studio Teacher .......................................................................... RHONA GORDON

Animatronic Babies by..................................................................DRAC STUDIOS

Jamaica Production Services by ................... FLIM SHOW PRODUCTIONS, LTD.

VANCOUVER UNIT

Unit Production Manager....................................................................... JIM ROWE

Art Director.................................................................................KEVIN HUMMENY

Set Designer...................................................................................JAY MITCHELL

Property Master............................................................................ELLEN FREUND

Assistant Property Master .............................................MICHELLE HENDRIKSEN

Script Supervisor...........................................................................SUSAN LAMBIE

A Camera 1st Assistant........................................................... PATRICK STEPEIN

B Camera Operator ............................................................ RICHARD S. WALDEN

Sound Mixer................................................................................ MICHAEL McGEE

Boom Operator .................................................................. MICHAEL HIBBERSON

Assistant Costumer Designer.........................................COURTNEY ANDERSON

Costume Supervisors ............................. ROBIN McMULLEN, SANDRA BLACKIE

Costumer......................................................................................MARNIE ANDER

Assistant Chief Lighting Technician ............................................ ANDY GUICHON

Rigging Gaffer...........................................................................GAETAN JALBERT

Production Coordinator.................................................................... EVA MORGAN

Location Manager.......................................................................KENDRIE UPTON

Construction Coordinator..................................................... WOODY WOODRUFF

Craft Service/First Aid.....................................................................NANCY KRESS

Transportation Coordinator.............................................................. MARK ANGUS

Transportation Captains ........................................ TIM FORTIN, SUZETTE ELLIS

Supervising Sound Editors ... GEOFFREY G. RUBAY, M.P.S.E., JASON GEORGE

Re-recording Mixers ................................ STEVE PEDERSON, BRAD SHERMAN

Dialogue/ADR Editors.................................................................... JED M. DODGE

DANIEL S. IRWIN, M.P.S.E., CHRIS JERGO

Foley Editor......................................................................................... BOB BEHER

Sound Effects Editors ...................................DINO DIMURO, BRUCE STAMBLER

KAREN VASSAR

First Assistant Sound Editor ..................................................... JOHN G. CANNON

ADR Mixer .......................................................................THOMAS J. O’CONNELL

Foley Mixer.........................................................................................DAVID JOBE

Foley Artists............................................................DAVID FEIN, HILDA HODGES

Music Editors...............................................WILL KAPLAN, DAVID CARBONARA

Additional Music by..............................................................................ADAM BLAU

Score Recorded and Mixed by.......................................................CASEY STONE

Orchestra Conducted by.....................................................NICK GLENNIE-SMITH

Orchestrations .............................................................................. KEVIN KLIESCH

Music Coordinator ...........................................................................RYAN GAINES

Main Title Sequence Designed by...................................THOMAS COBB GROUP

Ben’s Doodles................................................................................MARK BRISTOL

Opticals by...................................................................................... PACIFIC TITLE

Negative Cutter..................................................................................... MO HENRY

Color Timer........................................................................................BOB RARING

Visual Effects by .............................................................. ROCKET SCIENCE VFX

TOM TURNBULL, ROBERT CROWTHER

IAN BRITTON, MATT HANSEN, BARB BENOIT

“Ever Present Past”

Written and performed by Paul McCartney

Courtesy of Hear Music

“Oh Happy Day”

Traditional, arranged by David O

Performed by Grant Gershon and members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale

“If U Stay Ready”

Written by Dajuan Walker, Robert Bacon Jr., David Blake, George Archie Jr. and Wilbert Milo

Performed by Suga Free

Courtesy of The Island Def Jam Music Group

Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

“You’re Late”

Written by David O, Dan Fogelman, Vince Di Meglio and Tim Rasmussen

Performed by Grant Gershon and members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale

“Groove Is In The Heart”

Written by D’mitry Brill, Dong-Hwa Chung,

Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Herbie Hancock and Kier Kirby

Performed by Deee-Lite

Courtesy of Elektra Entertainment Group

By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

“Pray”

Written by MC Hammer and Prince Rogers Nelson

“Dash’s Song”

Written by Brett Rolen

Performed by El Centro

Courtesy of Long Live Crime Records/MS-Pro

“Let Me Take You Far Away”

Written by Jon Merkin, Eliad Shapiro, Andrew McNellis and Jeremy Stein

Performed by The Shake

Courtesy of LoveCat Music

By arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group

“Devil Take My Soul”

Written by Benjamin Darvill and Tim Gordine

Performed by Son Of Dave featuring Martina Topley Bird

Courtesy of Kartel Ltd.

By arrangement with Zync Music Inc.

“Dora The Explorer Theme”

Written by Josh Sitron, Billy Straus and Sarah Durkee

Courtesy of Nickelodeon

“Won’t You Join Me For A Drink?”

Written by N. Hollywood

Performed by Lemon

Courtesy of Freshly Squeezed Music

“It Must Be Love”

Written by Labi Siffre

Performed by Madness

Courtesy of Geffen Records

Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

Courtesy of Virgin Records Ltd.

Under license from EMI Records Ltd.

“Stop In The Name Of Love”

Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Edward Holland, Jr.

“Every Time”

Written by Mindi Abair and Matthew Hager

Performed by Mindi Abair

Courtesy of The Verve Music Group

Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

“New Shoes”

Written by Matty Benbrook, Jim Duguid and Paolo Nutini

Performed by Paolo Nutini

Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp./Warner Music U.K. Ltd.

By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

“Everybody Ona Move”

Written by Michael Franti, David Shul and Carl Rogers Young

Performed by Michael Franti & Spearhead

Courtesy of Anti, a division of Epitaph

“Oh Happy Day”

Arranged by Edwin Hawkins

Produced by Rohan Dwyer, Paul Lewis, Carol Dexter, Christopher Smith

Performed by Carol Dexter, Latoya Hall, Claudine Hyatt, Dwight Richards, Christopher Smith

The Major League Baseball trademarks depicted in the film were licensed by

Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.

CORBIS

AP/Wide World Photos

Dress The Set

Getty Images

Shot on location at Sandals Resorts and Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

American Humane Association monitored the animal action.

No animal was harmed in the making of this film. AHA01401

Camera & Lenses by PANAVISION ®

Camera Dollies by CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.

Color by TECHNICOLOR ®

KODAK Motion Picture Products

FUJIFILM Motion Picture Products

DOLBY Digital SDDS DTS Digital

Approved #43543

Motion Picture Association of America

IATSE

This motion picture

Story and Screenplay

Original Score

Phoenix Pictures

Warner Bros. Distribution

Posted by Bill at 08:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

4th of July

July 3

Celebrate 4th of July with Energy Independence
PECO offers fun ways to conserve energy and save money

PECO encourages customers to celebrate July 4th by becoming more "energy independent" while having fun in the Delaware valley. There are a variety of summer activities that can help customers reduce energy use and save money while benefiting the environment.

-- Have a picnic or barbeque with family, friends, or neighbors. Reduce

your use of appliances like stoves or ovens to keep your home cool and

save money.

-- Enjoy a backyard camp-out.

-- Visit pools or water-parks for a low- or no-cost way to cool down.

-- Turn off the air conditioner and visit one of the region's many air-

conditioned public libraries or museums to stay cool and learn

something new.

-- Take a cool shower instead of a bath to use nearly half as much hot

water. Water heating accounts for about 16 percent of energy used in

the home, making it customers' third largest energy expense.

New this summer is PECO's summer energy efficiency website where anyone who wants to save energy can purchase one of the company's new EasySave Energy Kits. The new kit can save customers about $40 a year and nearly $400 during the life of the products. A value of $30, the kit is available to PECO customers for $19.99 plus $3 shipping and handling. For information call 1- 800-831-8383 x 190 or visit www.pecosummer.com. The kit includes:

-- ENERGY STAR 60, 75 and 100 watt Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL):

Each CFL uses about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent

light bulbs and can last up to 9 years.

-- Filter Whistle: This handy device snaps onto filters in central cooling

or heating systems. As dust collects, the device whistles and reminds

you that it is time to change the filter.

-- Low Voltage Night Light: This flat plug-in night light uses only 31

cents of electricity a year, saving you about $9.

-- Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer: Many refrigerators are set colder

than necessary and are wasting electricity. Knowing the proper setting

for your appliance will help you save money.

-- Switch and Outlet Insulators: Lack of insulation lets warm air enter

your home and makes your cooling system work harder. These easy to

install insulators go behind light switch plates and outlets to help

seal up your home.

-- Energy Efficiency Information: This handy information wheel not only

provides users with energy saving information, but it offers several

ways that customers can help the environment.

Visit www.pecosummer.com, PECO's online energy store, for a wide variety of energy efficient products. PECO has joined with Energy Federation Inc., one of the leading distributors of energy-saving products in the United States, to offer energy-saving products at a 20 percent discount to PECO customers. The company does not profit from any of the online sales, but is offering its customers another way to save money this summer by reducing their home energy usage.

Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE:EXC) . PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 480,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2006, the company delivered 38.2 million megawatt-hours (Mwh) of electricity and 76.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas to residential, business and institutional customers. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations.

Web site: http://www.peco.com/
http://www.pecosummer.com/

July 2

BBQ and the 4th of July!
CheapTickets.com Identifies the Best Cities to Enjoy Food and Festivities this Independence Day

The heat is on this Fourth of July, with fired-up grills and lit-up skies expected all across the United States. CheapTickets.com, a leading online travel agency that knows "the less you pay, the better it feels(TM)," has commissioned its Destination Experts -- travel authorities stationed throughout the country -- to identify the top cities for BBQ this Independence Day.

Benefiting from their expertise and utilizing the CheapTickets Summer Hotel Sale, BBQ-lovers can fly or drive to cities near or far this July 4th, enjoy authentic BBQ and experience the best all-American festivities during the cherished national holiday.

CHEAPTICKETS' TOP 10 BBQ DESTINATIONS

CheapTickets' hotel booking data ranks the top 10 BBQ destinations for the July 4th holiday as nominated by the online agency's Destination Experts. The ranking identifies where people are headed this Independence Day for food and fun and includes CheapTickets' favorite joints for tasty BBQ in each respective city.

CheapTickets Top BBQ Destinations(1)

BBQ Destination CheapTickets Favorite Average Daily Rate

Destination for 3-star hotels(2)

Rank for

4th of July

1 New York City Dinosaur Bar-B-Que $167.60

2 New Orleans, LA Bywater Bar-B-Que $133.83

3 Washington, D.C. Old Glory All-American BBQ $103.94

4 St. Louis, MO Smoki O'S $90.82

5 Dallas, TX Jasper's Restaurant $84.07

6 Kansas City, MO Arthur Bryant's $123.74

7 Cincinnati, OH Montgomery Inn $119.95

8 Charleston, SC Sticky Fingers RibHouse $164.60

9 Little Rock, AR Corky's BBQ $155.95

10 Memphis, TN Pig-N-Whistle $100.20

(1) BBQ destinations were nominated by CheapTickets' Destination Experts

and ranked using CTIX hotel booking data. Rankings are based on

CheapTickets bookings as of 6-18-07 for arrivals 7-3-07 through

7-6-07.

(2) Average Daily Rate was calculated by taking the average price of

3-star hotels in the listed markets purchased on CheapTickets.com

through 6/24/07 for arrivals 7/3/07 through 7/6/07.

Save $50-Off A July 4th Getaway with the CheapTickets Summer Hotel & Package Sale*:

Last-minute planners can still find an affordable getaway this Fourth of July with the CheapTickets Summer Hotel Sale. It is not too late to fly somewhere special or to gas up and drive to a local city near you! BBQ-fans and travelers of all persuasions will receive $50-off qualifying hotel and package (hotel plus air) bookings of three or more nights on CheapTickets.com (and noted by the CheapTickets "Best Price Guarantee" icon). Customers must book their travel using promotion code CTXSUMMER by July 8, 2007, and travel is valid through September 3, 2007.

CHEAPTICKETS' PICKS FOR THE BEST BBQ GETAWAYS IN 2007 & Sample Hotel Plus Air Packages**:

CheapTickets' Destination Experts have eaten their way through some of the country's best BBQ to identify their favorites for this July 4th. More than a few sauce-stained shirts later, CheapTickets' travel gurus highlight their favorites for 2007. Let their hard work (ok, who are we kidding?) be your guide.

New York City - The Big Apple is big on food - and BBQ is no exception. Dinosaur B-B-Que is a much-loved Harlem establishment that offers mouthwatering fare, complemented by live music and the restaurant's picturesque setting under the Riverside Drive bridge. For Independence Day festivities, visitors can head to the East River, where Macy's Department Stores and the New York Fire Department host an annual fireworks spectacular. The pyrotechnic display is accompanied by red, clear and blue water streams shooting 300 feet over the river thanks to the FDNY fire boats.

Chicago, IL to New York: Fly from Chicago to New York and stay 3 nights at the 4-Star Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers from $570 per person

Travel Dates: July 2-5

Washington, DC - Get saucy this July 4th in the nation's capital. Old Glory All-American BBQ offers traditional slow-cooked meats marinated in the restaurant's own homemade BBQ sauces and dry rubs. Tasty BBQ is not the only treat in store for visitors to Washington, DC this Fourth of July. The capital's nationally-renowned fireworks display is among the best in the country, with one of the most famous skylines as its backdrop.

San Diego, CA to Washington, DC: Fly from San Diego to Washington, DC and stay 3 nights at the 4-Star Jurys Washington Hotel from $587 per person

Travel Dates: July 2-5

Cincinnati, OH - Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse is considered one of the best rib joints in the Midwest. The secret is in the sauce as our Destination Experts can attest. This Queen City jewel happens to be next door neighbors with the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Celebrate Fourth of July while watching America's pastime and enjoy the fireworks display with every home run.

Atlanta, GA to Cincinnati: Fly from Atlanta to Cincinnati and stay 3 nights at the 4-Star Hyatt Regency from $478 per person

Travel Dates: July 2-5

Charleston, SC - Welcome to the Low Country, home of the sweetest tea and authentic "fall-off-the-bone" ribs. This year, spend Fourth of July tasting Sticky Fingers RibHouse's five original sauce flavors. Two Destination Expert favorites: Habanero Hot and Carolina Sweet! With appetite satisfied, head over to Patriot's Point where the South Carolina Aquarium will host fireworks overlooking the Charleston Harbor-Happy Birthday America!

Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Charleston, SC: Fly from Ft. Lauderdale to Charleston and stay 3 nights at the 4-Star Holiday Inn from $547 per person

Travel Dates: July 2-5

Little Rock, AR - It's all about the ribs at Corky's BBQ. Corky's distinctive, slow-cooked meats have been grilled to perfection over hickory wood and charcoal since 1984. Top off the night by heading to "Pops on the River," a July 4th concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Live music will accompany the fireworks display over the Arkansas River, offering the whole family a night of entertainment at the best price of all -- free.

Denver, CO to Little Rock, AR: Fly from Denver to Little Rock and stay 3 nights at the 4-Star Holiday Inn from $547 per person

Travel Dates: July 2-5

Terms & Conditions:

* Book a qualifying hotel or flight + hotel vacation package -- indicated by a coupon icon -- between June 4, 2007, and July 8, 2007, for 3 or more nights for travel between June 4, 2007, and September 3, 2007, via CheapTickets("Qualifying Purchase") and instantly receive $50 off your purchase on CheapTickets through the use of the promotion code ("Instant Discount"). Only Qualifying Purchases made through July 8, 2007, by 11:59 p.m. CT shall qualify for the Instant Discount. Travel must be completed by September 3, 2007. Only one Instant Discount allowed per hotel room. Instant Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Once Instant Discount has been redeemed, it may not be returned or refunded for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. CheapTickets reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion. In the event of any violation of these terms and conditions, CheapTickets reserves the right to not honor the Instant Discount, cancel your reservation, and pursue other remedies.

** Sample rates shown were accurate and available on CheapTickets.com on 6/25/07 for travel 7/2/07 - 7/5/07 and may not represent current prices because or real-time pricing booking engine is constantly updating prices and availability. Vacation package prices shown are for one adult, based on double-occupancy, include applicable taxes and fees, and will vary by selected day of departure, departure city, length of stay, hotel selected, hotel room category, and availability. $50 Summer Hotel Sale savings have not been applied to the package pricing.

About CheapTickets

CheapTickets (www.cheaptickets.com) is a leading seller of discounted leisure travel products online through its Web site, www.cheaptickets.com. CheapTickets provides consumers access to its collection of airfares on hundreds of airlines. In addition to air, CheapTickets' family of discounted travel products also includes hotel accommodations, cruises, rental cars, vacation packages, condo rentals and Last Minute Trips. Founded in 1986, CheapTickets is a Travelport Inc. brand. Travelport (www.travelport.com) is one of the largest and most geographically diverse travel companies, dedicated to creating the exceptional travel experiences the world demands.

Source: CheapTickets

Web site: http://www.cheaptickets.com/

Red, White and Blue Can Be Safe, Fun and Healthy Too
RevolutionHealth.com Offers Critical Safety Reminders for Parents This July 4th Holiday

-- The 4th of July means outdoor fun and fireworks, but holiday festivities can present hazards for children if parents aren't careful. Simple steps can prevent injuries and keep kids safe. RevolutionHealth.com's Chief Medical Officer, Pediatrician Dr. Jeffrey Gruen, offers reminders for the most common July 4th activities.

-- Keep an Eye on Fireworks -- Since 1990, there have been approximately

100,000 fireworks-related injuries to children in the U.S., resulting

in approximately 10,000 permanent injuries. Eye injuries, including

blindness, are the second most common injury, after burns.

In case of an eye injury, do not let a child rub their eye. Instead,

place a protective patch over the eye. Do not apply ointment. Do not

give aspirin or ibuprofen because both can thin the blood. Go

immediately to an emergency room, even if there is no pain after a

blunt impact injury. Serious eye injuries from blunt impact can occur

days later.

-- Glow, Don't Sparkle -- Some fireworks might seem gentle enough for

children, but sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees, about five times hotter

than a typical stove! Children cannot judge how dangerous this is, and

they should not put sparklers in their pockets.

The rule is simple: Never give fireworks to children of any age. The

best way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display where professionals

operate the equipment, although make sure you are watching from a

comfortable distance. Don't let your children handle firework

fragments -- they have been known to explode. If children want to be

part of the celebration, give them glow in the dark wands or toys

instead. This way, they can safely generate their own "light."

-- Water, Water Everywhere -- If you participate in a private fireworks

display, follow simple guidelines to ensure that you and your family

stay safe. Use fireworks only outside. Have one or more buckets of

water on hand to put out sparks. Wear gloves and protective eye gear.

Realize that fireworks cause a huge number of house fires as well so

protect against it. Remember to dispose of used fireworks properly.

"As a father of three kids, I can tell you the last place you want to spend your holiday is in an emergency room!" said Dr. Gruen. "This July 4th and all summer long, make sure your children are educated on the risks associated with their summer activities and know what to do in the event an accident does happen."

Additional health and safety advice this July 4th weekend includes:

-- Be Cool at the Pool, Watch and Walk -- With summer in full swing, it is

more important than ever that parents keep an eye on children when

enjoying the pool. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for

children under 14. Whether it's at a friend's backyard or a public

pool, make sure children know that they are not allowed in the pool

without adult supervision. Don't rely on swimming lessons or

"floaties," and never leave a child unattended in a pool.

When swimming or playing near the pool, obey lifeguards and pool rules,

particularly in public pools which can get crowded. Children should

always walk, not run, to avoid slipping and falling. Set a good

example for children by leading the way and enjoying the pool safely.

-- Fall-ow the Law, Strap on a Helmet -- It can't be said enough: Wear a

helmet when biking or rollerblading. A properly-worn helmet is the

best -- and simplest -- way to prevent serious injury. Seventy-five

percent of bicycle-related injuries would not have occurred if a helmet

had been worn. While 97% of parents recognize the importance of

wearing a bicycle helmet, only one in five (20%) actually insists that

their children wear one.

Read more about summer safety tips for your children at Dr. Gruen's blog.

Dr. Jeffrey Gruen is Chief Medical Officer of Revolution Health where he heads a team of physicians to provide overall health care and clinical direction and works to enhance relationships between consumers and providers of care. Dr. Gruen has had a distinguished career as a senior health care executive for the past 25 years. He received his M.D. from Northwestern University and completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics at Yale- New Haven Hospital. He served as Director of Pediatrics at a health center associated with The Massachusetts General Hospital and previously served on the clinical faculty of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gruen also has an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

About Revolution Health

Revolution Health Group LLC was created by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case to create products and services that empower people by putting them at the center of the health system. The cornerstone of the company is RevolutionHealth.com, a free consumer health and medical web site that marries expert content and online tools with the power of social networking. Revolution Health also offers premium services that enable companies to provide health content and customized online tools to their employees, an insurance marketplace and CarePages, the leading service that enables communication among family and friends when someone is receiving care. For more information go to http://revolutionhealth.com/.

Source: Revolution Health Group

ATF's Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

-- As Independence Day approaches, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) wants to remind the public to exercise caution when dealing with fireworks and only purchase legal fireworks through licensed retailers.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency charged with enforcing federal explosives laws. ATF actively works with other federal agencies, such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission through its fireworks enforcement program, to prevent trafficking and possession of illegal fireworks, which are technically classified as illegal explosive devices. ATF investigates manufacturers and distributors of illegal explosive devices in an effort to keep them out of the hands of unsuspecting consumers.

"Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and that they are used safely," advises Paul Vido, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division. The Louisville Field Division is comprised of 14 offices throughout Kentucky and West Virginia.

Illegal explosive devices meet neither safety nor quality standards of legally manufactured consumer fireworks. Federally banned fireworks include M-80s, M-1000s, Silver Salutes, Quarter Sticks, Quarter Pounders, and Cherry Bombs. These types of devices are sold by unscrupulous individuals who tout these items as "fireworks" when in reality they are small, illegal, unstable bombs that sometimes explode in the hands of unwary buyers or children.

The explosive material in these devices greatly exceeds the limit for common fireworks. Notoriously, these illegal explosives have almost instantaneous fuses and are designed to detonate other explosives in close proximity. Mail-order kits designed to build these fireworks also are banned. The manufacture, sale and receipt of these illegal explosives devices are a federal felony and can result in a 10-year prison sentence.

Vido warned that "these types of illegal explosives just are not safe. We want people to stay safe this 4th of July. Everyone, especially parents, needs to understand that friction, heat, or even a slight bump can cause these types of illegal devices to detonate."

State and local fireworks laws and regulations differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Before purchasing or using any fireworks, check with the authorities in your areas to find out what is allowed. "Buy fireworks from vendors who operate openly and welcome visits by fire departments and police officers. Never buy so called 'fireworks' from a person selling them on the street or out of the back of a vehicle," Vido added.

Some indicators of an illegal explosive device are:

-- Resembles a roll of coins with a fuse

-- A cardboard tube or oddly shaped item wrapped in brown paper filled

with an explosive material

-- Red, silver or brown in color

-- May be one to six inches long and up to an inch or more in diameter

-- Being sold on the street or out of the back of someone's vehicle

Some important fireworks safety tips include:

-- Always get the facts first about state and local fireworks ordinances.

Check with your local fire department, police or sheriff's office

-- Always buy fireworks from a legal vendor.

-- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place not accessible to youngsters.

-- Always avoid rough handling of fireworks.

-- Only light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from anything that

might catch fire. Keep water or a fire extinguisher handy.

-- Only light one firework at a time and then move away to a safe

distance.

-- Children and fireworks can be a volatile mix. Responsible adults

should always supervise when igniting fireworks.

"Citizens can play an important role in curbing the pain and injuries caused by these illegal devices," Vido said. The public should report the manufacture or sale of illegal fireworks or explosive devices to local law enforcement or by calling the toll-free ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888- 283-2662).

Web site: http://www.atf.gov/

July 4th Busiest and 'Trashiest' Beach Holiday of the Year
Clean Beaches Council Lists 7 Most Appalling Trash Items on US Beaches

-- Most beachgoers this July 4th, the biggest beach holiday of the year, will be looking for sun, sand and surf, but after the fireworks are finished they may be surprised to find plenty of shocking and unsanitary trash items.

As part of National Clean Beaches Week, June 29-July 5, the Clean Beaches Council has compiled a list of the seven most appalling litter items found on U.S. beaches. These include:

-- Condoms

-- Syringes

-- Diapers

-- Tampons

-- Cigar Tips

-- Shotgun Shells

-- Cars

National Clean Beaches Week, in its fourth year, aims to raise awareness of the threats facing our beaches and to increase public responsibility and stewardship of public beaches around the country. The council highlights four themes: the environment, travel, fitness and health, as well as healthy seafood.

"Take a look around your feet at the end of the Independence Day and you will likely be horrified at what you find there," says Walter McLeod, president of the Clean Beaches Council, which sponsors the week. "Let's make sure this July 4th all we leave behind on the beach are our footprints."

On Wednesday, June 27, the US House of Representatives passed legislation, supported by President Bush, to make National Clean Beaches Week official. They followed the Senate, which passed the bill earlier in the week.

With some 180 million people visiting the U.S. coast each year and more than half of the total U.S. population now living in a coastal county, beach litter is a growing problem. Litter can harm marine life, coral reefs, recreational and commercial vessels, as well as people. Clean Beaches Council estimates that in 2006 alone, more than 390 pounds of litter was collected per mile of coastline during a yearly coastal clean up sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy.

About the Clean Beaches Council

Launched in the United Nation's "International Year of the Ocean" (the spring of 1998), Clean Beaches Council is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization devoted to sustaining America's beaches by increasing public awareness and volunteer participation. Since its inception, CBC has developed innovative approaches to coastal management and protection of human health and the environment. CBC's flagship program is the Blue Wave Campaign -- America's first environmental certification program for beaches. For more information, visit www.cleanbeaches.org.

Source: Clean Beaches Council

Web site: http://www.cleanbeaches.org/

National Safety Council Reports 4th of July Most Dangerous Holiday
Offers Tips for Injury-Free Celebration

The combination of travel, alcohol and fireworks has made July the nation's deadliest month and the 4th of July our most dangerous holiday.

According to the most recent data available from the National Safety Council, July 4, 2005 was the most lethal holiday for drivers, with alcohol factoring into nearly half of all motor vehicle deaths over the July 4th holiday.

This year, the National Safety Council estimates 203 traffic fatalities and 10,600 nonfatal disabling traffic injuries during the holiday period that begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

Another tragic holiday pairing is fireworks and kids. Of the estimated 10,800 people treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2005, nearly half were under 15 years old. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 were at three times the risk of fireworks injuries than the general population; about a third of the injuries were from small firecrackers, 21 percent from bottle rockets and 20 percent from sparklers.

The National Safety Council urges Americans to celebrate this Independence Day injury-free. Some easy -- and potentially lifesaving -- precautions include:

Traffic Safety

An estimated 174 lives may be saved this holiday because people will wear their safety belts, and an additional 48 lives could be saved if all wore safety belts.

-- Think ahead if you plan on consuming alcohol. Designate a sober driver

and give that person your keys.

-- If you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober

friend or family member to get you home safely.

-- Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the road to law enforcement.

-- Don't let friends drive drunk. Take their keys and help them make safe

travel arrangements.

Fireworks safety

The best way to safely enjoy fireworks is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them:

-- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

-- Allow older children to use fireworks only under close adult

supervision.

-- Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.

-- Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses

and flammable materials.

-- Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.

-- Never ignite devices in a container.

-- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and

soak them with water and discard them safely.

-- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't

go off or in case of fire.

The National Safety Council (http://www.nsc.org/) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, international public service organization. Members of the NSC include businesses, labor organizations, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals. Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the National Safety Council is committed to preventing accidental injuries in the workplace, on roads and highways, and in homes and communities.

Source: National Safety Council

Web site: http://www.nsc.org/

Shoppers Advantage Says Add Sizzle to the 4th:
Spark Up The Grill, Dive Into The Pool & Jump Into Independence Day Celebration

-- With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, it's time to fire up the grill, jump into the pool, tee up the golf ball and swing into outdoor entertainment, revelry and celebration.

The Fourth of July holiday beckons -- and so to, does summertime -- and the experts at Shoppers Advantage are exercising their independence to bring you the best in outdoor entertaining that will add spark to this year's celebration.

"Parades, parties, backyard barbecues, fireworks and family fun are the hallmarks of this exciting summer holiday tradition," said Michael Lombardo, director of Shoppers Advantage. "Make sure you have everything you need to add flair to this great American celebration."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 300 million U.S. residents will consume 150 million hot dogs on this patriotic holiday. (That's one hot dog for every two people). With more than 236 million pounds of fireworks used per year, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, this mainstay to the Fourth of July adds an exclamation point to the festivities. And, American flag sales are surging as patriotism flourishes around this holiday -- with more than $7 million in American flag sales per year, according to the Census Bureau.

As revelers prepare to celebrate, did you know that there are 30 places nationwide with "liberty" in their name -- and Iowa boasts four -- Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty? Five places have the name freedom, and Freedom, Calif., is the largest city bearing this name. There's even a place called Patriot, Ind., and American Fork, Utah.

With a nod to patriotism across America, Shoppers Advantage is joining the parade with the perfect July 4th entertainment ideas:

1. Spark up the barbecue ... the tastebud-tingling aroma of grilled

delicacies serve as the perfect centerpiece to a successful July 4th.

Shoppers Advantage offers a full line of high-tech brand name grills

such as Weber, Coleman and Ducane ... and the Coleman RoadTrip Gas

Barbecue Grill is perfect for outings to the park, beach or sporting

events. We also have Omaha Steaks and other Omaha Beef and Seafood

products.

2. Dive into the pool ... Transform your backyard into a relaxing

Independence Day oasis ... Shoppers Advantage offers above ground

pools from Heritage Pools in a variety of sizes up to 45ft by 18ft Oval

pools. Add a dash of cool with a pool.

3. Made in the shade ... After you have dined on barbecue and refreshed

yourself in the pool, relax in the sheer comfort of the shade -

screenhouses, canopies and awnings that keep you as cool inside as out.

Add an outdoor fan to help cool you off.

4. Keep Fido cool ... and your other pets, too, with a range of Shelter

Logic covered outdoor pet kennels that feature UV protected, waterproof

polyethylene fabric covers.

5. Catch the breeze ... with a full line of bikes, scooters and bike

trailers for the entire family. Name brands include Schwinn, Mongoose

and Pacific Cycle.

6. Build your kids' imagination ... with swing sets, playhouses and

miniature jeeps from Fisher Price, Peg-Perego and Little Tikes.

7. Tee it up and swing for the green ... with the latest golf equipment

from Callaway, Taylor Made, Wilson and Dunlop.

8. Take a load off ... Spice up your barbecue and make a splash with

patio, pool and beach furniture from Coleman, Texsport and Lifetime.

9. Light it up ... with the perfectly-placed outdoor lighting --

including popular solar powered wireless lights that are all the rage

this season.

10. Show your patriotic spirit ... with a 16-foot American flag pole kit

from Buffalo Tool. Dress up your home, yard or business with this

aluminum flag pole kit that includes an American flag, brass ball,

raising pulley and tie-down cleat.

About Shoppers Advantage

Shoppers Advantage (1-800-526-4848) is a leading membership-based, toll-free/online shop-at-home service, boasting the buying power of nearly two million members nationwide. Shoppers Advantage provides valuable benefits and low prices on an expansive database of high-quality products from more than 1,200 manufacturers, including popular name brands such as Sharp, GE, Hewlett Packard, Fisher Price and AT&T. Shoppers Advantage offers member confidence in buying with a 200 percent Low Price Guarantee (if a lower price is found within 60 days of purchase, Shoppers Advantage will refund double the price difference), 60-day product return policy if you don't like the product, and product warranty extension for up to two years while membership is active. Shoppers Advantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group

Affinion Group is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 5,200 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation which administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe.

Source: Shoppers Advantage

Forget White and Blue -- Celebrate Independence Day with Red
Give Summer Barbeques a Healthy Twist and Patriotic Color with Cranberries

-- Looking for ways to add a patriotic flair and healthy twist to your July 4th barbeque celebration? Try adding the tangy flavor of the cranberry to your menu. The cranberry is one of only a handful of major fruits native to North America. Though small in size, cranberries pack big, versatile flavor and have more antioxidants per gram than most common fruit. Make the cranberry the star of any summertime gathering and have your guests seeing vibrant shades of berry red in everything from healthy drink recipes to salads to barbeque relishes.

For guests who may be watching their waistlines during bathing suit season, make sure you serve drinks and dishes that won't break the calorie bank. Toast your country's anniversary with a new twist on a classic cocktail -- the "5-0 Cosmo," made with Diet Ocean Spray(R), has only 50 calories, compared to the 150 calories found in a traditional cosmopolitan. Treat your guests to a cool pitcher of Spritzerberry punch also made with Diet Ocean Spray(R) Juice Drink and diet ginger ale. This low calorie treat not only provides a refreshing burst of flavor on a hot day, Diet Ocean Spray(R) is a good source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system.

Add a surprisingly sweet twist to any salad by incorporating Craisins(R) Sweetened Dried Cranberries, naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and a good source of dietary fiber. The Effortless Spinach Salad is a fool-proof recipe with bold flavors and healthy ingredients that your guests won't be able to resist on a hot summer day.

For the main act, skip the burgers and hot dogs and try a Cedar Planked Salmon with Spiced Cranberry Relish for a sophisticated barbeque treat. Salmon is loaded with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and the cranberry relish is the perfect antioxidant-packed accompaniment.

Ocean Spray has put together some great "Bog-er-cise" summertime recipes that feature healthy ingredients. Bog-er-cise(TM) is a new lifestyle trend coined by Ocean Spray that is all about making small changes to your daily routine through healthy food choices and keeping fitness fun. Even Ocean Spray's TV growers are "Bog-er-cising" in their new commercial for Diet Ocean Spray(R) Juice Drink. To download your own Bog-er-cise(TM) recipe booklet, visit http://www.oceanspray.com/.

Spritzerberry

6 ounces Diet Ocean Spray(R) Juice Drink, any flavor

2 ounces diet ginger ale

Pour all ingredients in a tall glass over ice. Makes 1 serving.

Effortless Spinach Salad

8 ounces fresh spinach

1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup Craisins(R) Original Sweetened Dried Cranberries

2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds, optional

Dressing:

1/2 cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest, optional

Wash and clean spinach. Tear into bite size pieces and place in a serving bowl. Add half of the feta or goat cheese and onion; toss to combine. Combine dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with sweetened dried cranberries and almonds. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Cedar Planked Salmon with Spiced Cranberry Relish

Cooking Tools:

1 untreated 6 x 12-inch cedar plank or shingle

Relish:

1 cup Ocean Spray(R) Cranberry Juice Cocktail

3/4 cup Ocean Spray(R) Craisins(R) Original Sweetened Dried Cranberries

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 teaspoon orange peel

3/4 teaspoon five-spice powder

Marinade:

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 1-1/4-pound salmon filet, 3/4 to 1-1/4-inches thick

Soak cedar plank or shingle in water 1 to 2 hours. Combine all relish ingredients in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer 6 to 8 minutes or until onion is tender and mixture thickens. Cool.

Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, orange juice and honey in shallow dish; add salmon, skin side up. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes. Heat grill for medium- high indirect heat. Place salmon skin side down on plank; place on grill. Grill for 20 to 30 minutes or until flesh is opaque and flakes easily with fork. Place salmon on serving platter and cut into 4 pieces. Serve with relish. Makes 4 servings.

Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 650 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and other parts of Canada as well as about 50 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed 75 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey. Florida grapefruit growers joined the Cooperative in 1976. Ocean Spray is North America's leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, and has been the best-selling brand name in the canned and bottled juice category since 1981. Ocean Spray posted fiscal 2006 sales of roughly $1.5 billion.

Source: Ocean Spray

Web site: http://www.oceanspray.com/

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