TNT Announces 'Dramatic Auditions' Program Winner

TNT Announces 'Dramatic Auditions' Program Winner America's Best Aspiring Actor Receives Stamp of Approval from Dennis Franz ATLANTA, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Network Television (TNT), the first and only network dedicated to drama, announces the winner of its "Dramatic Auditions" program, a first-of-its-kind, nationwide search for the most talented aspiring actors in America. Nick Mathis, a 21-year-old aspiring actor from Chicago, was selected by a panel of judges that included four time Emmy recipient Dennis Franz. "Between us, the other judges and I, we saw more than 3,000 people audition, and we really believe that Nick is the complete package. He embodies the talent necessary to make it in the business," said Franz. "His honest delivery helped him shine above the rest and we look forward to big things from him." The search began in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 7 before traveling to Las Vegas on Oct. 12 and ending in New York on Oct. 21. In addition, hopeful actors across the country who could not attend the live auditions submitted their auditions both online and by mail. Focused around serious dramatic acting, "Dramatic Auditions" re-enforces TNT's dedication to drama. During the auditions, hopeful dramatic actors selected monologues from The New Classics' movies on TNT (a complete list is available at http://www.tnt.tv/ ) and had the opportunity to perform their selected scene live in front of a panel of judges. The first major off-channel talent search contest conducted in a format similar to traditional auditions, "Dramatic Auditions" attracted thousands of talented actors from across the country. Mathis was selected as one of the top three finalists from a group of 20 semifinalists in November and flown to Los Angeles for a final audition taping. He then went on to defeat Gloria Belle and P.J. Marshall of Los Angeles in the final audition process. As the grand prize winner of TNT's Dramatic Auditions Program, Nick will receive $50,000, an apartment in Los Angeles and use of a car for 12 months, acting lessons and a publicist. He is planning his move during the first part of February and will be chronicling his experience in L.A. through a video diary. Those interested in following his progress can view the video diary at http://www.tnt.tv/ . "I am so very grateful to TNT for this extraordinary opportunity," said Mathis. "The Dramatic Auditions program has really given my career a kick- start in the right direction and I am looking forward to getting to L.A. as soon as possible." Turner Network Television (TNT), television's destination for drama and one of cable's top-rated networks, offers award-caliber original films, such as the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation(SM) 14 Hours; highly anticipated original series, including Into the West, an epic 12-hour series from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg; powerful one-hour dramas, such as Law & Order, Without a Trace, ER, NYPD Blue, Charmed, Judging Amy and Angel; broadcast premiere movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA. TNT is also available in high- definition. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the television industry. This information can also be accessed on the official TNT Dramatic Auditions Web site at http://www.tnt.tv/ . Source: Turner Network Television CONTACT: Neal Wilder of Creaxion, +1-404-495-4512, or neal@creaxion.com ; or Michelle Sisco of TNT PR, +1-404-885-4784, or michelle.sisco@turner.com Web site: http://www.tnt.tv/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment