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International Entertainment News

Saturday, January 31, 2009

NBC Sells Out Super Bowl & Sets New Record

NBC Sells Out Super Bowl & Sets New Record

All-Time Super Bowl Record $206 Million in Advertising Revenue

Also Sets New Full-Day Super Bowl Revenue Mark of $261 Million

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Bowl XLIII on NBC is sold out. NBC has sold all game advertising for tomorrow's broadcast of Super Bowl XLIII and set a Super Bowl record of $206 million in advertising revenue, NBC Universal President and CEO Jeff Zucker announced today. NBC's $261 million in revenue for the full Super Bowl day, especially impressive in the current economic downturn, also sets a new Super Bowl milestone.

"These advertising milestones show the power of the NFL brand and the strength of the Super Bowl as a TV property in this economic climate," said Zucker. "The Super Bowl has become one of our country's biggest holidays, a uniquely American day, and advertisers recognized the value in being a part of it, as their commercials are nearly as big a part of the day as the football itself. This is an extraordinary story for NBC against the backdrop of this economy."

"The plan to aggressively sell the majority of our advertising early in the process at the record unit price of $3 million showed tremendous foresight," said Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics. "To finish selling out the Super Bowl in these last two weeks, in this economy and at record levels, is a testament to the dogged determination of Seth Winter [SVP, Sales & Marketing, NBC Sports]."

A total of 32 advertisers have taken time in Super Bowl XLIII across a broad spectrum of categories.

Fans of the advertisements featured in this Sunday's Super Bowl will be able to view those ads almost immediately after they air, on popular websites NBC.com, Hulu.com and Superbowl.com. In addition, users will be able to post their favorite ads on a blog or webpage through both the NBC.com and Hulu.com widget applications. Hulu will allow users to vote on their favorite ad, with the winner announced on Tuesday.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: NBC

CONTACT: Brian Walker, NBC, Brian.Walker@nbcuni.com, +1-212-664-5533

Web Site: http://www.nbc.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Friday, January 30, 2009

DreamWorks Animation Garners 13 Annie Awards

DreamWorks Animation Garners 13 Annie Awards

'Kung Fu Panda' Big Winner on Animation's Most Prestigious Night

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- DreamWorks Animation was the big winner at this year's 36th Annual Annie Awards at UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles, CA. Kung Fu Panda received 13 Annies including the Best Animated Feature nod and nine Individual Achievement awards for Animated Effects (Li-Ming Lawrence Lee), Character Animation (James Baxter), Character Design (Nico Marlet), Directing (John Stevenson & Mark Osborne), Music (Hans Zimmer & John Powell), Production Design (Tang Heng), Storyboarding (Jen Yuh Nelson), Voice Acting (Dustin Hoffman), and Writing (Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger). The balance of DreamWorks' wins went to its television production of Secrets of the Furious Five for Character Animation (Pierre Perifel), Character Design (Nico Marlet), and Production Design (Tang Heng). Kung Fu Panda also received the Best Animated Video Game produced by Activision. A complete list of winners can be viewed at the Annie Award's official website www.annieawards.org. The Annie Awards ceremony will also be webcasted on its website beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2009.

Best Animated Short Subject went to Aardman Animations Ltd. for Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death; Duck Studios won Best Animated Television Commercial for United Airlines 'Heart'; Best Animated TV Production went to ShadowMachine's Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II; and Best Animated TV Production for Children went to Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The evening included the presentation of the Winsor McCay award to three industry leaders - Nick Park, Mike Judge and John Lasseter. This award is named in honor of the prolific animator and stands as one of the highest honors given to an individual in the animation industry in recognition for career contributions to the art of animation. Actor and comedian Billy Crystal was on hand to present John Lasseter with his Winsor McCay. Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants handled hosting duties again this year and was joined on stage by a lively mix of animation luminaries, celebrity presenters and comedic talent included animation legend June Foray, actors Brad Garrett (Ratatouille, Till Death), Seth Green (Austin Powers, Robot Chicken), James Hong (Kung Fu Panda, Blade Runner), Donald Faison (Scrubs), Ben Burtt (Wall-E), Henry Selick (Director, Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas) and a video presentation by Cheech & Chong.

"ASIFA-Hollywood extends congratulations to all of the winners this year," said ASIFA-Hollywood President Antran Manoogian. "As in year's past, we had an excellent pool of talent and productions entered making it another difficult year to decide who should win." Often a predictor of the annual Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the Annie Awards honor overall excellence as well as individual achievement in a total of 24 categories ranging from production design, character animation, and effects animation to storyboarding, writing, music and voice acting. Entries submitted for consideration were from productions that originally aired, were exhibited in an animation festival or commercially released between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.

Founded in 1972 by ASIFA member and veteran voice talent June Foray, the Annie Awards have grown in scope and stature for the past three decades. Today, ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest of an international network of chapters, supports a range of animation activities and preservation efforts through its membership. Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, animation film preservation, special events, classes and screenings.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: ASIFA-Hollywood

CONTACT: Gretchen Dixon of Dixon PR, +1-562-235-0991, Gdixonpr@aol.com,
for ASIFA-Hollywood

Web Site: http://www.annieawards.org/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Superstar Ray Lewis Back in the Super Bowl with a New Team: The SoBe Lifewater Lizards

Superstar Ray Lewis Back in the Super Bowl with a New Team: The SoBe Lifewater Lizards

Football Stars Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck & Matt Light Get Their Grooves On with Rhythmic Reptiles in New 'SoBelieve' Spot During Big Game; SoBe Lifewater Ad Part of First-Ever Monstrous Super Bowl 3-D Advertising Pod

PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Former Super Bowl champions Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck and Matt Light are back in the big game. The Pros are set to perform with their new team of SoBe Lifewater lizards in an encore Super Bowl ad appearance just a year after superstar Naomi Campbell's popular performance to "Thriller."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090130/NY65266 )

The new 60-second spot, titled "Lizard Lake," created and directed by Super Bowl veteran and brand inventor Peter Arnell of Arnell, features 3-D technology never before seen on television, as well as the original song, "SoBelieve." It will air immediately following the second quarter as part of the first-ever all 3-D advertising pod on the largest sports stage in the world, and will mark the first-ever Super Bowl ad crossover event - with the SoBe lizards sharing the screen with characters from the upcoming DreamWorks Animation, film "Monsters vs. Aliens," which will be showcased in the pod's lead-off spot.

Quarterbacking the SoBe team is "Lee the Lizard," who is back on the gridiron after a year in training camp. In an unprecedented symphony of state-of-the-art high-tech animation, the SoBe ad is among the most anticipated on Super Bowl Sunday.

More than 125 million pairs of 3D glasses are being distributed by PepsiCo in connection with the SoBe Lifewater brand. The glasses are available at more than 25,000 SoBe Lifewater retail displays in grocery, drug and other retail venues and will be FREE to consumers.

Last year, SoBe Lifewater took the Super Bowl by storm. The brand's 2008 Super Bowl ad featuring the SoBe Lizards dancing to the song "Thriller" with supermodel Naomi Campbell, was viewed online over 5 million times in just two weeks. The YouTube community made Thrillicious its most viewed Super Bowl spot, with more than 1 million views alone. The ad, also created and directed by Arnell, will be honored as one of the "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials" in a primetime CBS special that will air nationally on January 31st, the eve of this year's game.

SoBe Lifewater is available in many popular flavors such as Pomegranate Cherry, Blackberry Grape, Orange Tangerine, Strawberry Kiwi, Passionfruit Citrus, Yuzu Black Currant, Agave Lemonade, Goji Melon.

SoBe also recently launched the enhanced water category's first-ever zero-calorie naturally-sweetened line. Three new delicious SoBe Lifewater flavors, Black and Blue Berry, Fuji Apple Pear and Yumberry Pomegranate, will help redefine the category as the first beverages in the U.S. market to feature the groundbreaking all natural zero calorie sweetener, PureVia(TM), made from a highly pure extract of the Stevia plant leaf. Additionally, each will be infused with a mix of antioxidant vitamins C & E, essential B vitamins and a unique blend of herbal ingredients.

Along with SoBe Lifewater, PepsiCo has the nation's most comprehensive hydration portfolio, including category-leading products under the Gatorade, Propel and Aquafina trademarks. Building upon the company's non-carbonated beverage advantage, PepsiCo will continue to focus on its entire hydration portfolio throughout the year.

To further experience SoBe Lifewater, visit: www.sobelieve.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: jack.callahan@pepsi.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090130/NY65266
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: PepsiCo

CONTACT: Jeffrey Klein, jeff_klein@dkcnews.com, or Dave Donovan,
dave_donovan@dkcnews.com, both of Dan Klores Communications for PepsiCo,
+1-212-685-4300

Web Site: http://www.sobelieve.com/
http://www.sobeworld.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

SI DocFest 2009 Awards to be Held in Downtown San Jose

SI DocFest 2009 Awards to be Held in Downtown San Jose

Top Films Will Share More Than $20,000

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Second Annual Bay Area Social Issues Documentary Film Contest (SI DocFest) will hold its screenings and award ceremony at the Camera 12 Cinemas in downtown San Jose on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 2-6 pm.

The SI DocFest is not a traditional film festival, but rather a contest narrowly focused on high school students, the documentary genre, social issues, and the greater Bay Area community. Participants are asked to create a short documentary (8-12 minutes) profiling individuals or organizations that are making or have made a difference in the community through their work and dedication to social issues. At last year's event, close to $25,000 was granted to participants.

Schools from all over the Bay Area showed a significant amount of interest in the SI DocFest in its second year, with around 100 registered teams at the start of the process. The teams that submitted completed films were judged by the organizing committee, which selected a group of 13 Semifinalists. These films are being evaluated by a team of independent judges, which will select and rank 6 Finalists.

The top three films will be announced at the awards ceremony, with first place receiving $10,000, second place $6,000 and third place $4,000. Each award will be equally divided between non-profit organizations or individuals profiled or designated in the winning documentaries, the schools represented by the winning filmmakers and the filmmakers themselves in the form of cash scholarships. Cash awards will also be presented to the non-profits designated by the other three Finalists.

The 13 Semifinalists have already been posted on the SI DocFest website (www.sidocfest.com), and they cover topics that include poverty, education, domestic violence, special needs, war veterans and youth activism.

All Semifinalist films will be screened at the February 8th event. Six more films will receive Honorable Mentions and montages will show highlights of all films submitted. A reception at the theater complex will cap the evening. Tickets are available to the public via the Camera 12 Cinemas box office or online at www.cameracinemas.com.

The SI DocFest has been conceptualized and organized as a volunteer-based endeavor by Do Good Docs Corporation, a recently formed non-profit organization co-founded by San Jose residents Monica and Loreli Alba. Monica, 21, is a senior at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication, while Loreli, 18, is a freshman at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Camera Cinemas, the leading independent movie theater company in the South Bay Area, is an official sponsor of the SI DocFest.

For more information please visit www.sidocfest.com, which includes a tab with Press materials.

Do Good Docs Corporation is a new non-profit organization located in San Jose, California. Its first project is the sponsoring and organizing of the Bay Area Social Issues Documentary Film Contest (SI DocFest).

For over 30 years, the Camera Cinemas have presented a wide variety of well-made, intelligent films, from re-released classics to independents, international to mainstream. With three distinct locations - Camera 7 Cinemas, the state-of-the-art multiplex in Campbell's Pruneyard Shopping Center; Los Gatos Cinemas, in downtown Los Gatos, and Camera 12 Cinemas in downtown San Jose - Camera Cinemas has become an important institution in the local film community, making vital contributions to the cultural life of San Jose and representing the best of what the South Bay has to offer.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Do Good Docs Corporation

CONTACT: Monica Alba of Do Good Docs Corporation, +1-408-294-1800,
monica@dogooddocs.com

Web Site: http://www.sidocfest.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Taylor Swift, Billboard's Best-Selling Artist of 2008, Announces 'Fearless 2009' Headlining Tour

Taylor Swift, Billboard's Best-Selling Artist of 2008, Announces 'Fearless 2009' Headlining Tour

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Machine recording artist Taylor Swift, who topped Nielsen SoundScan's all-genre year-end music sales report as 2008's top-selling artist, announced today that she will tour as a headliner this year. Taylor will take her North American FEARLESS TOUR 2009 to 52 cities in 38 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the span of 6 months. In most markets, ticket prices will start at only $20 plus local fees.

"Headlining my own tour is a dream come true! This way I can play more music every night than I ever have before," says Taylor. "Having written my own songs, they are all stories in my head, and my goal for this tour is to bring those stories to life. My favorite thing when I go to a concert is having lots of changing things to look at, so I've been working really hard to make this show as multi-dimensional as possible. I want to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to come see my show, so we have affordable tickets available for every date we do this year."

One of the most-anticipated musical experiences of the year, Taylor Swift's FEARLESS 2009 show will feature an incredibly theatrical presentation of graphics, sets and visual elements designed by Taylor herself. During each show, Taylor will play five different guitars, as well as the piano. Multiple costume changes and a fairy-tale castle illuminated by more than a million lumens of light are just some of the highlights of the three-act show.

Prior to the tour launch in late April, Taylor will play three US headlining shows, in addition to several dates in the UK and Australia. Tickets to these shows have been in unparalleled demand, selling record numbers in record time, including the nearly 71,000 individual tickets for Taylor's March show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that sold out within 48 hours of going on sale to the public.

Taylor's good friend, American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, will join Taylor as a featured artist on all of the dates on the TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS TOUR 2009, and each show will also include another special guest, Gloriana.

When her self-titled, sophomore album debuted at number one on Billboard's Country Album Chart in the fall of 2008, Kellie Pickler became only the sixth country artist in history to have both their first and second albums debut at number one. From the sassy "Red High Heels" to the searing, soul-bearing honesty of "I Wonder," (both songs she co-wrote) Kellie Pickler is plowing the road on her own terms. Her current single, "Best Days Of Your Life," is a musical revenge song that she co-wrote with Taylor, who lends background vocals on the album as well.

Gloriana represents an exciting new and vibrant force in country music. The group -- Tom Gossin, Mike Gossin, Rachel Reinert and Cheyenne Kimball -- consists of four uniquely talented and enthusiastic young musicians joining forces to create a fresh, one-of-a-kind sound with soaring four-part harmonies and an electric stage presence that reflects the best of today's Nashville. Their first single, "Wild At Heart", is just arriving at Country radio to rave reviews, and their debut album is set for release later this year.

This week marks Taylor's eighth in the #1 position atop Billboard's all- genre Top 200 Albums sales chart, marking the longest run at #1 for a female artist (all genres) in thirteen years. Taylor's sophomore CD, Fearless, has sold more than 2.4 million copies since its release in November of last year. Her MySpace music streams recently crossed the 150 million mark.

Taylor's 50-city tour officially kicks off in April in Evansville, Indiana, and will go through the summer and fall. The first tickets available to the public will be for the May 22nd date at Los Angeles' STAPLES Center. Those tickets go on sale Feb. 6th at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Venues and ticket sales information for other tour stops will be announced in the coming weeks. The Taylor Swift FEARLESS 2009 tour will include the following:

   DATE                                 CITY    February 10                          San Antonio, TX   March 1                              Plant City, FL   March 20                             Houston, TX   April 23                             Evansville, IN   April 24                             Jonesboro, AR   April 25                             St Louis, MO   April 30                             Charleston, SC   May 1                                Jacksonville, FL   May 2                                Biloxi, MS   May 14                               Spokane, WA   May 15                               Seattle, WA   May 16                               Portland ,OR   May 17                               Yakima, WA   May 21                               Phoenix, AZ   May 22                               Los Angeles, CA   May 23                               Las Vegas, NV   May 24                               San Diego, CA   May 26                               Salt Lake City, UT   June 4                               Enterprise, AL   June 11                              Baltimore, MD   June 12                              Greensboro, NC   June 24                              Oshkosh, WI   June 25                              Caddott, WI   July 8                               Calgary, Alberta   July 10                              Craven, Saskatchewan   July 11                              Winnipeg, Manitoba   July 16                              Twin Lakes, WI   July 17                              Columbus, OH   July 18                              Charleston, WV   July 23                              Cheyenne, WY   July 24                              Rapid City, SD   July 25                              Minot, ND   August 7                             Detroit Lakes, MN   August 9                             Omaha, NE   August 27                            New York, NY   August 28                            Uncasville, CT   August 29                            University Park, PA   August 30                            Louisville, KY   September 4                          Greenville, SC   September 5                          Charlotte, NC   September 10                         Lafayette, LA   September 11                         Bossier City, LA   September 12                         Birmingham, AL   September 25                         Dallas, TX   September 26                         Little Rock, AR   September 27                         Tulsa, OK   October 1                            Cleveland, OH   October 2                            Grand Rapids, MI   October 3                            Pittsburgh, PA   October 8                            Indianapolis, IN   October 9                            Chicago, IL   October 10                           Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN    

Tour information will be continually updated on http://www.taylorswift.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/taylorswift .

In addition to her headline tour, this year Taylor will also play ten previously announced dates with Keith Urban.

To hear music from Taylor Swift, log on to: http://www.taylorswift.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/taylorswift .

For Fearless album art and downloadable photos of Taylor Swift, log on to http://www.bigmachinerecords.com/ and click the media tab.

   For more information, please contact:    Paula Erickson                     Claudine Ottinger - Tour Publicist   Erickson Public Relations          Erickson Public Relations   615.665.5950                       843.971.9840   paula@ericksonpr.com               claudine@ericksonpr.com    For Kellie Pickler:                For Gloriana:    Wes Vause                          Denise Carberry   BNA Records                        PFA Media   615.301.4373                       212/334-6116   wes.vause@sonymusic.com            dcarberry@pfamedia.net  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Big Machine Records

CONTACT: Paula Erickson, +1-615-665-5950, paula@ericksonpr.com, or
Claudine Ottinger - Tour Publicist, +1-843-971-9840, claudine@ericksonpr.com,
both of Erickson Public Relations for Big Machine Records; For Kellie Pickler:
Wes Vause of BNA Records, +1-615-301-4373, wes.vause@sonymusic.com; For
Gloriana: Denise Carberry of PFA Media, +1-212-334-6116,
dcarberry@pfamedia.net

Web site: http://www.taylorswift.com/
http://www.myspace.com/taylorswift


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Overstock.com(R) Announces Airing of Super Bowl(R) Commercial

Overstock.com(R) Announces Airing of Super Bowl(R) Commercial

NBA(R) All-Star Game(TM) player Carlos Boozer to star in Overstock.com Super Bowl commercial

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) announced today that it will be airing a 30-second Super Bowl advertisement featuring Overstock.com spokesperson Carlos Boozer. The commercial is scheduled to air immediately following the halftime show.

"We are pleased to have Carlos Boozer star in this Super Bowl spot," said Alan Bunton, Overstock.com's Vice President of Brand Development. "Boozer is an outstanding individual who represents the sense of community, hard work, dedication and American values that are Overstock.com. Boozer is an example to young people everywhere."

Sunday's advertisement is the third in Overstock.com's recent branding campaign to promote themes of determination, a sense of home, and community. It shows Boozer talking with kids about dedication.

"I am just excited to have the opportunity to be featured alongside the Overstock.com brand during the Super Bowl football game," said Boozer. "They are an incredible consumer-oriented company, and I am proud to represent them on a national stage."

The NBA basketball star, two-time NBA All-Star and gold medal-winning U.S. Olympian, has been part of the Overstock.com team since April 2008. Carlos and his wife, Cindy, are the co-founders of Boozer's Buddies, a non-profit organization that supports the research and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease and provides information and a support system for the families affected by it.

Overstock.com is also doing a site-wide "Big Game Day Sale" which includes 10 percent off select items and site-wide free shipping. Overstock is also holding an online contest to guess the winner of Sunday's game with a prize of a 5 percent off coupon. To find out more go to http://www.overstock.com/big-game-party/21411/static.html?TID=HP_BG_Main_Booze r

About Overstock.com

Overstock.com, Inc. is an online retailer offering brand-name merchandise at discount prices. The company offers its customers an opportunity to shop for bargains conveniently, while offering its suppliers an alternative inventory distribution channel. Overstock.com, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market System and can be found online at http://www.overstock.com/. Overstock.com regularly posts information about the company and other related matters on its website under the heading "Investor Relations."

Overstock.com(R) is a registered trademark of Overstock.com, Inc. Super Bowl(R) is a registered trademark of the National Football League. NBA(R) and NBA All-Star Game(TM) are trademarks of NBA Properties, Inc. No sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement of this press release or Overstock.com, Inc. by the National Football League or NBA Properties, Inc. is implied.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the airing and timing of the commercial and promotions planned by the Company. Our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or any amendments thereto, and our other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections, estimates or forward-looking statements.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: joaustin@overstock.com

Source: Overstock.com, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Josh Austin, +1-801-947-4364, joaustin@overstock.com, or
Investors, Kevin Moon, +1-801-947-3282, kmoon@overstock.com, both of
Overstock.com, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.overstock.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

'X-Men: Wolverine' Producer and 168 Speed Filmmaking Contest Welcome Inner City Student Filmmakers

'X-Men: Wolverine' Producer and 168 Speed Filmmaking Contest Welcome Inner City Student Filmmakers

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Student filmmakers from Crenshaw Arts/Tech Charter High School (CATCH) are excited to get inside information from "X-Men" producer Ralph Winter at the 168 Filmmaker Forum on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, 7:00-10:00 pm, Media City Church, 269 E. Providencia Ave., Burbank, CA 91502. Open to the public.

The students are producing a film for this year's 168 Film Project with the help of the schools founder/director, Pat Smith and teacher, Paige Cooper.

CATCH is located in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. It provides inner city students with an education that focuses specifically on development of their artistic talents and interests. Incorporating drama, dance, step, graphic design, fashion design, computer technology, real life community and travel experiences, CATCH addresses the students as living, spiritual, active members of the Los Angeles community.

This is CATCH's first foray into a filmmaking. The 168 Film Project is a faith-based, worldwide competition in which teams make a short film in 168 hours or 7 days. 168 films are produced and submitted from ANY location in the world. Films premiere at the 168 Film Festival April 3-4, 2009 in Los Angeles.

The 168 jury includes: Ralph Winter (producer "X-Men, "Fantastic Four"); Brian Bird (writer/producer "Not Easily Broken," "Touched By An Angel"); Luke Schelhaas (writer/producer "Law & Order," "Smallville"); Bill Ewing (producer "End of the Spear"); and Gary Hall (VP of post-Fox TV).

All are welcome to come to this team-building event or start a team to make a film for the contest. Deadline for all USA Team Entries is Feb. 7, 2009.

www.168project.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: 168 Film Projects

CONTACT: John Ware of 168 Film Projects, +1-818-843-6060

Web Site: http://www.168project.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Football Fans and Advertisers Flock to Radio for Sunday's Game

Football Fans and Advertisers Flock to Radio for Sunday's Game

NEW YORK, Jan 30 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 400 sports radio broadcasters converging on "radio row" in Tampa this year including Marv Albert, Mike Francesa, Boomer Esiason, Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic and Chris Myers, radio is rallying those football fans who enjoy listening before, after and even while they watch.

With television spots for Sunday's game costing an estimated $3 million each, many advertisers utilize radio campaigns to connect with consumers, considering that more radio listeners prefer football to other sports. According to a survey commissioned earlier this year by industry group Radio Heard Here, and conducted by IPSOS Public Affairs, a third of those who like listening to sports on the radio, prefer football over basketball, baseball, soccer, motor sports, hockey and golf.

Westwood One, which has been airing the game since 1967, has more than 625 affiliates covering this year's game.

According to Inside Radio, Westwood One's VP Peter Sessa says, "The Super Bowl is the most sought after and revered real estate in advertising. We are thrilled to offer this highly valued property to our advertisers like Volkswagen and Subway."

ESPN Radio is planning extensive coverage this weekend with their flagship programs "Mike & Mike in the Morning," "Tirico & Van Pelt," and "The Herd" on-site in Tampa and broadcasting through Sunday. Utilizing their web and cable television properties, ESPN Radio is offering multi-platform campaign opportunities to their advertising partners including DiGiorno, Dial For Men, Sprint/Nextel and Tabasco.

The Fox Sports Radio Network has the game covered with the introduction of its all new line-up featuring their programs "Out of Bounds on Fox with Craig Shemon & James Washington," and "Fox Super Saturday Warm-Up with Steve Duemig."

About Radio Heard Here

Radio Heard Here, a coalition of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Advertising Bureau and the HD Digital Radio Alliance, representing commercial radio stations across America, is a far-reaching, multiyear initiative designed to reignite the public's passion for radio. Despite the arrival of new communications and entertainment devices within the past 20 years or so, radio has maintained its integral and near-ubiquitous presence in American life. For more information, log on to www.radioheardhere.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Radio Heard Here

CONTACT: Tai Foster, Office: +1-201-460-2839, Cell: +1-914-882-3108, or
tfoster@mww.com

Web Site: http://www.radioheardhere.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

SERIE DEL CARIBE(TM) Available Live and On-Demand by Subscription on Beisbol.TV(TM) Only $9.95 for 12 game package - February 2-7, 2009

SERIE DEL CARIBE(TM) Available Live and On-Demand by Subscription on Beisbol.TV(TM) Only $9.95 for 12 game package - February 2-7, 2009

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The 51st SERIE DEL CARIBE, the tournament determining the champion country of Winter League baseball, will be held Monday through Saturday, February 2- 7 in Mexicali, Mexico. The games will be produced by ESPN Deportes in Spanish and MLB Network in English and will be available exclusively on-line, live and on demand, on www.Beisbol.TV, by subscription to the 12 game series for $9.95.

eBeisbol.com(TM), the official site of the SERIE DEL CARIBE, has the exclusive international video rights to the SERIE DEL CARIBE and is partnering with VBrick Systems to launch Beisbol.TV to stream the games and highlights. Additionally, for the first time, eBeisbol.com is offering a Beisbol.TV Highlight and Linescore widget for syndication. The widget will be updated dynamically during the game.

Participating countries include Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Representing teams are: for Mexico -- the Venados de Mazatlan, for the Dominican Republic -- the Tigres del Licey, for Puerto Rico -- Leones de Ponce. In Venezuela, the Tigres de Aragua have forced a 7th game against the Leones de Caracas to determine which will represent their country.

Likely MLB participants include:

For the Dominican Republic: Ronnie Belliard (NATIONALS), Fernando Tatis (METS) Willy Aybar (RAYS), Erick Aybar (ANGELS), Timo Perez (TIGERS), Felix Pie (ORIOLES), Matt Tupman (ROYALS), Nelson Cruz (RANGERS), Jorge Sosa (NATIONALS), Jose Capellan (ASTROS), Anderson Hernandez (NATIONALS)

For Puerto Rico: Jorge Padilla (NATIONALS), Raul Casonova (METS), Robinson Cancel (METS)

For Mexico: Adrian Gonzalez (PADRES), Edgar Gonzalez (PADRES), Jon Weber (RAYS), Freddy Sandoval (ANGELS), Arturo Lopez (PADRES)

For Venezuela: Ronnie Cedeno (MARINERS), Carlos Maldonado (RED SOX), Marco Scutaro (BLUE JAYS)

   Official Rosters will be announced on eBeisbol.com.     Schedule:   DATE        EST        COUNTRY TEAM MATCH-UP   Mon. 2/2    5:00 PM    Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic   Mon. 2/2    10:00 PM   Puerto Rico vs. Mexico   Tue. 2/3    5:00 PM    Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico   Tue. 2/3    9:00 PM    Mexico vs. Venezuela   Wed. 2/4    5:00 PM    Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico   Wed. 2/4    9:00 PM    Mexico vs. Dominican Republic   Thu. 2/5    5:00 PM    Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela   Thu. 2/5    9:00 PM    Mexico vs. Puerto Rico   Fri. 2/6    5:00 PM    Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic   Fri. 2/6    9:00 PM    Venezuela vs. Mexico   Sat. 2/7    5:00 PM    Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela   Sat. 2/7    9:00 PM    Dominican Republic vs. Mexico    

The SERIE DEL CARIBE is the only tournament outside the United States sanctioned by Major League Baseball for professional player participation. Caribbean Winter League Baseball, with its own rich cultural tradition and passion for the game of baseball, has provided professional baseball players the opportunity to hone their craft during the major and minor league off- season. It has been played since 1949. The standings by country (with the last year they won in parentheses) are:

   Serie del Caribe Championships   (Last Championship)    Republica      Puerto   Dominicana     Rico        Cuba    17 (2008)      14          7                  (2000)      (1960)    Venezuela      Mexico      Panama    6 (2006)       5           1                  (2005)      (1950)     About eBeisbol.com  

eBeisbol.com (www.eBeisbol.com) is the official website of the SERIE DEL CARIBE and ALIANZA LATINA DE BEISBOL(R) a Latino fan community. Both are owned and produced by CULTIVA Entertainment (www.cultivaentertainment.com) CULTIVA is a studio for the future, creating and producing multi-platform interactive entertainment experiences both live and online, in partnership with media and technology companies.

About VBrick Systems, Inc.

VBrick Systems is the world leader of live, online networked video solutions. Offering the most comprehensive suite of enterprise video products in the industry, VBrick provides business and organizations with robust and proven online video systems that connect people everywhere. Headquartered in Wallingford, CT, VBrick's products and services are available through industry leading value-added resellers, systems integrators and distributors. VBrick Live: See What's Next in Online Video. For more information, visit us at www.vbrick.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: CULTIVA Entertainment

CONTACT: George Moreira, +1-203-403-9100 ext. 2201, George@eBeisbol.com,
Mary Beth Staron, +1-203-303-0224, marybeths@vbrick.com, or Donna Armstrong,
+1-202-775-2650, darmstrong@brodeur.com, all for Cultiva Entertainment

Web site: http://www.cultivaentertainment.com/
http://www.beisbol.tv/
http://www.ebeisbol.com/
http://www.vbrick.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Metacritic Announces Top Metascores(R) for Movies Opening this Week

Metacritic Announces Top Metascores(R) for Movies Opening this Week

Highly Anticipated "Medicine for Melancholy" Starring Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins Received a Metascore of 69

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Metacritic (www.metacritic.com), the Web's most robust roundup of entertainment reviews, and a property of CBS Interactive, today announced its weekly Metascores(R) for the week's opening movies as of Friday, Jan. 30 at 10:40 AM, PT. Metacritic carefully screens and selects the most respected reviewers within each entertainment category and combines all of the individual critics' scores into a Metascore, an overall grade for each release, so users can gauge the critical consensus at a glance. Movie Metascores are compiled using weighted scores from the 41 most respected movie critics and publications in the U.S.

   Following is a list of the Metascores for this week's opening movies:    Limited Releases:  

"Medicine for Melancholy," starring Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins by Terence Davies - Metascore = 69

Metascores range from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better overall reviews, and lower scores indicating less favorable reviews from critics. Various ranges of Metascore are also identified by different colors, so you can tell at a glance how critics felt: generally, green scores (61-100) indicate favorable reviews, yellow scores (40 - 60) denote mixed reviews, and red scores (0-39) are used for unfavorable reviews.

The Metascore is considered a weighted average because Metacritic assigns more significance, or weight, to some critics and publications than to others, based on the overall stature and quality of those critics and publications.

In addition to critical reviews, entertainment enthusiasts can also voice their opinions by submitting their own ratings and reviews. By providing a weighted Metascore and an average consumer score for each release, Metacritic helps consumers make informed decisions about how to spend their entertainment dollars and time.

About Metacritic

Called "...the Web's best film review site" by Entertainment Weekly, Metacritic provides access to and summarizes the vast amount of entertainment criticism available online for film, video/DVD, music, games and television. With the belief that multiple opinions are better than one, Metacritic launched in January 2001 and has remained true to its goal to help people make an informed decision about how to spend their money on the many entertainment options available today.

About CBS Interactive

CBS Interactive, a division of CBS Corporation, is the best online content network for information and entertainment. With more than 170 million people visiting its properties each month, it is the 8th largest Web property globally. Its portfolio of leading brands, which include CNET, CBS.com, CBSSports.com, GameSpot, TV.com, BNET and Last.fm, span popular categories like technology, entertainment, sports, news and business.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Metacritic

CONTACT: Leslie Dotson Van Every, +1-415-344-2129, or
Leslie.vanevery@cbs.com

Web Site: http://www.cbs.com/
http://www.metacritic.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/965075.html


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

VIZIO 'America's HDTV Company' Announces High Definition Sponsorship of NBC's Broadcast of Super Bowl XLIII

VIZIO 'America's HDTV Company' Announces High Definition Sponsorship of NBC's Broadcast of Super Bowl XLIII

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company, revealed details about their Sunday, February 1, 2009 advertisement that will air during a major professional football event, filmed in high definition, scheduled to AIR on Sunday, February 1, 2009. VIZIO will be sponsoring the event as the official HD sponsor of NBC's broadcast.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060307/LATU014LOGO-b)

"We at VIZIO are honored to work with NBC and support their broadcast of Super Bowl XLIII," says Laynie Newsome, VP of Sales and Marketing Communications and Co-Founder. "In the last 12 months, we have seen our competitors concede to large financial losses and succumb to extensive layoffs and re-organization, we have been able to prosper and grow amongst larger competitors who struggle to keep up with an ever changing and dynamic environment. While it is important to create high performance advertisements, VIZIO focuses on creating new technologies, and high performance consumer electronics while providing the best customer support in the industry." VIZIO challenges consumers to ask themselves, "Why spend more, when you can have the latest technology and save money?" says Jason Maciel, Director of Marketing for VIZIO.

VIZIO's TV spot named "10:30" was developed, written, produced and delivered in less than a 72 hours prior to air-time on Sunday, February 1, 2009.

The fast turnaround and overall clear vision of the ad is indicative of how VIZIO operates. VIZIO is adept and able to respond quickly to new situations and opportunities as they arise. VIZIO knows how to spend their money wisely and stay ahead of their competition. "We feel there is REAL value in creating a simple ad that speaks directly to our customers," says Laynie Newsome, VIZIO Co-Founder, VP Sales and Marketing Communications. "It would have been irresponsible of us to spend millions of dollars on a big, fancy production while staying true to our principles and promise to say money and offer more. We are glad we were given an opportunity to be part of highly visible events like those on Sunday, February 1, 2009."

The ad package includes HD Sponsorship along with two pre-game 30-second spots and another 30-second spot during the game itself. They are also looking forward to HD Sponsorship along with two in-game spots during another professional football game scheduled February 8, 2009.

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc. "Where Vision Meets Value," headquartered in Irvine, California, is America's HDTV Company. In 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 selling brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and became the first American brand in over a decade to lead major categories in U.S. TV sales. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich flat panel televisions to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning Plasma and LCD HDTVs including the new XVT series. VIZIO's products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club, Sears, Walmart, Target, BJ's Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Good Housekeeping's Best Big-Screens, CNET's Top 10 Holiday Gifts, PC World's Best Buy among others. For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, Where Vision Meets Value names, phrase and symbols are trademarks or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos, additional information and interview requests
should be directed to agency.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060307/LATU014LOGO-b
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/

Source: VIZIO, Inc.

CONTACT: Jim Noyd of Noyd Communications Inc., +1-310-951-3768,
jim.noyd@noydcom.com; or Charley Fitzwilliam of Leader Enterprises,
+1-949-579-0405, cfitzwilliam@leaderenterprises.com, both for VIZIO, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.vizio.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Open Letter to Rush Limbaugh From Ralph Nader

Open Letter to Rush Limbaugh From Ralph Nader

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is an open letter to Rush Limbaugh from Ralph Nader:

   Rush Limbaugh   The Rush Limbaugh Show   2 Penn Plaza   New York, NY 10121    Dear Mr. Limbaugh,   

The Associated Press reports your new contract with Premiere Radio Networks will enrich you with at least $38 million a year over the next eight years. You are making this money on the public property of the American people for which you pay no rent.

You, Rush Limbaugh, are on welfare.

As you know, the public airwaves belong to the American people. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is supposed to be our trustee in managing this property. The people are the landlords and the radio and TV stations and affiliated companies are the tenants.

The problem is that since the Radio Act of 1927 these corporate tenants have been massively more powerful in Washington, DC than the tens of millions of listeners and viewers. The result has been no payment of rent by the stations for the value of their license to broadcast. You and your company are using the public's valuable property for free. This freeloading on the backs of the American people is called corporate welfare.

It is way past due for the super-rich capitalist -- Rush Limbaugh from Cape Girardeau, Missouri -- to get himself off big time welfare. It is way past due for Rush Limbaugh as the Kingboy of corporatist radio to set a capitalist example for his peers and pay rent to the American people for the very lucrative use of their property.

You need not wait for the broadcast industry-indentured FCC and Congress to do the right thing. You can lead by paying a voluntary rent -- determined by a reputable appraisal organization -- for the time you use on the hundreds of stations that carry your words each weekday.

Payment of rent for the use of public airwaves owned by the American people is the conservative position. Real conservatives oppose corporate welfare. Real corporatists feed voraciously from hundreds of billions of dollars in corporate welfare gushing out of Washington, DC yearly.

Whose side are you on? Freeloading? Or paying rent for the public property you have been using free for many years?

   I look forward to your response.    Sincerely yours,    Ralph Nader    PO Box 19312   Washington, DC 20036  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Ralph Nader, Consumer Advocate

CONTACT: Ralph Nader, Consumer Advocate, +1-202-387-8030


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

HBO and Comcast Cable in Partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum to Host the Tennessee Premiere of Academy Award(R)-nominated Documentary 'THE WITNESS: FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306' on Tuesday, February 3 at the Peabody Memphis

HBO and Comcast Cable in Partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum to Host the Tennessee Premiere of Academy Award(R)-nominated Documentary 'THE WITNESS: FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306' on Tuesday, February 3 at the Peabody Memphis

Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, who was on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when King was shot, will attend as a special guest.

Also scheduled to attend are the film's director Adam Pertofsky, executive producer Margaret Hyde, and National Civil Rights Museum President, Beverly Robertson.

   What:     HBO and Comcast Cable in partnership with the National Civil             Rights Museum will host an invitation-only screening of the HBO             documentary film "THE WITNESS: FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306."    Who:      Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, who was a civil rights activist and             a close friend of Dr. King, will attend as a special guest.             Also planning to attend are the film's director Adam Pertofsky,             executive producer Margaret Hyde, and National Civil Rights             Museum President, Beverly Robertson.    When:     Tuesday, February 3, 2009             6:00 p.m. - Reception             7:00 p.m. - Opening Remarks and Screening             8:00 p.m. - Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles Speaks    Where:    The Peabody Memphis, Grand Ballroom             149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN    Details:  "THE WITNESS: FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306" is nominated for an             Academy Award(R) in the "Best Documentary Short Subject" category.             The film is a deeply felt, eyewitness account of the events that             led up to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in             Memphis nearly 41 years ago, as remembered by Rev. Samuel             "Billy" Kyles.  Also included are firsthand accounts from fellow             civil-rights leaders Dr. Benjamin Hooks and Mrs. Maxine Smith,             as well as Taylor Rogers, a sanitation worker at the time. "THE             WITNESS: FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306" premieres on HBO2 during             Black History Month on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH at 7 pm             CT/8 p.m. ET/PT   

* Rev. Kyles, Margaret Hyde and Beverly Robertson are available for interview. Media requests should be directed to: Valerie Harris, HBO,(404) 966-2445, valerie@kinseygrouppr.com

/PRNewswire - Jan. 30/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: HBO


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

NBC to be Commended for Rejecting PETA Super Bowl Ad; PETA Says It's Wrong to Eat Roast Pig for Dinner but Would Now Like to Beam a Broadcast Pig into Millions of American Homes During Dinner Hours

NBC to be Commended for Rejecting PETA Super Bowl Ad; PETA Says It's Wrong to Eat Roast Pig for Dinner but Would Now Like to Beam a Broadcast Pig into Millions of American Homes During Dinner Hours

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to yesterday's Washington Post, NBC "nixed" a new Super Bowl ad from the animal rights activist group PETA "because the ad is too sexually explicit." Kick-off time is approximately 6:20 pm Eastern; 5:20 pm Central; 4:20 pm Mountain; and 3:20 pm Pacific.

Robert Peters, president of Morality in Media, had these comments:

PETA is against eating pork for dinner but now faults NBC for rejecting a PETA Super Bowl ad that depicts what looks like the beginning of a home party striptease performance. In the 1978 FCC v. Pacifica case, the Supreme Court upheld the federal broadcast indecency law, at one point comparing broadcast indecency to a "nuisance . . . like a pig in the parlor instead of the barnyard."

All across America, communities large and small are enacting sexually oriented business laws to restrict where strip joints can locate and the hours of their operation. If the vast majority of these communities had a choice, they would ban these moral pigsties altogether.

Now, the Guardian of our dinner tables wants to beam the beginnings of an uninvited striptease act into tens of millions of homes during what is often the most-watched entertainment program of the season and one that attracts millions of children. Many will eat dinner at some point while watching the game.

And unlike the Super Bowl 2004 Halftime Show debacle involving the exposure of Janet Jackson's breast, PETA's blocked assault on decency was unquestionably planned and thirty seconds in duration.

PETA has a long history of engaging in morally offensive antics to promote its radical animal rights agenda, but it does its partly worthy cause no favor by doing so. Few adults consider eating meat to be morally wrong; most adults are offended by or concerned about indecent content on TV.

The broadcast TV networks have a long history of broadcasting morally offensive programming, network promos, and sponsor ads into American homes at all hours, including the family hour. But at least on this occasion, NBC TV got it right when it said no to PETA smut.

   web sites:   www.moralityinmedia.org   www.obscenitycrimes.org  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Morality in Media

CONTACT: Robert Peters of Morality in Media, +1-212-870-3210, or
Morality in Media, +1-212-870-3222, fax +1-212-870-2765,
mim@moralityinmedia.org

Web Site: http://www.moralityinmedia.org/
http://www.obscenitycrimes.org/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

HBO and Comcast to Host the Virginia Premiere of HBO Films' 'TAKING CHANCE,' February 10, at the Quantico Marine Corps Base

HBO and Comcast to Host the Virginia Premiere of HBO Films' 'TAKING CHANCE,' February 10, at the Quantico Marine Corps Base

KEVIN BACON STARS IN THE TRUE STORY OF A FALLEN MARINE'S FINAL JOURNEY HOME

LEAD ACTOR KEVIN BACON; DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND SCREENWRITER ROSS KATZ; SCREENWRITER LT COL MICHAEL R. STROBL, USMC (RET.); EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS BRAD KREVOY AND CATHY WISCHNER-SOLA; AND HBO FILMS PRESIDENT LEN AMATO ARE SCHEDULED TO ATTEND THE INVITATION-ONLY PREMIERE

Two-Time Oscar(R)-Nominated Katz Makes Directorial Debut

QUANTICO, Va., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- HBO and Comcast will co-host the Virginia premiere of HBO Films' TAKING CHANCE, February 10, at Quantico Marine Corps Base, during an invitation-only screening event at the Little Hall Theater. Lead actor Kevin Bacon; director, executive producer and writer Ross Katz; writer Lieutenant Colonel Michael R. Strobl, USMC (Ret.); executive producers Brad Krevoy and Cathy Wischner-Sola and HBO Films president Len Amato are scheduled to attend.

In spring 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl came across the name of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, a young Marine who had been killed in action in Iraq. Strobl, a Desert Storm veteran with 17 years of military service, requested that he be assigned for military escort duty to accompany Chance's remains to his family in Dubois, Wyoming.

Based on Strobl's personal journal of the same name, TAKING CHANCE chronicles one of the silent, virtually unseen journeys that take place every day across the country, bearing witness to the fallen and all those who, literally and figuratively, carry them home.

Strobl, who recently retired after serving 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, developed the original story with the strong support of Phelps' parents, John Phelps and Gretchen Mack, both of whom are also scheduled to attend the Virginia premiere.

Strobl's first-person account, which began as an official trip report, gives an insight into the military's policy of providing a uniformed escort for all casualties. The story became an Internet phenomenon when it was widely circulated throughout the military community and eventually reached the mainstream media.

An HBO Films presentation of a Motion Picture Corporation of America and Civil Dawn Pictures production, TAKING CHANCE marks the directorial debut of two-time Oscar(R)-nominated producer Ross Katz ("Lost in Translation"). The screenplay is by Lieutenant Colonel Strobl and Katz, based on the journal of the same name by Strobl, who also serves as military consultant. The executive producers are Brad Krevoy ("A Love Song for Bobby Long"), Cathy Wischner-Sola and Ross Katz; the co-executive producer is William Teitler (HBO's "Empire Falls"); and the producer is Lori Keith Douglas ("The Notorious Bettie Page"). HBO Films vice president Jenni Sherwood is the executive in charge of the production.

Kevin Bacon ("Frost/Nixon") stars in HBO Films' TAKING CHANCE, which debuts SATURDAY, FEB. 21 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

CAST AND FILMMAKER BIOS

Kevin Bacon (LtCol Michael Strobl) made his film debut as Chip in "National Lampoon's Animal House," which led to roles in "Diner" and "Footloose," the movie that propelled him to stardom. His film credits also include "Murder in the First" (voted Best Actor by The Broadcast Critics Association), "Apollo 13," "Mystic River" and "The Woodsman" (IFP Spirit Award nomination). Bacon's directing credits include "Loverboy," starring Kyra Sedgwick. He was recently seen in the feature films "Death Sentence" and "Rails & Ties," and he can currently be seen in the acclaimed "Frost/Nixon."

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC (Ret.) (writer, military consultant) enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1983 and served in all three active duty Marine divisions as a field artilleryman. He has deployed to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf region with the 13th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units, and participated in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as part of the 1st Marine Division. Strobl's last assignment was at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Va. He wrote the journal "Taking Chance" while serving with the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico in April 2004. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2007 and currently works as a defense analyst at the Pentagon.

Ross Katz (director, writer, executive producer) is a two-time Academy Award(R) nominee for producing and has now taken on the role of writer and director with TAKING CHANCE, his first feature film. As a producer, Katz received Best Picture Academy Award(R) and Golden Globe nominations and won Best Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards for Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation." He also garnered Best Picture Academy Award(R) and Golden Globe nominations for Todd Field's "In the Bedroom," which premiered at Sundance. Previously, Katz earned an Emmy(R) nomination as an executive producer of HBO Films' "The Laramie Project." Katz also produced Coppola's "Marie Antoinette." His first feature as producer was Jim Fall's "Trick." One of Katz's upcoming projects as writer and director is "Amateur American," based on the political thriller by J. Elmore Saunders, and produced by A Likely Story.

Brad Krevoy (executive producer) founded the Motion Picture Corporation of America (MPCA) in 1986, and has played a key role in the finance, development, production and distribution of more than 100 motion picture and television projects. His producing credits include the smash hit comedy "Dumb and Dumber," the Peabody Award-winning TV movie "Annie," Kevin Spacey's directorial debut, "Albino Alligator," "A Love Song for Bobby Long," starring John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson, "Kingpin," "Jungle 2 Jungle" and "Beverly Hills Ninja." In 1996 Krevoy sold MPCA and became co-president of Orion Pictures, where he produced "Dead Poets Society," which brought Tom Schulman an Academy Award(R) for original screenplay, and released films such as Victor Nunez's critically acclaimed "Ulee's Gold," presented by Jonathan Demme and starring Academy Award(R) nominee Peter Fonda, as well as Sergei Bodrov's "Prisoner of the Mountains," an Academy Award(R) and Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. Krevoy revitalized Orion Pictures, quickly positioning the company for sale to Kirk Kerkorian's MGM/UA in 1997, and subsequently restarted MPCA. He is currently prepping "Rainbow Bridge," written by two-time Academy Award(R) nominee William Nicholson.

Cathy Wischner-Sola's (executive producer) projects currently in development include "The Badlands," "Esperanza Rising" and "The Last Beach Bungalow." A former vice president of original programming at TNT, she was involved in such projects as "Pirates of Silicon Valley," "King of Texas," "Animal Farm" and "Smudge," which won a Humanitas Prize for Best Children's Movie. While an executive with Daniel H. Blatt Productions, she supervised "Common Ground" and "Sworn to Silence," among others. Wischner-Sola currently serves on the faculty of the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory.

William Teitler's (co-executive producer) producing credits include HBO Films' "Empire Falls," as well as "Zathura," "The Polar Express," "How to Deal," "Tuck Everlasting," "The Hurricane," "Jumanji," "Looking for Richard," "Mr. Holland's Opus" and "Picture Perfect." Teitler's television credits include HBO's CableACE Award-winning series "Tales from the Crypt" and "Tales from the Dark Side." His upcoming films include "Robot Taekwon V" and "The Widow's Broom."

Lori Keith Douglas (producer) began her film career in development and moved into physical production shortly thereafter. She worked with the production team at New Line Cinema, aiding in the development and production of more than a dozen films, including the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series and "The Mask," starring Jim Carrey. Her other credits include Mira Nair's "The Namesake," the HBO Films/Picturehouse release "The Notorious Bettie Page," "Requiem for a Dream," "The Savages" and the upcoming "The Rebound."

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: HBO

CONTACT: Carmen Argamasilla, +1-305-446-6695, +1-305-491-3051,
carmen@redfoxpr.com

Web Site: http://www.hbo.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

LodgeNet Expands On Demand Content Providing Greater Choice for Hotel Guests

LodgeNet Expands On Demand Content Providing Greater Choice for Hotel Guests

Expanded Programming Includes: Increased HD Movie Selection, New TV On Demand Content, Broader Assortment of Independent Films and Additional Sports Programming

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ:LNET) today announced that over the past year it has dramatically increased its content offerings in its digital systems, providing greater choice to guests in over 1.5 million guest rooms. New content added over this time period includes more TV On Demand content, an expanded high-definition (HD) movie selection, more independent films, expanded sports programming, world premieres and custom content selections. This expanded assortment is supported by LodgeNet's industry leading digital media platforms, which have been updated to provide enhanced browsing capabilities in order to improve the overall guest experience. Delivering on the promise of the On Command acquisition to support the development of new, innovative media solutions, LodgeNet can now offer hotel guests more programming choices than ever.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/AQTU120LOGO)

TV On Demand. LodgeNet's "Just Missed TV" service allows viewers to catch their favorite shows on demand, in many cases only a few hours after they air. In the past year, LodgeNet has grown Just Missed TV content offerings by as much as by 25% in hotels with the company's largest capacity systems. Through a recently signed agreement with Disney-ABC Television Group, guests will be able to enjoy on demand episodes of ABC's Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Lost and Ugly Betty. In addition, original movies from Disney Channel (including High School Musical, High School Musical 2 and Camp Rock) will be added to the library of Just Missed TV content.

The Disney-ABC choices -- which premiere on LodgeNet systems this month -- expand the lineup of Just Missed TV content which already includes programming from NBC Universal (NBC, USA Network, SCI FI Channel, Bravo) and Showtime. Select episodes of hit series have included viewer favorites such as Showtime's Californication and Dexter as well as NBC's Heroes, Kath and Kim, The Office, and 30 Rock. During 2008 more than 400 episodes from 30 different television series were available on demand within hours of airing on broadcast or cable networks.

Expanded HD Movie Selection. LodgeNet continues to add new HD movie content to its offerings, and over the past year, has added HD movie content from MGM/United Artists. As a result, LodgeNet now features premium HD content on demand from the following major studios: HDNet Films, Lionsgate, Magnolia Pictures, MGM/United Artists, Paramount Pictures, including those DreamWorks Animation and DreamWorks titles distributed by Paramount Pictures, Summit Entertainment and Universal Pictures. In the past year, LodgeNet has featured some of Hollywood's hottest films in high definition, including Burn After Reading, Eagle Eye, Mamma Mia!, My Best Friend's Girl, Righteous Kill, Tropic Thunder, Twilight, and Wanted. Nearly one-fourth of the movie titles at hotels equipped with LodgeNet's HD platform are available in HD.

More Independent Films. Adding to its ever expanding list of entertainment options, LodgeNet has increased the number of independent films by 50% in many hotels, including titles from Echo Bridge Entertainment, First Independent Pictures, National Lampoon, Venevision, and others. In addition, Magnolia Pictures is offering select features as world premieres, available in LodgeNet served hotels weeks before they open in theaters. Other movies from Magnolia Pictures and IFC Films are shown on the same day as their release in theaters.

DIRECTV(R) Sports. In addition to its vast array of television and movie options, LodgeNet offers guests a wide variety of sports programming through DIRECTV Sports, which delivered over 6,000 games to fans of the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL over the last year. The package also includes games from CBS College Sports, ESPN FULL COURT and ESPN GamePlan. LodgeNet has increased the size of its DIRECTV Sports footprint in the past year by 50% and now provides live sports action to more than 315,000 rooms.

Public Space Programming. Further extending its relationship with DIRECTV and providing an ongoing array of entertainment beyond the hotel room, LodgeNet signed a public space agreement with DIRECTV for standard and HD content. This will entertain guests while checking in or waiting in the lobby and allows guests to enjoy sports packages in hotel bars and restaurants. LodgeNet has further enhanced its entertainment package by adding over 75 new channels featuring international programming through its partnership with DIRECTV. This content provides an important sense of familiarity to international travelers.

Custom Content Selections. LodgeNet's custom content solutions allow hotels to create a differentiated guest experience through exclusive promotions and custom interfaces that reflect the hotel's brand standards. Over the past year, LodgeNet has partnered with a variety of brands to create custom solutions, including a promotion with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts to help them execute two campaigns for the Showtime series Dexter and The Tudors. Sneak peeks of both hit shows' season premieres were offered on the LodgeNet system before their national debuts.

"LodgeNet continues to add new content and services that help our hotel partners create differentiated brand solutions and enhance the guest's in-room experience," said Scott E. Young, LodgeNet President of Hospitality. "Going forward, we will continue to leverage the scope and scale of our operation to work with a wide variety of content partners to provide the most cost effective and operationally efficient solutions for a wide array of programming offers."

About LodgeNet Interactive

LodgeNet Interactive Corporation is the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions designed to meet the unique needs of hospitality, healthcare and other guest-based businesses. LodgeNet Interactive serves more than 1.9 million hotel rooms representing 10,000 hotel properties worldwide in addition to healthcare facilities throughout the United States. The company's services include: Interactive Television Solutions, Broadband Internet Solutions, Content Solutions, Professional Solutions and Advertising Media Solutions. LodgeNet Interactive Corporation owns and operates businesses under the industry leading brands: LodgeNet, LodgeNetRX, and The Hotel Networks. LodgeNet Interactive is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET. For more information, please visit http://www.lodgenet.com/.

LodgeNet is a registered trademark of LodgeNet Interactive Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/AQTU120LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: LodgeNet Interactive Corporation

CONTACT: Ann Parker, Director of Corporate Communications of LodgeNet
Interactive Corporation, +1-605-988-1000, communications@lodgenet.com

Web site: http://www.lodgenet.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Moviegoers and Football Viewers Can Get a Sneak Peek at Sony Pictures' 'Year One' at Crackle.com and Meet Their Ancestors in 'Year One' Sweepstakes

Moviegoers and Football Viewers Can Get a Sneak Peek at Sony Pictures' 'Year One' at Crackle.com and Meet Their Ancestors in 'Year One' Sweepstakes

CULVER CITY, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Viewers watching this Sunday's big game will get a first look at Sony Pictures' highly anticipated comedy Year One and then go to Crackle.com/YearOne to see more from the film. In addition, beginning today at 3:00pm, moviegoers have a fun, new way to explore their ancestry with "Year One's Meet Your Ancestors Sweepstakes" promoted at Crackle.com/YearOne.

At the Crackle.com site, moviegoers can preview a special sneak peek of Year One, set to release in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2009, with an exclusive introduction by director Harold Ramis, as well as find out more about the sweepstakes. Entrants get the chance to trace their roots on one of six continents and win their own epic adventure - a trip for two to a major metropolitan area in that region.

One Grand Prize winner will receive roundtrip airfare and five nights at one of the following destinations of their choice: Las Vegas, NV, US (North America); Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (South America); London, England (Europe); Cairo, Egypt (Africa); Tokyo, Japan (Asia); or Sydney, Australia. The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 50 states or DC who are 18 years of age or older.

Commenting on the announcement, Dwight Caines, president, worldwide digital marketing, said, "Getting in touch with our primal instincts is the theme of Year One, and one could say that is what this Sunday's big game is all about. Viewers everywhere will be directed to Crackle's Year One microsite to get a first look at the movie in streaming HD quality. There, they will be able to find out more about the sweepstakes. Crackle offers us a great opportunity to reach the viewers most excited for Year One."

Eric Berger, senior vice president, digital networks for Sony Pictures Television added, "Sony Pictures consistently delivers great content and we love working with them on innovative promotions like this. Year One is one of the most anticipated comedies of the year and a perfect fit for Crackle's audience. We're thrilled to be tied into the big game as Sony Pictures kicks off this sweepstakes."

Official Rules for "Year One's Meet Your Ancestors Sweepstakes" can be found at www.yearone-movie.com/rules.

When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers (Jack Black and Michael Cera) are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world in Columbia Pictures' comedy Year One. Harold Ramis directs. The screenplay is by Harold Ramis & Gene Stupnitsky & Lee Eisenberg ("The Office") from a story by Harold Ramis. The film is produced by Harold Ramis, Judd Apatow, and Clayton Townsend.

About Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content 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 Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

About Crackle

Crackle, Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, is a multi-platform next-generation video entertainment network that distributes digital content including original short form series and full-length traditional programming from Sony Pictures' vast library of television series and feature films. Crackle is one of the fastest growing entertainment destinations on the Internet today, offering audiences quality programming in a variety of genres, including comedy, action, sci-fi, horror, music and reality. Crackle reaches a global audience through its impressive online and mobile distribution network. Visit Crackle's site at www.crackle.com.

   For More Information:    Steve Elzer   Senior Vice President, Media Relations   Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group   (310) 244-7142   steve_elzer@spe.sony.com  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Columbia Pictures

CONTACT: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations of
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142,
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

Web Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

The World's Most Successful CD Compilation Series 'NOW That's What I Call Music!' Joins Forces With 'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller to Create Global Music Show

The World's Most Successful CD Compilation Series 'NOW That's What I Call Music!' Joins Forces With 'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller to Create Global Music Show

Announcement Comes On 10th Anniversary of NOW That's What I Call Music!

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's best-selling CD compilation series, NOW That's What I Call Music!, is to partner with Simon Fuller - founder of 19 Entertainment, and creator of "American Idol" - to bring the NOW brand to television and the internet.

The announcement comes as NOW celebrates a decade of hits in the United States with a 10th anniversary CD, and coincides with NOW UK's 25th birthday. The NOW series has been called the "most successful brand in music" and has sold over 72 million CDs in the US alone. A worldwide phenomenon, NOW has topped the charts all over the world and is available in territories as diverse as South Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

"Mr. Fuller is negotiating on behalf of the 19 Entertainment/NOW partnership, beginning with a US network television show," says Bob Mercer, Chief Executive of NOW.

Although details of the show's content are still under wraps, Mr. Mercer says it will be an interactive program using both TV and the internet.

He says NOW is excited to partner with Simon Fuller to bring to life one of the world's best known music brands of all time.

"Simon believes as I do that NOW is a perfect window to what is current and happening in the music world today. Adding his un-matched TV expertise will make this a unique program," says Mercer.

"I am excited by the prospect of this partnership with NOW because I think we have the opportunity to create an important and innovative new music show," says Simon Fuller. "Music reaches out across boundaries and cultural borders; a global music show can take a song to any part of the planet, and the first performance of new songs and videos will become real events, just like they used to be."

In addition to featuring the current hits on each show, there will be a segment in which new music is highlighted - something which could lead to fans discovering the next NOW stars before they have hit songs.

The NOW That's What I Call Music! series is a compilation joint venture from EMI Music, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. The series debuted in the United States in 1998 after the NOW brand had been an enormous, multi-platinum international success for nearly 20 years.

To date, the NOW series has generated worldwide sales of over 200 million CDs. NOW's collective releases sell more than any other music property each year, and remain the only non-soundtrack, multi-artist series to reach #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.

NOW and NOW That's What I Call Music! are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: NOW That?s What I Call Music!

CONTACT: Rob Goldstone of Oui 2 Public Relations, +1-212-541-5698,
rob@oui2.com, for NOW That's What I Call Music!; or Eric Green of BWR Public
Relations, +1-310-550-7776, for 19 Entertainment


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Moviegoers and Football Viewers Can Get a Sneak Peek at Sony Pictures' 'Year One' at Crackle.com and Meet Their Ancestors in 'Year One' Sweepstakes

Moviegoers and Football Viewers Can Get a Sneak Peek at Sony Pictures' 'Year One' at Crackle.com and Meet Their Ancestors in 'Year One' Sweepstakes

CULVER CITY, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Viewers watching this Sunday's big game will get a first look at Sony Pictures' highly anticipated comedy Year One and then go to Crackle.com/YearOne to see more from the film. In addition, beginning today at 3:00pm, moviegoers have a fun, new way to explore their ancestry with "Year One's Meet Your Ancestors Sweepstakes" promoted at Crackle.com/YearOne.

At the Crackle.com site, moviegoers can preview a special sneak peek of Year One, set to release in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2009, with an exclusive introduction by director Harold Ramis, as well as find out more about the sweepstakes. Entrants get the chance to trace their roots on one of six continents and win their own epic adventure - a trip for two to a major metropolitan area in that region.

One Grand Prize winner will receive roundtrip airfare and five nights at one of the following destinations of their choice: Las Vegas, NV, US (North America); Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (South America); London, England (Europe); Cairo, Egypt (Africa); Tokyo, Japan (Asia); or Sydney, Australia. The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 50 states or DC who are 18 years of age or older.

Commenting on the announcement, Dwight Caines, president, worldwide digital marketing, said, "Getting in touch with our primal instincts is the theme of Year One, and one could say that is what this Sunday's big game is all about. Viewers everywhere will be directed to Crackle's Year One microsite to get a first look at the movie in streaming HD quality. There, they will be able to find out more about the sweepstakes. Crackle offers us a great opportunity to reach the viewers most excited for Year One."

Eric Berger, senior vice president, digital networks for Sony Pictures Television added, "Sony Pictures consistently delivers great content and we love working with them on innovative promotions like this. Year One is one of the most anticipated comedies of the year and a perfect fit for Crackle's audience. We're thrilled to be tied into the big game as Sony Pictures kicks off this sweepstakes."

Official Rules for "Year One's Meet Your Ancestors Sweepstakes" can be found at www.yearone-movie.com/rules.

When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers (Jack Black and Michael Cera) are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world in Columbia Pictures' comedy Year One. Harold Ramis directs. The screenplay is by Harold Ramis & Gene Stupnitsky & Lee Eisenberg ("The Office") from a story by Harold Ramis. The film is produced by Harold Ramis, Judd Apatow, and Clayton Townsend.

About Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content 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 Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

About Crackle

Crackle, Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, is a multi-platform next-generation video entertainment network that distributes digital content including original short form series and full-length traditional programming from Sony Pictures' vast library of television series and feature films. Crackle is one of the fastest growing entertainment destinations on the Internet today, offering audiences quality programming in a variety of genres, including comedy, action, sci-fi, horror, music and reality. Crackle reaches a global audience through its impressive online and mobile distribution network. Visit Crackle's site at www.crackle.com.

   For More Information:    Steve Elzer   Senior Vice President, Media Relations   Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group   (310) 244-7142   steve_elzer@spe.sony.com  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Columbia Pictures

CONTACT: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations of
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142,
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

Web Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Toyota to Debut Tundra Ad From Saatchi LA During Super Bowl XLIII

Toyota to Debut Tundra Ad From Saatchi LA During Super Bowl XLIII

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Saatchi LA is pleased to announce that the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck will return to the Super Bowl with a new actual demonstration ad in Super Bowl XLIII. The edge-of-your-seat :30 spot, "Killer Heat," will debut during the Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show.

Continuing on the same theme as the current campaign for the full-size pickup truck, Tundra "Killer Heat" will demonstrate the truck's impressive capabilities by putting the Tundra in an against-all-odds scenario. The award-winning Toyota Tundra campaign officially began with two actual demonstration spots in Super Bowl XLI in 2007, "See Saw" and "Ramp." Following its Super Bowl premiere, a making-of video for "Killer Heat" will be available exclusively on www.howstuffworks.com and www.youtube.com/user/ToyotaUSA.

"Super Bowl viewers have come to expect white-knuckle drama and brute strength from our Tundra ads, and 'Killer Heat' will not disappoint. It may be our most spectacular Tundra ad yet," said Kim McCullough, corporate manager of marketing communications for Toyota.

Tundra "Killer Heat" is one of two Toyota ads that will air during the big game; the other is "Faces" from Burrell Communications, Toyota's African American agency of record, in support of the launch of the new 2009 Toyota VENZA.

The Tundra campaign is inspired by insights learned from "true truckers," who depend on their trucks day in and day out. They are the true opinion leaders among full-size truck owners and are highly credible because they demand the most out of the pickups they buy. The Tundra creative is anchored in moments of truth, those key situations where the truck buyer must be given the solid facts about why they should consider Tundra.

"Saatchi LA and Toyota have created the most authentic and effective voice in full-size truck advertising with the Toyota Tundra campaign," said Paul Mareski, President, Saatchi LA. "We're thrilled to have another Tundra ad in this year's Super Bowl."

About Saatchi LA

At the heart of Saatchi LA is a fundamental belief that our future and our success rides on the spirit of collaboration. The agency was awarded a prestigious Gold Effie for its highly effective launch of the Toyota Tundra full-size truck. Saatchi LA is agency of record for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., and it also serves Toyota Dealer Associations and Toyota Financial Services. The LA office is the third largest in the global network of ideas company Saatchi & Saatchi, part of Publicis Groupe. For more information, go to www.saatchila.com.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/ and http://www.scion.com/.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.; Saatchi LA

CONTACT: Erin Poole of Saatchi LA, +1-310-214-6162,
erin.poole@saatchila.com

Web Site: http://www.saatchila.com/


Profile: International Entertainment