VH1 and Lionsgate(R) Announce the Return of Horror-Themed Reality Competition Series 'Scream Queens'

VH1 and Lionsgate(R) Announce the Return of Horror-Themed Reality Competition Series 'Scream Queens'

Winning Contestant Will Land an Acting Role in the Next 'Saw' Franchise Horror Film Actress Jamie King Will Serve as Host and Also Judge Along With Director Tim Sullivan and Acting Coach John Homa

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- "Scream Queens 2" will take a new cadre of 10 aspiring actresses and give them the chance to win a breakthrough role in "Saw 3D," the next film in Lionsgate's "Saw" horror franchise. The reality competition series is produced by Lionsgate and Joke Productions, Inc. and is slated to premiere in 2010.

Season one winner Tanedra Howard was featured in the coveted and iconic "opening trap" scene in "Saw VI," playing the character "Simone." Due to her breakout performance and significant storyline, she is also expected to appear in future Lionsgate productions, a major coup for the previously undiscovered actress.

This season's cast will once again be put through a horror film boot camp with intense physical challenges, learning how to work with creatures, gore, and stunts, while also building their acting chops. The winning actress will have to prove to the panel of judges that she has the talent, the looks, and especially the lungs to be a true "Scream Queen."

Mentoring the hopefuls through the exacting process will be former model-turned-actress and horror film alum Jamie King ("My Bloody Valentine," "The Tripper"). The cast will also be taught by Hollywood's toughest acting coach, John Homa, and have their performances directed by Tim Sullivan ("2001 Maniacs," "Driftwood").

"Horror films continue to dominate the pop culture landscape and are some of the biggest film franchises out there," said Jeff Olde, EVP Original Programming and Production, VH1. "Following the success of last season's winner Tanedra Howard in Saw VI, we're looking forward to working with Lionsgate to find the next great horror actress."

"Real opportunities to break into feature films are rare in acting competitions and it's great to be able to deliver on that promise," said Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate's president of television programming and production. "We've enjoyed a terrific collaboration with VH1 on 'Scream Queens,' and look forward to building on the success of the series with even more exciting challenges in Season 2."

"Tanedra did an amazing job in 'Saw VI,'" said Jason Constantine, Lionsgate's president of acquisitions and co-productions who oversees the 'Saw' films, "and we're excited about giving another deserving newcomer a role in 'Saw 3D.'"

Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina are executive producers for Joke Productions. Jim Ackerman, Dave Hamilton and Jeff Olde are executive producers for VH1.

About LIONSGATE®

Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury, and an array of channel platform assets. Lionsgate has nearly 20 television series airing or scheduled to air on 11 different networks from its in-house production operations and through distribution by Debmar-Mercury. Its programming roster is headed by such critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking shows as Mad Men, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Crash, Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Meet The Browns, The Wendy Williams Show and Paris Hilton's My New BFF. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

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FCMN Contact:

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Jake Slane, +1-310-752-8370, Jake.Slane@vh1.com, or Michael
Barrett, +1-212-654-3060, Michael.Barrett@mtvstaff.com, both for VH1; or Leah
Krantzler, for LIONSGATE, +1-323-965-1990, lkrantzler@lippingroup.com

Web Site: http://www.vh1.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment