SciFi Channel Spring 2002 Press Releases

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Press Releases from the SciFi Channel 4/02/02

Tuesday April 2, 1:04 pm Eastern Time

Press Release
SOURCE: SCI FI Channel

SCI FI Channel Announces Ambitious New Slate of Original Movies and Miniseries

SCI FI Continues to Strengthen Its Primetime Line-Up With Exclusive
Original Movie Events and Miniseries

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002-- ``Firestarter:
Rekindled'' To Be Developed As Ongoing Series

Anchored by its upcoming 20-hour epic miniseries Taken from
DreamWorks Television and Steven Spielberg, SCI FI Channel continues
to strengthen its original programming line-up with an ambitious new
slate of primetime miniseries and movies.

Beginning in 2003, SCI FI will air four major movie or miniseries
events a year, many of which may serve as backdoor pilots for ongoing
series.

In keeping with this strategy and hot off the success of its recent
Firestarter: Rekindled hit miniseries, SCI FI Channel will re-ignite
the Stephen King classic by developing it as an ongoing series.
Rekindled will follow the struggles and adventures of Charlie McGee,
a young woman with incredible pyrokinetic abilities. Both gifted and
cursed with the ability to start fires with her mind, Charlie has
spent the past 10 years on the run from the unscrupulous government
agents who created her. Tired of running, she decides to search out
other victims of the government's experiments in the hopes of helping
them reclaim their lives.

New miniseries and movies in development at SCI FI include:

ORIGINAL MINISERIES

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (4-hour miniseries) - SCI FI re-imagines the
groundbreaking and beloved series in which ``a rag, tag fugitive
fleet'' of the last remnants of mankind searches for its true home.
Fleeing the aliens responsible for the slaughter of their homeworld,
the Battlestar Galactica survivors must meet a whole new set of
challenges. This intriguing twist on a classic will be written by
writer Ronald D. Moore (Roswell, Mission Impossible II) with Breck
Eisner (Steven Spielberg's Taken; The Invisible Man) attached to
direct. Distributed by USA Cable Entertainment, the project will be
executive produced by David Eick (American Gothic, Hercules: The
Legendary Journeys, Spy Game).

MYST (4-hour miniseries) - Inspired by the best-selling CD-ROM
adventure game of all time, this four-hour SCI FI miniseries sends us
on a journey to discover what really happened on the island of Myst.
Along the way, we uncover an ancient civilization that existed for
thousands of years beneath the surface of the Earth--a civilization
that created magical books allowing one to travel to other worlds or
Ages. Using these ``linking'' books in MYST, characters defy the
boundaries of space and get entangled in the intrigue and mystery of
undiscovered worlds. MYST will be a Mandalay Television Pictures
production for SCI FI, executive produced by Elizabeth Stephen with
Rand Miller and Susan Bonds of Cyan in association with Columbia Tri
Star Domestic Television.

THE FOREVER WAR (4-hour miniseries) - Based on Joe Haldeman's Hugo &
Nebula award-winning classic, this four-hour miniseries is an epic
love story that spans a 1000-year war. In the near future, a young
man enlists in the army to defend Earth against a far-off alien
threat. Almost immediately, he meets a young woman and they fall in
love during their first tour of duty, but time and space separate
them. However, across the abyss of time she's left him a trail that
leads to a sweepingly emotional Sleeping Beauty-like ending. The
miniseries will be executive produced by Richard Edlund (7 Oscars for
FX including Star Wars, Poltergeist, Raiders of the Lost, Return of
the Jedi), with Peter Sussman and Ed Gernon (Joan of Arc, Nuremberg,
Me and My Shadows: Life with Judy Garland) executive producing for
indie powerhouse Alliance Atlantis. THE FOREVER WAR will be written
by John Fasano (Alien 3, Universal Soldier, Tombstone).

THE CHRONICLES OF AMBER (4-hour miniseries) - Based on award-winning
writer Roger Zelazny's (Lord of the Light, Creatures of Light and
Darkness, Home is the Hangman, A Rose For Ecclesiastes) classic
international-best selling 10 volume ``Chronicles of Amber'' series
(over 3 1/2 million copies worldwide have been translated into ten
languages), this is the story of a royal family with amazing powers
over time and space who are plagued by infighting as they try to
unite against a sinister enemy. Corwin is a prince of Amber, the
``immortal city from which every other city has taken its shape.'' He
has spent centuries on Earth as an amnesiac but when someone in the
family tries to kill him, Corwin begins a search for his past.
Richard Christian Matheson (Sole Survivor) will adapt the screenplay
for SCI FI. Tom Patricia (First Shot, King of the World: The Muhammad
Ali Story, Intensity, Medusa's Child, The Linda McCartney Story) of
Patriarch Pictures will serve as executive producer.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY (7-hour limited series) - The year is 2850 A.D. or
714 CP (Cryogenic Period) as time is now measured. To cure
overcrowding, a world government has turned to artificial
intelligence and divided the population into the seven days of the
week with individuals assigned to ``live'' out their life on the same
day each week. They are kept in cryogenic suspension the other six.
When Rick, a Tuesday, discovers the truth after accidentally meeting
Andrea, a Monday, he defies the system and attempts to see her again.
His journey leads him to discover not only that every day is
completely different, but that the corrupt group that occupies Sunday
is about to take over the entire planet. Gary Sherman (The Glow,
First Wave, Poltergeist: The Legacy) will executive produce and write
this original limited SCI FI series to be distributed through USA
Cable Entertainment.

ORIGINAL MOVIES

COLOSSEUM (2-hour original movie) - Tommy Pettigrew, a fast-talking
African-American fight promoter from New York, can't talk his way out
of his latest crisis - until history suddenly intervenes. With the
help from a rip in time and a magic amulet, he's transported to a
world of action, excitement and romance - the Colosseum of Rome 95
AD. He's a Brooklyn Yankee in Emperor Nero's court, playing out many
of the issues that plague us today - sports, politics, greed, sex and
power - in the most spectacular arena the world has ever known! This
action-adventure dramedy will be written by Sam Egan (``The Outer
Limits,'' ``Jeremiah,'' ``Northern Exposure'') and directed by Mario
Azzipardi (``The Outer Limits,'' ``Poltergeist,'' ``Stargate:SG1,''
``Total Recall,'' ``The Highlander''). Egan and Azzipardi will
Executive Produce with Matt Loze, co-founder of the multi platform
branded entertainment and marketing company, Science + Fiction.
Colosseum, now in development for SCI FI, will be distributed by USA
Cable Entertainment.

Previously announced miniseries in development for SCI FI include
Ursula Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness and Earthsea Trilogy and Kim
Stanley Robinson's Red Mars. Original movies include a sci-fi version
of the classic A Tale of Two Cities, Ray Bradbury's Illustrated Man
and Clive Barker's Saint Sinner.

On December 17, USA Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: USAI - news) and Vivendi
Universal announced the creation of Vivendi Universal Entertainment
(VUE), a joint venture that combines the assets of the
USAEntertainment Group, including SCI FI Channel, and the Universal
Studios Group.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment Group, transmits fantastic images to
78 million human homes. Launched in 1992, SCI FI features a
continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and original series, and
special events, as well as classic sci-fi, fantasy, and horror
programming. Check out SCIFI.COM®, the SCI FI Channel's award-winning
Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday April 2, 1:02 pm Eastern Time

Press Release
SOURCE: SCI FI Channel

Prepare to be Taken

Documentary Specials to Launch 2002 Television Event Steven
Spielberg's 20-Hour SCI FI Channel Epic

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002--Prepare to be
taken...behind-the-scenes of the most ambitious television event in
history.

A breathtaking epic, Steven Spielberg's TAKEN is a miniseries of
unprecedented proportions -- 20 hours of riveting drama over 10
consecutive nights premiering in December 2002. In preparation for
that television milestone, SCI FI will present a series of exclusive
one-hour events, including an in-depth behind-the-scenes special, an
amusing sci-fi field guide to alien abductions, and a poignant
documentary on some extraordinary people.

An epic, sweeping adventure weaving together the story of three
generations and more than fifty years of American history, TAKEN has
become one of the most anticipated television events of the year. A
powerfully emotional and evocative tale of mankind's encounters with
extra-terrestrials, the story is told through the visions of some of
the most talented directors in Hollywood - with legendary filmmaker
Steven Spielberg serving as the guiding force in the unfolding of the
characters' dramatically interwoven destinies.

TAKEN Behind The Scenes

This one-hour tour through TAKEN is a stylish and intriguing glimpse
behind-the-scenes of the massive production. The cast and crew
discuss the making of the miniseries, as well as share their personal
beliefs on alien conspiracies. Additionally, the special will include
a rare in-depth conversation with executive producer Steven
Spielberg, who will discuss how this latest project fits in with his
cinematic legacy of otherworldly films. Produced by Mark Feldstein
and Brad Roth of Stun Creative.

A TAKEN Special: We Were Abducted

Poignant, harrowing, transformational testimonies from ordinary
people who have had the extraordinary experience of having been
abducted by aliens. Take an intimate look at otherworldly encounters,
their aftermath and the unexpected impact on human lives. Produced by
award-winning documentary filmmakers Tina DiFeliciantonio and Jane C.
Wagner. Partners in Naked Eye Productions, Ltd. since 1988, their
work on documentaries and features has garnered much critical acclaim
and numerous awards, including an Emmy Award and the Sundance Film
Festival Grand Jury Prize in 1997.

SCI FI Field Guide to UFOs

Do you know the proper way to foil an alien abduction? SCI FI Field
Guide has the answers. It's a video instruction manual to the shadowy
world of the paranormal. This tongue-in-cheek field guide will serve
as interactive video instruction of everything you've ever wanted to
know but didn't have anyone to ask about alien abductions -- and how
to avoid them. SCI FI Field Guide is being produced by World of
Wonder Productions (WOW), a progressive television production company
and the recipient of numerous awards worldwide including an Emmy, a
CableACE Award and film festival honors around the world. Executive
producers are Randy Barbato and Fenton Baily and David Schiff as
Supervising Producer.

DreamWorks SKG was formed in October, 1994, by its three principal
partners -- Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen --
as a single company to produce live-action motion pictures; animated
feature films and television programs; network, syndicated and cable
television programming; records; books; toys; and consumer products.
DreamWorks Television is the network television production arm of
DreamWorks SKG. In addition to ``Taken,'' current DreamWorks
Television projects include ``Spin City'' (ABC), ``The Job'' (ABC),
``Undeclared'' (FOX), ``Off Centre'' (The WB) and ``Band of
Brothers'' (HBO).

On December 17, USA Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:USAI - news) and Vivendi
Universal announced the creation of Vivendi Universal Entertainment
(VUE), a joint venture that combines the assets of the
USAEntertainment Group, including SCI FI Channel, and the Universal
Studios Group.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:USAI - news) Entertainment Group, transmits
fantastic images to 78 million human homes. Launched in 1992, SCI FI
features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and original
series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi, fantasy, and
horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM®, the SCI FI Channel's
award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday April 2, 1:01 pm Eastern Time

Press Release
SOURCE: SCI FI Channel

SCI FI Announces Casting On 6-Hour `Frank Herbert's Children of Dune'
Epic Miniseries

Academy Award-winning Susan Sarandon to Join Ensemble Cast

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002--SCI FI has announced
the casting for the next six-hour miniseries based on Frank Herbert's
Dune novels, Frank Herbert's Children of Dune. This epic adaptation
will once again feature an ensemble cast, including returning players
Julie Cox as Princess Irulan, Barbara Kodetova as Chani, Ian McNeice
as Baron Harkonnen, P.H. Moriarty as Gurney Halleck and Alec Newman
as Paul Atreides. New additions to the cast include Alice Krige (Six
Feet Under, Star Trek 8) as Lady Jessica, Edward Atterton as Duncan
Idaho, Steven Berkoff (Atilla, Octopussy) as Stilgar, Jessica Brooks
as Ghanima, Daniela Lunkewitz as Alia and James McAvoy (Band of
Brothers) as Leto II. Frank Herbert's Children of Dune is scheduled
to begin production on April 3 in Prague with a four-month shooting
schedule - and is slated to air in 2003 on SCI FI.

Joining the ensemble cast is Academy Award-winning actress Susan
Sarandon in the role of Wensicia, a ruthless princess eager to
restore her deposed family to rule the Universe. Sarandon's film
credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pretty Baby, Atlantic
City, The Witches of Eastwick, A Dry White Season and Bull Durham,
which earned Sarandon her first Academy Award nomination. She
received additional Best Actress Oscar nominations for Thelma &
Louise, Lorenzo's Oil, and The Client before winning for her role as
Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune is based on Dune Messiah and
Children of Dune, the second and third novels in his award-winning,
six-volume Dune saga. The project marks the first film or television
adaptation of these novels. Children of Dune has been adapted for the
screen by John Harrison (Frank Herbert's Dune), with Richard P.
Rubinstein (Frank Herbert's Dune, The Stand) back on board as
executive producer. David Kappes (Frank Herbert's Dune, Anne Frank)
will return as producer. Greg Yaitanes (Double Tap, The Invisible
Man, Going to California) will direct and Mike Messina will associate
produce.

Academy Award-winner Theodore Pistek (Amadeus) returns as costume
designer, while Ernest Farino (From the Earth to the Moon) resumes
his role as visual effects supervisor following his Emmy winning work
production designer Ondrej Nekvasil (Anne Frank) and Poland`` Golden
Frog winning cinematographer Arthur Reinhart (Wrony).

The new miniseries continues the saga of the Atreides dynasty. Under
Paul Muad'dib's rule as Emperor, the planet Dune has enjoyed a
renaissance. However, the revolution Paul has inspired has
transformed into a brutal jihad and a conspiracy threatens to rob
Paul of his throne and his life. The future of freedom rests in the
hands of Paul's heirs, specifically his son, Leto II, who becomes a
force for massive change. In the end, Leto must decide whether or not
to sacrifice his own humanity for the sake of humanity itself.

SCI FI's premiere of the epic miniseries Frank Herbert's Dune
virtually doubled all previous viewership records for the Channel
with a remarkable 4.4 rating (2,917,000 HHs) in December 2000. In
addition to being the most-watched program in the history of the
Channel, the six-hour epic earned a place among the top 10 of all
original basic cable miniseries in the past five years. Frank
Herbert's Dune also earned two Emmys in the fall of 2001 for its
Outstanding Cinematography and Special Effects.

Children of Dune is a New Amsterdam Entertainment, Inc. production,
in association with Blixa Film Produktion GmbH & Co. KG and
Touchstone Television Productions, LLC. New Amsterdam Entertainment,
Inc., is a New York City based developer and producer of theatrical
feature films and TV programming.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: USAI - news) Entertainment Group, transmits
fantastic images to 78 million human homes. Launched in 1992, SCI FI
features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and original
series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi, fantasy, and
horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM®, the SCI FI Channel's
award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday April 2, 1:06 pm Eastern Time

Press Release
SOURCE: SCI FI Channel

SCI FI Channel to Generate New Thrills, Action and Fun

Channel Administers Monthly Adrenaline Jolts With Action Originals

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002--SCI FI Channel has
enlarged its commitment to male action-oriented original movies with
eight originals in 2002 alone and plans to up that quota to 24 per
year within the next two years.

Action-packed sequences, explosions, special effects and, most of
all, dynamic fast-moving performances, highlight a new development
slate made to enhance SCI FI performance levels in all dayparts.
These films will predominantly be produced internally, taking
advantage of the synergies within the upcoming Vivendi Universal
Entertainment merger.

``Action-driven, male-dominated original movies continue to do well
for SCI FI Channel, both in premiere and encore showings,'' stated
Bonnie Hammer, President of SCI FI Channel. ``These crowd-pleasing
films are cost-effective and popular. And frankly, great fun for our
fans!''

SCI FI's upcoming lineup of high energy, male action originals include:

INTERCEPTOR FORCE 2 - Principal photography has wrapped in Sofia,
Bulgaria on this original two-hour movie that features an array of
sci-fi veterans including Nigel Bennett (Lexx, Forever Knight), Roger
R. Cross (First Wave) Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena: Warrior Princess),
Elizabeth Gracen (Highlander/ Highlander: The Raven) and Olivier
Gruner, star of SCI FI's first Interceptor Force and former world
Kickbox Champion. In the not too distant future a new team of
specially trained government soldiers called Interceptors contend
with the latest hostile alien encounter. When an alien scout ship
crashes in eastern Russia, Sean Lambert and his elite force are
dispatched to investigate. They come face-to-face with a seemingly
invincible seven-foot tall, shapeshifting foe hell-bent on blowing up
a Russian nuclear power plant in an effort to destroy mankind through
a nuclear winter. The stakes become personal when the alien discovers
it was Lambert who killed its mate four years ago (in Interceptor
Force 1). A major battle ensues as the Interceptors look to save the
Earth from alien annihilation.

Produced by Unified Film Organization's (UFO) Jeffery Beach (Epoch,
Last Voyage, Interceptor Force, Under Pressure), Interceptor Force 2
was written by Patrick Phillips (Storm, The Lost Voyage) and directed
by Phillip Roth (Interceptor Force, A.P.E.X.). The project will
premiere exclusively on SCI FI in the fourth quarter of 2002.

EPOCH 2 - In this sequel to SCI FI's record-setting original movie,
the entire world is at the brink of war. In the face of a global
meltdown, the Torus, a towering ``substance-structure,'' has returned
to Earth. It hovers over the ground in a still and threatening
silence -- endangering the planet's entire life support system. Our
hero, Mason Rand, must race against time to find a way to get inside
the Torus and decipher its significance, before the world truly faces
a cataclysmic ending.

PUPPETMASTER VS. DEMONIC TOYS - The puppets and toys from two
cult-movie franchises ``Demonic Toys'' and ``Puppetmaster'' face off
in this SCI FI Original Movie. It all starts when Robert Toulon
(great-nephew of the original puppetmaster) and his daughter Alex
once again bring their puppets to life. They quickly find themselves
running from a mysterious group of fiendish toymakers. The toymakers
are determined to steal Toulon's reanimation formula so they can
unleash a pack of evil toys on the world. Executive produced by
Charlie Band. Written by C. Courtney Joyner.

GRAVELAND - In the near future, the first manned mission to Mars
crashes. Once there, the crew discovers an ancient civilization of
Martians that may actually represent the origins of mankind. Now, the
castaways must repair their space shuttle and escape before they are
done in by the seemingly hostile Martians or the intensely rugged
terrain.

DO OR DIE - Twenty years ago, a comet collided with Earth and
infected scores of humans with R.A.D. (Rapid Age Disease). Today,
while there is no cure, Ethan Grant has invented an injection that
can slow the process. Still, R.A.D. has divided the population into
two rival groups: the superior class of Cleans and the underworld of
Infecteds. When a Clean woman named Ruth gets impregnated by an
Infected man, she joins forces with the Infecteds and works with them
to find a cure for her unborn child.

DEATHLANDS - Based on James Axler's Deathlands novels, the story is
set in 2104 in a world ravaged by both war and radiation. Powerful
tyrants rule the planet, which is now populated by a mix of humans
and mutants. A heroic few band together to overthrow injustice.

DEVIL'S PASS - During a massive blizzard, an escaped convict and an
alien survivor from a crashed spaceship separately find their way to
the same remote airport. Both have different, but dangerous agendas.
The convict is willing to kill anyone who gets between him and
freedom. The alien, meanwhile, is trying to kill off all humankind.
Luckily, a beautiful waitress with a renegade streak findsthe good in
the convict and together they work to save the world.

CONTROL FACTOR - Lance Bishop was an ordinary, energetic, happily
married salesman for a large insurance conglomerate...until one day
at the office turned his life upside-down. After nearly being killed
by a mysterious disheveled man who burst into his office, Lance
begins to hear a powerful voice in his head that encourages him to
kill his wife. Questioning his own sanity, Lance discovers the voices
are part of a widespread government mind control project. With the
help of a few renegades, he must put a stop to a plan that could rob
the nation of individual free will.

Press Release
SOURCE: SCI FI Channel

SCI FI Has a Cure for Reality TV

SCI FI Channel Launching a Primetime Block of 'Alternative Reality'
Programming in Early '03

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002--Delivering an antidote
to stale, so-called ``reality'' programming, SCI FI Channel will be
launching a weekly primetime block designed to exploreAlternative
Reality TV in 2003.

This second full night of original programs will offer twisted takes
on topics ranging from dream interpretation to conspiracies to a
frightful twist on Candid Camera.

Many more projects will be announced in coming weeks, but already on
the Alternative Reality TV development slate is:

SCARE TACTICS

This delightfully wicked half-hour weekly series that some might call
the Candid Camera of fright. Set up by friends and loved ones,
unwitting victims take center stage in elaborately staged hoaxes,
skillfully designed to tap into their wildest fears. From a mock
alien encounter to babysitting in a haunted house, the pranks are
both hilarious and terrifying, with victims caught off guard and on
tape.

DREAM TEAM WITH ANNABELLE AND MICHAEL - hosted by Annabelle Gurwitch
& Michael Lennox

Does a passionate, lengthy lip lock mean that you are letting go of
old problems? Could flying reveal the exhibitionist in you? Is sex
your subconscious rewarding you for a job well done? In this
revealing and humorous daily half-hour late-night strip, co-hosts
Annabelle Gurwitch (Dinner & A Movie) and dream expert Michael Lennox
pull up the shades for the first time to analyze the dreams of both
in-studio audience members and call-in viewers. The meanings behind
our most private, subconscious night visions are finally revealed.
Produced by Stone Stanley Entertainment, this series will be a
companion show to Crossing Over with John Edward.

STARPORT AUTHORITY (working title)

This hysterical send-up of ``reality'' series provides a look at the
day-to-day grind of Starport Authority beat cops. These are just your
average joes fighting the not-so-petty crime of the near future - a
future filled with illegal aliens of the other-wordly variety. A la
COPS, our hardworking patrol keeps a watchful eye out for crime at
the interstellar side of LAX - as well as an eye out for the nearest
doughnut shop. This half-hour weekly is written by Bart Baker
(Meteorites!, Live Wire). Distributed by USA Cable Entertainment.

In production:

THE BELZER CONNECTION - hosted by Richard Belzer

Originally announced as a one-time special, this project has been
expanded to a limited-run, one-hour series. Hosted by Law & Order:
Special Victim Unit's Richard Belzer, Connection searches for answers
about the juiciest conspiracies of our time. The specials provide an
entertaining reexamination of shocking and fascinating conspiracies
as seen through the eyes of a wild assortment of believers,
debunkers, field investigators, online fanatics and celebrity guests,
like Janeane Garafalo, Ice-T and Al Franken. Produced by K2 Pictures.

Tuesday April 2, 1:03 pm Eastern Time

Press Release
SOURCE: SCI FI Channel

SCI FI Trips Out With a New Primetime Animated Series

CineGroupe and Animation Giant Film Roman to Produce SCI FI's First
Animated Series

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 2, 2002--Production has begun
on SCI FI Channel's first-ever animated series.

Produced by CineGroupe (Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension,
Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat), in association with Film Roman (The
Simpsons, King of the Hill), Tripping the Rift is an edgy half-hour
CGI-animated series based on an award-winning short film of the same
name. This new weekly comedy is an irreverent and lusty send-up of
space adventure, ripping apart pop culture and sci-fi convention as
only SCI FI can. Thirteen half-hour episodes have been slated to
debut as part of SCI FI's regular Friday primetime line-up of
original series in first quarter 2003.

``As we take the plunge into the world of animation, CineGroupe and
Film Roman have created a smart, funny and very twisted show that
sends up current events and everything sci-fi,'' stated Bonnie
Hammer, President of SCI FI Channel.

Tripping the Rift follows the adventures of The Free Enterprise, a
smuggling vessel led by a stumpy purple alien called ``Chode'' who,
along with his colorful group of misfit shipmates, battles arch
enemies and new obstacles in space each week. The series features the
comic send-ups of creators Chuck Austen and Chris Moeller, and the
raucous humor of head writers Bill Rosenthal (Working, The Single
Guy, The John Larroquette Show) and Andrew Borakove (South Park,
Dilbert).

``The style, the design and wicked humor of Tripping the Rift is a
perfect fit for SCI FI Channel,'' stated Ken Katsumoto, head of U.S.
Entertainment for CineGroupe. ``This is CineGroupe's first primetime
series project, evolving from a long standing track record of
producing quality shows for the worldwide market using our state of
the art CGI know how.''

``The stage is set for Tripping The Rift to be a breakout hit,'' said
Peter Schankowitz, President of Television Programming and
Development at Film Roman. ``It's a home grown Film Roman Web project
and we have a great production partner in CineGroupe and SCI FI
Channel is the perfect home for it. We're certain Tripping will drive
new fans to the Channel, because where else are you going to find a
sarcastic purple blob commanding a runaway spaceship?''

Produced by CineGroupe, in association with Film Roman, Tripping the
Rift became a breakout Web hit as a film short on LEVEL13.NET. Having
debuted online in November 1999, it continues to be the site's number
one draw. In 2000, Tripping the Rift won the grand prize in the
Playboy Animation Contest.

About CineGroupe

CineGroupe, a leader in state-of-the-art animation, CGI, 2-D/3-D
backgrounds and special effects, boasts over 800 half-hours of
animation and live-action family entertainment programs, and has
received more than 40 People's Choice and International Jury Awards.
Its quality programming is seen in 125 countries around the globe.
CineGroupe is currently in production on its half-hour a
live-action/3D background and effects series, Galidor: Defenders of
the Outer Dimension. The company has recently completed Sagwa, The
Chinese Siamese Cat, the top new kids series in the U.S. this season.

About Film Roman

For almost two decades, Film Roman has been a leading animation
production company working on such primetime hits as The Simpson's
and King of The Hill, as well as Saturday morning and syndicated kids
animation, including the current top-rated Saturday morning series
X-Men: Evolution. Since its founding sixteen years ago by acclaimed
animator Phil Roman, the Company has delivered successful animated
children's series to broadcasters worldwide and has picked up
seventeen Emmy awards along the way. Among those shows are such
well-loved animated classics as Garfield and Friends, Bobby's World,
Felix the Cat, Mortal Combat, C-Bear and Jamal and Bruno the Kid.