In an unprecedented motion picture licensing agreement, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.) has entered into a major output deal with DreamWorks SKG that will give the Turner entertainment networks, led by Turner Network Television (TNT), TBS Superstation and Cartoon Network, access to up to 60 of the studio's titles in the broadcast network window. These titles will be available to the Turner networks immediately following their license to a broadcast network. The deal represents the first time a basic cable programmer has struck a broadcast window output deal with a major studio.

Today's announcement, combined with a previously announced syndication window agreement between the two companies, now gives the TBS, Inc. networks access to nearly every DreamWorks title, starting with titles released theatrically between 1997 and 2007. The deal provides TBS, Inc. TV rights to DreamWorks titles as far out as 2015.

The agreements now give TNT and TBS Superstation, already the leading exhibitors of theatrical motion pictures on commercial television, the TV rights to such titles as the back-to-back Academy Award®-winning Best Pictures Gladiator (2000), starring Best Actor Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, and American Beauty (1999), featuring Best Actor Oscar® winner Kevin Spacey. Among the other pictures headed for TBS, Inc. are Tom Hanks's Oscar®-nominated performance in last year's blockbuster Cast Away; the multiple-Oscar®-nominated Almost Famous, featuring direction and an Oscar®-winning screenplay by Cameron Crowe; the dream-teaming of Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt in The Mexican; What Lies Beneath, the 2000 thriller starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer; the TV sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest; Oscar®-nominated turns by Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges in The Contender; The Haunting headlined by Liam Neeson; the romantic pairing of Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck in Forces of Nature; the star-studded voices of Antz; The Peacemaker; The Legend of Bagger Vance; Small Soldiers; and others.

"DreamWorks, led by Messrs. Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen, consistently produces some of the most widely acclaimed, most prestigious and most successful motion pictures in Hollywood today, and the studio has instantly become known for high-quality films spanning a wide range of genres. We are thrilled to have our networks become the exclusive basic cable television home of DreamWorks titles for many years to come," said Bradley J. Siegel, president, general entertainment networks, TBS, Inc., who oversees TNT, TBS Superstation, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Turner South.

TBS, Inc.'s popular Cartoon Network will also get in on the action, with plans to showcase such DreamWorks pictures as Chicken Run, last year's runaway hit; The Prince of Egypt, the studio's successful first foray into animation; the cast of all-star voices in Antz; and The Road to El Dorado.

"Families around the country gather together to enjoy the best in contemporary animated features every week during Cartoon Theatre," said Betty Cohen, president, Cartoon Network Worldwide. "We already showcase films with stars such as Scooby-Doo and Bugs Bunny. Adding these modern classics will definitely enhance Cartoon Network's reputation as a destination for fans of top animated movies."

Robert H. Levi, president of worldwide program planning and acquisitions for Turner Entertainment Group, who orchestrated the deal, added, "We have struck yet another agreement that further fuels the value of our networks for our affiliates, sponsors and viewers and, for that matter, the value of basic cable television."

"We are extremely pleased to have concluded this agreement and look forward to expanding the close working relationship we have developed with our friends at the Turner networks," said Hal Richardson, head of DreamWorks television distribution.

In aggressively pursuing the traditional broadcast network and syndication windows of top contemporary theatricals, TBS Superstation and TNT have altered the distribution landscape for motion pictures on network television. Gladiator, American Beauty and Cast Away join other studios' titles such as Erin Brockovich, Mission: Impossible 2, The Perfect Storm, The Matrix, The Patriot, As Good As It Gets, L.A. Confidential, Charlie's Angels and more than 200 others in the TBS, Inc. broadcast window movie vault.

The two networks have achieved phenomenal ratings and targeted adult demographic delivery success with the contemporary motion picture strategy. The Superstation and TNT currently account for 18 of the top 25 theatricals (in HH delivery) on basic cable since 1994, when the networks introduced the strategy. TBS Superstation's broadcast network window premiere of As Good As It Gets in August of last year is currently the most-watched theatrical in basic cable television history (5.4 million households, 6.8 HH rating, 8/6/2000, 8 p.m.).

A multi-faceted entertainment company, DreamWorks is involved in the production of live-action motion pictures, animated feature films and television programs; records; books; toys; consumer products; and interactive entertainment. The first new studio to be formed in over 50 years, DreamWorks SKG was founded in October 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen.

TBS Superstation is the TV Haven for the Regular Guy. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s flagship entertainment network, the Superstation reaches 82.6 million households and is cable's most-watched network, a position it has held for 24 consecutive years. TBS Superstation offers high-profile original movies and series, blockbuster movies, popular series and sports, all reflecting the attitudes, tastes, values and beliefs of the Regular Guy and the people in his life.

Turner Network Television, currently seen in 81.2 million homes, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, advertiser-supported service offering original motion pictures and miniseries; original series, non-fiction specials and live events; contemporary films from the world's largest film library, the combined Turner and Warner Bros. film libraries; exciting NASCAR, NBA, Wimbledon Tennis, PGA golf and WUSA soccer action; exclusive coverage of both the 2000 Winter and 2001 Goodwill Games; and popular television series.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner Inc. company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Contact Info:
Dollie Rothensee-Siles (DreamWorks)
818-695-6143 552518