''Roll Bounce'' to Help Hurricane Katrina Survivors Bounce Back; Free First-of-its-Kind Screening via DIRECTV For Survivors in over 80 Shelters Across Gulf Coast.

HOLLYWOOD -- Ten Percent of Fox Searchlight's Opening Weekend Proceeds From ROLL BOUNCE To Go Toward Katrina Disaster Relief

The cast and filmmakers of ROLL BOUNCE announced today that 10 percent of Fox Searchlight's opening weekend box office proceeds for the film's September 23 U.S. release will be donated to the Operation USA for Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Additionally, the night before its theatrical opening, ROLL BOUNCE will, through a partnership with DIRECTV, be screened for thousands of people at more than 80 shelters across the Gulf Coast region.

In addition to installing the equipment and activating services in more than 80 shelters that will enable free screenings of ROLL BOUNCE, DIRECTV has launched a dedicated 24/7 "Hurricane Katrina Information" channel that is providing vital information concerning hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts to evacuees in shelters across the Gulf Coast region, as well as to DIRECTV viewers nationwide. Since it went live, the Hurricane Katrina Information channel has been providing viewers with the ability to send text messages to family and friends separated by the hurricane and its aftermath - messages are scrolled across the bottom of the television screen on DIRECTV channel 100. To place a message on this channel for family and friends, viewers can send an e-mail message to [e-mail] or send a text message via their cellular phone directly to text code "48433."

In a joint statement Director Malcolm D. Lee and Producers Robert Teitel and George Tillman, Jr. stated: "We are so proud that the love, laughter and creative force that was poured into making this heart-warming family film will be channeled toward the support of those families in need."

Representing the film's cast Bow Wow said: "Tragedy can strike any of us at any time. We are honored that ROLL BOUNCE can help to support our communities at such a crucial time."

In a joint statement, President of Fox 2000 Elizabeth Gabler and President of Fox Searchlight Pictures Peter Rice, distributors of ROLL BOUNCE, said: "This is a small step that we can take to hopefully provide some laughter and entertainment, as well as a significant financial contribution, to the victims of Hurricane Katrina."

David Hill, President, DIRECTV Entertainment, stated, "The television programming that DIRECTV has been providing to Hurricane Katrina victims in shelters has primarily been informing them about the ongoing relief and recovery efforts. With this unique and first-of-its-kind advance screening, it can also play a small role in lifting the spirits of those displaced by the hurricane."

Stated Richard Walden, President & CEO, Operation USA, "Operation USA is extremely grateful for the creative way in which the national release of Roll Bounce is helping generate support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. All those involved in making the film, as well as those who patronize the film's opening weekend, are together generating enough resources to provide urgently needed care to thousands of Katrina victims through Operation USA's relief program."

ROLL BOUNCE is a late '70s-inspired coming-of-age comedy featuring an all-star cast led by Bow Wow, Chi McBride, Mike Epps, Wesley Jonathan, Kellita Smith, Meagan Good, Khleo Thomas and Nick Cannon. The film is directed by Malcolm D. Lee (UNDERCOVER BROTHER, THE BEST MAN) from an original screenplay penned by Norman Vance, Jr. (BEAUTY SHOP, "Girlfriends"). It is produced by Robert Teitel and George Tillman, Jr., who previously partnered as producers of the blockbuster hits BARBERSHOP and BARBERSHOP 2, and as producer and director respectively for SOUL FOOD and MEN OF HONOR.

In the late '70s when roller skating was a way of life, X (Bow Wow) and his pals ruled supreme. But when the doors of their local skating rink close, it marks the end of an era and the beginning of another that sees the boys venture into foreign territory - uptown's Sweetwater Roller Rink, complete with its over-the-top skaters and beautiful girls. Through his preparation for the showdown of the season - the Roller Jam skate off with the Sweetwater crew - X manages to find himself and also help his dad (Chi McBride) get back on track.

Operation USA, a non-profit Los Angeles-based disaster relief agency in operation for over 26 years, assists developing communities in the US and abroad in addressing problems relating to natural and man-made disasters and chronic poverty through the creation of sustainable health, nutrition and disaster response programs. Operation USA provides essential materials, training, advocacy and financial support for such programs.