Acclaimed Filmmaker George Romero to Create Original Episodic Programming for the Orange Project.

Entertainment Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2000

Romero to Write and Direct Seven Original Episodes for the Web Site;

The Orange Project to Spearhead the Next Generation

of Digital Entertainment

The Orange Project announced today that renowned horror/suspense filmmaker George Romero has signed on to create original episodic programming, to debut with the launch of the Web site later this year. The announcement was made at the Herring on Hollywood conference in Los Angeles. The project, currently in development, will include seven totally original episodes written and directed by Romero. Best known for his horror cult classic Night of the Living Dead, Romero is one of today's leading independent film directors, whose groundbreaking films have inspired dozens of imitations, kept millions of viewers awake at night and paved the way for a new generation of filmmaking.

"We are honored to have George Romero on board to create original episodic content," said Jason Zada, chief executive officer, The Orange Project. "Working with a filmmaker of George's caliber will help secure the site's position as the premiere destination for original digital entertainment, and fans of George's work will no doubt be thrilled to check out this cinematic mastermind's debut creation in this progressive medium."

The Orange Project is a new breed of entertainment company dedicated to leading the next generation of digital entertainment. The site will offer both a digital studio and entertainment network, with the goal of creating, producing, distributing and showcasing groundbreaking professional digital entertainment via the Web. The Orange Project will also provide viewers with unprecedented personalized channels to customize their viewing experience, while offering professional and aspiring digital content creators the tools, knowledge, support and community they need to produce quality entertainment.

"I'm looking forward to working with The Orange Project to create this new series within the digital domain," said Romero. "The digital medium provides the opportunity to create a whole new type of content, and I think the future of entertainment will see all types of filmmakers and artists utilizing this technology to create innovative projects."

Romero has inspired the growth of independent cinema that has taken place over the last 25 years. He has directed more than a dozen films and television shows in the horror/suspense genre, starting with Night of the Living Dead (1968) and including Dawn of the Dead (1978), Tales from the Darkside television series (1984), Day of the Dead (1985), Monkey Shines (1988). He has also adapted and directed two Steven King novels for the big screen: Creepshow (1982) and The Dark Half (1993), and is currently adapting a third King novel. Romero also recently completed the feature film, Bruiser.

Upon launch, The Orange Project will leverage every aspect of digital development, production, post-production and distribution, working with top-name Hollywood professionals and aspiring artists to create and showcase original digital entertainment. Content creators will include digital filmmakers, Flash and Shockwave developers, writers, musicians, editors, talent, crew and other supporting team members, with a focus on small budget, independent projects -- shot, edited and distributed entirely within the digital domain.

Initially the site will offer several channels of content to viewers, including Episodes (original network programming), Music (music videos) and Interactive (games and content produced with Shockwave and Flash). Users will be able to personalize their entertainment experience, creating customized channels to view only the content they choose.

The Orange Project brings together a team of top talent from the entertainment and Internet industries dedicated to leading the digital revolution. The Web site will be the only network to offer every form of digital entertainment -- all within the same framework and all produced at the same professional level. Original content produced and distributed by The Orange Project will also be licensed to traditional venues and channels.

The Orange Project is headquartered in San Francisco, with production offices in Los Angeles. Visit The Orange Project on the Web at www.theorangeproject.com.