Discovery Channel Pictures Expands Production Slate to Include Live-Action Motion Simulation Films.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 25, 1998--Discovery Channel Pictures (DCP), the large-format and specialty-film division of Discovery Communications Inc. (DCI), has inked a development deal with Iwerks Entertainment Inc., on a live-action motion simulation film and a companion pre-show short subject.

The deal will expand the division's slate of product to include ride film attractions. DCP recently released its first 15/70 large format film "Africa's Elephant Kingdom" and will release its second giant screen project "Wildfire" early next year.

Production will begin later this year on "Wings (wt)," a simulation film currently in development with Iwerks Entertainment. "Wings (wt)" will put viewers in the cockpits of some of history's greatest flying machines to experience the thrill of aviation. From the evolution of flight in 1903 to the super jets of today, "Wings (wt)" will be both educational and entertaining.

The film taps into the time-tested universal appeal of one of Discovery's programming brands, "Wings," and will be available to airshow audiences around the world beginning in the spring of 1999.

"We're pleased to be partnering with Iwerks Entertainment, the leading ride simulation film creators in the business, on our first `experiential' film," said Greg Moyer, president and chief creative and editorial officer for Discovery Communications. "As Discovery continues to expand its business and develop new ways for consumers to explore their world, the ride film arena is an area we are very excited about."

"This synergy creates a powerhouse for the development of innovative entertainment film content," said Charles Goldwater, president and chief executive officer of Iwerks.

"With Discovery's long-standing history as a leader in the production of non-fiction, high-quality entertainment and Iwerks' experience in creating `edge of your seat' ride simulation technology and film content, we have established a team capable of producing ride simulation films beyond compare," he added.

In addition to the film, Discovery will produce companion educational materials that will bring the ride experience to life for students.

Iwerks Entertainment is one of the world's leading full-service providers of high-tech entertainment systems, support services and film-based software in large-format, ride simulation and specialty venue attractions.

More than 250 Iwerks attractions can be found worldwide at location-based entertainment centers, amusement parks, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, shopping centers, casinos, resorts, nightclubs, restaurants, museums, fairs, festivals and more. Iwerks' Web address is www.iwerks.com.

Discovery Channel Pictures is the large-format and specialty-film division of DCI, a privately held, diversified media company with headquarters in Bethesda, Md.

DCI operates three distinct business units including: Discovery Networks, U.S., consisting of Discovery Channel, TLC (The Learning Channel), Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Science Channel, Discovery Home & Leisure Channel, Discovery Civilization Channel, Discovery Wings Channel and Discovery Health Channel -- the unit also markets and distributes BBC America, which launched on March 29, 1998; Discovery Networks International; and Discovery Enterprises Worldwide, consisting of Discovery Channel Interactive Media, Discovery Channel Online, Discovery Channel Video, Discovery Channel Publishing, Discovery Channel Education and Discovery Channel Retail.

DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders -- Liberty Media Corp., a division of Tele-Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:LBTYA) (Nasdaq:LBTYB), Cox Communications (NYSE:COX), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the company's founder, chairman and CEO.