Paula Abdul Joins Creative Team of Bratz: The Movie  1/10/07

Lionsgate's Bratz(TM) Franchise Hits High Note as 'American Idol' Star Paula Abdul Joins Creative Team of BRATZ: THE MOVIE, Produced by Arad Productions, MGA Entertainment and Crystal Sky Pictures

Television Personality/Singer/Choreographer to Collaborate in Key Creative Areas and Executive Produce First Live Action Feature Based on Popular Fashion Dolls

Abdul to Play Major Character in Film

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, announced today that "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has joined the creative team of BRATZ: THE MOVIE, the first live action feature based on Bratz(TM), the highly popular brand of fashion dolls manufactured by leading consumer entertainment products company MGA Entertainment. Crystal Sky Pictures is financing the live action feature film, directed by Sean McNamara (RAISE YOUR VOICE). Arad Productions' Avi Arad, MGA's Isaac Larian and Crystal Sky's Steven Paul are producing the picture, and Crystal Sky Pictures president Benedict Carver will executive produce. Lionsgate is distributing BRATZ: THE MOVIE in the United States. The announcement was made jointly by Lionsgate's President of Film Production Mike Paseornek and producers Arad, Larian and Paul. The film will begin production in February and is scheduled to open in August of 2007.

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Abdul will serve as executive producer on BRATZ: THE MOVIE, and will play an integral part in several key creative areas, including music, choreography and fashion. She will work closely with the director, producers and casting director to discover fresh talent for the film. In addition, Abdul will portray one of the film's major characters.

"We are overjoyed that Paula Abdul is bringing her tremendous talent to the creative team of BRATZ: THE MOVIE," said Paseornek, Arad, Larian, and Paul. "Paula's expertise in music, dance and fashion will be invaluable in creating the Bratz(TM) universe onscreen. Her outspoken belief in following your dreams and her own accomplishments, energy and style make her a role model for Bratz(TM) fans."

"I am extremely excited about working on this film, which incorporates and celebrates so many of my passions, from music, dance and choreography to fashion and design," Abdul confirms. "As a brand, Bratz(TM) encourages young girls to follow their dreams and express themselves. This authentic and organic philosophy has always been an important part of my life and my work and I will always continue to nurture new talent while keeping their dreams alive. As far as I'm concerned, it's a message that can't be repeated enough."

Paula Abdul is an award-winning, multi-talented artist who has enjoyed success and acclaim both in front of and behind the camera. As a recording artist, she has notched worldwide album sales exceeding 40 million units, two #1 albums, six #1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People's Choice Awards and two Kid's Choice Awards. Currently, she is one of three celebrity hosts on America's #1 television program, "American Idol," now entering its sixth season on FOX. Abdul recently turned her talents to jewelry design and in April 2006 introduced the Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC to record-breaking sales and public acclaim.

Behind the camera, Abdul is recognized as one of the entertainment industry's most gifted and accomplished choreographers, active in film, television, video, stage and live tours. Her motion picture choreography credits include the Academy Award(R)-winning AMERICAN BEAUTY, the Academy Award(R)-winning JERRY MAGUIRE, Oliver Stone's THE DOORS, and John Landis' COMING TO AMERICA. Among her other notable choreographic achievements are her Emmy Award-winning contributions to "The Tracey Ullman Show"; an Emmy nomination for choreographing the Academy Awards(R); and her own performance as an artist opening "The American Music Awards." She has choreographed music videos for such artists as Janet Jackson (a collaboration that yielded two MTV Video Awards); Aretha Franklin; George Michael; Luther Vandross; INXS; Heart; and Prince. Abdul fulfilled a personal dream when she danced alongside her idol Gene Kelly in an award-winning commercial for Diet Coke. Abdul received her big career break as a Los Angeles Laker Girl, and she continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country.

Bratz(TM) has quickly become one of the world's foremost toy lines and girls' lifestyle brands since its introduction in 2001, and its addition to Lionsgate's ever-growing library of popular children's brands enhances the Company's leadership as one of the primary distributors of children's and family entertainment. The Bratz(TM) array of spin-off products include a Bratz(TM) magazine, a top-rated animated series on 4 KidsTV, a number of DVD titles and videogames, as well as a number one-selling album on the Billboard Children's Chart and multiple lines of clothing, footwear and other accessories.

BRATZ -- SYNOPSIS

BRATZ follows four teenage girls who are from socially and economically diverse backgrounds. What they have in common is their wish to be themselves and realize their dreams and aspirations. They start their journey separated by high school cliques, only to realize that by becoming Bratz, their lives will be more fulfilling. A story of empowerment and wish fulfillment, told through a unique mix of song, dance, and of course, fashion!

SOURCE Lionsgate

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