EPIX Press Releases

EPIX SERVES UP A THANKSGIVING FEAST…OF FURY

Four- Day Movie Marathon Features Hollywood’s Biggest Action Icons from Indiana Jones and James Bond to Robocop and Iron Man

World Television Premiere of “Cloverfield” Closes Out the Holiday Weekend Festivities on Sunday, November 29 at 9PM (ET/PT)

New York, NY November 23, 2009 – EPIX™ is celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with a nonstop action movie marathon that is sure to make cinema-loving adrenaline junkies give thanks. Plus, viewers can come back for seconds anytime and watch all the movies and awesome studio bonus extras with exclusive access to EpixHD.com.

Kicking off on Thursday, November 26 at 11:30AM (ET/PT) with what EPIX has dubbed ‘The Indy 500: 500 Minutes of Indiana Jones,’ viewers can tune in first for “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” followed by “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” and ending with “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” at 6:00PM (ET/PT).  If their thirst for action is still unquenched “Iron Man” begins at 8PM (ET/PT) followed by “The Hunt For Red October,” at 10:30PM (ET/PT).

After a healthy helping of crime-fighting superhero “Flash Gordon” at 6PM (ET/PT) fans of half man, half machine vigilante cops will love the Robocop Trilogy, which begins on Friday, November 27 at 8PM (ET/PT).

Fans of super-spy James Bond must tune in on Saturday, November 28 for a special side order of 007 beginning with “Casino Royale (1967)” at 1PM (ET/PT), and followed by “GoldenEye,” “The Living Daylights,” “Moonraker,” and closing out the evening with “You Only Live Twice,” at 10:30PM (ET/PT).

Filling out the four day movie marathon are action classics ranging from “Red Dawn” and “Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins,” to “Black Rain,” “The Untouchables,” and “The Golden Child,” among a host of other greats!

The Thanksgiving weekend feast concludes with the world television premiere of “Cloverfield,” which closes out EPIX’s holiday weekend festivities on Sunday, November 29 at 8PM (ET/PT).

EPIX will be providing free online access to the “Feast of Fury” weekend of programming on a first-come, first-serve basis to selected consumers. Visitors to EPIX’s website can register for free online access at EpixHD.com/invite.

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service that launched on October 30, 2009. EPIX is distributed by Verizon FiOS. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX delivers films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which are available exclusively to its subscribers.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX airs new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX’s programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.

Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.

SAM SHEPARD TO STAR IN EPIX’s FIRST ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES PILOT TOUGH TRADE PRODUCED BY LIONSGATE

NEW YORK, NY and SANTA MONICA, CA (November 20, 2009) – Acclaimed actor and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sam Shepard is set to star in Lionsgate’s “Tough Trade,” the first original series pilot for EPIXTM, the new multi-platform entertainment service from Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) which launched October 30, 2009. With a creative team led by executive producer and showrunner Jenji Kohan (“Weeds”), the pilot was written by creator/co-executive producer Chris Offutt (“True Blood,” “Weeds”) and will be directed by Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Rendition, Tsotsi).  Shooting begins December 3 in Nashville.  The announcement was made today by Mark Greenberg, president and CEO of EPIX, and Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate’s president of television programming and production.

Shepard (Brothers, The Assassination of Jesse James, The Right Stuff) will portray the patriarch of the Tucker family in this provocative, contemporary one-hour drama about a three-generation Nashville music dynasty whose penchant for drink, debauchery and divorce has left them both morally corrupt and on the verge of bankruptcy.  The family with little left is pinning its hopes on its former black sheep, a budding country star turned alternative rock heart throb.  “Tough Trade” brings viewers behind the scenes and into the living room to expose the tragic and sometimes comedic secrets, scandals and sorrows of this unforgettable American family.

“Sam Shepard is the ideal actor to star in ‘Tough Trade’ and we are proud to have him be a part of EPIX’s first original series,” said Greenberg. “With Jenji Kohan as the executive producer and the incredible team at Lionsgate, we have no doubt that ‘Tough Trade’ is going to be a great story that launches our original programming line-up on EPIX. We are excited to begin production in Nashville and look forward to showing this pilot episode on EPIX in 2010.”

“It’s a tremendous coup to have Sam leading our cast,” said Beggs.  “He’s a brilliant multi-talented artist who will bring great authenticity to the project.”

Shepard is a celebrated playwright and actor.  His numerous writing credits include True West and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Buried Child, and he’s received critical acclaim for his acting performances in such films as The Right Stuff, for which he earned an Oscar nomination, Black Hawk Down, The Notebook and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford with Brad Pitt.  He will soon be seen in Lionsgate’s Brothers opposite Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman, directed by Jim Sheridan.  His newest book, Day out of Days, which is a collection of tales set mainly in the imaginative landscape of the West, will be published in January 2010 by Knopf.  Also an accomplished musician, Shepard was the drummer for the 1960s rock band The Holy Modal Rounders.

Chris Offutt is the creator, writer and co-executive producer of “Tough Trade.” He is an award-winning novelist and short story writer, recently serving as executive story editor on HBO’s “True Blood,” as well as a writer and co-producer on the fifth season of Lionsgate’s hit comedy “Weeds.”

Jenji Kohan (“Weeds”) and Sean and Bryan Furst (The Matador, The Cooler) are executive producers. The show was developed by Furst Films, under the company’s first look deal with Lionsgate TV.

About LIONSGATE®

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury, and an array of channel platform assets. Lionsgate has nearly 20 television series airing or scheduled to air on 11 different networks from its in-house production operations and through distribution by Debmar-Mercury.  Its programming roster is headed by such critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking shows as Mad Men, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Crash, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Meet The Browns, The Wendy Williams Show and Paris Hilton’s My New BFF. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. EPIX is currently distributed by Verizon FiOS on Channel 395 in SD and Channel 895 in HD and will be distributed by other partners. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers. In addition, it will carry up to 22 Roadside Attractions films slated for theatrical release in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and up to 20 of Samuel Goldwyn’s films slated for theatrical release in 2010 and 2011.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX will air new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX’s programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.

Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.

EPIX to Keynote Streaming Media West

SAN JOSE, Calif.—(November 19, 2009)— Emil Rensing, chief digital officer at EPIX, the next generation premium entertainment service from Viacom, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate and MGM, will give the keynote presentation at the 2009 Streaming Media West show on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009.

EPIX is a multi-platform entertainment service, delivering the latest movie blockbusters, new releases, library classics and original content across its premium, HD television channel, video-on-demand and online. Viewers with an EPIX subscription have access to everything -  great entertainment anytime, anywhere, on every platform.

Rensing’s keynote will discuss EPIX’s vision of multiplatform entertainment, what today’s and tomorrow’s consumers are demanding and how the industry needs to focus on quality across all potential platforms, enhancing user interfaces and greater, more immediate content selection options.

“We’re excited to give the audience at Streaming Media West a close look at the EPIX vision, and share what we’ve learned by participating in this pivotal time in entertainment consumption,” Rensing said. “We’ve learned a lot by bringing our studio partners’ content across platforms, and in the process of raising the industry bar, we’ve gotten a good taste of how the industry’s evolution will unfold in the next 10-20 years. We’ve believe the best entertainment brand values - quality of experience, presentation and programming - will remain paramount, and that as platforms evolve, consumers expect their entertainment services to keep pace. We’re looking forward to sharing a behind the scenes look at the headway we’ve made on all fronts.”

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. EPIX is currently distributed by Verizon FiOS on Channel 395 in SD and Channel 895 in HD and will be distributed by other partners. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX will air new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX’s programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.

Follow the EPIX twitter feed at www.twitter.com/EpixHD

EPIX™ Taps Industry Veteran Laverne McKinnon to Lead Originals

McKinnon Steps in as Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development

NEW YORK—(November 11, 2009)—EPIX™, the premium entertainment joint venture formed by Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), announced today the appointment of Laverne McKinnon to executive vice president of Original Programming and Development, effective immediately.

“With more than fifteen years in the industry, Laverne knows her way around new series and original events better than anyone and has an impressive resume that boasts viewer favorites such as the CSI franchise and incredible experience working with great talent like Shawn Ryan, Tony Hawk, Alicia Keys, Jon Turteltaub and Mike Newell,” said Mark Greenberg, president of EPIX. “She has the rare ability to think creatively and strategically while maintaining a focus on what subscribers want. We are extremely pleased that Laverne is joining the EPIX team.”

In February, EPIX greenlit its first original series “Tough Trade,” which is slated for 2010. The series is a provocative one-hour drama about a prodigal son who becomes the salvation of his family – a Nashville music dynasty which is morally corrupt and financially bankrupt. EPIX has also announced, Lewis Black: Stark Raving Black, filmed live before sold-out audiences at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit, which will air in December. All original series and special events will be available across EPIX platforms – on television, video on demand and at epixhd.com.

McKinnon joins EPIX from Shibui Entertainment where she served as president and CEO. Previously, she oversaw development of all television and live stage properties for Mike Newell’s production company 50 Cannon, where she served as President. McKinnon worked for ten years at CBS Entertainment, most recently as senior vice president Drama Development. Earlier, she had served as Director Current Programs and Director Children’s Programs for CBS Entertainment.

“Consumers are increasingly demanding access to movies, series and specials across multiple platforms – and EPIX is the first service to cater to the traditional TV viewer, the VOD fan and the online enthusiast,” said McKinnon. “I couldn’t be more excited about developing and overseeing original programming with EPIX, a true multiplatform pioneer in the premium entertainment space.”

McKinnon received her Bachelor of Sciences in Radio, Television and Film from Northwestern University and her MBA in Business Management from Pepperdine University’s George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management.

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. EPIX is currently distributed by Verizon FiOS on Channel 395 in SD and Channel 895 in HD and will be distributed by other partners. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX will air new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX’s programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.

Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.

EPIX Invites Consumers to Experience EpixHD.com via Online Weekend Passes

New York, NY October 30, 2009 – EPIX, the next generation premium entertainment service from Viacom, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate and MGM, announced today that for the first time ever, targeted consumers will be offered the opportunity to experience a three-day free online preview of its EpixHD.com service, starting this weekend as it launches on Friday, October 30, 2009. The EpixHD.com free preview weekends will be available on a first come, first serve basis from now through Thanksgiving weekend.

“EPIX is launching more than a new premium network — this is an entirely new way to experience premium entertainment,” said Mark Greenberg, president of EPIX.  “A free online preview of this kind that is truly available to anyone with Internet access has never been done before. We want people to experience entertainment this way — giving them a taste of what it is like to have anywhere, anytime access to the movies, concerts and comedy specials from the incredible studio partners that have established EPIX.”

EPIX is reaching out to consumers across America through social media, online fan sites as well as through traditional advertising on television, radio, print, online and out-of-home to invite them to engage and experience EpixHD.com.

To participate, online visitors to EPIX’s website will be able to register for free online access at EpixHD.com/invite.

Those consumers who qualify for free online previews this weekend will unlock their full three day, weekend long passes to EpixHD.com, giving them complete access to the launch weekend programming line-up which includes Madonna “Sticky & Sweet: Live from Buenos Aires,” Marvel’s blockbuster film “Iron Man,” and the exclusive comedy special “Eddie Izzard: Live From Wembley.”

EPIX’s launch weekend will also debut a powerhouse line-up of movies, representing more than fifteen world television premieres with a combined worldwide box office value of more than $2.5 billion. Those films include Oscar-winner “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,”  Tyler Perry’s hit “Madea Goes to Jail,” family favorite “Pink Panther 2,” Lucasfilm’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” “Cloverfield” and “The Duchess” among many others.

They will also be able watch more than 150 films and additional programming in an online, on demand format at anytime and anywhere. EpixHD.com offers studio exclusives, behind the scenes footage and movie extras as well as access to an innovative online screening room feature which enables consumers to invite up to four friends anywhere to watch movies while they chat online in real time.

For those who want to experience EpixHD.com in subsequent weekends, the free passes will continue to be distributed on a first come, first serve basis through the month of November. All of the movies, special programming and features of the launch weekend as well as other features will continue to be available online.

In addition to the launch of the online service, this weekend EPIX begins delivering all of its movies, concerts and comedy events in HD and SD – anytime, anywhere – through its linear channel, video on demand and online service.

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launching on October 30, 2009. EPIX will be distributed by Verizon FiOS on Channel 395 in SD and Channel 895 in HD and other partners. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX will air new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX’s programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.