LIONSGATE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
TWO SCHOLARSHIPS AT ALBUQUERQUE TVI
SUPPORTING GOVERNOR RICHARDSON'S
FILM TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM

Named in honour of Michael Piller

Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 6, 2006 - Lionsgate Entertainment announced today that the company is establishing a scholarship at TVI for Gov. Richardson's Film Technician Training Program. While TVI offers an incredible value unparalleled in the rest of the nation, sometimes even $500 can be a stumbling block. Lionsgate wants to ensure that all New Mexicans can participate in the film industry.

"The Scholarship has been named after Michael Piller, creator of Wildfire, whose vision it was to shoot Wildfire in New Mexico. He loved New Mexico and this is a fitting tribute to his legacy." Mark Manuel, Senior Vice President for Lionsgate Television & Production Finance.

Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mexico Film Office noted that "Lionsgate is one of our most important clients. With three pictures (Wildfire, Employee of the Month and Palm Springs) currently in production. Lionsgate is one of the largest private employers in the state. The Film Technician Training Program is vital to the continued success of filming in New Mexico. The program will ensure that all New Mexicans, regardless of income, can participate in future film projects. We are extremely pleased to partner with Lionsgate in this effort."

Jon Hendry, Business Agent for IATSE Local 480 said, "…we not only welcome Lionsgate's generous offer, we want to partner with them to ensure the success of the program. Each scholarship recipient will be assigned a senior union member to mentor them every step of the way. I know my members, and it will be a proud day for them when they stand up next to the students when they are sworn in as union brothers and sisters. The TVI Program and the rest of the Film Technician Training Programs are providing the opportunity for technical careers. We trust that more kids will pick up a camera, a grip stand, or a makeup bag before they pick up a needle, a knife, or a gun."

Jim "Grubb" Graebner of Albuquerque TVI acknowledged how much he appreciated Lionsgate donating these two scholarships. "…Even though our program is one of the least expensive technician training programs in the country, for some students the fees are out of reach. These new scholarships offer access to film industry training for all New Mexicans."

The Scholarships will provide $500 per semester, allowing two students the opportunity to attend two semesters.

Lionsgate, currently producing three projects in the state, is now employing over 1,500 New Mexicans. Here are the Lionsgate - New Mexico facts and figures:

  1. Employed over 450 crew members on a full time basis (most at union wages).
  2. Employed over 1,200 local extras.
  3. Total employment base of 1,650.
  4. Hired over 500 vendors.
  5. Has spent over $52 million in New Mexico over an approximate 12 month period.
  6. Has filmed 26 episodes of Wildfire in New Mexico.
  7. Has filmed the Movie of the Week Three Wise Guys in New Mexico.
  8. Will be filming Employee of the Month starring Jessica Simpson, in New Mexico starting in Feb '06.

Lions Gate is the premier independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library is a valuable source of recurring revenue and a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lions Gate brand is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe.

http://www.lgf.com


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