Shine Group's Kudos Pictures and New Regency Create New Joint Venture

23rd July LONDON: Independent production group Shine and leading US producer and distributor New Regency today announced the formation of Shine Pictures, a new company set to develop and produce broad-based commercial films for the global marketplace. The new company will draw from a substantial development fund to capitalize on the Shine Group's reputation for working closely with the UK talent pool to deliver innovative and creative material in combination with the filmmaking and marketing expertise of Regency and the worldwide distribution network of 20th Century Fox. The new co-owned, joint venture will be spearheaded by Shine Group CEO and Chairman Elisabeth Murdoch and New Regency's co-chairmen, Bob Harper and Hutch Parker. Kudos Pictures (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shine Group), headed by Paul Webster and Stephen Garrett, will run the venture for Shine. Shine Pictures will continue to build on the success of Kudos Pictures (Eastern Promises) and capitalize on its access to talent in Europe and beyond. Shine CEO and Chairman Elisabeth Murdoch said: "We are excited by this new venture and the potential it brings the Shine Group. This deal will give Kudos the opportunity to play on a bigger stage, aided by the complementary skills, assets and insights of our partners at New Regency." Harper, Chairman of New Regency said: "Our new partners Shine Group have a proven track record in attracting and developing talent on a global scale." Parker, Chairman of New Regency, said: "This new venture creates a powerful new bridge to the global market place and reflects the truly international nature of our business." Stephen Garrett, Kudos' Joint Managing Director, and Webster added: "This venture is about talent. It's about collaborating with the best writers and directors from around the world to maximize their creative and commercial potential. We've been looking for the right strategic partners for some time. This new relationship with New Regency is thrilling in many ways, but in particular it will allow us to fulfil our creative ambitions globally." Founded by Elisabeth Murdoch in 2001, the Shine Group boasts the only collection of production companies to span both British and American marketplaces. In addition to acclaimed drama producers Kudos, it encompasses pre-eminent US television production company Reveille, leading independent multi-genre production company, Shine and entertainment specialist Princess Productions. The group's distinctive library also includes scripted hit shows such as International Emmy Award Winners Sugar Rush and Life on Mars as well as Reveille successes Ugly Betty, The Office and The Tudors. About Kudos Pictures Kudos Pictures is the film division of Kudos Film and TV Ltd which is the UK's premier independent drama producer jointly run by Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone. KFTV is part of the Shine Group. Upcoming releases include Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams for Focus Features. Productions include a feature length wildlife documentary "The Crimson Wing" filmed in Northern Tanzania readying for a 2008-2009 worldwide release through Walt Disney Pictures. Next is If the Spirit Moves You written by Abi Morgan and to be directed by Rowan Woods. Kudos Pictures' Paul Webster was Oscar nominated and won both a BAFTA and the Golden Globe in 2008 for Best Film for Atonement, which he produced with Working Title Films' Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Webster also recently produced Kudos Pictures 2008 Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated Eastern Promises, starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. Ed Clarke recently joined Kudos Pictures as head of development. About New Regency New Regency is engaged in the production and distribution of motion pictures and television through strategic alliances with media and entertainment companies. New Regency was founded in 1991 by Arnon Milchan, one of the most prolific and successful independent film producers of the past 30 years. Since its inception, the company has developed into an entertainment powerhouse, producing such high-profile films as JFK, Under Siege, Free Willy, A Time To Kill, Tin Cup, Devil's Advocate, Heat, L.A. Confidential, City of Angels, Entrapment, Fight Club, Big Momma's House, Don't Say a Word, Unfaithful, Man On Fire, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jumper, What Happens In Vegas and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Further information: Patrick Keegan - Freud Communications (London) 020 3003 6393 Patrick@freud.com Jonathan Bing - Freud Communications (LA) 323 866 6060 jonathan.bing@freud.com Chris Petrikin - New Regency / 20th Century Fox 310.369.4781 chris.petrikin@fox.com