Press Release:

GEFFEN RECORDS AND DIC ENTERTAINMENT PARTNER TO LAUNCH MAJOR NEW FORCE IN ENTERTAINMENT - SPG- THE SLUMBER PARTY GIRLS

 

Unprecedented Joint Venture to Reach Tweens and Teens Via Multiple Platforms:

 Music, Television, Online, Mobile, Consumer Products  

 

Geffen Records to release “SPG-the Slumber Party Girls – Dance Revolution” Album

and Music Video DVD in Conjunction with “KOL’s Secret Slumber Party on CBS” Premiering September 16

 

Los Angeles, California – July 31, 2006 – Geffen Records and DIC Entertainment (DIC), have partnered to create an unprecedented, all-new entertainment brand for ‘tween’ and teens called “SPG,” it was announced today by Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO, DIC Entertainment and Ron Fair, Chairman, Geffen Records, & President, A&M/Interscope Records.

 

The cornerstone of the SPG brand is a multi-talented, multi-ethnic entertainment group, Slumber Party Girls, featuring a triple threat of five talented teens who sing, dance and act., and were chosen from more than 1,000 who auditioned. The Slumber Party Girls will serve as hosts on the new kids’ programming block, “KOL’s Secret Slumber Party on CBS,” a collaboration between DIC, AOL’s KOL kids site and CBS, set to launch September 16, 2006. In addition to hosting the block, the Slumber Party Girls will serve as the “house band” for the highly-anticipated dance competition series, “Dance Revolution!,” which is inspired by the hit video game franchise from Konami. The group will appear on 26 half-hour episodes of “Dance Revolution!” and be featured in 76 interstitials that will air this season throughout the block promoting active lifestyles.  The music for “Dance Revolution!” is all original, produced by Fair and Stefanie Ridel, formerly of Wild Orchid, and will be performed by the Slumber Party Girls and featured throughout the show in various versions and re-mixes, including the theme song to the programming block and “Dance Revolution!,” respectively. The Slumber Party Girls new single will debut on iTunes and KOL in August.

 

 “I believe we are creating a model for a unique form of entertainment that raises the bar aesthetically for smart and savvy tweens growing up in the digital age.  Its all driven by a collection of hit songs, great choreography and a superbly assembled group of multi-talented girls who can grow to become world-class artists in their own right,” says Ron Fair. “Andy Heyward has built an incredible business and his understanding of the tween and teen market is second to none. Creating fresh, exciting and powerful entertainment for this huge segment of the audience has gone underserved by the music industry and we’re here to change that.”

 

“Ron has an impeccable track record for discovering unique talent, like Christina Aguilera, and transforming them into music sensations.  This partnership will allow our companies to bring our respective strengths and resources in music, television and consumer products to create a truly unique and exceptional brand that we know will resonate with girls around the world,” comments Mr. Heyward.  “DIC has an extensive network of global licensing, merchandising and retail partners, and DIC and Geffen are thrilled to offer them an amazing opportunity to get onboard and share the success of the next entertainment phenomenon.”

 

Geffen and DIC have formed this strategic global alliance to create a unique synergy between music and television to jointly develop, market and merchandise SPG- The Slumber Party Girls.  Utilizing a “360 degree” approach to capture an audience on all fronts, the SPG brand will launch across multiple platforms, including music, television, online and mobile, with a subsequent rollout of a consumer products program and motion picture release. The launch of the Slumber Party Girls will be supported by comprehensive marketing, promotional and publicity campaigns, including grassroots, viral and traditional initiatives, as well as network television and radio commercials featuring The Slumber Party Girls.

 

Geffen Records, a division of Universal Music’s Interscope Geffen A&M, the world’s largest music company, is home to the planet’s top artists including Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Nelly Furtado, Counting Crows, Fergie and Floetry. Under the aegis of Mr. Fair, who has launched and supervised the careers of Christina Aguilera, The Black Eyed Peas, The Pussycat Dolls, Keyshia Cole and Vanessa Carlton, the Slumber Party Girls are currently in the studio recording their debut which will be supported by music videos and a national tour.

 

In 2007, DIC, a fully-integrated global brand management company headquartered in Burbank, California, will debut a comprehensive lifestyle merchandising program for ‘tweens’ that will tap into aspirational elements and will allow young consumers to experience the fun and fashionable “SPG” brand. DIC will work with partners to develop product across key categories including apparel, accessories, electronics, publishing, cosmetics, novelty and more.  DIC serves as the licensor for major kids’ entertainment and lifestyle brands. DIC managed the re-launch of Strawberry Shortcake in 2003 and to date (2003 – 2006), the brand has generated $1.3 billion in worldwide retail sales transforming Strawberry Shortcake from a retro to an evergreen property.  This year, DIC also re-launched the Classic Trolls, a multi-billion dollar retail phenomenon.  The company serves as the global brand manager for McDonald’s, and recently debuted a McDonald’s vintage line of merchandise that has become a retail success leading to an expansion from specialty stores to mass retail.  DIC will debut of a new brand for kids, McKids, that promotes balanced, active lifestyles with a line of activity toys and home entertainment titles.