In The News

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2000

ONE TOTAL UNKNOWN IS ABOUT TO GET THE "GREENLIGHT" FROM HOLLYWOOD

First-of-its-kind Venture From Miramax Films & TV, HBO and the Creators of 'Good Will Hunting' Makes Big Screen Moviemaking a Reality-for Amateur Filmmakers and TV Viewers Alike

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Miramax Films & TV, and HBO are about to give a total unknown the "Greenlight."

The group today announced the first "Greenlight" contest beginning on September 25, 2000, during which any American citizen 18 years or older can submit their screenplay electronically to www.projectgreenlight.com. The winner of the contest-who will be announced on March 1, 2001 - will get to direct the film based on their screenplay.

The creators of "Good Will Hunting" (Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Chris Moore) will executive produce the movie. Miramax Films will finance the $1 million production and release it in theaters. In addition, HBO will run a 13-episode documentary-style TV series about the making of the movie - an unparalleled look inside the movie-making process.

"We know how tough it is to get your foot in the door," said Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Academy Award-winning writers of "Good Will Hunting." We want to be able to help an unknown writer out there make their movie - and at the same time, create an online community for everyone who loves films and filmmaking."

Aspiring filmmakers can submit screenplays electronically, as individuals or teams, using directions posted on the "Greenlight" website www.projectgreenlight.com beginning September 25, 2000 through October 22, 2000. The "Greenlight" community will have a major voice in determining which script will be made into a movie, an in various aspects of production, such as casting. Scripts will be reviewed by contestants, who are required to read, review and rank three submissions from other contenders by November 12, 2000. Also, anyone over 18 years old can participate in the script selection process by registering to become a reviewer on the website. The winner will be chosen and officially announced on the "Greenlight" website March 1, 2001. The public will also be able to watch production in progress on the "Greenlight" site, as well as follow the outcome of the new director's daily decisions on HBO's documentary-style series.

"For the very first time in its long history, Hollywood's doors are being opened to any American with dreams of making a movie," said Billy Campbell, President of Miramax Television. "And while those doors are open, we'll be able to allow anyone a chance to wander inside the studio gates - to participate in the filmmaking process and to contribute to a dream being born as a movie gets made."

The HBO series is slated for 13 episodes to air beginning January 2002. The series will chronicle the complete lifecycle of the movie from the page, through production and eventually to the big screen.

Chris Moore, executive producer, said, "We want people to see the real story - the incredible ups and downs of a first-time director - and the drama that takes place behind the scenes. The first episode will feature the contest and show the winner as he or she is chosen, and then invite viewers to follow the lucky filmmaker all the way through a feature film production to opening night."

"Greenlight" is a first-of-its-kind project that unites film, TV and the Internet to make an integrated media entertainment experience. For more details and Official Rules about the "Greenlight" contest, go to www.projectgreenlight.com.