TOYOTA DRIVES SPONSORSHIP, WITHOUT COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTIONS, FOR PREMIERE OF NBC'S 'FATHER OF THE PRIDE' CGI-ANIMATED COMEDY SERIES ON AUGUST 31

NBC Offers Bonus Mini-Feature at Conclusion of Episode Showcasing Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Series' CGI-Animation

BURBANK, Calif. -- August 30, 2004 -- Toyota will sponsor the premiere episode of NBC's new CGI-animated comedy series "Father of the Pride" on Tuesday, Aug. 31 (9-9:25 p.m. ET) -- presented without commercial interruptions -- it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

In addition, courtesy of Toyota, NBC will add a bonus feature at the episode's conclusion that will allow viewers a behind-the-scenes view of how the complex series is made. Along with brief interviews with the four main cast members ? John Goodman, Cheryl Hines, Carl Reiner and Orlando Jones ? the audience will also see the cast perform in the recording booth. Some technical details behind the wonders will reveal "gray scale" and initial line drawings that are part of the CGI process.

"Thanks to Toyota, viewers will have a rare opportunity to view the first episode of a unique new comedy," said Reilly. "Their sponsorship should give 'Father of the Pride' the prestigious platform it deserves on the second night of our new season."

John Goodman ("Roseanne"), Cheryl Hines ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), Emmy winner Carl Reiner ("The Dick Van Dyke Show") and Orlando Jones ("Magnolia") lend their talents to the half-hour series that incorporates much of the cheeky, edgy and ironic humor that proved so popular in other DreamWorks hits.

"Father of the Pride" from DreamWorks Animation, producer of the smash hits, "Shrek" and "Shrek 2," is a new CGI-animated comedy series that goes beyond the bright lights and glitz of the iconic "Siegfried & Roy" show to provide a glimpse of the off-stage antics and the suburban life of the performing white lions.

Set in Las Vegas, the series centers around the family life of Larry, (voiced by Goodman), a down-to-earth, hard-working lion who somehow fell into show business and married a beautiful lioness, Kate (voiced by Hines). Legendary headliner Sarmoti (voiced by Reiner), who was first discovered in Africa by Siegfried & Roy, is now an aging star who is constantly at odds with son-in-law Larry. John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld"), Wendie Malick ("Just Shoot Me"), Danielle Andrea Harris ("Rugrats Go Wild") and Daryl Sabara ("Spy Kids") also provide voices.

"Like Toyota, DreamWorks is a leader in advanced technology," said Deborah Meyer, Toyota's Corporate Manager, Marketing Communications. "We wanted to give viewers a chance to see how this remarkable animation came to life."

CGI versions of Siegfried & Roy (voiced by Julian Holloway, "Michael Uncle Silas" and Dave Herman, "Office Space") will also be featured in the series. "Father of the Pride" will be the first prime-time television show with feature film-quality CGI animation. Created by Jeffrey Katzenberg ("Shrek") and Jonathan Groff ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien"), the series is executive-produced by Groff, Jon Pollack ("Spin City," "Just Shoot Me") and Katzenberg. The series is produced by DreamWorks Animation.