Andre Benjamin (AKA Andre 3000) Signs First Look Feature Film and Cable TV Production Deal with MTV and Nickelodeon

Andre's First Project Kicks Off with Nick Movies' 'The Hit' Which He Will Co-Produce and Will be Developed for Him to Star In

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 11 -- Marking the first ever multi- feature film and cable television agreement with Viacom's MTV and Nickelodeon brands, Grammy Award-winning artist, Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) has signed a first-look deal to produce feature films and cable TV series and/or specials across the labels' four distribution divisions. Kicking off this agreement, Nick Movies and Benjamin will co-produce "The Hit" which will be developed for him to star in. The film is slated to begin production 2006. The announcement was made jointly today by Julia Pistor, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Movies and David Gale, Executive Vice President, MTV Films.

"I am so excited to work with the feature film and television divisions of both Nickelodeon and MTV," said Benjamin. "This is going to be an exciting new adventure for me and my partners at these two companies and I can't wait to get started."

"Andre is one of the most original and creative voices in the entertainment industry and we love working with him," said Judy McGrath, Chairman/CEO, MTV Networks. "We are thrilled to be able to highlight his talents on multiple platforms in the Viacom family."

"This is a groundbreaking agreement, the first ever that includes two brands -- MTV and Nick across four different divisions," said Gale. "This is a testament to Andre's profound influence as a music, fashion and pop culture icon."

"We've enjoyed working with Andre on our upcoming "Charlotte's Web," stated Pistor. His signature style, creativity, and charm is infectious. We're so pleased to extend our relationship with him."

The first project from the agreement, "The Hit," based on an original idea by Lamar Damon ("Slap Her ... She's French") is about a 5th grader named Tyler who desperately wants to find his single Dad a new wife and he gets his chance when a mysterious and eccentric man named, "Q" moves in next door and is revealed to be Cupid.

Currently, Andre is featured in "Be Cool" the sequel to "Get Shorty" starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman. He is also voicing one of two dimwitted crows named Elwyn in Nick Movies' "Charlotte's Web" starring the voices of Julia Roberts, Oprah and Robert Redford. Benjamin also stars in Guy Ritchie's feature "Revolver" which is slated to be released this year, he recently completed "Four Brothers" starring with Mark Wahlberg for Paramount and is starring alongside Big Boi for HBO's "My Life In Idlewild."

Benjamin is best known for his work as half of the pioneering, multiple Grammy-winning duo, Outkast. Their last album, 2003's Speakerboxx/The Love Below, propelled by Benjamin's number one single, "Hey Ya!," sold more than 10 million copies and received multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

"The Hit" will be produced Julia Pistor. Damon Ross, VP Nick Movies will oversee the project on behalf of Nick Movies. Nickelodeon Movies will produce the film in conjunction with Andre 3000 and will be distributed by Paramount.

MTV Networks owns and operates the cable television programming services MTV: Music Television, MTV2, mtvU, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, and Spike TV, as well as The Digital Suite from MTV Networks, a package of thirteen digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

SOURCE MTV Networks
Web Site: http://www.mtv.com