ABC'S "MICRO-MINI SERIES" TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH AFTRA'S 2005 AMERICAN SCENE AWARD FOR TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMING

ABC Entertainment has been named the recipient of the 2005 American Scene Award for Television Entertainment Programming for its "Micro-Mini Series" by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Recognizing television, radio and sound recording producers that portray the diversity of the American scene in a realistic and balanced manner in their programming, this award is the highest honor that AFTRA bestows on its industry partners. The "Micro-Mini Series," a joint effort of ABC and Touchstone Television, with the cooperation of AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America West, the Directors Guild of America and other industry guilds and unions, is an experimental programming concept launched in 2004 to give participants in various ABC/Disney Talent Development programs the rarest of opportunities - to have original work produced and broadcast nationwide. The three-minute scripted works, which aired as three, one-minute, self contained acts during primetime and late-night programming, were created by people of diverse backgrounds.

"The 'Micro-Mini' Series is an exciting way to reach out to the creative community in a way that brings new lifeblood into the television business, while adding a new dimension to our audience's television entertainment experience," said Stephen McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment. "To be recognized by AFTRA with the prestigious American Scene Award is an honor, and it's reassuring to know that ABC remains on track in looking for new ways to identify and foster diverse creative talent in our industry."

"In creating an original new form of programming with its comedic, serialized 'Micro-Mini's,' ABC provided primetime employment opportunities to a richly diverse group of performers and portrayed the American scene in a positive and realistic manner," noted AFTRA's National President John P. Connolly. "ABC is also to be commended for its ongoing nationwide American Scene Award-winning diversity casting searches and showcases, and its collaborative partnership with AFTRA in those wildly popular programs. Too often the focus is put on areas where we don't agree - this is an occasion to celebrate and acknowledge our work together."

The Award will be presented during AFTRA's 60th National Convention in Los Angeles on Friday, July 15, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., PT

The "Micro-Minis" were:

"Not Now, Kitty" -- The bond between a pet and its human companion goes deeper than you might imagine. Kitty, ignored by her beloved master, Gib, finds a way to transform herself into a woman -- the better to win Gib's heart. But beware: Hell hath no fury like a kitty scorned. The script was written by Mitch Watson. Actor/director Carl Weathers (best known for his starring roles in "Predator" and the "Rocky" film series) directed. Weathers is part of the Touchstone/ABC/DGA Partnership for Seasoned Directors Program.

"I Didn't Really Wet My Pants" -- Freddie's blind date is already a train wreck, but things hit rock bottom when a bathroom sink mishap renders his pants embarrassingly unwearable. Now he's on a heroic mission to find new pants, salvage his dignity, and maybe still find love in a totally unexpected way. The script was written by Daniel Hsia, a current Writing Fellow in The Walt Disney Studios/ABC Entertainment Writing Fellowship Program. Susan Tuan, a former Directing Fellow, directed the script.

"Mosquito Cupid" -- Sometimes Cupid works his magic in strange ways. In this offbeat love story, a plucky, 3-D animated mosquito, acting as Cupid's surrogate, brings together two strangers who are a perfect match but who otherwise would never have met. Kris Young wrote the script, which was directed by Jay Torres. Torres is a member of the Touchstone/ABC/DGA Partnership for Seasoned Directors Program.

"Dirty and Dirtierer" -- His apartment is a total mess, and Bob himself is in even worse shape -- if that's possible -- when the phone rings: It's the girl of his dres, on her way upstairs for a dinner date that Bob forgot he had. Can Bob go from slob to heartthrob before his date makes it from her car to his front door? And can he cope with one last surprise when the doorbell finally rings? The script was written by Wayne Stamps, a current Fellow in the Walt Disney/ABC Entertainment Writing Fellowship Program, and Kim Duran, a former Writing Fellow. Millicent Shelton, who directed the script, is an award-winning writer/director (PSA "Let's Talk About Aids") and is a member of the Touchstone/ABC/DGA Partnership for Seasoned Directors Program.