THREE-TIME OSCAR NOMINEE FRANK DARABONT ("THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION") SIGNS DEAL WITH NBC TO CREATE AND PRODUCE NEW DRAMA SERIES

BURBANK, Calif. -- July 24, 2005 -- NBC has signed a deal with Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile") -- a three-time Oscar nominated writer-director-producer -- to create one drama series and produce a second drama series, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"We're sky-high over our upcoming association with such a creative force as Frank Darabont," said Reilly. "Frank's storytelling is always riveting, challenging and cutting edge, and his body of work is a good fit with our direction in drama development."

"I have been excited about getting into television for some time and I could not be more thrilled to have found a home with Kevin Reilly and all the wonderful talent at NBC," said Frank Darabont.

Darabont first attracted industry notice in 1994 for his direction and screenplay of the feature film "The Shawshank Redemption," which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay (the film gained six other nominations). He received a second Oscar nod for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Green Mile" (which he also directed). Darabont also was honored with a Writers Guild of America nomination for "The Shawshank Redemption" and a Writers Guild and Directors Guild of America nomination for "The Green Mile."

In 2001, Darabont directed and produced "The Majestic," starring Jim Carrey. He is currently directing his own screenplay in a new version of the classic film "Fahrenhiet 451."

Earlier, Darabont was an executive producer of "Collateral" (starring Tom Cruise and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx) and produced the film "The Salton Sea." His other feature writing credits include the screenplay for 1994's "Frankenstein."