COMEDY CENTRAL To Shoot Three New Pilots Set In The Worlds Of Body Shops, Moviemakers And The Comic Mind Of A Mover And Shaker

Pilots Feature "American Movie" Auteurs, Mark Borshardt and Mike Schank, A Crew Of Hardworking (Make That Hardly Working) Stiffs From A Body Shop And Rising Comic Star, DeRay Davis

NEW YORK, May 8, 2006 -- COMEDY CENTRAL has commenced production on three new pilots, it was announced today by Lauren Corrao, executive vice president, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL. The projects span the full range of formats from the reality of "Mark and Mike," to the improvised narrative of "American Body Shop" to the comedy/variety of comic DeRay Davis.

"These three pilots couldn't be more different from one another stylistically, with each possessing its own unique comedic format and sensibility. However, they all own the key to a successful COMEDY CENTRAL series, great characters telling great stories with an irreverence that makes you laugh out loud," said Corrao. "All have the promise to be new favorites with our core audience, but each also has the potential to appeal to an expanded audience as well, bringing new viewers to the channel."

"Mark and Mike" follows Mark Borshardt and Mike Schank, the stars of "American Movie" (www.americanmovie.com) on their difficult quest to make a new film. This reality show is the story of the two Milwaukee, WI-based best friends and oddly loveable underdogs and the many colorful characters they encounter as they pursue their passion. Making a movie in Hollywood is a process filled with drama, but when two guys with a dream and no resources attempt to make one in Milwaukee, it can't help but turn into a comedy.

Based on an idea by and starring Borshardt and Schank, the executive producers for the "Mark and Mike" pilot are John Lynch and Norman Siderow ("The Andy Dick Show," "The Hollow Men") and Jeff Stilson ("The Chris Rock Show," "The Osbournes"). Margy Yuspa is the executive in charge of production for COMEDY CENTRAL.

"American Body Shop" is an improvised narrative in the same vein as the network's hit series, "RENO 911!," which will, as "RENO" did to the world of law enforcement, shed a whole new light on the way people look at their local auto body repair shops and the accompanying, often eccentric, characters who work there.

"American Body Shop" is based on an idea by Sam Greene who will serve as producer for the pilot. James Jones ("The Ben Stiller Show," "Austin Stories") is the executive producer. Lou Wallach and Dan Powell are the executives in charge of production for COMEDY CENTRAL.

The untitled DeRay Davis pilot is a half-hour variety show starring DeRay Davis that integrates stand-up, reality, sketches and street news. The show will utilize Davis' unique, urban point of view and integrate his stand-up and life experiences into a new comedy show with a very distinct voice.

Davis, a self-proclaimed born hustler from Chicago?s South Side, began his career in comedy clubs and was first noticed by Hollywood at the "Laffapalooza Festival" in Atlanta, GA. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Davis won COMEDY CENTRAL's "Laugh Riots" nationwide stand-up competition and was a standout on the Cedric the Entertainer Tour and at Montreal's "Just for Laughs Festival." He has appeared in numerous films, including both "Barbershop" releases, "Scary Movie 4" and the upcoming "RENO 911!: Miami." In addition to taping his own half-hour stand-up special for COMEDY CENTRAL, Davis has also appeared on the network's hit series, "RENO 911!," as well as HBO's "Entourage" and ABC's "My Wife and Kids," among others.

Based on an idea by and starring Davis, the executive producers for the untitled DeRay Davis pilot are Davis, Peter Principato, Paul Young and Andrew Gurland. Gurland will also direct the pilot. Joel Zadak is the co-executive producer. Gary Mann is the executive in charge of production for COMEDY CENTRAL.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 88 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL is a registered trademark of Comedy Partners. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is www.comedycentral.com.