| LIONS GATE FILMS AND CHRISTIE TO CO-HOST THE OPENING DAY LUNCHEON |
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LIONS GATE FILMS AND CHRISTIE TO CO-HOST THE OPENING DAY LUNCHEON AT SHOWEST 2004
Exclusive Screening of Lions Gate’s and Marvel Studios’ “The Punisher” starring Tom Jane To Be Shown
“The Punisher” Producer and Marvel Studios CEO and Chairman, Avi Arad, to be awarded The Robert W. Selig
Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking
LOS ANGELES, March, 11, 2004 — ShoWest 2004, the world’s largest motion picture industry convention, is pleased to
announce that Lions Gate Films and visual solutions pioneer Christie will co-host the event’s Opening Day Luncheon on
Tuesday, March 23rd. As part of the day’s events, Avi Arad, CEO and Chairman of Marvel Enterprises Inc.’s
entertainment division, Marvel Studios, and a producer of “The Punisher,” will be honored with the first-ever Robert W.
Selig Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking.
Lions Gate will also screen “The Punisher” before the luncheon. The film, starring Tom Jane, John Travolta and Rebecca
Romijn-Stamos, will be released in 2500 theatres nationwide on April 16. Both Jane and Romijn-Stamos will attend the
ShoWest luncheon and screening. The announcement was made today by Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the
event. ShoWest will be held in Las Vegas March 22nd through the 25th.
“ShoWest could not be more thrilled to have Lions Gate Films and Christie team up to host the Opening Day Luncheon,”
said Neuhauser. “It's going to be a truly exciting day, starting off with the
Screening of the eagerly anticipated release of “The Punisher,” to be followed by the lunch--a surprise packed event
featuring highlights from Lions Gate’s spectacular upcoming slate.”
Tom Ortenberg, President, Lions Gate Film Releasing added, “Since our recent merger with Artisan Entertainment, we
knew that ShoWest was the perfect place for our ‘coming out’ party. With so much exciting product, including “The
Punisher,” which features Tom Jane in a true star-making performance, we look forward to putting on a good show for
the exhibition community.”
Jack Kline, president and COO, Christie USA commented, “Christie is proud to be taking part in ShoWest 2004. As the
pre-eminent international cinema show in the industry, ShoWest provides significant value to our business. The
opportunity to meet with our international customers and key industry players is an important result of attending this
show.”
Regarding the Robert W. Selig Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking, Neuhauser said, “Avi Arad is
responsible for bringing Marvel’s most beloved and legendary characters to the big screen.
We are honored to present him with this award and look forward to whatever he brings to the screen next, especially ‘The
Punisher.’”
The first-ever Robert W.Selig Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking has been named after one of the
Founding Fathers of ShoWest, Robert W. Selig, a true showman, respected and admired throughout the industry. Selig,
who passed away on December 31st in Los Angeles at the age of 93, was a film distributor and had only retired eight years
ago.
About Avi Arad A lifetime Marvel fanatic, Avi Arad is living his dream. As the Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios,
the film and television division of Marvel Enterprises, Arad has been the driving force behind Marvel's Hollywood
renaissance. His passion and creative vision have enabled him to rapidly become one of the industry's hottest producers
with a track record that has been nothing short of spectacular with seven consecutive number one box office openings
since 1998.
Beginning with Arad’s introduction of the Blade franchise (New Line Cinema) in August of 1998, the producer has created
a string of record-breaking film successes including one of the highest grossing pictures of all-time “Spider-Man”
(Columbia Pictures). His other film credits include: “The Hulk“ (Universal Pictures), “X-Men” and “X2: X-Men United”
(Twentieth Century Fox), “Daredevil” (New Regency) and “Blade II” (New Line Cinema).
Arad’s current live-action feature film slate begins with the eagerly-anticipated release of “The Punisher” on April 16,
which will then be followed by “Spider-Man 2” in July and “Blade: Trinity” in August. Marvel’s full film schedule for
2004 through 2006 includes: “Ghost Rider” (Columbia Pictures), “The Fantastic Four” (Twentieth Century Fox), “Man-
Thing” (Lions Gate Entertainment), “Namor” (Universal Pictures), “Iron Man” (New Line Cinema), “Elektra” (New
Regency) and “Werewolf by Night and Dr. Strange” (Dimension Films). The incredible appeal of Marvel’s character
library combined with Arad’s well-established reputation has attracted some of Hollywood's most prestigious directors
(Sam Raimi, Ang Lee and Bryan Singer), writers (Michael Chabon, David Hayter and James Schamus) and actors (Ian
McKellan, Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Connelly) who are helping translate the ever-popular Marvel Super Heroes for the
big screen.
Additionally, Arad has positioned Marvel Studios as a major provider of entertainment on the small screen with both live
action and animated series' in production including the top-rated “X-Men Evolution” currently airing on the Kid’s WB!
and MTV’s “Spider-Man” Animated Series. Arad’s previous Marvel successes in the animated arena include, “Spider-
Man” and “X-Men,” two of the highest rated kids’ shows appearing on the FOX Kids Network, as well as “The Incredible
Hulk,” “Fantastic Four,” “Iron Man” and “Silver Surfer.” Before joining Marvel, his animation credits included “Conan
the Adventurer,” “King Arthur & the Knights of Justice,” “Double Dragon and Bots Master.” For live-action TV, Arad
executive produced the telefilm “Generation X” and Nick Fury, “Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.”
About “The Punisher” -- Marvel's unstoppable vigilante “The Punisher” will be released April 16 in a new action thriller
that introduces a comic book hero unlike any other. Frank Castle, a.k.a. “The Punisher” has no superpowers to battle
the evil he sees - only his fierce intelligence, his years of combat experience and, above all, his iron determination to
avenge those wronged by society's villains. “The Punisher” marks the directorial debut of Jonathan Hensleigh, renowned
screenwriter of genre blockbusters “The Rock,” “Armageddon” and “Die Hard: With a Vengeance.” Tom Jane
(“Dreamcatcher,” “61*,” “Deep Blue Sea“) stars as Frank Castle squaring off against superstar John Travolta (“Pulp
Fiction,” “Face/Off“) as the story's formidable villain, Howard Saint. Co-starring are Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (“X-Men,”
“X-2: X-Men United“), Laura Harring (“Mulholland Drive“) and Samantha Mathis (“Broken Arrow,” “American Psycho
“). The film is produced by Marvel Studios' CEO Avi Arad (“The Hulk,” “Spider-Man,” “X-Men“) and producer Gale
Anne Hurd (“The Hulk,” “Aliens,” “Terminator2“).
About Lions Gate Films -- Lions Gate Films, which recently concluded its merger with Artisan Entertainment, has an A-
list star-driven slate including, in addition to “The Punisher,” the contemporary cloning thriller “Godsend,” starring two-
time Academy Award winner Robert DeNiro, Greg Kinnear and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos; the futuristic “The Final Cut,”
starring Academy Award winner Robin Williams, Mira Sorvino and Jim Caviezel; Lars von Trier’s Cannes hit “Dogville,”
starring Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman; “Danny Deckchair,” starring Miranda Otto and Rhys Ifans, which will
screen as part of ShoWest’s Indy Showcase; the urban comedy “The Cookout,” with Queen Latifah and a strong
ensemble cast; the recent Sundance sensation “Open Water; and Beyond The Sea,” a film about the life of legendary
singer Bobby Darin, played by Kevin Spacey who also directs. The film also stars Kate Bosworth as Sandra Dee, John
Goodman and Bob Hoskins.
Lions Gate is about to go into production with “Fierce People” starring Diane Lane, Donald Sutherland and Eric
McCormack and Happy Endings, which will be directed by Don Roos and will star Lisa Kudrow and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Lions Gate and Marvel also recently announced a deal to license two additional Marvel characters, “Black Widow” and
“Iron Fist” for feature films, as well as finalizing an agreement for “The Punisher” sequel, which has already begun
development.
About Christie -- Christie is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations,
offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. With expertise in film projection since 1929 and
professional projection systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation as the world's single source
manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions for cinema, large audience environments, control rooms,
business presentations, training facilities, 3D and virtual reality, simulation, media and government. Christie has
installed over 50,000 projectors worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LIONS GATE FILMS AND CHRISTIE TO CO-HOST THE OPENING DAY LUNCHEON AT SHOWEST 2004
Exclusive Screening of Lions Gate’s and Marvel Studios’ “The Punisher” starring Tom Jane To Be Shown
“The Punisher” Producer and Marvel Studios CEO and Chairman, Avi Arad, to be awarded The Robert W. Selig
Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking
LOS ANGELES, March, 11, 2004 — ShoWest 2004, the world’s largest motion picture industry convention, is pleased to
announce that Lions Gate Films and visual solutions pioneer Christie will co-host the event’s Opening Day Luncheon on
Tuesday, March 23rd. As part of the day’s events, Avi Arad, CEO and Chairman of Marvel Enterprises Inc.’s
entertainment division, Marvel Studios, and a producer of “The Punisher,” will be honored with the first-ever Robert W.
Selig Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking.
Lions Gate will also screen “The Punisher” before the luncheon. The film, starring Tom Jane, John Travolta and Rebecca
Romijn-Stamos, will be released in 2500 theatres nationwide on April 16. Both Jane and Romijn-Stamos will attend the
ShoWest luncheon and screening. The announcement was made today by Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the
event. ShoWest will be held in Las Vegas March 22nd through the 25th.
“ShoWest could not be more thrilled to have Lions Gate Films and Christie team up to host the Opening Day Luncheon,”
said Neuhauser. “It's going to be a truly exciting day, starting off with the
Screening of the eagerly anticipated release of “The Punisher,” to be followed by the lunch--a surprise packed event
featuring highlights from Lions Gate’s spectacular upcoming slate.”
Tom Ortenberg, President, Lions Gate Film Releasing added, “Since our recent merger with Artisan Entertainment, we
knew that ShoWest was the perfect place for our ‘coming out’ party. With so much exciting product, including “The
Punisher,” which features Tom Jane in a true star-making performance, we look forward to putting on a good show for
the exhibition community.”
Jack Kline, president and COO, Christie USA commented, “Christie is proud to be taking part in ShoWest 2004. As the
pre-eminent international cinema show in the industry, ShoWest provides significant value to our business. The
opportunity to meet with our international customers and key industry players is an important result of attending this
show.”
Regarding the Robert W. Selig Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking, Neuhauser said, “Avi Arad is
responsible for bringing Marvel’s most beloved and legendary characters to the big screen.
We are honored to present him with this award and look forward to whatever he brings to the screen next, especially ‘The
Punisher.’”
The first-ever Robert W.Selig Showmanship Award for Achievement in Filmmaking has been named after one of the
Founding Fathers of ShoWest, Robert W. Selig, a true showman, respected and admired throughout the industry. Selig,
who passed away on December 31st in Los Angeles at the age of 93, was a film distributor and had only retired eight years
ago.
About Avi Arad A lifetime Marvel fanatic, Avi Arad is living his dream. As the Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios,
the film and television division of Marvel Enterprises, Arad has been the driving force behind Marvel's Hollywood
renaissance. His passion and creative vision have enabled him to rapidly become one of the industry's hottest producers
with a track record that has been nothing short of spectacular with seven consecutive number one box office openings
since 1998.
Beginning with Arad’s introduction of the Blade franchise (New Line Cinema) in August of 1998, the producer has created
a string of record-breaking film successes including one of the highest grossing pictures of all-time “Spider-Man”
(Columbia Pictures). His other film credits include: “The Hulk“ (Universal Pictures), “X-Men” and “X2: X-Men United”
(Twentieth Century Fox), “Daredevil” (New Regency) and “Blade II” (New Line Cinema).
Arad’s current live-action feature film slate begins with the eagerly-anticipated release of “The Punisher” on April 16,
which will then be followed by “Spider-Man 2” in July and “Blade: Trinity” in August. Marvel’s full film schedule for
2004 through 2006 includes: “Ghost Rider” (Columbia Pictures), “The Fantastic Four” (Twentieth Century Fox), “Man-
Thing” (Lions Gate Entertainment), “Namor” (Universal Pictures), “Iron Man” (New Line Cinema), “Elektra” (New
Regency) and “Werewolf by Night and Dr. Strange” (Dimension Films). The incredible appeal of Marvel’s character
library combined with Arad’s well-established reputation has attracted some of Hollywood's most prestigious directors
(Sam Raimi, Ang Lee and Bryan Singer), writers (Michael Chabon, David Hayter and James Schamus) and actors (Ian
McKellan, Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Connelly) who are helping translate the ever-popular Marvel Super Heroes for the
big screen.
Additionally, Arad has positioned Marvel Studios as a major provider of entertainment on the small screen with both live
action and animated series' in production including the top-rated “X-Men Evolution” currently airing on the Kid’s WB!
and MTV’s “Spider-Man” Animated Series. Arad’s previous Marvel successes in the animated arena include, “Spider-
Man” and “X-Men,” two of the highest rated kids’ shows appearing on the FOX Kids Network, as well as “The Incredible
Hulk,” “Fantastic Four,” “Iron Man” and “Silver Surfer.” Before joining Marvel, his animation credits included “Conan
the Adventurer,” “King Arthur & the Knights of Justice,” “Double Dragon and Bots Master.” For live-action TV, Arad
executive produced the telefilm “Generation X” and Nick Fury, “Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.”
About “The Punisher” -- Marvel's unstoppable vigilante “The Punisher” will be released April 16 in a new action thriller
that introduces a comic book hero unlike any other. Frank Castle, a.k.a. “The Punisher” has no superpowers to battle
the evil he sees - only his fierce intelligence, his years of combat experience and, above all, his iron determination to
avenge those wronged by society's villains. “The Punisher” marks the directorial debut of Jonathan Hensleigh, renowned
screenwriter of genre blockbusters “The Rock,” “Armageddon” and “Die Hard: With a Vengeance.” Tom Jane
(“Dreamcatcher,” “61*,” “Deep Blue Sea“) stars as Frank Castle squaring off against superstar John Travolta (“Pulp
Fiction,” “Face/Off“) as the story's formidable villain, Howard Saint. Co-starring are Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (“X-Men,”
“X-2: X-Men United“), Laura Harring (“Mulholland Drive“) and Samantha Mathis (“Broken Arrow,” “American Psycho
“). The film is produced by Marvel Studios' CEO Avi Arad (“The Hulk,” “Spider-Man,” “X-Men“) and producer Gale
Anne Hurd (“The Hulk,” “Aliens,” “Terminator2“).
About Lions Gate Films -- Lions Gate Films, which recently concluded its merger with Artisan Entertainment, has an A-
list star-driven slate including, in addition to “The Punisher,” the contemporary cloning thriller “Godsend,” starring two-
time Academy Award winner Robert DeNiro, Greg Kinnear and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos; the futuristic “The Final Cut,”
starring Academy Award winner Robin Williams, Mira Sorvino and Jim Caviezel; Lars von Trier’s Cannes hit “Dogville,”
starring Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman; “Danny Deckchair,” starring Miranda Otto and Rhys Ifans, which will
screen as part of ShoWest’s Indy Showcase; the urban comedy “The Cookout,” with Queen Latifah and a strong
ensemble cast; the recent Sundance sensation “Open Water; and Beyond The Sea,” a film about the life of legendary
singer Bobby Darin, played by Kevin Spacey who also directs. The film also stars Kate Bosworth as Sandra Dee, John
Goodman and Bob Hoskins.
Lions Gate is about to go into production with “Fierce People” starring Diane Lane, Donald Sutherland and Eric
McCormack and Happy Endings, which will be directed by Don Roos and will star Lisa Kudrow and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Lions Gate and Marvel also recently announced a deal to license two additional Marvel characters, “Black Widow” and
“Iron Fist” for feature films, as well as finalizing an agreement for “The Punisher” sequel, which has already begun
development.
About Christie -- Christie is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations,
offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. With expertise in film projection since 1929 and
professional projection systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation as the world's single source
manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions for cinema, large audience environments, control rooms,
business presentations, training facilities, 3D and virtual reality, simulation, media and government. Christie has
installed over 50,000 projectors worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.
Vegas' Arts & Entertainment Corner
Lights -- Camera -- Action!
