Sony Pictures Television International Launches The Grand Finale at MIPCOM, the Official Film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) gets MIPCOM 2006 off to a lively start with the announcement that it has secured the worldwide* distribution rights to The Grand Finale, the only officially sanctioned film about the 2006 FIFA World Cup™. Containing never before seen footage of the excitement and drama of the 2006 Tournament, The Grand Finale is directed by acclaimed director, Michael Apted, and narrated by Pierce Brosnan. The Grand Finale provides a film-style overview of the Tournament's most captivating moments. The announcement was made today by Keith LeGoy, Executive Vice President, Distribution, SPTI.

Commenting on the deal, LeGoy said: "The 2006 FIFA World Cup™ was a spectacular event viewed by an audience of 30 billion people around the planet. The Grand Finale captures cinematic footage of the tournament that has never before been seen, footage that truly depicts the character, stamina and strength of the world's best players, the excitement of the games and the passionate support of the fans. The cinematic quality of The Grand Finale along with the huge appeal of football among an ever widening worldwide audience makes this an incredible property for general and sports broadcasters alike."

Also commenting, Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, said: "We are pleased that a Hollywood studio of Sony Pictures' global relevance has acquired the distribution rights for the Official 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Film. Through their expertise and market relevance around the world, millions of football aficionados will gain access to a unique and exclusive film production that allows the viewer to feel part of the action and the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™. I am sure that the film will rapidly become a collector's item because of its convincing and creative approach to some of the best the FIFA World Cup™ Final had to offer".

The Grand Finale not only portrays the excitement of the matches played in the World Cup but also uniquely captures the emotions, excitement and tension from the initial knockout stages through to the Final. This is football as it has never been seen before. The close-up, intimate style filming of The Grand Finale provides a compelling look at the highs and lows of the players and fans as they face the triumphs and adversities of the most beautiful game. Moreover, the film uniquely goes further than just highlighting the best moments of the tournament -- it provides an inside perspective on the feelings of the players, their coaches, the fans and the officials.

Michael Apted is best known for directing the award-winning Up! series of documentaries, and his feature film credits include Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorky Park, Gorillas in the Mist, Class Action, Nell and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough. The Grand Finale is produced by ECN Motion Pictures and runs approximately 100 minutes.

  * Worldwide (excluding Japan)

  About Sony Pictures Television International

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television business outside of the United States. SPTI operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of SPE's feature films and television programming to television, mobile and digital content delivery outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets, and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom, SPTI currently oversees production in nine regions of the world and is the leader in international television production among all major Hollywood studios. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with over 40 networks in more than 100 countries reaching over 240 million viewers worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

SOURCE: Sony Pictures Television International

CONTACT: Europe, Johanna Cassells, +44 20 7533 1363,
johanna_cassells@spe.sony.com, or United States, Ron Sato, +1-310-244-4687,
ron_sato@spe.sony.com, both of Sony Pictures Television International