AFMA FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED TO CONNECT INDEPENDENTS AND THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Los Angeles (July 30, 2003) – The formation of the AFMA Foundation, a nonprofit organization that will coordinate AFMA's worldwide educational and charitable activities, was announced today by Jean Prewitt, AFMA President and Chief Executive Officer and Kathy Morgan, Chairman of AFMA's Board of Directors. The Foundation will support programs that strengthen the independent film and television industry and their local communities, including job training opportunities for new industry entrants and educational programs focusing on international film production and distribution.

"The Foundation reflects the independent film and television industry's desire to invest in its own future. By nurturing talent - business and creative - through an organized and sustained endeavor, we can pass along our collective wisdom to the next generation of independents," said Morgan.

Serving as co-presidents of the organization are Steven Paul, President and CEO of Crystal Sky, LLC ("Baby Geniuses," Marvel Studios –"Ghost Rider") and Lew Horwitz, President of The Lewis Horwitz Organization, a division of Imperial Capital Bank, which finances feature film production. "We are excited that the AFMA Foundation's activities will focus on helping others interested in the independent film and television and in our local communities," said Lew Horwitz. "We are providing today's youth with unprecedented access to our industry, and introducing the industry to tomorrow's leaders," said Paul.

This summer, the Foundation will launch the AFMA Foundation Internship Program. "The Internship Program will match promising individuals to paid (or college credit) positions at participating AFMA Member Companies in their home countries and will provide interns valuable work experience directly relevant to a career in the film and television industry," said Prewitt. "In turn, the host AFMA Member Companies and the independent industry as a whole will benefit from these new and different voices."

An AFMA Foundation-sponsored educational curriculum, as well as plans for workshops and seminars, are underway. The Foundation intends to coordinate with and provide support for other programs that encourage new talent in writing or other production and creative endeavors. The AFMA Foundation will partner with other industry associations, corporations and philanthropic organizations to enhance its ability to offer meaningful programs around the world.

For more information about the AFMA Foundation and its activities, please contact Susan Cleary, Chief Operating Officer, AFMA Foundation, at 310.446.1003.