Universal Studios Networks Hosts International Filmmaker Educational Program

Italian filmmaker Vittorio Moroni, has just completed Cinemaster, a new international filmmaker educational program at Universal Studios, Hollywood, it was announced Wednesday. The Cinemaster program, organized by Universal Studios Networks, is designed to develop the careers of emerging directors and script writers. It will allowthem to exhibit their work to larger audiences internationally via Universal Studios Networks and other outlets.Cinemaster provides first-hand insights into the workings of the entertainment industry on funding, production, marketing, publicity and talent discovery. It will roll out to other Universal Studios Networks channels around the world over the coming years.""I am proud that our networks are able to contribute to the careers of filmmakers in each of the countries where they broadcast. It's just one of the benefits that our networks provide, not just for viewers, but also the television and filmmaking communities around Europe,"" Tony Garland, President of Universal Studio Networks commented.Mr. Moroni is the overall winner of the Cinemaster program sponsored by Universal Studios Networks movie channel, Studio Universal in Italy. He won the Italian Cinemaster competition with his short film, ""Eccesso di zelo"" (""Over Zealous"") based on the life of a postman. Judging of the competition took place at the Siena International Film Festival and included renowned Italian film director, Ettore Scola as the chair of the panel.Once in Hollywood, Mr. Moroni spent time learning about production, marketing and distribution of movies. Specifically, he visited the set of the latest Stephen Soderberg movie, ""Erin Brokovich"" with Julia Roberts. He attended a pitch meeting for a film based on the book, ""How To Dump A Guy"". He also viewed the daily screenings of Universal films currently in production such as ""The Nutty Professor II"" and ""How The Grinch Stole Christmas"".Universal Studios Networks is comprised of 13th Street: The Action & Suspense Channel, which launched in November 1997 in France, May 1998 in Germany, and September 1999 in Spain; Studio Universal, a movie channel launched May 1998 in Italy and September 1999 in Germany; USA Network Latin America, distributed in 18 Latin American countries; USA Network Brazil, a joint venture with Globosat; and Sci-Fi, available in the United Kingdom and southern Africa.Universal Television & Networks Group is a part of Universal Studios (http://www.universalstudios.com ), a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global entertainment and beverage company.

Source: Universal Television & Networks GroupWeb Site: http://www.universalstudios.com