JORDAN KERNER SIGNS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH WALDEN MEDIA AND BEGINS TENURE AS DEAN OF FILMMAKING AT UNC’s NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

“Charlotte’s Web” producer’s Kerner Entertainment will be located at Walden Media’s Century City offices

September 18, 2007

Kerner, recently appointed by NCSA to be its School of Filmmaking’s new Dean, will divide his time in Los Angeles and Winston-Salem. He will continue to serve as producer on feature projects while re-imagining the NCSA’s program in Film, Television, Gaming, Animation and new Digital Distribution and overseeing its staff of approximately 30 faculty members, 15 staff members and 260 undergraduate and graduate students. 

In addition to “Charlotte’s Web,” Kerner has produced such family films as “Snow Dogs,” “George of the Jungle,” “Inspector Gadget,” “The Three Musketeers” and the “Mighty Ducks” trilogy. With his former partner Jon Avnet he produced many dramas including “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Up Close And Personal,” “Less Than Zero” and “Red Corner.” Together they produced many award winning television films and miniseries.

Cary Granat, CEO of Walden Media, commented: “We had a great time working with Jordan on ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and have wanted to bring him into the fold for some time. Having known him for many years, I’ve been truly impressed with his rise to become a preeminent producer of global event family films. The films he’s produced fit perfectly into Walden’s mission of creating quality family entertainment that inspires and engages, and we’re thrilled to start this new chapter in our relationship.” 

David Weil, CEO of Walden Media parent company Anschutz Film Group, added: “Jordan and I have been friends and business associates for decades. I join Cary Granat, Micheal Flaherty and Alex Schwartz in their excitement to be working with him for years to come. Jordan has made very successful films that have an enduring place in the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere. This is exactly what we want as part of our growing Walden slate.”

“ I have always respected Walden’s mission and its commitment to films which both elevate and elucidate the audience,” Kerner stated. “Our partnership is a perfect match.  I had an amazing time working with Cary, Alex and David on ‘Charlotte’s Web.’ As we move forward in an uncertain world, it becomes even more important to produce films which explore important values that can have a lasting place in the hearts and minds of families around the world. I am honored to join the Walden and Fox families.”

“Little did we realize back in November when we asked Jordan to screen ‘Charlotte’s Web’ to UNC’s North Carolina School of the Arts (NCSA)’s  students that we were playing a small role in facilitating this wonderful new relationship between Jordan Kerner and the University,” said Walden Media President Micheal Flaherty. “As he embarks on a new endeavor with NCSA’s School of Filmmaking, we are confident in his ability to balance these dual roles, which truly embodies the Walden commitment to both education and entertainment.”

John Mauceri, chancellor of the North Carolina School of the Arts and well known within the Los Angeles community as the Founding Director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, said: “It has taken a year to fill the post of dean for our School of Filmmaking and we could not have found a better person than Jordan Kerner. In addition to his truly extraordinary achievements as a creative artist at the very top of his field, Jordan brings a vision and passion to the North Carolina School of the Arts which once again raises the barre for all of us—students, faculty and administration.”

 “I am excited that Jordan will continue to produce films as he has in the past and will be able to share his experiences with our students and faculty,” Chancellor Mauceri continued. “That is the marvelous thing about this School, where the faculty, deans and even myself continue as practicing professional artists in addition to teaching and mentoring our immensely talented young people.

 “We are a school of artists. A truly inspirational one has just joined our family. We rejoice in welcoming him to our campus and our state," Chancellor Mauceri concluded.

University of North Carolina President Erskine Bowles added from Chapel Hill, “I’m thrilled and excited about what Jordan brings to North Carolina. He will take filmmaking in our state to a level that previously we only dreamed possible. Our students and the citizens of North Carolina will benefit immensely from this man’s enormous talent.”

Kerner is represented by CAA.

About Walden Media
Walden Media specializes in entertainment that sparks imagination and engages young people in the learning process.  Producing both original works and adaptations of acclaimed children’s literature, Walden Media projects are enhanced by comprehensive outreach and supplemental programs for teachers, librarians, and parents. Walden Media, in a joint venture with Twentieth Century Fox, formed Fox Walden in 2007 to market family films for audiences of all ages.

About the North Carolina School of the Arts
The North Carolina School of the Arts is located in Winston-Salem and is part of the University of North Carolina system. The School of the Arts, comprising schools of dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking, and music, grants high school, undergraduate and graduate degrees for performing, moving image and visual artists. John Mauceri has been chancellor since June 2006.

About Kerner Entertainment
Nearing 40 motion pictures, television films and miniseries, Kerner Entertainment films have grossed between one and two billion dollars worldwide. Mr. Kerner was named the Producer of the Year by the Hollywood Entertainment Museum at its 2006 Legacy Award Event. He has won numerous awards over the years including The Critics Choice Award, The Christopher Award, A Reel Award, the Cable Ace Award, National Educational Association Award, The Environmental Media Award, Truly Moving Picture Award, The Gemini Award, The Fresh Tomato Award, Movieline Awards, and Golden Reel Awards. His films have received nominations for Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globe awards, PGA Awards, DGA Awards, WGA Awards, The Humanitas Award, NAACP Award, The Diversity Award, The Golden Satellite Award, The Art Directors Guild Award and Visual Effects Society Awards.