Summit Entertainment And Walden Media Find A Way For Will

Film to Star Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow, Aly Michalka, Liam Aiken and Scott Porter
Los Angeles, CA January 31, 2008 – Walden Media and Summit Entertainment announced today that they will co-finance the fish-out-of-water story WILL starring Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow, Aly Michalka, Liam Aiken and Scott Porter. David Bowie is also in talks to join the film's cast.

The film, set against a strong musical backdrop, will be directed by Todd Graff from a screenplay penned by both Graff and Josh Cagan. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas will produce the feature film through Goldsmith-Thomas Productions. Summit Entertainment will handle the worldwide distribution of the film, which is set to begin production next month.

The music oriented film WILL tells the story of Will Burton (Aiken), whose life changes dramatically when he is transplanted to a new school where rock-n-roll rules the scene. Perpetually a misfit, Will strikes up a friendship with like-minded outsider Sam (Hudgens). They are both surprised when the school's "it" girl, Charlotte (Michalka) recruits Will to help her assemble a band to compete in the tri-state battle of the bands.

"Walden Media is delighted to introduce WILL, an inspiring story about music appreciation that will speak to audiences of all ages," said Walden Media Chief Executive Cary Granat. "With a stellar cast and production team, a talented filmmaker and an exciting rock music score, we couldn't be more thrilled about working with Summit on this project."

Summit's President of Production, Erik Feig, stated, "WILL is the ultimate feel-good movie and we are pleased to be doing it with our longtime partners and friends at Walden. They have consistently delivered commercial movies that become events and we, for our part, have had a great experience with youth-oriented movies. We are very happy to be able to collaborate on WILL with the talented director and cast Walden has assembled."

Hudgens is best known as Gabriella Montez in the successful HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL television movies and her roles in THUNDERBIRDS and THIRTEEN.

Kudrow can next be seen in the upcoming feature film POWDER BLUE. Her recent film credits include P.S. I LOVE YOU.

Michalka was most recently seen in SUPER SWEET 16: THE MOVIE and has a thriving musical background with credits including writing "No One" for the movie ICE PRINCESS.

Aiken starred as Klaus in LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS and was most recently seen in FAY GRIM. Other film credits include GOOD BOY!, ROAD TO PERDITION and STEPMOM.

Porter has appeared in FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, SPEED RACER and PROM NIGHT.

Goldsmith-Thomas Productions recently produced the first theatrical film based on the "American Girl" series, to be released by HBO Films and Picturehouse in summer 2008.

Graff directed the critically acclaimed musical CAMP.

Walden Media Vice President of Development and Production Evan Turner will oversee the project for Walden. Feig and Summit Vice President of Production, Meredith Milton, and Creative Executive, Gillian Bohrer, will oversee the project for Summit. Walden Media Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Frank Smith negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.

Aiken is represented by Abrams Artists Agency and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Michalka is represented by CAA and Lynda Goodfriend Management. Hudgens is represented by WMA and Untitled Entertainment. Bowie 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, after-school groups, and parents. Walden Media is a division of Anschutz Film Group.

About Summit Entertainment LLC
Summit Entertainment is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC plans to release 10 to 12 films annually.

Contacts

For Walden Media: Jonathan Bing 323.866.6060 jonathan.bing@freud.com Amy Sauro 323.866.6060 amy.sauro@freud.com

For Summit Entertainment: Paul Pflug 323.658.1555 paul@pcommgroup.com Hans Kopal 323.658.1555 hans@pcommgroup.com