LOS ANGELES, Oct 30, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In a move that vividly demonstrates the Web's ability to extend the productive life of a film franchise, Internet consulting and development firm Genex ( www.genex.com) today announced that it has teamed with 20th Century Fox to re-launch www.planetoftheapes.com for the home entertainment releases of "Planet of the Apes." The move is timed to support worldwide distribution of the DVD and VHS versions of this summer's blockbuster. 

In developing a new set of groundbreaking websites in support of the global campaign, Genex reprises its role with the feature film earlier this year. The company worked with 20th Century Fox to develop the original site for the theatrical release, which has posted a domestic gross of $180 million through mid-October. The DVD is scheduled for U.S. retail release on Nov. 20. When the site goes live in early November, this second orbit of "Planet" will feature a number of development benchmarks and interactive exclusives, including: 

    --  Extensive, previously unseen footage, which will debut on the
        site in advance of DVD availability.
    --  Point-of-purchase information supporting DVD sales, a vital
        component of the home entertainment marketing mix, given that
        nearly 70 percent of DVD purchases are made online. 20th
        Century Fox will also have the flexibility to incorporate
        strategic partnerships for online retail and sweepstakes
        opportunities.
    --  Deployment in nine languages dynamically, using a SQL 7
        database, XML parsing system and Flash 5 publishing.
    --  Quova technology, which reads the visitor's IP address and
        then displays the site in one of those nine language and 50
        regional versions -- the first entertainment site able to do
        so. The technology enables content to be customized based upon
        the user's geographic location, thus supporting display of
        regional events and promotions only in those markets where
        they apply.

"From the outset of our global campaign Genex has been a great consultant and partner," said Duncan Plexico, Director of Internet Marketing, 20th Century Fox Domestic Home Entertainment. "With a franchise as important and prestigious as 'Planet of the Apes,' the integrity and continuity of brand presentation must be exact. Genex not only realized the importance of global continuity but devised a development and deployment system to ensure its precision." 

"Increasingly, for savvy studios, the Internet is playing an essential role in extending and strengthening the life of a film franchise," said Taj Tedrow, Managing Director, Genex Hollywood. "These days, even blockbusters move rapidly to other media and other distribution channels. The mix beyond the box office is both rich and protracted: international distribution, licensed merchandise, DVD home entertainment releases, cable/PPV rights -- all leading up to and justifying the inevitable sequel. 

"It's no accident that Genex is touching every phase of the property online, from theatrical promotional all the way through the DVD," Tedrow said. "This site complements our work with other studios in realizing the potential of the Internet in marketing campaigns, reaching the dual key audiences of viewers and distributors. Through the power of our vision and the on-point execution of our ideas, we're making a mark on an industry that is beginning to embrace the Internet's strategic potential." 

NEW YORK, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 and eBay have teamed up to give fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bid on a true piece of musical history, and directly benefit the victims of the September 11 attack on New York City. Now through October 30, fans can go to http://www.eBay.com to bid on Bon Jovi's drum set, Elton John's grand piano, autographed guitars by Fender, Alvarez and Gibson, plus posters, team jerseys and much more, all one-of-a-kind items from ``The Concert For New York City,'' which aired live Saturday, October 20, on VH1.

These items are part of the ``Auction for America,'' eBay's online charity effort that allows people around the world to buy and sell goods online to raise money for the victims, their families and communities affected by the horrific events of September 11.

All proceeds from this special charity event will go to the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which was established by the Robin Hood Foundation to meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims of the World Trade Center attacks.

VH1 notched the network's all-time highest rating when ``The Concert for New York City'' aired live from Cablevision's Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, October 20, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:50 a.m. (ET). Nearly 16 million viewers watched ``The Concert for New York City,'' making it the highest-rated program (both HH and P18-49) on basic cable for October 20, and the #1 program on basic cable for the week among P18-49. The show led VH1 to its highest-rated Total Day and Primetime in history. The event's fanfare carried over to the worldwide web through AOL, with the company providing nearly a half-million streams of the live event to their members.

The VH1 listings on eBay have already attracted bids totaling approximately $150,000 to date (including the Fender Strat, with a current top bid of $40,000).

Among the items being listed by VH1 on eBay are:

Tico Torres/Bon Jovi Pearl American Flag Masters Series Drum Set Through a generous gift from Pearl Corporation, VH1 is offering this one-of-a-kind, custom-painted patriotic American Flag Masters Series drum set, specifically made and played on stage by Tico Torres of Bon Jovi during the event. The set, from Pearl's Masters Custom MRX line, was hand-painted by master drum artist Johnny Douglas especially for the event and autographed by all of the members of Bon Jovi.

Elton John/Yamaha Grand Piano

Elton John and Yamaha Corporation have generously donated the Yamaha 6'1`` Black Grand Piano (model C3F PE) used by Elton as well as several other artists over the years, and signed by Elton backstage.

Fender Custom American Flag Stratocaster #1

Legendary rock 'n' roll guitar maker Fender Musical Instruments Corp. commissioned this limited edition American Series Stratocaster guitar for VH1 and ``The Concert For New York City,'' custom silk-screened with an American flag by artist Karen Kulback. Custom-built by Fender's artisans in Corona, CA, the axe (Guitar #1) comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Fender Chairman & CEO Bill Schultz, and includes a deluxe hard-shell case. Signed by Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Who, James Taylor, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, John Mellencamp, Macy Gray, Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Jay-Z, Five For Fighting, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Group, Harrison Ford, Jim Carrey, Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, David Spade, John Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, Michael J. Fox, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Will Farrell, Jimmy Fallon, James Lipton, Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, and New York Governor George Pataki.

Richie Sambora American Showcaster Custom Peace Sign Guitar

This custom-designed, handmade guitar, inlaid with the American flag, was created specifically for the event for Richie Sambora and was used on stage with Bon Jovi during the concert. Autographed by the members of Bon Jovi.

``The Concert For New York City'' Poster (3):

This red, white and blue 4'x3' poster features the official logo (Statue of Liberty w/guitar) and states, ``A Salute to New York City's Strength, Resilience and Pride Benefiting the Victims and Heroes of the Sept. 11th Tragedy. Honorees include members of FDNY, NYPD, Relief Workers and Their Families. Live from Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Oct. 20 at 7PM.'' Signed by Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Who, James Taylor, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, John Mellencamp, Macy Gray, Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Jay-Z, Five For Fighting, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Group, Harrison Ford, Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, David Spade, John Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, Michael J. Fox, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Will Farrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, James Lipton, Mark Wahlberg, Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, New York Governor George Pataki, New York City Mayor Giuliani, New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and New York City Fire Department Commissioner Thomas Van Essen.

``The Concert For New York City'' Drum Head (3):

An original 24`` Remo Drum Head was created especially for ''The Concert For New York City,`` featuring the official logo and ''The Concert For New York City`` printed on the face. Signed by Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Who, James Taylor, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, John Mellencamp, Macy Gray, Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Jay-Z, Five For Fighting, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Group, Harrison Ford, Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, John Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, Michael J. Fox, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Will Farrell, Jimmy Fallon, Mark Wahlberg, Chris Kattan, James Lipton, Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, New York Governor George Pataki, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, and New York City Fire Department Commissioner Thomas Van Essen.

Model DY88PW Alvarez Guitar

Alverez has donated one of their classic DY88 Guitars, played during the concert by Felicia Collins with the CBS Orchestra. The handmade guitar features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, pearl white finish, and System 500 Pre-Amp with onboard electronics. Signed by Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Who, James Taylor, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, John Mellencamp, Macy Gray, Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Jay-Z, Five For Fighting, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Group, Harrison Ford, Jim Carrey, Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, David Spade, John Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, Michael J. Fox, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Will Farrell, Jimmy Fallon, James Lipton, Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, and New York Governor George Pataki.

Gibson J-100 Super Jumbo Large Bodied Guitar

This legend of the famous Gibson line has been signed by most of the performers for ``The Concert For New York City.'' The guitar is made of solid maple back and sides with a solid spruce top, rosewood bridge and finger board with abalone inlay, and features a Transducer pick-up and Moustache Bridge. A plaque is mounted on the back of this guitar commemorating the concert. Signed by Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Who, James Taylor, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, John Mellencamp, Macy Gray, Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Jay-Z, Five For Fighting, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Group, Harrison Ford, Jim Carrey, Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, David Spade, John Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, Michael J. Fox, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Will Farrell, Jimmy Fallon, James Lipton, Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, and New York Governor George Pataki.

Framptone Talk Box

This Framptone Talk Box (designed by Peter Frampton) was used by guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi during the song ``It's My Life.'' Signed by Richie Sambora and Peter Frampton.

Kevin Smith Concert For New York City Film Script

Kevin Smith, New Jersey native and director of such feature films as ``Clerks,'' ``Mallrats,'' ``Chasing Amy'' and, most recently, ``Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,'' autographed his copy of the script for the short film he created for the event. 
 

    1996 Tresor Ferrari-Carano Wine Bottle
    1996 Tresor Ferrari-Carano Bottle of Red, signed by Billy Joel.
 

Autographed Team Jerseys

The team jerseys worn onstage at the event by various members, past and present, of New York's sports teams, and autographed by them as well: Joe Torre and Reggie Jackson, New York Yankees; Rod Gilbert, New York Rangers; Allan Houston and Mark Jackson, New York Knicks; John Franco and Al Leiter, New York Mets; Harry Carson, New York Giants; Santana Moss and Chad Morton, New York Jets; the entire New Jersey Nets team, including GM Willis Reed; Tiffeny Milbrett, New York Power; Mike Petke and Daniel Hernandez, New York/New Jersey MetroStars; Bruce Driver, Mike Peca and Dave Scatchard, New York Islanders; and Teresa Weatherspoon and Sue Wicks, New York Liberty.

VH1, Cablevision, Miramax Films, AOL and their partners, including Clear Channel Entertainment, underwrote all costs of the concert and telecast. All proceeds from ``The Concert for New York City'' will go to the Robin Hood Relief Fund.

Bear Stearns Charitable Funds, eBay, Ford Motor Company, The PepsiCo Foundation, The S.A.C. Foundation, Soundview Technology Group, and Vivendi Universal and Vivendi Environment joined as event sponsors for ``The Concert for New York City,'' helping to support the Robin Hood Relief Fund.

VH1 produces and programs a wide variety of music-based series, specials, live events and acquisition-based programming that keeps viewers in touch with the music they love. VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks owns and operates the television programming services MTV: Music Television, MTV2, VH1, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV LAND, TNN, CMT: Country Music Television and The Digital Suite From MTV Networks, a package of nine US digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide. 

SOURCE: VH1 

NEW YORK (Variety) - There were many conflicting emotions on display during VH1's ``Concert for New York City,'' airing from Madison Square Garden Saturday.

One part telethon, one part Irish wake and one part house party, the 5-1/2-hour telecast was both celebratory and poignant and remarkably precise in its focus on the regular folk that the show was mounted to benefit.

From the strikingly stark opening, which saw a somber-looking David Bowie perform a pensive version of Paul Simon's ``America'' in ghost light before launching into a full-band version of ``Heroes,'' producers minimized glitter without eliminating it entirely (as was the case on the ''Americathon'' telecast some weeks back).

Most of the performers fudged, keeping one foot planted on each side of the line between style and sincerity: Bon Jovi followed a muted ``Livin' on a Prayer'' (its soaring arena-rock riff replaced by violin musing) with a fist-pumping ``It's My Life.'' Likewise, Billy Joel offered the expected croon-along ''New York State of Mind,'' but also provided a jolt with an eerie version of the post-apocalyptic ``Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway).''

That dichotomy extended to the comedic interludes as well. Billy Crystal loosened his Borscht Belt delivery to allow some edginess to creep in, and Will Ferrell's George Bush impression merged irony and flag-waving with unanticipated cleverness. Howard Stern's return from MTV Networks exile, on the other hand, was merely grating -- low on laughs and long on monotonous venom.

Filmed interludes, prepared by a passel of high-profile directors, were more effective than the live sketches. Each bore the unmistakable imprint of its author -- Martin Scorsese's poignant street-smarts, Ed Burns' urban cornpone, Woody Allen's slapstick existentialism -- but none gave off an air of vanity.

Destiny's Child, seemingly stung by criticism of their canned performances, dispensed with the Memorex and delivered a beautiful a capella performance, including a gospel medley. The Backstreet Boys (news - web sites) traveled the stripped-down route somewhat less successfully, while Jay-Z wouldn't budge from familiar territory, striking thug poses and rhyming tunelessly about outwitting cops -- which did not endear him to the thousands of uniformed personnel in the audience.

Themes throughout were laid out unambiguously: Threats on the life of Osama bin Laden (news - web sites) -- delivered mockingly, (as by Adam Sandler's ``Operaman'' character) or in earnest (as by a wounded Gotham firefighter) drew ovations; pleas for love and compassion, like the one delivered by Richard Gere, were met by lusty booing.

Oddly, representatives of the old guard seemed most willing to take chances this evening. Eric Clapton didn't succumb to the temptation to offer up any of the maudlin material that might've been expected. Rather, Slowhand engaged Buddy Guy in a downright nasty rendition of ``Hoochie Coochie Man.''

Similarly, Mick Jagger (abetted by bandmate Keith Richards) dusted off the Stones' altogether appropriate workingman's anthem ``Salt of the Earth'' -- although he nearly blew it by tacking on an ill-fitting Vegas vamp.

Elton John, who won an ovation for a soaring version of ''Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,'' matched the Stones' creative core in repertoire choice. But the evening's most galvanizing performances came from the Who (whose four-song suite exploded with improbable power) and the show's catalyst, Paul McCartney -- who ended the evening by shaking the rafters (with a smashing ``I'm Down'') and helping lay an emotional foundation via his newly composed ``Freedom.''

Presenters: Billy Crystal, Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton (news - web sites), Howard Stern, Susan Sarandon, Meg Ryan, Mark Wahlberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Christy Turlington, David Spade, Chris Kattan, John Cusack, Julia Stiles, Natalie Portman.

Presented by VH1, Cablevision and Miramax. Performers: Paul McCartney, Elton John, David Bowie, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, the Who, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Kid Rock, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Melissa Etheridge, Macy Gray, Jay-Z, Goo Goo Dolls (news - web sites), Jimmy Fallon, Five for Fighting.

Reuters/Variety

    --  More Than 100 One-of-a-Kind Items up for Bid from All Fox
        Divisions Including Television Series Walk-On Roles, Props and
        Costumes from Feature Films, Fox Sports Memorabilia, and
        Guided Tour Packages

    --  Items available on www.foxauctionforamerica.org

News Corporation's Fox Entertainment Group has teamed with eBay (Nasdaq:EBAY - news) to support its ``Auction for America,'' the online charity initiative designed to raise funds for the victims, families and communities affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11. Fox Entertainment will offer more than 100 one-of-a-kind items from its film, sports, broadcast television and cable divisions. The auctions will begin October 22, 2001 and continue through the holiday season; all proceeds will be donated to the Twin Towers Fund. Fox items are available on www.foxauctionforamerica.org and promoted on www.ebay.com. 

In making the announcement, Peter Chernin, president and chief operating officer, News Corporation said, ``When we began exploring additional ways to help support the victims of the attacks, we realized that some of our most valuable assets are the unique props, celebrated costumes and Hollywood-style experiences that are at the heart of what we do. The idea to join forces with eBay to offer some of these items has generated tremendous enthusiasm throughout all of our FOX divisions. From actors, to show producers to sports personalities, everyone wants to be a part of this project in a very personal way. We've had an outpouring of truly unique offerings, and we hope our auction efforts on 'Auction for America' will raise a considerable sum to help these Americans rebuild.'' 

``Fox Entertainment Group has stepped up in an incredible way to help us with 'Auction for America','' said Meg Whitman, president and CEO of eBay. ``They are our premier entertainment partner in this important effort that is trying to help so many people.'' 

Among the items up for auction are: 

Walk-on parts in several television series produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television, including, ``Judging Amy,'' ``Reba,'' and ``That '70s Show''; NFL footballs signed by the hosts of FOX's ``NFL on FOX'' pregame show, including Hall of Fame members Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, as well as James Brown and Chris Collinsworth; Props and costumes from Fox Filmed Entertainment releases, including a watch from ``Cast Away,'' a Hindi headdress from ``Moulin Rouge,'' a necklace from ``The Beach,'' an American flag flown in ``X-Men'' and a pair of leather pants from ``Planet of the Apes'' autographed by Mark Wahlberg; Animation cels from ``The Simpsons'' and ``King of the Hill''; The official ``X-Files'' pinball machine owned by series producer, Vince Gilligan, autographed by all cast members; NASCAR racing helmet signed by Jeff Gordon; Surfboard signed by cast of FX's ``Son of the Beach''; and An eight-day National Geographic Expedition to Yellowstone National Park. 

Over the next 10 weeks, FOX will list more than 100 items. Individual items will be available for bidding for seven or 10 days. 

FOX will donate every dollar collected from the auctions to the Twin Towers Fund, which was established by New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to support the families of the firefighters, police and emergency service workers who perished in the attacks. 

``Auction for America'' enables eBay users to buy and sell goods or donate cash via the Internet site specifically to help the victims, their families and communities of the terrorist attacks. One hundred percent of all proceeds will benefit one of four charitable organizations selected by the seller, including the September 11th Fund, the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, the Twin Towers Fund and the American Red Cross. 

Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., 85% owned by The News Corporation Limited (NYSE:NWS - news), is principally engaged in the development, production and worldwide distribution of feature films and television programs, television broadcasting and cable network programming. Fox has total assets as of June 30, 2001 of approximately US$18.0 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$9 billion. The Company's studios, production facilities and film and television library provide high-quality creative content, and the Company's broadcasting and cable networks provide extensive distribution platforms for the Company's programs. 

About eBay 

eBay is The World's Online Marketplace(TM). Founded in 1995, eBay created a powerful platform for the sale of goods and services by a passionate community of individuals and businesses. On any given day, there are millions of items across thousands of categories for sale on eBay, as well as on Half.com, eBay's site dedicated to fixed price trading. eBay enables trade on a local, national and international basis with customized sites in markets around the world. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------
Contact: 
     eBay
     Shannon Stubo, 408/626-5270
     Margie Cader, 212/221-1713
       or
     FOX
     Sonya McNair, 212/556-2567