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For Immediate Release

GMC TV PRESENTS THE ORIGINAL WORLD PREMIERE STAGE PLAY

‘BETWEEN SISTERS’

VANESSA BELL CALLOWAY AND TERRI J. VAUGHN LEAD A POWERFUL ENSEMBLE CAST

PREMIERES SATURDAY, MARCH 23 AT 7 P.M., 9 P.M. & 11 P.M. ET EXCLUSIVELY ON GMC TV

ATLANTA - March 19, 2013 – GMC TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting family entertainment, presents the original GMC World Premiere Stage Play “Between Sisters,” starring (“Shameless,” “Rizzoli & Isles”), Terri J. Vaughn (Daddy’s Little Girls, “,”), Denyce Lawton (“House of Payne”), KD Aubert (Soul Plane, “In Sickness and In Health”) and Denice Boutte (Why Did I Get Married, “”). The heartwarming story of a splintered family united, “Between Sisters” makes its world television premiere exclusively on GMC TV on Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.

Based on an original screenplay written by Cas Sigers Beedles (A Cross to Bear, “Sugar Mommas,” “If You Really Love Me”) and directed by Roger Melvin (“The Love You Save,” “If You Really Love Me”), “Between Sisters” tells the powerfully moving story of Lillian (Calloway), a loving wife and devoted mother of two daughters, whose troubled childhood and sorted past catches up with her. In a divine twist of fate, when her two estranged daughters from teen pregnancies are found some 30 years later, reuniting a fractured family, Lillian is forced to come to terms with the past she has desperately tried to forget, the family she raised and with herself.

“This story is one that truly comes from the heart,” says Leslie Glenn Chesloff, GMC’s executive vice president of programming. “’Between Sisters’ embraces the themes we value here at GMC – faith, family and forgiveness. We provide it to our audience in a fresh way through our original stage play series and we are proud to continue to bring these warm and heartfelt stories to our viewers.”

The GMC World Premiere Stage Play “Between Sisters” stars Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Shameless,” “Rizzoli & Isles”), Terri J. Vaughn (“Meet the Browns,” Daddy’s Little Girls), Denyce Lawton (“House of Payne”) and KD Aubert (“In Sickness and In Health,” Soul Plane). Screenplay by Cas Sigers Beedles (“A Cross to Bear,” “If You Really Love Me”). Directed by Roger Melvin (“The Love You Save,” “If You Really Love Me”).

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GMC’s “Between Sisters” is produced by Swirl Films’ Eric Tomosunas, who has produced and taped numerous stage plays and feature-length films for television and DVD including, 35 & Ticking, Love for Sale, A Mother’s Prayer, There’s a Stranger in My House, “Love Me or Leave Me,” “The Ideal Husband,” “The Love You Save” and “Sugar Mommas.”

“Between Sisters” is the tenth original gospel stage play to air in GMC’s hit series following the success of GMC productions “Love Me or Leave Me,” “The Ideal Husband,” “She’s Not Our Sister,” “The Love You Save,” “Sugar Mommas,” “If You Really Love Me,” “For Richer For Poorer,” “From This Day Forward” and “In Sickness and In Health.” GMC is the only network producing the popular medium and bringing it to a broad television audience.

ABOUT GMC TV GMC TV, (www.watchGMCtv.com) based in , is America’s favorite network for uplifting music and family entertainment. The network presents original and acquired movies, series, stage plays and music specials along with gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service. The GMC TV brand is reflected in “Uplift Someone,” the network’s successful pro-social initiative. GMC TV can be seen in more than 61 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DIRECTV on channel 338, DISH Network on channel 188, and Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

ABOUT THE CAST

VANESSA BELL CALLOWAY Vanessa Bell Calloway is a stage, screen and television actress whose tremendous staying power is a testament to her talent. A fan favorite, her work has garnered critical acclaim, earning Calloway eight NAACP Image Award nominations.

Best known for her roles in the box office smashes with and What’s Love Got to Do with It starring opposite and Laurence Fishburne, Calloway has also starred in films, Biker Boyz, Love Don’t Cost A Thing, Daylight, The Inkwell, Crimson Tide, The Brothers, Cheaper By The Dozen, Lakeview Terrace and voiced the lead female role in the animated feature Bebe's Kids. Her television films include: A Private Affair, Red Sneakers, Love Song, Memphis, The Cherokee Kid, America’s Dream: The Boy Who Painted Christ Black and The Temptations, which earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination.

An accomplished dancer, Calloway was in the original Broadway production of “.” She also starred and performed in the television productions of “Polly, Polly Coming Home” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” which were all directed and choreographed by . Calloway lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 25 years Dr. Anthony Calloway, an anesthesiologist, and she has two daughters, Ashley and Alexandra.

TERRI J. VAUGHN Terri J. Vaughn has entertained us on television for more than ten years. First, she stole America’s heart with her lovable portrayal of Lovita Alizay Jenkins on “The Harvey Show.” Vaughn confesses, “I loved playing a

Page | 2 character that grew up in the ‘hood and who worked hard to be positive because it was very close to my own life.” After that, Vaughn made her way to UPN’s “.” With her fun, energetic and wise portrayal of Jonelle Abrams, she once again brought life and laughter to the small screen. Now she brings Renee, a sexy, sassy and hilarious nurse, to life on ’s” Meet The Browns.” But, before Vaughn ever had her first audition, she was growing up in a housing project in Hunter’s Point in San Francisco. Today, this woman is hell-bent on creating positive, inspirational experiences for other young women growing up in the projects. Out of her desire to give back to her community, in 1997, Vaughn started Take Wings Foundation. “We motivate, uplift and inspire young girls, 13 to18 years old, growing up in at risk communities and foster care, in the San Francisco Bay Area, to be positive, productive and successful. It’s truly amazing to watch them soar.”

From her first professional job in a 20-city tour of “Tellin’ it Like it Tiz” to her first role on the hit show “,” to a memorable turn as a single mother wrongly accused of abusing her child on “ER,” this San Francisco native has proven herself to be a talent to be reckoned with. Vaughn has been honored with three Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on “The Show,” and received a nomination for a 2005 BET Comedy Award for her work on “All of Us.” But this multi-faceted thespian doesn’t stop there; she was also nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on “Soulfood,” as Eva Holly, a lesbian, who shocked Showtime viewers by passionately kissing Byrd (Malinda Williams), during her multi-episode guest arc on the groundbreaking series.

Included on Vaughn’s resume is the Tyler Perry film Daddy’s Little Girls, where Vaughn gets to flex her acting chops as the bitchy Brenda, playing opposite and Idris Elba. She can also be seen in the independent dramedy, Dirty Laundry, starring opposite Rockmond Dunbar and Loretta Devine and 3 Can Play That Game, where Vaughn is hilarious. Along with starring in other independent projects and conducting her Atlanta based acting school at Tree Sound Studios, Vaughn adds to her list of can-do’s, by producing and starring in the first film, under her and producing partner, Cas Siger’s production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment. Angels Can’t Help But Laugh, a documentary on black actresses and the climate of the business today. The piece has been uplifting and inspiring audiences in and out of the business. Nina Holiday Entertainment is currently in pre- production of their second film and developing their first television series.

DENISE BOUTTE A native of Maurice, Louisiana, Denise Boutté dreamed a more practical dream of becoming a doctor, while conquering the “mystical” place called Hollywood and becoming a film and TV star never really crossed her mind. After obtaining a degree in mass communications from Louisiana State University, Denise’s creative intuition led her to the world of advertising where she quickly climbed the ranks as a respected account executive, then manager at leading , -based advertising agencies, tending to the clients of various brands including Pampers, Fossil and Mary Kay Cosmetics, among others. While overseeing commercial and photo shoots for her clients’ campaigns, Denise was introduced to life “on-set” and became fascinated by the endless possibilities this new world offered.

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After being approached by a local talent agent, Denise found herself in front of the lens for a variety of print and commercial campaigns. A chance introduction landed her a talent manager in Hollywood, and Denise decided to take a leap of faith, packed her bags and headed west.

Before long, Denise emerged as one of Hollywood’s busiest new faces, highlighted with guest and recurring roles on numerous popular TV shows, including “,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Days of Our Lives” and “Girlfriends” to name a few. On the big screen, Denise teamed up with entertainment pioneer, Tyler Perry, as Trina alongside , Jill Scott, Richard T. Jones and the star studded cast of Lionsgate’s Why Did I Get Married. Impressed with her chops and on-camera presence, Perry created the character of Sasha Brown, the fun- loving yet convicted voice of reason on the highly rated and now syndicated TV series, “Meet the Browns.” Additional credits include What She Wants, produced by Louisiana based Films in Motion and GMC Production’s To Love & To Cherish. Also be on the watch for film and television projects, including the hilarious Loni Knows in which she stars alongside comedian Loni Love, currently in development under her Imagine That Productions, Inc. banner.

KD AUBERT KD Aubert started her modeling career with LA Models in 2001. As a runway model working overseas, she soon ventured into print modeling with Elite models (LA) where she was thrust into major campaigns. Soon after KD entered into the world of commercials where again, she was lucky enough into land some very memorable campaigns.

In 2002, while hosting the MTV show “Kidnapped” with Dave Holmes, she landed her first major role, not surprisingly on her first audition, in the cult classic Friday After Next, followed shortly after with a role in The Scorpion King. The following year she replaced a recurring actress on the hit show “” (aka Nikki Wood). While shooting Buffy, KD landed a leading role in the movie Hollywood Homicide starring Harrison Ford and Josh Hatrnett. She has also starred on independent movies such as Dysenchanted (starring Jim Belushi) and Easy.

KD also starred alongside Kevin Hart, Tom Arnold and many other superstars while on the comedy Soul Plane. After shooting what was one her favorite sci-fi movies, Frankenfish, in Mobile, Alabama, she returned to LA to snatch a guest star role on FOX's “Bones.”

DENYCE LAWTON Multiethnic (African-American/Korean) actress Denyce Lawton is best known for her four seasons as a series regular on the hit comedy series five time NAACP Best Comedy Series Winner, Tyler Perry's " House of Payne”. All the while enjoying the success of her hit reality series “Girlfriend Confidential: LA.”

Denyce has appeared in seven films including her recent leading roles in “Winnerz,” “Act Like You Love Me” opposite & Glynn Turman, Switchin’ The Script, The Coalition, The Love You Save opposite Robin Givens, and The Helpers.

Outside of “House Of Payne” and her abundance of other television and film work, if Denyce’s face seems familiar,

Page | 4 it may also be the heavy rotation on cable of her two other films Redline (an action auto thriller) & horror thriller Dead Tone. With a few other films straight to DVD and television, and projects presently in the works (including an HIV/AIDS documentary Denyce is producing and directing), this South Korean born actress is already releasing breakthrough performances in her very selective decisions and is on her way to portray some of today's most memorable and remarkable roles.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

ROGER MELVIN

Roger Melvin is a versatile filmmaker with extensive television and feature film credits to his name. He has played key behind-the-scenes roles as well as directed and produced features and television films. His directing credits include the GMC TV original gospel plays, including the NAACP Image Award nominated “Sugar Mommas,” “She’s Still Not Our Sister,” “The Love You Save,” “If You Really Love Me”, the documentary feature “Agree to Disagree,” and “He’s Mine Not Yours,” a feature which Melvin also produced. Also be on the lookout for Roger's upcoming film Not For Sale, staring Isaiah Washington & Terri J. Vaughn which is based on the life of Sidney Poitier.

ERIC TOMOSUNAS (PRODUCER)

Over the course of 15 years, Eric Tomosunas has created a name for himself as a film producer and businessman within the urban entertainment industry. Under his production company Swirl Films, he spearheads the supervision and execution of production elements, and managing all distribution agreements with Image Entertainment, First Look Entertainment, Warner Brothers, Melee Entertainment, E1 formerly KOCH and Code Black.

Recent original productions include: the NAACP Image Award nominated original movie Somebody’s Child , starring Michael Jai White (Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special) , Byron Minns, Nadine Ellis, and Lynn Whitfield, and the stage play, “Sugar Mommas,” (Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special) starring Terri J. Vaughn, Vanessa Williams, Rachel True, and Tommy Ford, both of which were produced for GMC TV. Other original productions include Love For Sale, a romantic comedy starring Jackie Long, Jason Weaver, Mya and Melyssa Ford; and 35 & Ticking a feel good romantic comedy starring Kevin Hart, Nicole Ari Parker, Keith Robinson, Tamela Jones and Darius McCrary.

He has also produced several home video and theatrical titles including The Under Shepherd, a 2012 ABFF Official Selection and winner of ABFF Grand Jury Awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Director (Russ Parr) and Best Actor (Malinda Williams).

With over 35 original productions in the past five years, and award nominated movies and plays, Tomosunas’ earlier work included ADR for Screen Gems Studio on projects such as the WB's TV Series “Dawson’s Creek” and films Swordfish, A Walk to Remember and Little Vampires.

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CAS SIGERS BEEDLES (SCREENWRITER)

A native of North Carolina, Cas Sigers Beedles is an author, screenwriter, director and producer working in partnership with actress Terri J. Vaughn through their Nina Holiday Entertainment production banner. Working as a producer on national shows, Sigers Beedles credits include “Welcome to Dreamland”, “Platinum House”, and “Tiny & Toya”. Recently, Sigers Beedles served as associate director for the TV-One series “Verses & Flow” and the supervising producer for BET/Centric’s music documentary series “As Written.” Previously, she worked as the script supervisor for “The Mo’Nique Show”.

As a screenwriter, Sigers Beedles is currently writing and producing a series of projects for GMC network including several plays in their popular stage play series as well as feature films for television. She penned “A Cross to Bear” for GMC, an original world premiere television movie starting , Malinda Williams and Jackie Long which aired on the network in February 2012.

Published by Kensington Press, Sigers Beedles’ novels include Pieces of a Man, Love is Simple, Forever is Tricky, The Virgin Widow, At Last I Bloom, Three Chords & the Truth and Chocolate Dove.

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Contacts: Chelsye J. Burrows Jackie Bazan-Ross Evelyn Santana 770.692.4559 212-643-4664 X704 212-643-4664 X702 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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