Press release for immediate distribution

MIPCOM 2004 SPECTRA INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION OFFERS YOU THE GREATEST NAMES IN WORLD, JAZZ AND CLASSICAL MUSIC

Montreal, August 23, 2004 – Spectra International Distribution (SID) will exclusively present its latest programming at MIPCOM 2004. These productions, which are certain to delight and enchant viewers, join the 500 hours of programs already in the SID catalogue. Below is a taste of the exciting new products that SID will showcase at MIPCOM :

Stand out from the competition: offer your viewers top musical artists ! New products from the 25th Festival International de Jazz de Montreal (2004) Exclusively to Spectra International Distribution

Magic moments in high definition

MIDNIGHT SUN : A SPECIAL DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY SHOW

This musical and artistic celebration, a unique concept especially created for television, pays tribute to both the 20th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil and the 25th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. More than 200 artists take part in the show such including: Youssou N’Dour (Senegal), Daniela Mercury (Brazil), Jorane (), the I Musici orchestral ensemble (Canada) and many artists from Cirque du Soleil, such as Francesca Gagnon and Élise Velle. The show also features breathtaking acrobatic performances by artist-acrobats Isabelle Chassé (aerial contortion in silk), Chris Lashua (German wheel), Marie-Laure Mesnage and Yves Decoste (vice-versa and statue), and Joseph-Dominic Bauer and his astonishing acrobatic-wheel number. Démos of 1min. and 3 mins. available - Co-production: Amérimage-Spectra and Cirque du Soleil - Concept and stage direction : Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon - Director : Mario Rouleau – Available in high definition

OSCAR PETERSON: HISTORIC PIANO PERFORMANCE

SID presents the memorable closing gala of the 25th anniversary edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, a historic concert starring Oscar Peterson! The internationally renowned Canadian pianist is unquestionably one of the all-time best. For this special occasion, he delivers one of the premier performances of his career before a dazzled and adoring audience. This jazz legend captured in high definition is a wonderful gift to offer viewers worldwide! Production: Amérimage-Spectra - Director: Pierre Séguin – Available in high definition

CHICK COREA: AN UNFORGETTABLE ACOUSTIC REUNION

Chick Corea has been playing piano since he was four. Over the years, his name has been associated with numerous jazz trends: fusion, avant-garde, Brazilian jazz, acoustic and electric music. For this special evening, the six-time Grammy winner is joined by bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl in a get-together entitled The Acoustic Trio. These three talents used to perform as a trio and the elation and chemistry that characterize their playing together make for a truly unforgettable acoustic treat. Corea plays grand piano, revealing anew the emotional depth of his compositions and the exceptional quality of his arrangements. This indoor concert was recorded in high definition. Production: Amérimage-Spectra – Director: Pierre Séguin – Available in high definition

THE FUNK BROTHERS: A CELEBRATION OF BLUES AND SOUL

Legendary Motown recording artists The Funk Brothers churned out more hits than the Beatles, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones combined. However, much like Cuba’s celebrated Buena Vista Social Club, it was only with the release of a film about the group that the surprisingly little-known, aging musicians have come to be recognized as the men behind the Motown sound and their huge contribution to American musical culture has been fully acknowledged. This concert, prepared specifically for the 25th anniversary on the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, features many of The Funk Brothers’ greatest R&B and Motown hits. Special guests include The Four Tops, Sam Moore, Joan Osborne and JackSoul. This “soul festival” was recorded in high definition. Production: Amérimage-Spectra – Director: Pierre Séguin – Available in high definition

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SID jazz also in digital format

JOHNNY CLEGG AND : CELEBRATING A BETTER AFRICA

This concert brimming with powerful emotions, convictions and joy delighted and dazzled the thousands upon thousands of festival visitors gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the end of in . Voices of Freedom is a gripping, entrancing performance starring great South African artists such as Johnny Clegg and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose music chronicles a people’s struggle to overthrow apartheid. Clegg exudes stunning energy as he plays such favourites as I Call Your Name, Dela and of Africa. Also featured are Thandi Klaasen and daughter Lorraine Klaasen, who win the audience’s hearts as they sing highly rhythmical traditional African songs. The concert experience is further heightened by the magnificent stage setting in the colours of Africa. And throughout the concert, images of Zulu dances and of daily life before, during and after apartheid are shown on giant screens. Join the celebration! Production: Amérimage-Spectra – Director: Alain Chicoine – Available in digital format

YOUSSOU N’DOUR: A WIND FROM THE SOUTH . . . ON SCREEN

Youssou N’Dour is considered the ambassador of m’balax—a popular form of music in Senegal—and renowned as the biggest West African artist in the world today. He’s back with a new album, Nothing’s in Vain, accompanied by his extraordinary musicians and singers. He’ll also be offering selections from his greatest hits, including New Africa from his Eyes Open! album. Something to warm up the airwaves… Production: Amérimage-Spectra – Director: Jocelyn Barnabé – Available in digital format

Classical music revisited

THE PLANETS: VOYAGE TO THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE

The Planets is a grandiose performance of Gustav Holst’s famous musical work. Filmed in 360o in an immense locomotive factory, the concert promises to surprise the audience with its incredibly opulent ambiance. Revolving stages, enormous projections of celestial images, animated sequences – everything is in place to create an intoxicating and ethereal musical voyage. Even the musicians themselves become human screens to further enhance the experience! Performing Holst’s masterpiece are the members of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and a choir of 30 female singers under the direction of Kerri-Lynn Wilson. Be truly innovative – bring your viewers on a spectacular musical journey! Production: Amérimage-Spectra – Concept and stage direction : Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon - Director: Jocelyn Barnabé – Available in digital format

At MIPCOM come meet the members of Spectra International Distribution at the stand C1.05 :

Luc Châtelain, Vice-President, Television Division of L’Équipe Spectra André A. Bélanger, Producer, Spectra Animation Pierre Touchette, Producer, Amérimage-Spectra Pierre Beaudry, Producer, Films Zingarro Suzanne Girard, Producer, BBR Productions Marie-Sylvie Lefebvre, Senior Director, SID Michèle Dal Cin, Sales Representative, SID

For more information, contact us at: [email protected]

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Source: Marie-Sylvie Lefebvre, Spectra International Distribution- 1 514 286 2500, ext. 241 [email protected] Michèle Dal Cin, Spectra International Distribution- 1 514 286 2500, poste 225 [email protected] Information: Sarah Déraps, L’Équipe Spectra – 1 514 286 2500, ext. 360 [email protected]