Be Here, Intel and FOX.com Unveil the First Immersive 360-Degree Video Tour of the Ally McBeal Set

Business Wire, Nov 20, 2000

Business Editors/Entertainment Writers

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2000

Be Here's Immersive Technology Enhances

Entertainment And Broadcasting Media By Providing A

New Level Of Interactive Control To Fans

Be Here, the only provider of 360-degree live Internet video technology, FOX.com, the online entertainment division of News Corporation's (NYSE:NWS) News Digital Media, and Intel Corporation today announced the Webcasting premiere of the first interactive 360-degree tour of the set of the FOX hit show "Ally McBeal."

The 360-degree technology provides fans of the show the ability to view the set from the actors' perspective, allowing the audience to feel what it's like to be a part of the cast. Entertainment and broadcasting media will be able to reach fans with a new creative medium that gives control of the Webcast to the viewer. Fans logging on to allymcbeal.com or FOX.com may "tour" the "Ally McBeal" set, including the office, bar, courtroom, the Unisex and Ally's apartment. The 360-degree set tours will be available throughout the 2001 season.

Using Be Here's iVideo and Intel's Streaming Web Video software, fans can go "on location," and enjoy a 360-degree immersive view of the five main sets on which "Ally McBeal" is filmed. Fans will be able to interact with each set by controlling what they see, whether it's the Unisex where Ally dishes the dirt with co-workers or the courtroom where the show's humor and drama unfolds.

The debut of 360-degree Webcast is the first of its kind to go behind-the-scenes and onto the "Ally McBeal" set. Users will have an enhanced and interactive experience viewing the set in 360-degrees, allowing them to travel to every corner for the actors' perspective on what it is like to "be here" on the set of "Ally McBeal." Fans that log onto FOX.com and allymcbeal.com may navigate their way through the studio's set, providing a personalized "sneak peek" into the life of Ally McBeal.

Be Here Takes McBeal Fans Where Only the Actors Have Gone Before

"Our 360-degree iVideo technology significantly impacts the entertainment industry by providing networks and broadcasters with a new way to reach audiences with an interactive and creative medium," said Andrew Thau, CEO of Be Here Corporation. "Highly popular shows like Ally McBeal can use the 360-degree technology to both increase visibility and unite fans by providing an immersive and personalized 'on location' experience. Our technology provides the perfect vehicle for fans of all types to get the entertainment they want on their own terms."

In order to take interactive entertainment to the next level, companies will need to provide content that makes individuals sit up and take notice. "Intel is helping create the new digital lifestyle that people are demanding today," said Steve Spina, director, Intel's Architecture Lab. "The combination of Intel's Streaming Web Video software and Be Here's technology demonstrates that interactive media is here to stay. The 360-degree tour of 'Ally McBeal's' studio sets provides a great interactive canvas for the sitcom fan."

The 360-Degree Interactive Webcasting Revolution

Be Here Corporation is the leading provider of Internet video technology used worldwide by entertainment, news and sports Webcasters to deliver live or recorded 360-degree streaming video. This provides the basis for the next generation of Internet media -- extending the video viewer's visual experience by combining it with the power of interactivity. It also provides "stickiness:" a highly desirable attribute to Web sites such as FOX.com. Visitors to Be Here-enabled Web sites spend significantly more time because of the compelling content. Be Here's patented iVideo technology captures the full 360-degree environment in a single, seamless image which its software transforms, in real time or batch mode, into full motion video and audio. Be Here iVideo is the next generation of Internet media and fundamentally changes the way consumers experience a studio tour by providing a personalized and interactive version that allows each viewer the freedom to choose to "be here," independently of any other viewer.

About FOX.com

FOX.com, the exclusive online home to FOX Broadcasting events, productions and series, is creating branded community sites that provide unique access for both first time visitors and hardcore fans. Visitors are immersed in the worlds of The Simpsons, The X-Files, Ally McBeal and other popular FOX shows. Community aspects such as homepages, bulletin boards, chats, email and ISPs complement behind-the-scenes insight, character profiles, interviews, polls and contests. The site also provides a front row seat for live Hollywood happenings, such as red carpet arrivals to "The Oscars," and "The Billboard Music Awards." FOX.com is also committed to developing new original content sites focusing on comedy and science fiction, drawing from the best new media talent in the industry.

About News Digital Media

News Digital Media, the electronic publishing division of News Corporation, is a leading digital content creator, producer and distributor for multiple platforms including the Web, broadband, wireless and enhanced TV. Operating FOX.com, FOXSPORTS.com, FOXNEWS.com and FOXMARKETWIRE.com, News Digital Media is building a community of destinations to satisfy the growing online population.