Lucasfilm Ltd. Announces New Organization for Business Expansion

Business Wire, Jan 28, 2003

Entertainment Editors/Business Editors

NOTE TO MEDIA: Multimedia assets available

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SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2003

In a move to promote long-term growth of his businesses, George Lucas announced today that he is bringing his award-winning companies of Lucas Digital, LucasArts Entertainment, Lucas Licensing and Lucasfilm Ltd. into one organization.

Lucas stated, "During the past ten years, my companies have functioned relatively independent of each other. As we look to the future, we have decided to bring these entities together into a unified, cohesive group to create a dynamic entertainment company that builds upon their mutual strengths. We have a unique array of talent in the areas of special effects, sound design, interactive games, licensing, distribution, and marketing. This new structure will make it easier for our diverse talents to work as a team."

Coinciding with the reorganization, Lucasfilm President Gordon Radley has chosen this opportunity to leave Lucasfilm. "For more than 17 years it has been a privilege to work with an extraordinary group of people and to help George create one of the premiere digital entertainment companies. I am proud to say that Lucasfilm is stronger today than it has ever been and, with the restructure now in place, even better positioned for the future. This is the right time for me to leave a job I've loved and pursue personal and professional priorities that are important to me and that I haven't had the opportunity to accomplish. It is bittersweet to leave but I am excited about this next chapter in my life."

Lucas stated, "Lucasfilm has thrived under Gordon's leadership. His business expertise and leadership style have grown and shaped the company into what it is today. I am grateful for all he has accomplished and I am particularly indebted to Gordon for all the key Star Wars and Indiana Jones distribution agreements he has concluded, and for putting in place our new office facility in Marin County and the Digital Arts Center at the Presidio. He will be missed by all of us."

George Lucas has promoted Lucasfilm CFO Micheline Chau to the position of Chief Operating Officer to oversee the new unified company and to guide all of the business units. Lucas stated, "I am fortunate to have someone of Micheline Chau's caliber to step in as Chief Operating Officer for the company."

Chau stated, "I'm excited to take on this new challenge. George has given us a unique opportunity to bring the company to a new level by utilizing the talent throughout all of our companies and expand into new areas."

George Lucas will remain Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the leading film and entertainment companies in the world. Lucasfilm's businesses include George Lucas' film and television production and distribution activities. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and received 52 Academy Award nominations, and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm has produced five of the top 20 box office hits of all time.

Lucas Digital Ltd. LLC, which includes Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound, is dedicated to serving the needs of the entertainment and commercial production industries for visual effects and audio post-production. ILM has been awarded 14 Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and received 14 Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards. Skywalker Sound has been honored with 15 Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.

LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is based in San Rafael, California. LucasArts is a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of computer and console platforms which have won critical acclaim with more than 100 industry awards for excellence.

Lucas Licensing Ltd. manages all the domestic and international merchandising activities of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones properties. The Star Wars licensing program is renowned for its attention to product detail and quality in the fields of publishing, toys, games, collectibles, apparel and home furnishings.

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