• June 9, 2003 - Universal Pictures Sets New Box-Office Record by Opening Back-to-Back Films Grossing More Than $50 Million Each
• June 2, 2003 - Universal Pictures Hosts the World Premiere of 2 Fast 2 Furious Tuesday, June 3 at Universal Amphitheatre, Universal Studios Hollywood
• May 29, 2003 - Summer Sizzles With RadioShack's ZipZaps Based on Universal Pictures' June 6 Release, 2 Fast 2 Furious
• May 18, 2003 - Def Jam South Brings 2 Fast 2 Furious
• May 5, 2003 - Get a Rush With the 'STARZ! Presents 2 Fast 2 Furious Sweepstakes'
• April 25, 2003 - Vivendi Universal Games Hits the Accelerator With The Fast and the Furious Video Game
• April 17, 2003 - Filmmaker John Singleton Hosts a Sneak Preview of His Latest Film 2 Fast 2 Furious at the 2003 Hollywood Black Film Festival
• November 6, 2002 - Motegi Racing and RO_JA Announce Licensing Agreement With Universal Studios Consumer Products Group for Universal Pictures' The Fast and the Furious 2
• October 28, 2002 - Newly Signed Ruff Ryder, Jin, Joins the Fast and the Furious Sequel
• October 8, 2002 - Universal Pictures Begins Production in Miami on The Fast and the Furious 2, the Sequel to the Summer 2001 Box Office Sensation
• August 6, 2002 - Racing Champions Ertl Announces The Fast and the Furious Master Toy & Collectibles License

UNIVERSAL PICTURES SETS NEW BOX-OFFICE RECORD BY OPENING BACK-TO-BACK FILMS GROSSING MORE THAN $50 MILLION EACH

2 FAST 2 FURIOUS Opens Number One At The Domestic Box Office With $50.4 Million

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures has set a new box-office record by becoming the first studio to ever open two films back-to-back to more than $50 million. 2 Fast 2 Furious, the follow-up to the Summer 2001 box office sensation about the super-charged world of street racing, opened first at the domestic box office with $50.4 million in its first three days of release. Just two weeks prior, Bruce Almighty opened with $85.7 million over the Memorial Day weekend, the largest opening ever for a non-sequel comedy and career bests for both its star and director, Jim Carrey and Tom Shadyac.

2 Fast 2 Furious, starring Paul Walker, Tyrese and Eva Mendes and directed by Oscar(R)-nominated filmmaker John Singleton, opened with 3,408 playdates, averaging $14,810 per theater. The cumulative weekend receipts pushed 2 Fast 2 Furious ahead of its predecessor's (The Fast and the Furious) opening weekend gross of $40.1 million, and the sequel is well on its way to overtaking the first film's cumulative domestic gross of $144.5 million.

The pedal-to-the-metal sequel was further noteworthy as the largest ever film opening the first weekend of June (a title previously held by The Truman Show with $31.5 million). The film also stands as producer Neal H. Moritz's best opening ever, out-earning his previous action hit xXx's $44.5 million three-day bow.

This newest benchmark adds to the list of records previously established by Universal in 2001: debuting five Number One films in a row and opening four Number One films in a row with all movies earning $40 million or more in their first three days of release.

"This is a great opening for this movie, proving that the success of the first film was no fluke," said Nikki Rocco, president, distribution, Universal Pictures. "The franchise has been embraced by audiences who continue to turn out and support the film and then tell their friends to do the same. Producer Neal Moritz is a fantastic, collaborative partner and he and director John Singleton did a great job in creating an exciting piece of adrenaline-pumping entertainment. Once again, the studio has demonstrated our ability to successfully tap into the youth culture, as we did with such films as 8 Mile, the American Pie films, Bring It On and the original Fast and Furious."

2 Fast 2 Furious wasn't just embraced by high-speed fans in the United States. The film opened in Australia one day prior to its U.S. bow and commandeered the box office with an estimated four-day opening figure of $3.7 million (U.S.) at 210 playdates, a 48% market share. The impressive Australian opening weekend business is 119% bigger than The Fast and the Furious' debut and 110% larger than xXx's opening. It is Universal's fourth biggest opening day in Australia, behind The Lost World, Twister and Liar Liar.

Paul Walker returns in 2 Fast 2 Furious as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for shady Miami-based import-export dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser), while actually working with undercover agent Monica Fuentes (newcomer Eva Mendes) to bring Verone down. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, James Remar and Devon Aoki are also in the cast of this new high-adrenaline adventure directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Baby Boy) and produced by Neal H. Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, Sweet Home Alabama), with a whole new line-up of dazzling high-performance vehicles ready to burn up the screen.

Universal Pictures is a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company.

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Universal Pictures Hosts The World Premiere of 2 Fast 2 Furious, Tuesday, June 3 at Universal Amphitheatre, Universal Studios Hollywood

• WHAT: The world premiere of 2 Fast 2 Furious

• WHO: 2 Fast 2 Furious cast members Paul Walker, Tyrese, Eva Mendes, Cole Hauser, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, James Remar, Thom Barry, Devon Aoki, Amaury Nolasco, Michael Ealy, Jin Auyeung, Edward Finley, Mark Boone Junior and Matt Gallini, director John Singleton and producer Neal Moritz.

  Plus, celebrity guests including: Tyra Banks, Bill Bellamy, Kimberly J. Brown, Amy Davidson, DJ Pooh, Vivica A. Fox, Macy Gray, Taraji Henson, Elizabeth Hurley, Mo'Nique Imes-Jackson, Joshua Jackson, Mel Jackson, Jesse James, Regina King, Dalene Kurtis, Jazsmin Lewis, Lil Flip, Matthew McConaughey, Sofia Milos, Kenya Moore, Clifton Powell, Redman, Busta Rhymes, Nicolette Sheridan, Snoop Dogg, Michael Taliferro, Christopher Titus, Robin Tunney, Aisha Tyler, Vince Vaughn, Jon Voight, Sela Ward, Victor Webster, Kym Whitley, Roy Williams and many others.

• WHERE: Universal Amphitheatre
  Universal Studios, Hollywood

• WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2003
  5:30 PM Press Call Time
  6:30 PM Celebrity Arrivals
  7:30 PM Screening Begins
  

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Summer Sizzles With RadioShack's ZipZaps Based on Universal Pictures' June 6 Release, 2 Fast 2 Furious

Latest Collection Features Eight Micro RC Replicas From The Fast and the Furious Sequel

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) today unveiled the latest models for its popular ZipZaps micro RC brand -- starter and upgrade kits that feature 1:64 scale replicas from Universal Pictures' 2 Fast 2 Furious. 2 Fast 2 Furious, the highly-anticipated follow-up to The Fast and the Furious, the Summer 2001 box office sensation about the super-charged world of street racing, is set to hit theatres June 6, 2003.

The 2 Fast 2 Furious ZipZaps line-up follows on the heels of another movie-themed ZipZaps series introduced last month and based on the first summer 2003 blockbuster X2: X-Men United. These are the latest collectible additions to the line of ZipZaps micro RCs that were launched by RadioShack last year and took the 2002 holiday season by storm.

"The Fast and the Furious franchise appeals to the same demographic of car and tuner enthusiasts who are also wild about ZipZaps," said Don Carroll, senior vice president and general manager, Connecting Things, RadioShack. "The 2 Fast 2 Furious ZipZaps line-up is a natural extension of the brand and further strengthens our reputation with Generation Y tuner kids, an important consumer segment that is driving a multi-million dollar tuner market industry."

To start off the extensive 2 Fast 2 Furious collection, ZipZaps offer Toyota Supra (27 MHz) and Mazda RX-7 (48 MHz) Starter Kits, each available for only $19.99. As with other ZipZaps starter kits, these cars can be customized and accessorized with alternative 2 Fast 2 Furious tops and other accessories.

To upgrade your current ride, two 2 Fast 2 Furious Body Kits are available as part of the line-up. While one kit will allow you to zip around with the freshest current models including the Nissan Skyline, Honda S2000, the second Body Kit is a retro flashback for true car enthusiasts featuring the 1970 Dodge Challenger and 1969 Chevy Camaro.

For the ultimate in speed, the 2 Fast 2 Furious Street Tuner Upgrade Kit includes two new high-powered motors -- the orange 28,000 RPM turbo motor and purple 34,000 RPM Nitrous Express motor. In addition, the Mitsubishi EVO 7 and Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT/RS from the movie are featured as body tops. The super powered kit also includes two removable and interchangeable silver rear airfoils, four complex tread tiresets, four water tread tire sets, transfer gear sets and rear axle/gear sets.

"When ZipZaps debuted in 2002, several models based on the cars from the original The Fast and the Furious film were part of the inaugural line. As with other ZipZaps, they flew off the shelves and sold out almost instantly," added Carroll. "I'm confident that this broader 2 Fast 2 Furious line-up will be just as successful and, since it's a limited edition collection, these starter and upgrade kits will become collectible items, joining other ZipZaps products that were 'retired' earlier this year."

ZipZaps are the premiere line of micro RCs that were launched by RadioShack in 2002 and have been flying off the store shelves ever since, with rave reviews from the media and consumers. The pocket-sized ZipZaps deliver non-stop racing action with the ability to fine-tune each car with customizable motors, gears, suspensions, tires and hubcaps. The micro racers have realistic body styles, charge in less than a minute and move with great precision, speed and dexterity.

Each ZipZaps starter kit features a trading card and for serious collectors, a ZipZaps Trading Card Collector Book that can hold up to forty trading cards is also available. Making room for the 2003 line, select models and accessories from the inaugural line of ZipZaps are no longer offered after inventory sells out. Collectors should also stock up on the collectible X2 and 2 Fast 2 Furious products, since they'll be sold out just in time for the arrival of the next exciting ZipZaps line-up due to launch in the fall.

ZipZaps are sold exclusively at RadioShack stores nationwide. Additional information, including a virtual showroom, tuning tips and screensaver downloads can be found at www.zipzaps.com .

2 Fast 2 Furious is the highly-anticipated follow-up to the Summer 2001 box office sensation, which was the first film ever to depict the super-charged world of street racing. Paul Walker returns as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for shady Miami-based import-export dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser), while actually working with undercover agent Monica Clemente (newcomer Eva Mendes) to bring Verone down. Ludacris, James Remar and Devon Aoki are also in the cast of this new high-adrenaline adventure directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Baby Boy) and produced by Neal Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, Sweet Home Alabama), with a whole new line-up of dazzling high-performance vehicles ready to burn up the screen.

Universal Pictures' The Fast and the Furious grossed $206 million at the worldwide box-office. In addition to its box office success, the DVD release was the number one best-selling DVD in the U.S. for the first six months of 2002, and remains one of the Top 10 best-selling DVDs of all time domestically (*per AC Nielsen/Video Scan).

The car and motorcycle action sequences depicted in The Fast and the Furious and 2 Fast 2 Furious films are dangerous. All stunts were performed in carefully controlled environments using professionally trained stunt crews on closed roads. No attempts should be made to duplicate any action, driving or car play scenes portrayed therein. Universal Studios neither condones nor endorses the use of any licensed products in any manner whatsoever other than in strict accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and speed limits.

The MPAA has given 2 Fast 2 Furious a rating of PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned -- Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13) for street racing, violence, language and some sensuality. The Fast and The Furious is also rated PG-13. Consult www.filmratings.com for further information.

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG) is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( http://www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company.

About RadioShack

ZipZaps are an exclusive brand of Fort Worth-based RadioShack Corporation, the nation's most trusted consumer electronics specialty retailer of wireless communications, electric parts, batteries and accessories, as well as other digital technology products and services. With more than 7,200 stores nationwide, it is estimated that 94 percent of all Americans live or work within five minutes of a RadioShack store or dealer. The company's knowledgeable sales associates and brand position, "You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers," support RadioShack's mission to demystify technology in every neighborhood in America. For more information on RadioShack products and services, visit our e-commerce Web site at www.radioshack.com .

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Def Jam South Brings 2 Fast 2 Furious

Soundtrack, Movie Star, & Def Jam South Artist Ludacris Stars In Summer Blockbuster

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Def Jam South is the official soundtrack to the hottest film of the summer season 2 Fast 2 Furious. The album features the production from R. Kelly and Just Blaze as well as the powerhouse appearance of R. Kelly, Tyrese (Ludacris' co-star) and Fat Joe. The album also features appearance from Ludacris' crew, Disturbing Tha Peace, which encompasses Shawnna and I-20. The albums Executive producers include 2 Fast 2 Furious director John Singleton, Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon, Neil Moritz and Tina Davis.

The first single from the soundtrack, "ACT A FOOL," debuted Monday, May 5th, in an MTV Making Of and is already one of their most requested videos. The single was also #1 most added on multiple radio formats Tuesday, May 13th.

In addition, to the film, Ludacris is embarking on a local Bud Light tour, which will intermix screenings of the action packed film and exclusive after parties and performances. Upcoming appearances include, MTV Beach House, Rap City and the co-host of the MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet on May 31st.

Ludacris has had 2 solo releases and a Disturbing Tha Peace album since October 2000 and sold over 7 million units. In addition to music, Ludacris has appeared in The Wash and the upcoming films Lil Pimp and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Ludacris also commits himself to serving his community with the Ludacris Foundation. The Ludacris Foundation is a non-profit organization created to help young people achieve their dreams through the encouragement of "Principles of Success." They aim to show young people in America they are the builders of their future. Their efforts reach youth at all age levels.

2 Fast 2 Furious is the highly-anticipated follow-up to the Summer 2001 box office sensation, which was the first film ever to depict the super-charged world of street racing. Paul Walker returns as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for shady Miami-based import-export dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser), while actually working with undercover agent Monica Clemente (newcomer Eva Mendes) to bring Verone down. Ludacris, James Remar and Devon Aoki are also in the cast of this new high-adrenaline adventure directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Baby Boy) and produced by Neal Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, Sweet Home Alabama), with a whole new line-up of dazzling high-performance vehicles ready to burn up the screen.

       SONG                        ARTIST


    1. Act A Fool                  Ludacris
    2. Represent                   Trick Daddy
    3. Slum                        I-20 Feat. Shawnna & Titi Boi
    4. Pick Up The Phone           Tyrese/R. Kelly/Ludacris
    5. Hands In The Air            8Ball
    6. Getting It                  Chingy
    7. Block Reincarnated          Shawnna
    8. Pump It Up                  Joe Budden
    9. Hell Yeah                   Dead Prez
   10. Peel Off                    Jin
   11. We Ridin                    Fat Joe
   12. Speed Racin on 20's         Lil Flip
   13. Oye                         Pit Bull
   14. Miami                       K Jon

Get a Rush With the 'STARZ! Presents 2 Fast 2 Furious Sweepstakes'

Features a Grand Prize Private Screening of an Upcoming Universal Film for The Winner and 100 Friends

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The world of underground car- racing is exposed again with 2 Fast 2 Furious, the high-octane sequel to Universal Pictures' summer 2001 box office sensation The Fast and the Furious, speeding into theaters nationwide on June 6. STARZ! will offer a nationwide sweepstakes that ties together this theatrical release with a telecast of The Fast and the Furious on June 6 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on STARZ! (with additional playdates through June). Entrants could win a private screening of an upcoming 2003 Universal movie for themselves and one hundred (100) friends in their hometowns and various other great prizes.

A special "On the Set" making-of 2 Fast 2 Furious premieres in conjunction with the June 6 theatrical release of the film at 9:50 p.m. (ET/PT) on STARZ! (with additional playdates throughout June). "Their engines are revved up and they're ready to go" and this 15 minute program shows the action and excitement of street racing as you have never seen it before with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews featuring director John Singleton, Paul Walker (Brian O'Conner), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce), Cole Hauser (Carter Verone), Eva Mendes (Monica Clemente) and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges (Taj) among others.

"This summer, STARZ! is super-charged both on- and off-air," said Jennifer Winzerling, director of national promotions for Starz Encore. "Our exciting slate of new, hit movies coupled with our sensational promotions, such as the 'STARZ! Presents 2 Fast 2 Furious Sweepstakes,' provide consumers with multiple ways to enjoy the entertainment value of the STARZ! experience."

Beginning May 26 through June 22, subscribers who want to enter the "STARZ! Presents 2 Fast 2 Furious Sweepstakes" can visit www.starzsuperpak.com, complete and then submit the entry form. Eligible entrants will have a chance to win:

• One (1) Grand Prize: private screening of an upcoming 2003 Universal movie in the winner's hometown for the winner and up to 100 friends;
• or one (1) first prize: a high performance Rockford Fosgate car audio system with CD/MP3 and 65 watt, 2-way speakers;
• or five (5) second prizes: props, wardrobe or accessories used in the production of 2 Fast 2 Furious;
• or twenty-five (25) third prizes: 2 Fast 2 Furious gift pack with a t-shirt, hat, key chain and 2 Fast 2 Furious movie soundtrack;
• or fifty (50) fourth prizes: 2 Fast 2 Furious movie poster and The Fast and the Furious hat.

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Vivendi Universal Games Hits the Accelerator With The Fast and the Furious Video Game

New Interactive Title to Follow Release of Universal Pictures' Upcoming Film, 2 Fast 2 Furious

LOS ANGELES, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) announced today details about its upcoming The Fast and the Furious racing game scheduled for release for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system in fourth quarter 2003 and the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft in first quarter 2004. The game will feature both cars and characters from the original The Fast and the Furious movie as well as Universal Pictures' upcoming theatrical sequel, 2 Fast 2 Furious, set to debut in theatres on June 6, 2003.

"The world of underground street racing will come alive through enhanced, next-generation special effects that deliver an adrenaline-pumping, totally immersive speed experience," said Luc Vanhal, VU Games' North American President & COO. "The Fast and the Furious game will capture the thrill of the ride and captivate movie fans, street racing aficionados and hardcore racing game players alike."

Japan-based video game developer Genki is revving up to immerse players in the "fast and furious" street racing lifestyle defined by cool cars and non-stop action. Players will feel the ultimate rush of nitrous-infused speed as they race their ultimate rides through the beautifully rendered city streets of Los Angeles to the pulsing beat of more than 35 musical tracks.

An action-driven game, The Fast and the Furious will authentically recreate the turbo-charged world of street racing as an interactive experience featuring fully licensed vehicles on drag, street and closed circuit courses. Players will undertake more than 80 missions enabling them to earn cash, increase their street credibility and further the game's original story.

A hallmark of the gameplay will be its authenticity; The Fast and the Furious features more than 20 licensed cars which can undergo total car customization through cosmetic and performance enhancements featuring true-to-life parts from the most popular aftermarket brands, such as AEM, GReddy, HKS, ICEMAN, Gude Performance, Motegi Racing, APC, Goodyear, Dunlop, Kaminari, Modern Image Signworks, Nitrous Express, Toyo, TSW, Volk, Veilside, FocusSport, Euro Sport, Wings West and A'PEX Integration. In addition, the Xbox(TM) release of the title will feature peer-to-peer online racing.

The Fast and the Furious interactive game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

About The Films

2 Fast 2 Furious is the highly anticipated follow-up to the Summer 2001 box office sensation about the super-charged world of street racing. Paul Walker returns as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for shady Miami-based import-export dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser), while actually working with undercover agent Monica Fuentes (newcomer Eva Mendes) to bring Verone down. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, James Remar and Devon Aoki are also in the cast of this new high-adrenaline adventure directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Baby Boy) and produced by Neal H. Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, Sweet Home Alabama), with a whole new line-up of dazzling high-performance vehicles ready to burn up the screen.

Universal Pictures' The Fast and the Furious grossed $206 million at the worldwide box-office. In addition to its box office success, the DVD release was the number one best-selling DVD in the U.S. for the first six months of 2002, and remains one of the Top 10 best-selling DVDs of all time domestically (*per AC Nielson/Video Scan).

The car and motorcycle action sequences depicted in The Fast and the Furious and 2 Fast 2 Furious films are dangerous. All stunts were performed in carefully controlled environments using professionally trained stunt crews on closed roads. No attempts should be made to duplicate any action, driving or car play scenes portrayed therein. Universal Studios neither condones nor endorses the use of any licensed products in any manner whatsoever other than in strict accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and speed limits.

The MPAA has given 2 Fast 2 Furious a rating of PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned -- Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13) for street racing, violence, language and some sensuality. The Fast and the Furious is also rated PG-13. Consult http://www.filmratings.com for further information.

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG) is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( http://www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company.

About Vivendi Universal Games

Headquartered in New York, Vivendi Universal Games ( http://www.vugames.com ) is a worldwide leader in multi-platform interactive entertainment. A leading publisher of PC, console and online-based interactive content, Vivendi Universal Games' portfolio of development studios includes Black Label Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Coktel, Fox Interactive, Knowledge Adventure, NDA Productions, Sierra Entertainment and Universal Interactive. Through its Partner Publishing Group, Vivendi Universal Games also co-publishes and/or distributes interactive products for a number of strategic partners, including Crave Entertainment, Interplay, Majesco, Mythic Entertainment and Simon & Schuster, among others.

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FILMMAKER JOHN SINGLETON HOSTS A SNEAK PREVIEW OF HIS LATEST FILM 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS AT THE 2003 HOLLYWOOD BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

HBFF host Sneak Preview of 2 Fast 2 Furious starring Tyrese followed by up-close and personal “Conversation with John Singleton,” Thursday, June 5, 2003

(April 17, 2003, Hollywood, CA) – Director John Singleton spends an evening with the HBFF family following a preview screening of the action adventure 2 Fast 2 Furious starring Paul Walker, Tyrese, Eva Mendes and recording artist Ludacris at the 5th anniversary presentation of the Hollywood Black Film Festival, announced Tanya Henley-Kersey, HBFF founder and executive director earlier today. “A Conversation with John Singleton” will be moderated by George Alexander, author of Why We Make Movies: Black Filmmakers Talk About the Magic of Cinema.

“We are excited to preview the sequel of the summer 2001 box office hit Fast and Furious before it’s released in theaters,” said Kersey-Henley. “What John has accomplished in his career clearly illustrates the diversity that filmmakers of color bring to the entire Hollywood landscape. We’re excited to have his participation at the festival.” Following the screening, Singleton will speak before a candid audience of filmgoers. The event happens June 5, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at the Harmony Gold Preview House in Hollywood, CA.

In this installment of 2 Fast 2 Furious the story about the super-charged world of street racing continues. Paul Walker returns as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for shady Miami-based import-export dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser), while actually working with undercover agent Monica Fuentes (newcomer Eva Mendes) to bring Verone down. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, James Remar and Devon Aoki are also in the cast of this new high-adrenaline adventure directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Baby Boy) and produced by Neal H. Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, Sweet Home Alabama). Expect to see a whole new line-up of dazzling high-performance vehicles ready to burn up the screen.

Director John Singleton came on the Hollywood scene in 1991 while attending USC with his highly acclaimed feature film debut Boyz N the Hood, which starred Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Angela Bassett. For Boyz Singleton received two Academy Awards nominations for best director and best screenplay. A Hollywood icon today, Singleton has produced, directed and penned a number of box office hits including Baby Boy, which received four NAACP nominations and starred R&B singer Tyrese, Ving Rhames, Snoop Dogg, and newcomer Taraji P. Henson; and Poetic Justice starring Janet Jackson, Regina King and Tupac.

Singleton also wrote, produced, and directed Shaft, starring Samuel Jackson for Paramount Pictures. Before that, he directed Rosewood starring Jon Voight and Ving Rhames. Other credits include Higher Learning starring Omar Epps and Laurence Fishburne, as well as television commercials for Coca-Cola and AT&T with D.L. Hughley. Singleton has won numerous awards including a LAFCA New Generation Award (1991), MTV Movie Award for Best New Filmmaker (1992), New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best New Director - Boyz N the Hood (1991), and a ShoWest Award for Screenwriter of the Year, and the Special Award for Directorial Debut of the Year (1992).

The 5th annual Hollywood Black Film Festival will take place June 3 – 8 in Hollywood, California. The Hollywood Black Film Festival is a non-profit organization. The festival’s mission and goal is to play an integral role in discovering and launching independent films and filmmakers by bring them to the attention of the industry, press and the public.

The Hollywood Black Film Festival is supported by a prestigious group of leading industry professionals who serve on the festival's Advisory Board. They are: Tina Andrews, Paris Barclay, Bill Duke, Roy Campanella II, Carl Craig, Suzanne De Passe, Antwone Quenton Fisher, Roy Forchion, Peter Gathings Bunch, Paul and Tammy Garnes, Kevin Hooks, Nedra Jenkins, Esq., Stan Lathan, Franklin Lett, Sandra Lord, Bobby Mardis, Darrell D. Miller, Esq., Denise Nicholas, Cleveland O'Neal, Esq., Tim Reid, Harrison Reiner, Matty Rich, Art Sims, George Tillman, Robert Townsend, Gary A. Watson, Esq., Kyle Bowser, Cecil Fielder, Willie Geary, Evander Holyfield, Alvin James, Marlon Jackson, Art Sims and Preston A. Whitmore II.

2003 Sponsors include Upscale Magazine, Showtime Network, 20th Century Fox, HBO Family, LA Film School, UrbanWorld Wireless, Carolina Pinnacle Studios, Maverick Entertainment, Virginia Film Office, Rolling Out Magazine, The Robertson Treatment, Barnholtz Entertainment, EURweb.com, The Wave Newspapers, KKBT “The Beat”, Socialsteps.com, Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center and Blacktalentnews.com.

A complete listing of the HBFF seminars can be viewed online at www.hbff.org.

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Motegi Racing and RO_JA Announce Licensing Agreement With Universal Studios Consumer Products Group for Universal Pictures' The Fast and the Furious 2

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2002--Lights! Camera! Wheels! Leading import performance wheels manufacturer American Racing Equipment today announced at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that they have signed a licensing agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to offer a line of co-branded The Fast and the Furious sport wheels under their Motegi Racing and RO_JA brands.

The Fast and the Furious 2 is Universal Pictures' follow-up to the summer 2001 breakaway hit that grossed $206 million at the worldwide box office.

Motegi Racing and RO_JA will each roll out wheels that will also be featured in the summer 2003 release. Other licensed products will include Motegi Tuner Car Wax, a car wax formulated for the colorful finishes popular in the import performance market, specially designed wheel accessories, t-shirts, headwear and window stickers. All will be available in early spring from Motegi Racing and RO_JA dealers and car accessory boutiques.

The split five-spoke Motegi Racing F&F 5 wheel will come in 17-inch to 19-inch sizes in gun metal, silver, white and hyper black finishes. The RO_JA Furious Five, from tuner car builder and import drag racer RJ DeVeras, is a twisted, blade-like, five-spoke, two-piece wheel. It also will come in 17-inch to 19-inch sizes with a machined finish.

"We are thrilled about our relationship with Universal Studios and are very excited about leveraging the future possibilities for Motegi Racing and RO_JA," said Chris Anderson, brand manager for both Motegi Racing and RO_JA. "The Fast and the Furious represents today's car culture for creating a new breed of auto enthusiast and for driving the popularity of aftermarket wheels."

The Fast and the Furious 2 is the highly anticipated follow-up to the summer 2001 box office sensation, which was the first film ever to depict the super-charged world of street racing. Paul Walker returns as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for shady Miami-based import-export dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser), while actually working with undercover agent Monica Clemente (newcomer Eva Mendes) to bring Verone down.

Ludacris, James Remar and Devon Aoki are also in the cast of this new high-adrenaline adventure directed by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Baby Boy) and produced by Neal Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, Sweet Home Alabama), with a whole new lineup of dazzling high-performance vehicles ready to burn up the screen.

Universal Pictures' The Fast and the Furious grossed $206 million at the worldwide box office. In addition to its box office success, the film showed even more muscle during the holiday season as the home video and DVD flew off retailers' shelves, becoming the number one selling DVD of 2001 with more than 5.5 million units(a) sold to date.

The car and motorcycle action sequences depicted in The Fast and the Furious and The Fast and the Furious 2 films are dangerous. All stunts were performed in carefully controlled environments using professionally trained stunt crews on closed roads. No attempts should be made to duplicate any action, driving or car play scenes portrayed therein. Universal Studios neither condones nor endorses the use of any licensed products in any manner whatsoever other than in strict accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and speed limits.

A note to parents: The Fast and The Furious is rated PG-13. Consult www.filmratings.com for further information.

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG) is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) (www.universalstudios.com), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company.

About Motegi Racing and RO_JA

The Motegi Racing and RO_JA brands of American Racing Equipment are leading import performance wheels that set the industry standard in craftsmanship, innovation and performance. They are available at dealers and car accessory boutiques. For more information on Motegi Racing and RO_JA, log onto www.motegiracing.com or www.rojawheels.com.

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Newly Signed Ruff Ryder, Jin, Joins the Fast and the Furious Sequel

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2002--Who is Jin? The Miami-born Asian-American rapper was inducted into BET "106 and Park - Freestyle Friday's" Hall of Fame.

He landed a record contract with Ruff Ryders, home of multi-platinum-selling recording artists DMX and Eve. Now he has joined Paul Walker, Ludacris, and Tyrese in The Fast and the Furious 2. He did all of this in less than a year's time between the ages of nineteen and twenty.

Shooting in Miami, the sequel, directed by John Singleton, will feature JIN as Jimmy, a mechanic that works in Tej's (Ludacris) garage.

"I am a huge fan of the first one, so I couldn't believe it; not only did I win the role I read for, but they made the part bigger just for me," says Jin.

The Fast and the Furious starred Vin Diesel and was a blockbuster hit in the summer of 2001. Paul Walker is returning in the sequel from the original cast.

"Jin is practically unknown in the industry and he won a role in The Fast and the Furious 2. It just proves that he is the next big thing in hip hop and that he appeals to the masses. He's a natural entertainer," states Ruff Ryder Co-CEO Waah Dean.

In addition to taping scenes for The Fast and the Furious 2, JIN can be found in the studio putting the finishing touches on his debut album, which includes tracks by Swizz Beatz and guest appearances by fellow Ruff Ryders, Eve, DMX, Styles P, and Jadakiss.

JIN is also very sought after across the country doing paid performances for audiences that number up to the thousands. Songs he has recorded for promotional use are already some of the biggest MP3 downloads found. To get a quick glimpse of what Jin has to offer musically go to HollaFRONT.cjb.net.

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UNIVERSAL PICTURES BEGINS PRODUCTION IN MIAMI ON THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS 2, THE SEQUEL TO THE SUMMER 2001 BOX OFFICE SENSATION

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures' The Fast and the Furious 2, producer Neal Moritz's follow-up to the Summer 2001 box office sensation -- the first film ever to depict the super-charged world of street racing -- has begun principal photography in Miami. Oscar(R)-nominated filmmaker John Singleton (Baby Boy, Boyz N The Hood) directs a hot young cast that includes returning star Paul Walker (The Fast and the Furious), as well as Tyrese (Baby Boy), Eva Mendes (Training Day), Cole Hauser (Tigerland), Ludacris (The Bros.), James Remar (What Lies Beneath), Thom Barry (The Fast and the Furious) and newcomer Devon Aoki. A whole new line-up of dazzling high performance vehicles will also burn up the screen in The Fast and the Furious 2. The film is scheduled for a June 2003 release.

Paul Walker reprises his role as former cop Brian O'Conner, who teams up with his ex-con pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese) to transport a shipment of "dirty" money for a shady Miami-based import-export dealer (Cole Hauser), while actually working with an undercover agent (Eva Mendes) to bring the dealer down.

Neal H. Moritz (The Fast and the Furious) is producing The Fast and the Furious 2 from a screenplay by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas. Lee R. Mayes and Michael Fottrell are the executive producers. Singleton's behind-the-camera team includes production designer Keith Brian Burns (Poetic Justice), editor Bruce Cannon (Boyz N the Hood) and composer David Arnold (Shaft), all veterans of the Baby Boy shoot. Matt Leonetti (Rush Hour 2) is Singleton's director of photography on The Fast and the Furious 2 and Sanja M. Hays (The Fast and the Furious, XXX) is the costume designer.

Craig Lieberman, the Import Car Consultant on The Fast and the Furious, returns as the sequel's technical advisor. David Marder, transportation coordinator on The Fast and the Furious, is the production supervisor on the new film. Returning stunt players include Oakley Lehman, Kevin Jackson and Debbie Evans, who won the World Stunt Award for Best Vehicular Action Sequence by a Woman in The Fast and the Furious.

Since his star-making role in The Fast and the Furious, Paul Walker has finished production on director Richard Donner's Timeline, a film adaptation of the Michael Crichton novel. He was also seen in the thriller Joy Ride opposite Steve Zahn and Leelee Sobieski. His earlier film credits include The Skulls, Varsity Blues, Pleasantville and She's All That.

Recording artist, actor and model Tyrese Gibson reunites with Singleton in The Fast and the Furious 2 after making his feature film debut in Singleton's Baby Boy. He can be seen in the film Basic next year. A chart-topping R & B/pop star, Tyrese recently released his second album, 2000 Watts, which has produced hit singles including "I Like Them Girls." His self-titled debut 1998 album included the hits "Sweet Lady" and "Lately."

Before taking on her role as an undercover agent in The Fast and the Furious 2, Eva Mendes completed filming Out of Time opposite Denzel Washington for director Carl Franklin. She can be seen in director Robert Rodriguez's Once Upon a Time in Mexico opposite Antonio Banderas and Johnny Depp next year. Her previous credits include the blockbuster hit Training Day, as well as All About the Benjamins, Urban Legends: Final Cut and Exit Wounds.

Producer, director and screenwriter John Singleton most recently wrote, produced and directed Baby Boy starring Tyrese, and Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson. With his first film, Boyz N the Hood in 1991, he earned Oscar(R) nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, making him the first African-American (and the youngest filmmaker ever) to do so. He has also directed Rosewood; he produced and directed Higher Learning, and he wrote, produced and directed Poetic Justice.

Neal H. Moritz is the owner of Original Film, an established feature film, television, commercial and music video production company. Moritz produced this summer's Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon as well as the blockbuster hit XXX, and last year's $145 million-plus sleeper hit The Fast and the Furious. His other credits include Not Another Teen Movie, Slackers, Volcano, Blue Streak, Saving Silverman, The Glass House, I Know What You Did Last Summer, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend and Cruel Intentions as well as many others. He is currently producing Torque and the Denzel Washington thriller Out of Time. He will start filming S.W.A.T. later this year.

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