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IFEX seals Bahamas Film Studios deal

29 July 2005

IFEX Innovation Finance & Equity Exchange NV (Frankfurt:IFQ1,
ISIN:NL0000210532) has helped to finance the Bahamas Film Studios where Hollywood blockbusters Pirates of the Caribbean II and III are set to be filmed.

The shareholders of Gold Rock Creek Enterprises - the company that owns the Bahamas Film Studios Project - agreed Friday to transfer the activities of GRCE into a company quoted on the NASDAQ OTC bulletin board.

IFEX provided consulting services and introductions to advisors and brokers who will facilitate the reversal of the GRCE business into the US public company. IFEX will receive a fee of US$ 1.5 million in stock in the new company when it lists on the NASDAQ OTC in Q3 2005

IFEX NV (ISIN: NL0000210532) is a pan-European corporate finance organisation that facilitates funding solutions for small and medium sized enterprises. For further information please visit the IFEX website www.ifexgroup.com .

About Gold Rock Creek Enterprises Ltd / Bahamas Film Studios

Gold Rock Creek Enterprises is the developer of the Bahamas Film Studios project on Grand Bahamas Island, at the site of a decommissioned US missile base.

The Bahamas Film Studios complex looks set to turn the Bahamas into a major production centre for motion pictures and television shows, while Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski has described its soon to-be-completed water tank as the most state-of-the-art in the world.

Disney is scheduled to start filming the US$ 400m blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean parts II and III, starring Johnny Depp, at the studios later this year.

The NASDAQ OTC listing will support the management's aim to establish Bahamas Film Studios as the premier entertainment facility in the Caribbean basin, with a music recording facility, resort hotel, casino and movie theme park alongside the film and television production centre.

The full press release, complete with short video clips showing the Bahamas Film Studios, is available on the IFEX homepage at www.ifexgroup.com.
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Pirates of the Caribbean 3: Insert New Name Here

The much-rumored working title of POTC3, "Pirates of the Caribbean: World's End," has been verified in an e-mail sent to KTTC member RumbottleCat by screenwriter Terry Rossio. Mr Rossio cautions, however, that other titles are being considered.

Click here to read Mr Rossio's message, and discover the other titles being considered.

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DRAGONAIR HOLIDAYS LAUNCHES HONG KONG DISNEYLAND PACKAGES

(HONG KONG) Dragonair Holidays, the quality travel package arm of award-winning airline Dragonair, has announced the launch of its first Hong Kong Disneyland package in 18 cities throughout Dragonair's network including Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and Kaohsiung. Hong Kong Disneyland opens to the public on September 12, and is the first Disney theme park in China.

The Dragonair Holidays package comprises round-trip Economy Class ticket to Hong Kong, one night's hotel accommodation in the theme park, one single-day Hong Kong Disneyland Park Ticket, and round-trip coach transfers between the airport and hotel.

There is a choice of hotels: Disney's Hollywood Hotel, with either Garden View or Sea View rooms; and Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, with either Sea View or Sea View with Balcony rooms. Package prices start from the equivalent of just HK$2,700.

"Hong Kong Disneyland is going to be a fantastic must-experience addition to the attractions of the Hong Kong SAR," said Andy Tung, Chief Operating Officer of Dragonair. "There's huge excitement building about the opening of the theme park, and we expect these packages to prove very popular given the value and quality they represent."

Details of the packages are available from the Dragonair Holidays website, www.kaholidays.com, through travel agents, or by directly calling the local Dragonair office.

Dragonair Holidays is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Dragonair. It has been offering quality, all-inclusive packages since 1990.
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JimHillMedia reports on the closing of Australia's Disneytoon Studios, the last company-owned studio producing hand-drawn animation. Future animation projects will reportedly be outsourced to lower cost facilities. DisneyToon Studios Australia was responsible for many of the studio's direct-to-video releases.
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Sande Alessi Casting is seeking specific "types" to perform as extras in the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

The casting call will be held at The Ricardo Montalban Theatre (formerly The Doolittle Theater), on Saturday, July 30th 2005 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. The Ricardo Montalban Theater is located at 1615 North Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

The casting call is for very specific types of people. Please visit Sande Alessi Casting's web site (link below) for complete details, including what information you will need to provide.

Click here for casting details.

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Following up on an item from last week, Keep To The Code member Rum Annie Flint has been named the winner of The Discovery Channel's Pirates Monster House makeover. Watch this space for future news and information, including air dates and times. Congratulations, Rum Annie Flint!

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DANIEL BATTSEK NAMED PRESIDENT OF MIRAMAX FILMS

Daniel Battsek, one of the most highly respected film executives in the Buena Vista International Organization and widely admired throughout the UK film community, has been named president, Miramax Films, it was announced today, July 25, 2005, by Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. In his new role, Battsek, who most recently has been Executive Vice President/Managing Director of Distribution and Production for BVI UK, will report directly to Cook.

Effective immediately, Battsek will focus his efforts on building a new executive team, as well as putting together a new slate of Miramax films. He will work with Bob and Harvey Weinstein who will remain co-chairmen of Miramax on a non-exclusive basis through September 30, 2005. During this period, the Weinsteins will focus their efforts on completing projects currently in production and will oversee the marketing and distribution of Miramax and Dimension films scheduled for release. As of October 1, 2005, Battsek will take over all operations for Miramax Films which include creative, acquisitions, production, distribution, as well as marketing and publicity.

In making the announcement Cook said, "Daniel is a remarkable leader as proven by his dynamic and award-winning executive team. Their unprecedented success throughout the UK can be attributed to Daniel's savvy business sense, combined with his inspired enthusiasm, team spirit and great taste in material. His long rich history with The Walt Disney Studios where he has been involved in distribution, marketing, acquisition and production gives him a keen understanding of our goals as we further build upon the prestigious heritage of the Miramax name." Cook added, "We are thrilled to welcome Daniel into his new role as president of Miramax Films."

In commenting on his new position in leading Miramax Films, Battsek stated, "I am very much looking forward to the creative challenges this new role will bring, and am extremely gratified by the confidence Dick and others at the Studio, particularly Mark Zoradi, BVI President, have in me to give me this amazing opportunity. I have enormous respect for everything that Miramax stands for and I hope my life-long passion for the film business will be a great asset to this prestigious label."

Battsek will relocate from the UK to New York where the Miramax headquarters will continue to operate independently.

Among the many projects already in the pipeline are "Kinky Boots" from director Julian Jarrold; "Gone Baby Gone" helmed by first time director Ben Affleck; "Lucky 13" directed by Scott Marshall; and "Hoax" starring Richard Gere and to be directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Battsek will also collaborate with The Weinstein Company on such co-productions as "Breaking and Entering," "Derailed," "Matador" and "Mrs. Henderson."

Under Battsek's stewardship, BVI UK has experienced over a decade of exceptional results with the year 2003 being a stand-out when the company topped the Distributor Market Share chart for the first time in its history. In addition to his responsibilities relating to BVI, Daniel has also built the UK Comedy Label into one of the leading British Production companies. Across these two disciplines, strong working relationships have been built both with such high profile British filmmakers such as Stephen Frears, Nigel Cole, John Madden, Christopher Nolan, Anthony Minghella, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, as well as many influential filmmakers in the International film community.

Battsek was first introduced to Disney in 1991, when he was asked to start up a UK Company as part of the world-wide distribution network for BVI. In 1992, he officially joined The Walt Disney Studios. Battsek was quickly promoted to vice president/managing director where he handled all aspects of theatrical film distribution in the UK. He built a strong team of key executives in finance, sales, marketing, technical and publicity, which have been recognized throughout the industry. He was later promoted to vice president, managing director and European acquisitions director of BVI (UK) Limited. His responsibilities also included involvement in the acquisition of distribution rights across numerous territories for such films as "Muriel's Wedding," "Shine," "Central Station," "Kolya," and "Ice Storm."

In 1998, he was promoted to senior vice president, BVI (UK) Limited where he oversaw approximately 35 films per year from the Disney, Touchstone and Miramax labels. With his expanding role, Battsek began acquiring and developing British film projects for worldwide distribution. He created the BVI UK Comedy Label which produced four films -- "High Heels and Low Lifes," "Hope Springs," "Calendar Girls," which went on to gross over $95 million worldwide, and the soon to be released "Kinky Boots."

Prior to joining Disney, Battsek was managing director of Palace Pictures where he was involved in all aspects of marketing, distribution and acquisitions in the UK and Ireland. Between 1985 and 1991 the company enjoyed enormous success with a wide variety of product including such films as "Mona Lisa", "Cinema Paradiso", "When Harry Met Sally" and "The Crying Game". Battsek began his industry career at The Hoyts Film Corporation in Sydney, Australia where he quickly rose through the ranks to general manager in Victoria State overseeing distribution.

Battsek is a graduate of Oxford Polytechnic where he majored in Social and Political Studies.

source: Disney Corporate Communications
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for 2005 NFL Training Camp July 29-Aug. 17

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will conduct their 2005 training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. The Buccaneers, who trained at Disney's 220-acre sports complex the last three years (2002-04), were the first NFL team to conduct training camp at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Buccaneers are scheduled to report to training camp on Thursday, July 28, with the first practices slated for Friday, July 29. All dates are subject to change.

While Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex has a daily admission for its events, Buccaneer practices at training camp will be free to all fans and open to the public.

For more information, visit buccaneers.com.

Source: WDWNews.com
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MONSTER HOUSE WANTS TO CREATE A PIRATE HOUSE

Ahoy all ye pirates!

The Discovery Channel reality series "Monster House" is currently planning a "Pirate" themed house for an upcoming episode of their show. They are scouring the seven seas in search of a homeowner willing to let their house be plundered by Captain Steve Watson and his crew of monster builders.

Any pirates in the greater Los Angeles area who think they be worthy of such bounty should go to the Monster House website, download an application, and fax it to (818) 847-1096.

Clearly mark that you are applying for the Pirate House episode, and make haste you sea dogs, as time be running short....

If you're an adventurous homeowner in the greater Los Angeles area, click here for the application.


Monster House on line: www.MonsterHouse.tv

Good luck, Mateys!

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7:01 pm CST

News Update: KeepToTheCode.com presents a sneak peek at Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Be warned--following the link below will expose you to a potentially large spoiler. If you'd rather wait and be surprised, please DO NOT click the link. Otherwise...

...Click here to go to the Features pages.

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DizHub Unveils Interactive Disneyland "Park-ives"

DizHub.com is pleased to announce the unveiling of a very special birthday gift for Disneyland--and its fans. Beginning July 17, 2005 at 4:30 pm PST, visitors can access the Disneyland "Park-ives," a unique animated storybook/interactive map, at www.dizhub.com/map.html that traces the history of the world's most-loved theme park from its earliest days to the present.

Designed by BPGStudios.com, in partnership with DizHub.com, the interactive map is broken into several distinct periods in Disneyland's history. Clicking on an attraction will offer a brief overview of it, and "Tour Guide Macabri," in her traditional tour guide knee socks and bullet hat, also pops in to offer information. Each time period is prefaced with a chapter of the Disney fairy tale detailing major events that shaped the park through the years.

BPG Studios has also included several subtle details in the map, such as the moving train, spinning Dumbo vehicles, and many other audio and visual goodies for the enjoyment of fans.

DizHub.com spokesperson Cambria Pickering had this to say about the project: "Working with the designers on this project has been a tremendous experience. They're very talented, and we're pleased to be able to present this interactive history of the Park in partnership with them."

The map will remain available at www.dizhub.com/map.html throughout Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration.

(editorial disclosure: KeepToTheCode.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DizHub.com)

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About DizHub.com:

DizHub was formed in early 2005 as a total promotions solution site.

Using new and existing contacts and relationships both within the Walt Disney Company and outside, DizHub works with top level webmasters and companies to plan Disney-related promotional events, contests, and gatherings designed to drive traffic, increase membership and bring attention to you and your venture, no matter how large or small.

Information is available from DizHub@gmail.com
Online: DizHub.com

DizHub.com is not owned, operated or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company.

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About BPGStudios.com:

BPG Studios offers professional Web and Graphic Design services and excellent customer service to make your experience with your new website or graphic as easy for you as possible. We will work together from concept through completion, and even afterwards to assist you with any questions you may have. Maintaining your website or graphic should not be left up to you to figure out, which is why we will show you exactly how to update your website or resize your graphic for any possible use. We can even work together to keep your website updated monthly.

Online: BPGStudios.com

BPG Studios is not owned, operated or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company.

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Are you a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fanatic? Consider membership in KeepToTheCode.com, the official fan site of the Pirates films! Click here to find out how you can support the site.

A British teenager suffered cardiac arrest after riding the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney-MGM Studios on Tuesday, according to news reports.

16 year old Leanne Deacon is in critical condition at Florida Hospital Orlando. A sheriff's office report says Deacon and her mother had visited the park six times in the past week. The girl's mother reported they rode the Tower of Terror "many times" without incident. Deacon's mother also told investigators the girl "had been complaining of headaches and leg cramps for several days," according to the sheriff's report.


Overseen by an inspector from the Florida Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection, engineers and ride system experts inspected the attraction overnight Tuesday and found no problems with the ride. State agency spokesman Terry McElroy said agency employees worked with Disney's engineers until nearly 4 a.m. today checking the ride. "Disney said it was operating normally and our folks concurred. We were satisfied with the safety procedures and the mechanical soundness of the ride," McElroy said.

The attraction reopened today.

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File this in the "unsubstantiated rumors" category, next to "Keith Richards will/won't/will/won't play Jack Sparrow's father."

Reports out today indicate that Chow Yun-Fat will appear in Pirates of the Caribbean 3 as Captain Sao Feng. Chow Yun-Fat is best known to American audiences for his role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

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Disney Cruise Line is awarding a treasure chest of prizes, including a Disney cruise to lucky winners in the Disney Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes.

Entries will be accepted from June 30 to August 31, 2005. The grand prize is an all-expenses-paid cruise for four aboard the Disney Magic, with a stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.
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Edward Scissorhands, Tim Burton's suburban fairy tale starring Johnny Depp, has been adapted for the stage. Sadler's Wells in London will be home to the new adaptation from November 22 through February 5.

The Sadler's Wells web site describes the production thusly: "A Christmas treat for all the family, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within."

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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