NBC Universal and SI Productions Select Genius Products' BDN for Release Of 'The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search' on DVD

NBC Universal and SI Productions Select Genius Products' BDN for Release Of 'The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search' on DVD

Six-Episode TV Series Chronicles Nationwide Search for Next Great Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model

LOS ANGELES and SAN DIEGO, July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NBC Universal, SI Productions, and Genius Products, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GNPI) announced an agreement to distribute "The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search" on DVD through Genius Products' Branded Distribution Network (BDN). The DVD release of the unscripted television series chronicles the nationwide search for the next great Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model, which aired in January and February 2005 on NBC. The street date is July 19, 2005.

"The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search" brings the beautiful contestants to viewers' living rooms with 80 minutes of heart-stopping highlights-including never-before-seen footage-as they contend for the chance to grace the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and secure one of the most coveted modeling contracts in the business.

Twelve selected finalists lived in Los Angeles where they competed for the chance to appear in the best-selling issue of any magazine in the world-and win a million-dollar modeling contract from NEXT Model Management. The DVD features the best of behind-the scenes footage documenting each stage of the contest process that satisfies every curiosity of what it takes to become a successful Swimsuit Model. From catwalks to catfights, fitness tests to photo shoots, the intense final competition is set on the exotic beaches of Bora Bora, where the judges whittle down the field of hopeful contestants against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. The candid three-judge panel includes SI Hall of Fame Swimsuit Model Roshumba Williams, NEXT Model Management President Joel Wilkenfeld and the Founding Editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Jule Campbell.

In making the announcement, Howard Balaban, Executive Vice President of New Business Development at Genius Products said: "We are thrilled to be announcing the second title in our continuing relationship with NBC Universal and look forward to capitalizing on the incredible awareness provided by this sizzling hot franchise. 'The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search' is a prime example of how a TV series with broad appeal can attract even wider audiences when released on DVD with distribution through Genius Products' Branded Distribution Network at all points of retail, including specialty, mass and non-traditional points of distribution."

"The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search" is produced by Pariah, PB & J Television and SI Productions. Pariah's Gavin Polone, SI Productions' Terry McDonnell and Roy S. Johnson, together with Patty Ivins and Julie Pizzi, are executive producers. Pariah's Jessika Borsiczky, along SI Production's Jeff Price and Jill Royster, serve as producers.

TITLE: The Best of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search
RUNNING TIME: Approximately 80 minutes
FORMAT: DVD
SRP: $12.99
STREET DATE: 7/19/2005

About NBC Universal

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with the remaining 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

About SI Productions

SI is a multimedia sports brand that takes the consumer into the heart and soul of sports. The SI franchise is anchored by Sports Illustrated, the most respected voice in sports journalism which reaches a weekly audience of more than 20 million adults, and SI.com, the magazine's 24/7 sports news website that delivers more than 150 original stories to its users each week. SI Productions creates original content for distribution via network & cable television, broadband access and wireless devices.

About Genius Products, Inc.

Genius Products, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GNPI) produces and distributes affordable entertainment products including DVDs and CDs. Its products are sold in retail outlets nationwide under well-known brands including AMC(R), TV Guide(R), Wellspring, IFILM(R), Sundance Channel Home Entertainment(TM), Bazooka(R), Jay Jay The Jet Plane(R), National Lampoon(R), The Twilight Zone(TM), Baby Genius(R), Tonka(R), My Little Pony(R), Curious George(R) and Paddington Bear(TM). Genius Products also licenses the Baby Genius brand to third-party companies for a variety of products including books, apparel and infant care products. Promotional partners include the world famous San Diego Zoo(R), Gerber(R), Fazoli's(R) and Child(R) Magazine.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for historical matters contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements reflect assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties, which may affect Genius Products' and SI Productions' business, forecasts, projections and prospects, and cause results to differ from these forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, the timely development and acceptance of new products, the market demand for new DVDs and general market conditions. Other such risks and uncertainties include Genius Products' and SI Productions' ability to grow its business, to obtain additional licenses, to meet anticipated release schedules and other matters, which are described in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Genius Products and SI Productions assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Media Contact:
SSA Public Relations
Los Angeles: John Russel / Elliott Chang 818.501.0700 858.793.8840
New York: Carolyn Lipkins 212.679.4750

Investor Relations:
Genius Products, Inc., San Diego, CA
info@geniusproducts.com

Source: Genius Products, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Los Angeles, John Russel, +1-818-501-0700, or Elliott
Chang, +1-858-793-8840, or New York, Carolyn Lipkins, +1-212-679-4750, all of
SSA Public Relations, for Genius Products, Inc.; or investors, Genius
Products, Inc., San Diego, CA, info@geniusproducts.com

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