Second Year of Idol Camp Heads West!

Second Year of Idol Camp Heads West!

Popular 'American Idol' Performing Arts Summer Camp Now Accepting Applications for New Location in Southern California

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Idol Camp, the popular performing arts summer camp inspired by America's #1 television phenomenon "American Idol," is moving its location for the 2008 summer session to Pali Mountain in beautiful Running Springs, California, it was announced today by FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), licensor of "American Idol" and 19 Entertainment, the show's producer. The announcement marks the start of the enrollment season, which is now accepting submissions at www.idolcamp.com. Born out of the desire to foster passion and creativity in children in a fun- filled and non-competitive performing arts environment, Idol Camp uses past "American Idol" alums and entertainment industry professionals to provide a first-class experience to aspiring performers.

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Location isn't all that's new for Idol Camp in 2008. The camp is now allowing enrollment for children ages 10-15 and has been extended to 14 days in order to give kids a longer period for growth and discovery.

"When we launched Idol Camp earlier this year seeing the response from the kids showed all of us how the Idol experience really enhances the camp experience for children," said Shannon Sweeny Pruitt, Vice President Integrated Marketing, Sponsorship, & Live Events for FremantleMedia Enterprises. "By bringing the camp west to the new campus which is absolutely stunning, and by broadening the age groups and adding more time for classes and activities, we hope to enrich the experience for everyone."

"Following the success of last years Idol Camp, we are delighted to bring back a bigger and better experience for this season. Enabling kids to enjoy the 'American Idol 'experience beyond just the TV show," says Mark Brittain, Head of Commercial, "American Idol".

The new private campus in California's picturesque San Bernardino Mountains will offer children the perfect location for a breathtaking summer experience. As part of the camp curriculum, children will create their own schedules by choosing from classes in singing, dancing, acting, song-writing, audition and performance techniques, personal style, video production, set design and more. Instruction will be provided by respected professionals, with special master classes featuring guest artists such as favorite former "American Idol" contestants, recording artists, and other top industry professionals. Each evening will bring the entire camp together for fun events, including a final camp performance for families. Traditional camp activities are also included, such as swimming and team sports.

Idol Camp 2008 will be comprised of a series of intensive two-week summer sessions to choose from including: June 15 - June 28, June 29 - July 12, July 13 - July 26, July 27 - August 9, August 10 - August 23. Enrollment is open to all U.S. residents who display a desire for personal growth and passion for the arts. Idol Camp honors a diverse cross-section of educational backgrounds and opportunities.

Tuition for the 14-day session is $2,995 and does not include transportation to the camp. Fully-paid scholarships will be awarded to a select number of applicants based on financial need.

Enrollment into Idol Camp is not audition-based and DOES NOT GUARANTEE entrance into the "American Idol" television series competition, nor will it provide inside information or any other advantage in the American Idol audition process.

About FremantleMedia Enterprises & FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia Enterprises is the content exploitation arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment. It is a division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is a subsidiary of RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is 90% owned by Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's media markets. For further information, visit http://www.fremantlemedia.com/.

About FremantleMedia North America

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative television programs for network, cable and syndicated platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon "American Idol" (FOX), "The Next Great American Band" (FOX), "America's Got Talent" (NBC), "American Inventor" (ABC), "Thank God You're Here" (NBC), "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" (Oxygen), "Property Ladder" (TLC), "Family Feud" (syndicated), "Temptation" (syndicated), "Million Dollar Password" (CBS), and the longest-running game show in television history, "The Price Is Right" (CBS).

About American Idol

Fourteen-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive- produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd.; and executive- produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

About 19 Entertainment

19 Entertainment, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ:CKXE), was founded by Simon Fuller 21 years ago and acquired by CKX in March 2005. The company is recognized as a leading creator, provider and promoter of globally successful, music-based entertainment, or "Entertainment Brands."

Simon Fuller, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of 19 Entertainment, is the creator of AMERICAN IDOL in the United States, "Pop Idol" in the UK, as well as versions of the IDOL format in more than 30 countries around the world. Fuller is also the co-creator of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, which aired in the U.S. on FOX during summer 2005 and was the top-rated television show in its time slot.

Fuller has made music history in the UK and the U.S.A., producing a stream of No. 1 hits and managing multi-platinum-selling acts. Fuller recently became the world's most successful manager - breaking a record set by the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein in the 1960s - when three of his artists occupied the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 positions on the U.S. single chart as well as the No. 1 position on the album chart.

19 Entertainment has been involved in the creation of 109 No. 1 singles and 87 No. 1 albums in the UK alone, with an impressive tally of 296 Top-40 albums and 465 Top-40 singles.

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Source: FremantleMedia

CONTACT: Brian Reinert of Bender/Helper Impact, +1-212-689-6360,
brian_reinert@bhimpact.com

Web site:

http://www.idolcamp.com/
http://www.fremantlemedia.com/

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