Jacob's Creek and 20th Century Fox's 'Australia' an Epic Blend

Jacob's Creek and 20th Century Fox's 'Australia' an Epic Blend

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacob's Creek and 20th Century Fox have formed a global partnership for the highly anticipated Baz Luhrmann film AUSTRALIA, opening in theatres everywhere November 26.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081021/LATU105)

Managing Director Stephen Couche says, "With the key attributes of being iconic, authentically Australian, and premium, there is no doubt that Jacob's Creek and AUSTRALIA create the ideal partnership."

The world's best known wine brand* will achieve global reach with the film's international release across participating markets including Australia, North America, Europe and Asia.

Baz Luhrmann, director of the 20th Century Fox hits 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet', describes his latest film as a mix of "romantic comedy, high tragedy and action" set against the vast and remarkable landscape of Northern Australia and starring a number of noted Australian actors.

AUSTRALIA is an epic romantic action adventure, set in that country on the brink of World War II. In it, an English aristocrat (NICOLE KIDMAN) travels to the faraway continent where she meets a rough-hewn cattle drover (HUGH JACKMAN) and reluctantly agrees to join forces with him to save the land she inherited. Together, they embark upon a transforming journey across hundreds of miles. With his new film, Luhrmann is painting on a vast canvas, creating a cinematic experience that brings together romance, drama, adventure and spectacle.

To drive global sales of Jacob's Creek, encourage interaction with the brand, and promote AUSTRALIA to movie audiences, a full complement of promotional activities has been developed. A Jacob's Creek advertising campaign, a sweepstakes to "Win the Ultimate Australian Experience", and event marketing initiatives will all add to the excitement surrounding the film release and the partnership with the world's most recognized Australian wine brand.

*According to Vinitrac Global Research August 2007

About Jacob's Creek

First released in 1976, Jacob's Creek has been the most popular wine brand in Australia for more than a decade, and has grown to become the leading Australian wine brand in the UK, NZ, Ireland, Scandinavia and Asia with sales in excess of 8 million cases.

Jacob's Creek success can be attributed to its rich history and heritage, reflecting more than 150 years of winemaking expertise, the quality of the wine offer and the easy fruit driven wine style widely enjoyed by consumers across the world.

Twentieth Century Fox International is a unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment, a segment of the Fox Entertainment Group.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT(R) Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT(R), Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal(R) Scotch Whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey(R) Bourbon, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin(R), Beefeater(R) Gin, Martell(R) Cognac, Malibu(R) flavored Rum, Kahlua(R) Liqueur, Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Pernod(R) and Ricard(R); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek(R) and Brancott Estate(R); and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet(R) Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa(R) wines.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: http://www.acceptresponsibility.org/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081021/LATU105
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN20
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Pernod Ricard USA

CONTACT: Krista Zilnicki of Pernod-Ricard, +1-914-848-4743; or Enjoli
Duval of BNC, +1-310-854-4800, for Pernod Ricard USA

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