FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN DIEGO — Independent filmmaker Michael Steven Gregory has enlisted the creative partnership of accomplished film, TV and book authors to create a dynamic new hybrid of serialized audio content for the purpose of syndication to Internet entertainment hubs and cross-licensing to other media.   Similar in approach to how producers develop and sell programming to theatrical and broadcast network distributors the new venture, called In The Ear, will combine "guerilla-style" filmmaking savvy with digital production brawn to furnish quality niche-oriented, ensemble-cast drama at a fraction of the cost of mainstream counterparts.

     22 original audio serials are currently in development at Random Cove spanning a variety of genres.    Plans are to unveil a slate of five shows during its soft launch preview period in the Summer of 2000, including its first oral history series.   Combining a dynamic mix of audio book and radio theater production techniques, each serial consists of separate chapters broken into three to five-minute installments updated every weekday morning.    Specifically designed for swift download to portable and desktop player devices in a variety of standard formats, including MP3 and Real, each serial will later become available in its entirety on CD-ROM.   Emphasis is quality niche-oriented programming geared to both weekday commuters and other active listeners seeking alternatives to talk radio and formulaic mainstream fair.

     Says Random Cove President and Executive Producer, Michael Steven Gregory, "Too often audiences are never introduced to the stories and characters we've created and cherish because of the tremendous expense that taking such risks on untested material poses to the powers that be, whether it's the studios, the networks or publishing houses.    Internet technologies have enabled us to become that power.   We can now cast and stage our scripts to perform for the most intimate of all venues: one-on-one with our intended audience.   By doing so, not only do we test the commercial viability of content we'd like to roll over into more expensive, traditional media, but we do so on a budget where the prospects of success for one show are not undermined by a lack of response to another."

     Random Cove does not see itself as being a competitor against the exceedingly well-funded online hubs.   As with movie studios and broadcast networks—invariably dependent on outside producers to help develop and furnish new programming for their product pipelines—In The Ear will arrange exclusive licensing deals with clients to supplement their ever expanding demand for content variety.

     Visitors to Random Cove.com and In The Ear.com will be able to preview the serials for free, with payment package options available for automated daily installment delivery.   Revenues will be derived directly from syndication licensing, respective serial installment sponsorship, select advertising, package subscription and e-commerce applications.   Additional revenue will result from contractual obligations made by the creative partners for cross-media development deals.

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