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BLOCKBUSTER FILM DIRECTOR MCG,ANNOUNCED AS HONORARY CHAIRPERSON OF 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF

NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

“Hollywood’s Rogue Mogul” Behind Such Hits as “Charlie’s Angels,” “We Are Marshall” and the Highly Anticipated “Terminator Salvation” to Participate in

Various Festival Events

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (April 22, 2009) – The 2009 Newport Beach Film Festival has announced that blockbuster film director McG, dubbed “Hollywood’s Rogue Mogul” on the May cover of Fast Company magazine, will act as “Honorary Chairperson” for the 10th anniversary of the Newport Beach Film Festival (April 23-30, 2009). McG will speak prior to the Festival’s Opening Night screening of the new film “Lymelife” on Thursday, April 23 (7PM, Big Newport Theater).

On Saturday, April 25, McG will also participate in the festival’s “Vision & Craft: The Art of Filmmaking” seminar with “A Conversation with McG” (Edwards Island Theater, 1PM – 2:30PM). Elliot Kotek, editor-in-chief of Movie Pictures Magazine will moderate a discussion and audience Q and A highlighting McG’s many accomplishments in the fields of filmmaking, television and music videos. A highlight of the session will be a sneak preview of clips from McG’s latest film, the highly anticipated “Terminator Salvation,” starring Christian Bale, opening in theaters May 21.

McG is a rarity in today’s entertainment world – a proven quadruple threat – director, producer, writer and songwriter. He first gained success directing almost 50 videos for a number of artists including Barenaked Ladies, Korn, Everclear, The Offspring, Wyclef Jean, Cypress Hill, Smashmouth and Sugar Ray, to name a few. His talent soon caught the eye of aspiring producer, actress Drew Barrymore. In 2000 McG’s winning streak as a blockbuster Hollywood director began with the hit film “Charlie’s Angels” (produced by Barrymore). His roster of hit films continued with “Charlie’s Angel’s: Full Throttle” (2003) and “We Are Marshall” (2006). Following the upcoming “Terminator Salvation,” McG is next set to direct "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo" for Walt Disney Pictures. McG has also contributed his considerable producing and directing talents to the small screen with such successful pop culture phenoms as “The O.C.,” “Supernatural” and “Chuck.”

“We’re thrilled that McG has agreed to act as our honorary chairperson for the 10th anniversary of the Festival – his participation is a great way to kick-off our best-ever, weeklong roster of films and events,” said Gregg Schwenk, executive director and CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival. “McG represents a new era of Hollywood filmmaking and we look forward to his participation and insights as we celebrate ten years as one of Southern California’s premier film events.”

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The Newport Beach Film Festival is proud to present the “Vision & Craft: The Art of Filmmaking” seminars, a series of FREE interactive panels that focus on the art of filmmaking. Seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Made possible by a grant from the City of Newport Beach Arts Commission and William Gillespie Foundation and sponsored by Moving Pictures Magazine, this educational event annually features an impressive slate of talented and distinguished film industry professionals from around the world. Check www.newportbeachfilmfest.com for updated panelist information.

About the Newport Beach Film Festival Launched in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States. Presenting over 450 films from 37 countries, the Newport Beach Film Festival has featured many acclaimed films, including the U.S. premiere of 2006 Academy Award® Best Picture “Crash,” and the west coast premieres of “The Illusionist,” “Son of Rambow,” “Mad Hot Ballroom” and “Layer Cake,” “Dust to Glory,” “Riding Giants,” “Sexy Beast,” “Spellbound,” and “Dogtown and Z-Boys.” With its pristine coastal location and warm weather, strong network of corporate sponsors, nightly events, music performances and industry seminars, the Newport Beach Film Festival has quickly gained recognition among filmmakers and audiences worldwide, hosting more than 40,000 attendees during the Festival's eight day run at Newport Beach's beautiful Fashion Island and Via Lido Plaza in 2008. For ticket information please visit: www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.

About Newport Beach Known for its picturesque views of the Pacific and one of the world’s largest small yacht harbors, Newport Beach is a chic seaside community located on southern California’s Orange County coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego. The city is acclaimed for its beaches, mild year-round weather, boating/yachting community, sophisticated atmosphere, international film festival, three annual epicurean festivals and the oldest holiday boat parade in the nation.  Newport Beach was named “One of the top ten resort towns in the U.S” by AOL Travel in 2008. For additional travel information, please call (800) 94-COAST or visit us online at www.visitnewportbeach.com.

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