March 10, 2003

ARCHIE COMICS ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES NORTH AMERICAN

TALENT SEARCH TO FIND BETTY and VERONICA…

AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO BE IN THEIR WORLD

 

Calling All Betty, Veronica, Archie, Jughead and Reggie Hopefuls –

You Could Be A Featured Performer In All-New THE ARCHIES Band

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

New York, NY (March 10, 2003) – Archie Comics Entertainment, the entertainment and licensing affiliate of Archie Comic Publications, Inc., has set April 2003 for the launch of a North American talent search looking for actors, musicians and singers to portray the famed characters Betty and Veronica, and their friends Archie, Jughead and Reggie, in the 2003 version of the THE ARCHIES musical group.

 

The talent search does not end with just the selection of THE ARCHIES band members. The search also seeks performers to portray other notable Riverdale residents, including Mr. Weatherbee and Miss Grundy, and musical groups to portray the “Riverdale Rivals” and the “Rockers”.  Persons of all ages are encouraged to participate and find a role that fits their personality.

 

                “At the heart of the Archie Comics world is Riverdale High, and thus it is our intention that the search for THE ARCHIES will be a celebration of the life and times of high school students,” said Allan Grafman, President of Archie Comics Entertainment.  “After more than 60 years as a publishing and entertainment icon, Archie Comics continues to attract millions of fans the world over.  Through this high-profile search, we are committed to exploring new talent, while expanding the Archie brands for the next 60 years.”

 

            The search and participants will be featured in a unique Archie Comics story to be published in 2003.  Individuals chosen as members of THE ARCHIES musical group will participate in a multi-city concert tour. All winners will have a chance to be “Riverdale Residents” in a wide range of upcoming television and entertainment projects.

 

Grafman further noted, “In 1969 the song “Sugar, Sugar” by THE ARCHIES reached the top of the music charts and was the #1 song.  We would be delighted to find the musical talent that could once again reach for this kind of success and popularity.”

 

            The search begins online today, with interested parties invited to visit the Archie Comics website (www.archiecomics.com), where a complete description of the talent search process, official application, consent forms and submission guidelines for each category are posted. Applications will also be published this spring in Archie Comics, reaching over 4,000,000 readers each month.

 

Selected contestants will undergo a unique combination of public, peer and music and television industry professional evaluation.  Local phases of the search process will take place in cities throughout North America.  For the last leg of the search, finalists will travel to Archie’s legendary hometown of “Riverdale” where they will compete to become THE ARCHIES and other Riverdale Residents.

 

The ultimate teenage hero, Archie first appeared in a comic book published in 1941.  More than 60 years later, Archie and his friends remain a staple of entertainment for readers the world over with timeless tales of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of teenagers. A role model to millions, Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and Reggie have come to represent the fads, fashions and attitudes of contemporary youth.  In addition to entertaining their legions of fans, Archie and his friends have also been acclaimed for their tackling of important social issues, including alerting teenagers to the dangers of drugs, alcohol and smoking.

 

            Archie Comics Entertainment is the home of not only of the world renowned character properties Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and Reggie and their Riverdale friends, but also Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats and Katy Keene, as well as super hero properties Mighty Crusaders including The Web.  With offices in metro New York, Archie Comics Entertainment is involved in the development, production and worldwide distribution of original projects for television, film and home video, music, live events and the Internet, as well as the licensing and merchandising of its enduring brands across all global markets.  Archie Comics Entertainment is on the Web at www.archiecomics.com.

 

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CONTACT:                 SSA Public Relations

Los Angeles:     Steve Syatt                   (818) 501-0700

                        New York:       Mike Rudnick               (212) 679-4750