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Press Release

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED ON THE MAGICAL, HAUNTING EPIC ADVENTURE

LOVE AND VIRTUE

STELLAR INTERNATIONAL CAST TO INCLUDE DAMIAN LEWIS, VIRGINIE LEDOYEN, JOHN MALKOVICH, PETER O’TOOLE, SAFFRON BURROWS, STEPHEN DILLANE, VINCENT PEREZ, DARYL HANNAH, MICHAEL MADSEN and ANNA MASSEY

LONDON, TBC NOVEMBER, 2006: The captivating legends of “The Song of Roland” (La Chanson de Roland) and Orlando Innamorato will soon be brought to life on the big screen in a lavish new film production, LOVE AND VIRTUE to be produced by Fountain of Life Productions from an original script by Mia Sperber and Stefano Pratesi, and directed by distinguished Chilean director Raoul Ruiz (KLIMT). Set against the epic battles that raged within Charlemagne’s Empire, this often turbulent and mystical story explores themes of love and desire, loyalty and friendship. London based sales agent Intandem Films will handle international sales.

British leading actor Damian Lewis (STORMBREAKER) will play the story’s valiant hero Orlando, faithful knight to King Charlemagne’s Court who is passionately in love with the beautiful Angelica, played by stunning French actress Virginie Ledoyen (BOSQUE DE SOMBRAS, THE BEACH). The stellar international cast includes John Malkovich (RIPLEY’S GAME, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH) as the Barbarian leader Rodomonte; British actor Peter O’Toole (VENUS,ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING) as the wise wizard Atlantes who gives guidance to the heroes; Saffron Burrows (PERFECT CREATURE, BROKEN THREAD) as the beautiful and courageous female knight Bradamante; Stephen Dillane (THE HOURS) as the Emperor Charlemagne, a great man of virtue and moral standing whose intention it is to unify the people of Europe against the invaders in a community of truth and care for others. Also starring Leonor Varela (BLADE II) as the sexy, provocative Morgana, Orlando’s temptress; Vincent Perez (NOUVELLE-FRANCE) as Barbarian knight Ruggiero who joins Charlemagne’s army for love of Bradamante; Cristiàn de la Fuente (CSI: MIAMI) as evil knight Ferrau who pursues Angelica and slays her brother Argalia (Max Ryan); Daryl Hannah (KILL BILL) is Angelica’s best friend Fiordelisa who is abducted by the Barbarians; Michael Madsen (RESERVOIR DOGS) plays the vulgar, impetuous co-leader of the Barbarians Gradasso, and revered British actress Anna Massey (THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST) plays Eleanor, loyal secretary to the Emperor.

The presence of the gifted and experienced child actors Alexa Rey (Marie) and martial arts world champion Boo Boo Stewart (Pierre), who lend their voices and dancing abilities to a production featuring several remarkable songs, greatly add to the film’s appeal.

“The fact that such a wonderful cast, director and production team has come together is a testament to the script, so caringly crafted by Mia and Stefano,” says producer Alex Sullivan. “We are thrilled and very excited at the prospect of having such a fantastic cross section of talented actors and technicians from all over the world to work with us.”

“To the best of our knowledge, this exceptional historical era, at the centre of which stands Charlemagne, the enlightened king who changed the face of Europe, has never been presented on screen before. We have approached history with a compassionate and personal touch, which has opened the way to a powerful, heart-warming and thought-provoking motion picture,” adds Mia Sperber, who wrote the screenplay and will share producer duties with Sullivan.

Raoul Ruiz expressed his delight to be invited to direct LOVE AND VIRTUE, “It is a pleasure to work with such an outstanding cast and team that has put its heart and mind into creating a feature of superb cinematography, stunning sets and costumes, and unforgettable music. The dreamy, magical side of the characters does not detract from their authenticity, but rather enhances the chance that modern viewers will be able to identify with them given the current widespread mystical approach to life.”

Principal photography on LOVE AND VIRTUE is set to begin on 21st March 2007 on location in Belgium and Luxembourg, before moving to London. Produced by Mia Sperber of Fountain of Life Productions and Alex Sullivan of The Leo Media and Entertainment Group (formerly The Leo Film & Books Agency), the co-producers are Jimmy de Brabant (GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE) and Bob Bellion (FLAWLESS, THE THIEF LORD) of Delux Productions and Kwesi Dickson (THE ABANDONED) of Future Films.

The executive producer is John Daly (THE LAST EMPEROR), and Carola Ash of Future Films (MANOLETE, FLAWLESS) is associate producing. LOVE AND VIRTUE is due for release in early 2008.

Legendary Lalo Schifrin (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY, COOL HAND LUKE) will compose the music, and leading British designer Keith Wilson (STALIN, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS) is the Production Designer. Costumes will be designed by Ann Hollowood ( The Ten Commandments, Merlin, The Legend of Leprechauns) and the Director of Photography is Ricardo Aronovich (KLIMT, YO PUTA, MISSING).