News Release

release date: March 28, 2005

Aichi, Japan and Burbank, Calif., March 28, 2005 -- BRC Imagination Arts (www.brcweb.com), one of the world’s leading creators of distinctive and compelling experience attractions for museums, corporate visitor centers and heritage attractions, today celebrated the unveiling of The Franklin Spirit at opening day of World EXPO 2005 (www.expo2005.or.jp) in Aichi, Japan. The Franklin Spirit, located in the U.S. Pavilion, showcases a mesmerizing multimedia show hosted by U.S. statesman Benjamin Franklin on his 300th birthday.

EXPO 2005 is centered on the theme of “Nature’s Wisdom,” and features exhibits from 120 countries that highlight nature, progress and human achievement. The U.S. Pavilion (www.uspavilioncom), an almost 23,000 square foot exhibit and meeting space is constructed in the Global Common 2, one of six Global Common areas, and brings Franklin back to life by combining 3D images with high-technology special effects designed by BRC Imagination Arts.

BRC developed The Franklin Spirit using a multi-plane 3D effect that suspends layered planes of digital media on stage; audiences will see Franklin visit the world of 2005 to celebrate his 300th birthday. Visitors watch Franklin as he experiences the technical, social and agricultural advances that have taken place since the 18th century. Franklin acknowledges that the 21st century is the most exciting time to be alive as he experiences and discusses the pending advances in science, technology freedom and enterprise that will improve the lives of people worldwide.

“Over the course of U.S. history, few have understood Nature’s Wisdom with more success than Ben Franklin,” said Bob Rogers, chairman and founder of BRC Imagination Arts. “Audiences will be immersed in a storyline that highlights his accomplishments, extraordinary vision, and the spirit of innovation that drove him to create everything from bifocals to the first defining documents that created the United States.

“The Franklin Spirit is one of the most captivating shows BRC has produced,” continued Rogers. “Our creative team has developed an entertaining and inspirational show that speaks to the ideals of hope, optimism, freedom and enterprise that define the U.S. experience. Ben Franklin was an innovator – snatching power from clouds and kings. BRC’s unique stage magic is the perfect way to illustrate Franklin as an explorer of nature’s wisdom. He’ll appear and disappear, conjure lightning bolts, and more.”

According to Doug West, president and CEO of Aichi USA 2005, organizers of the U.S. Pavilion, “With a strong history of presenting enchanting and memorable productions, BRC was a natural choice to help us bring Ben Franklin to life. BRC has created a program that will capture the imaginations of visitors to the U.S. Pavilion.”

EXPO 2005 is BRC’s 10th major world’s fair presentation. According to World’s Fair historian and critic Alfred Heller, “signature elements of a Bob Rogers and BRC production include a lively story, magical special effects and an inspiring message.”

Other projects currently underway by BRC Imagination Arts include the April 2005 opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (http://www.alplm.org), the May 2005 opening of Sentosa Images of Singapore, and the initial production of the re-design of the Empire State Building in New York.

About the U.S. Pavilion at World EXPO 2005

The World EXPO 2005 will be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from Mar. 25 through Sept. 25, 2005. Business and political leaders from around the world will be among the estimated 15 million visitors to the EXPO. Of the 120 country exhibits, the U.S. Pavilion is expected to be a major attraction that celebrates nature, progress and human achievement, with the Pavilion theme dedicated to "The Franklin Spirit." As the country's first diplomat and a Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin is the ideal personality to bring the story of U.S. innovation and achievement to life for those who visit the EXPO.

On July 29, 2004, the U.S. Department of State signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Aichi-USA 2005 World Exposition, Inc. (Aichi USA 2005). Under the terms of the Memorandum, Aichi USA 2005 is raising all the funds necessary to create and manage the official U.S. Pavilion. Pavilion sponsors include leading American-based companies and organizations and several U.S. states. More information on the U.S. Pavilion can be found at www.uspavilion.com.

About BRC Imagination Arts

Founded in 1981, BRC Imagination Arts is the leader in the design, creation and production of innovative and immersive experience-based attractions for museums, experiential marketing, theme parks and cultural heritage sites worldwide.

BRC projects have consistently exceeded the expectations of clients and visitors, and have a proven track record of economic sustainability and the industry’s best record for on time, on budget performance. Clients include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, NASA, Disney, Warner Brothers and Universal Studios.

With offices in California, Amsterdam and the United Kingdom, BRC has been honored with over 250 international awards for creative excellence including two Academy Award nominations and nine THEA Awards for Outstanding Achievement in themed entertainment.

The company is currently engaged in major projects in the U.S., China, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, the UK, and Sweden. For more information, visit www.brcweb.com.

Note to editors: Photos available upon request.

Contacts:

Creators of “The Franklin Spirit”: BRC Imagination Arts, Bob Rogers (818) 841-8084

U.S. Pavilion at World EXPO 2005: Brandee Barker (415) 348-2721

World’s Fair Expert and Historian: Alfred Heller (415) 461-6695

Pavilion Facility Architect: Bud Holloman (601) 957-9660

Additional Display Fabrication: Robert Albitz (248) 475-8000