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NBC pays big to broadcast Antz, Egypt
submitted by: Dan L.
date: Friday, September 18, 1998
from: Variety Online

By John Dempsey

NEW YORK (Variety) - NBC has bought exclusive network TV rights to DreamWorks' first two animated theatricals, "Antz'' and "The Prince of Egypt.'' Network sources say NBC will put up a guarantee of between $10 million and $15 million for each picture. If either picture becomes a mammoth hit on the level of Disney's "The Lion King,'' NBC could end up paying more than $40 million for the movie.

As part of the deal, NBC says it will schedule primetime specials to run in conjunction with the theatrical release of each movie, supplying DreamWorks with a strong promotional send-off. Sharon Stone, the voice of Princess Bala, one of the main characters in "Antz,'' will host the special featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the production of "Antz,'' which opens in theaters Oct. 2. The special will run on Oct. 10. Other voices in "Antz'' include those of Sylvester Stallone, Gene Hackman, Woody Allen, Danny Glover and Jennifer Lopez.

NBC will collaborate with DreamWorks on a holiday special featuring music from "The Prince of Egypt,'' which opens worldwide Dec. 18. The special, whose December air date is still to be determined, will showcase performances by artists from the movie soundtrack, including songs written by Stephen Schwartz for the two albums spawned by the movie, "The Prince of Egypt -- Nashville'' and "The Prince of Egypt -- Inspirational.'' Among the actors lending their voices to "Egypt'' are Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Sandra Bullock, Steve Martin and Michelle Pfeiffer.