UNIVERSAL MEDIA STUDIOS INKS THREE-YEAR OVERALL TV DEAL WITH CAROUSEL TELEVISION, A DIVISION OF STEVE CARELL'S CAROUSEL PRODUCTIONS

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA. - January 14, 2009 -- Universal Media Studios has signed a three-year first look development deal with Carousel Television, the broadcast and new technologies arm of Steve Carell's recently formed Carousel Productions. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"Steve Carell is an extraordinary talent," said Silverman. "In addition to his many starring roles, he has written and produced a host of memorable screenplays and beloved episodes of "The Office," among numerous other projects. We couldn't be happier to have such an incredible creative force on our team in an expanded role for years to come."

Heading up the division for Carell will be Thom Hinkle ("The Daily Show with Jon Stewart") and Hinkle's longtime associate at North South Productions, Campbell Smith.

Hinkle left "The Daily Show" to take a senior staff position with North South Productions in New York. He later was promoted to Vice President of West Coast Development and was responsible for establishing the company's Los Angeles production office. Hinkle's credits include serving as creator and co-executive producer for "Getting Abroad," "The Deadbeats" and three seasons of "I Bet You."

"I could not be more excited to be entering into this partnership with NBC/Universal," said Carell. "Thom and Campbell are smart, funny and creative. And they also smell great."