Director JONATHAN LYNN created and co-wrote every episode of the acclaimed BBC political comedy series "Yes, Minister" and its sequel "Yes, Prime Minister." The series received numerous accolades including three BAFTA Awards, two Broadcasting Press Awards and two Pye Television Awards. In 1987, Lynn won the BAFTA Writers Award. In the United States the series won the CableACE Award for Best Written Comedy Series on cable television, having been nominated the previous year.

In addition, Lynn and his partner, Antony Jay, were honored by a Special Award from the Campaign For Freedom Of Information, presented by Lord David Owen, and by honorary degrees from the University of Sheffield, England.

Lynn wrote three best-selling books, The Complete Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, Volumes 1 and 2, based on the series. All went to number one on the London Sunday Times bestseller list. The Complete Yes, Minister was in the top 10 best sellers for 106 weeks. Between them, the books have sold well over a million copies in hardback, were top 10 bestsellers for three years and have been translated into numerous languages. The Complete Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, Volume 2 were the 2nd and 3rd British bestsellers of the decade 1980-1989.

Jonathan Lynn directed the film "My Cousin Vinny," a critical and commercial hit in 1992. Marisa Tomei, discovered in this film, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Lynn's 1990 film, "Nuns on the Run," which he also wrote, starred Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane. It won the Golden Cane Award at the Festival de Comedie in Switzerland.

His 1993 film, "The Distinguished Gentleman," starring Eddie Murphy, was ahead of its time. It was about the corrupting power of the lobbyists in Washington DC and the need for campaign finance reform. His 1994 film, "Greedy," starred Michael J. Fox and Kirk Douglas, and "Sgt. Bilko," in 1995, starred Steve Martin. "Sgt. Bilko" reached the number one spot in video rentals. His most recent film was "Trial and Error," starring Michael Richards, Jeff Daniels and Charlize Theron.

Born in Bath, England, Lynn has a degree in Law from Cambridge University. He never practiced law, but became an actor and musician. His first job in show business was in a theater orchestra in London's West End. His first credit as a writer was the 1973 British film "The Internecine Project," starring James Coburn, Lee Grant and Keenan Wynn. His first novel, A Proper Man, was published in 1976 and his recent writing includes the novel Mayday (Viking/Penguin) and the British television film Life After Life. He wrote his first film, "Clue," and has recently completed a screenplay based on his novel, Mayday.

Lynn has also enjoyed notable success on the British stage. In 1987 he directed his own company at the National Theatre of Great Britain, eventually moving his centenary production of George Abbott's "Three Men On A Horse" to the West End. Once there, it won the 1987 Olivier Award for Best Comedy. His 1979 musical, "Songbook," won the Society of West End Theatres Award and the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. From 1977 to 1981 Lynn served as Artistic Director of The Cambridge Theater Company, where he produced more than 40 plays, directing 20 of them himself. Other notable London productions include Georges Feydeau's "Little Hotel On The Side" at the National Theatre, translated by John Mortimer; "The Glass Menagerie" (working with Tennessee Williams); Shaw's "Arms and The Man"; Eric Idle's "Pass The Butler"; Joe Orton's "Loot"; and Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie" at the Royal Shakespeare Company, in both Stratford-upon-Avon and London.

An accomplished actor, Lynn has had leading roles in many British television films including Jack Rosenthal's "Bar Mitzvah Boy" and "The Knowledge," "Outside Edge" and "The Sporting Club Dinner." His stage performances range from playing Hitler in "The Comedy Of The Changing Years" at the Royal Court Theatre to Motel The Tailor in the original London cast of "Fiddler On The Roof." His film performances include cameos in "Into The Night," "Three Men And A Little Lady" and "Greedy."

DAVID WILLIS (Producer) has worked in the entertainment industry since 1983. He is currently president of his production company, Ixnay Pix.

A native of New Jersey, Willis is the brother of international film star Bruce Willis and the youngest of four siblings. He majored in History at the University of Delaware and relocated to Los Angeles to begin work as a production assistant to music video producer/director Jerry Kramer.

When Bruce Willis was signed to star on the ABC TV series "Moonlighting," Willis was hired as production assistant to the series creator, Glenn Gordon Caron. Over the course of the program's run, he worked his way up to Post-Production Supervisor for the show. He continued working with Caron, serving as executive assistant to Caron on the film "Clean & Sober," starring Michael Keaton.

Willis was subsequently tapped by producer Joel Silver to serve as Associate Producer for the NBC series pilot "Parker Kane," which starred Jeff Fahey and Marisa Tomei. He also associate produced the Silver-produced film "Hudson Hawk" and produced two films for New Line Cinema, "Live Wire" and the hit comedy "Loaded Weapon," which starred Emilio Estevez, Samuel L. Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg.

From there, Willis was hired by his brother Bruce to serve as Vice President of Production and Development of Flying Heart Films, where he produced the features "Color of Night" and the hugely successful "Die Hard 3."

ALLAN KAUFMAN (Producer) has had a storied 25-year career in the music business. He has toured as a musician and a sound engineer since "the Dead Sea was only sick" and has worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Mick Jagger, The Cars, The Doobie Brothers, Miles Davis, Brian Setzer, Patti Labelle, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Brown, Rick James and Smokey Robinson. He produced Smokey's last two records, including the platinum SBK release "Double Good Everything" as well as live tracks for The Temptations, The Four Tops, Rhythm Tribe and The James Montgomery Band. He also served a short stint as an A&R rep for Morgan Creek Records.

Subsequently, Kaufman segued into Music Supervision. He and Spring Aspers run the soundtrack division of Deluxe Entertainment. Deluxe manages The Cult; Everlast; Tommy Lee's new band, Methods Of Mayhem; and Mick Fleetwood. Between them, Kaufman and Spring have worked on such films as "Addicted to Love," "Home Fries," "Simply Irresistible," "The Big Lebowski," "Kingpin," "Little City," "Bad Boys," "Fall," "The Decadent Visitor," "Bang," "Detroit Rock City" and "Next Friday." Deluxe music supervised "Lenny Bruce: Swear To Tell the Truth," an Emmy-nominated documentary for HBO, and last year released on Atlantic Records "Legacy: A Tribute to Rumours," which featured artists like Elton John, Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls covering songs from that Fleetwood Mac record.

Before producing "The Whole Nine Yards," Allan Kaufman produced "Free Enterprise," a Regent release starring William Shatner (as himself playing Captain Kirk) and Eric McCormick. The film won Best Film at the 1998 AFI Film Festival and features Shatner and Rated R (from Tupac's crew, "Thug Life") performing a hilarious rap rendition of the Marc Antony soliloquy from Julius Caesar. Kaufman was an Executive Producer of Mindfire Entertainment's "The Specials" with Rob Lowe, Jamie Kennedy and Thomas Hayden Church. He has several motion pictures in development, including an as yet untitled superbike racing saga at Warner Bros., written by Ken Solarz ("City of Industry," "Donnie Brasco").

Kaufman was also a founding partner of The China Clubs in L.A. and Aspen, where he created the infamous weekly Projams which feature musicians that have included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Don Henley, Prince, Chaka Khan, Tom Jones, B.B. King, Woody Harrelson, Julian Lennon, Bonnie Raitt and Michael J. Fox.

ELIE SAMAHA (Executive Producer) is Chairman/CEO of Franchise Pictures, which has fast become one of the most prolific production and co-financing companies in the entertainment industry. Under his leadership, Franchise Pictures and Franchise Classics will finance and distribute over twenty films this year alone.

Samaha, who has produced/exec produced over 40 films, has in a two-year period, built Franchise into a powerful mini-studio with mainstream films populated by the industryís biggest box-office stars. They include John Travolta, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Costner, Danny DeVito, Sean Penn, Cameron Diaz, Wesley Snipes and Kevin Spacey.

Franchise Pictures just instituted a co-financing and domestic distribution arrangement with Warner Bros. which begins with "The Whole Nine Yards," starring Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry which is now in theaters. That will be followed by one of the summerís most anticipated pictures "Battlefield Earth." The sci-fi film, which stars John Travolta, will be released May 12th.

Franchise retains foreign rights to all its films and operates as a full-service international sales company encompassing distribution, marketing and delivery, with output deals covering territories worldwide. Samaha has shepherded an extensive list of films towards release for the coming year through Franchise Pictures or Franchise Classics. The latter division of the company was recently formed by Samaha to produce and distribute films under $10 million.

Upcoming Franchise Classics films include: "The Third Miracle," starring Ed Harris, to be released by Sony Classics; Rodrigo Garciaís "Things You Can TellÖ," featuring Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, Amy Brenneman and Cameron Diaz to be released by MGM in February, and "The Big Kahuna," starring Danny De Vito and Kevin Spacey whichwill be releases by Lions Gate in March. In post-production are Steve Buscemiís "Animal Factory," and "Auggie Rose," starring Jeff Goldblum and Anne Heche.

Other Franchise fare to be distributed domestically through Warner Bros. includes: "The Art of War," starring Wesley Snipes; "Get Carter," starring Sylvester Stallone; "The Pledge," with Sean Penn directing Jack Nicholson; Luis Mandokiís "Angel Eyes," with Jennifer Lopez; and "3,000 Miles to Graceland," starring Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell.

ANDREW STEVENS (Executive Producer) is partnered with Elie Samaha in Franchise Pictures, one of the most prolific production/distribution companies in the entertainment industry. Stevens serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company as well as heading up the newly formed Franchise Classics division.

In its two and a half year existence, Stevens has served as producer or executive producer on more than 40 motion pictures including, "The Whole Nine Yards," starring Bruce Willis with a February 18^th release date, "Battlefield Earth," starring John Travolta with a May 12^th release date, "The Art of War," starring Wesley Snipes with a fall 2000 release, "Get Carter," starring Sylvester Stallone with a summer 2000 release, "The Pledge," starring Jack Nicholson in production at this time, "3000 Miles to Graceland," starring Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell in production at this time, all of which will be released domestically through Franchise ë distribution arrangement with Warner Bros.

Stevens also serves as a producer on "Cavemanís Valentine," starring Samuel L. Jackson which will be distributed by Universal Pictures.

The Classics division, which operates under Stevensí tutelage, caters toward the nurturing of up and coming filmmakers and prestige and specialty projects. Some of the films that Stevens has produced/executive produced under this label are "The Big Kahuna," starring Kevin Spacey and Danny De Vito with an April release through Lions Gate, "Things You Can TellÖ," starring Glenn Close, Cameron Diaz and Holly Hunter with an April 28^TH release through MGM/UA, "The Third Miracle," starring Ed Harris and Anne Heche in release now through Sony Classics, "Animal Factory," starring Willem Dafoe, Edward Furlong and Steve Buscemi in post-production and "Auggie Rose," starring Jeff Goldblum and Anne Heche also in post-production.

Other films produced by Franchise Pictures during itís first two years include: "The White River Kid," starring Bob Hoskins and Antonio Banderas, "Entropy," starring Stephen Dorff and U2, "Confession,"starring Alec Baldwin, "Murder of Crows," Starring Cuba Godding, Jr., and "The Boondock Saints" starring Willem DaFoe.

Franchise Pictures retains foreign rights to all films and operates as a full service international sales company encompassing distribution, marketing and delivery with output deals covering territories worldwide. The company has an extensive and diverse list of films due for release in the coming year.

Stevens has broad experience in the production, foreign distribution and sales arenas having previously served as President of three full-service companies: Phoenician Entertainment, Royal Oaks Entertainment and Sunset Pictures International, prior to the formation of Franchise.

MITCHELL KAPNER (Screenplay) has been a professional writer for the past nine years, having sold to Warner Bros. his first screenplay, "Trust Me." He recently spent two years under contract to Warner Bros. feature film division. One of his projects, inspired by Shakespeare, was the forthcoming "Romeo Must Die," produced by Joel Silver and starring Jet Li.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kapner attended Rutgers University. On graduation he moved to New York and became a professional reader for various production companies and a bartender for various bars. He also worked as a production assistant on "Fatal Attraction."

In "The Whole Nine Yards," Kapner had the opportunity to try his acting skills when he was called upon by director Jonathan Lynn to fill the role of a handsome berated waiter in a scene opposite Bruce Willis.

DAVID FRANCO's (Director of Photography) began his career in Canada with director David Wellington on "The Carpenter" starring Wings Hauser, and "I Love A Man In Uniform."

His work on Christian Duguay's miniseries, "Million Dollar Babies," starring Beau Bridges, garnered him his first ASC nomination for Best Cinematography. He received a second nomination for his work on Eric Till's feature, "Falling For You."

Franco's feature credits include Sidney Furie's "Hollow Point," starring John Lithgow and Donald Sutherland; David Wellington's "Long Day's Journey Into Night"; Russell Mulcahy's "Silent Trigger"; and Christian Duguay's "The Assignment," starring Ben Kingsley and Donald Sutherland. For his work on the telefilm "Intensity," Franco received his third ASC nomination.

Most recently Franco reunited with director Yves Simoneau on "Free Money," starring Marlon Brando, Charlie Sheen and Mira Sorvino. He also worked with director James Lapine on the acclaimed HBO film "Earthly Possessions," starring Susan Sarandon and Stephen Dorff.

DAVID L. SNYDER (Production Designer) earned an Academy Award nomination for best art direction for his work on Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner." Recently, he designed "Soldier," starring Kurt Russell, and "An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn" and worked with producer Jerry Weintraub on "Vegas Vacation."

Snyder has been production designer on such notable films as "Racing With the Moon," "The Woman in Red," "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey," "Super Mario Bros." and "Demolition Man" starring Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes. Snyder was also executive producer and second-unit director of "Rainbow," directed by Bob Hoskins.

He began his career as the assistant art director on the 50th annual Academy Awards broadcast. After less than a year in television he moved into motion pictures as the assistant art director on Universal's "In God We Trust." He then became principal designer on "The Idolmaker," director Taylor Hackford's feature film debut. He also art directed Douglas Trumbull's "Brainstorm."

In commercials, he has designed two seasons of Fanta soft drink campaigns for Coca-Cola International, using live-action/animation techniques with Disney characters.

Snyder is a native of New York.

After graduating from NYU Film School, TOM LEWIS (Editor) worked with many of the largest advertising agencies in New York, including Chiat Day where he edited spots for clients such as Reebok, American Express and MTV.

Lewis went on to edit the independent feature "Show and Tell" and director Frank Coraci's debut independent thriller, "Murdered Innocence." He has continued his successful collaboration with Coraci, having edited the hit comedies "The Wedding Singer" and "The Water Boy."

Costume Designer EDI GIGUERE garnered critical attention for her work in the acclaimed independent film "The House of Yes," starring Parker Posey, Genevieve Bujold and Tori Spelling. She has also designed costumes for such films as Whit Stillman's "Barcelona," starring Mira Sorvino; "Denise Calls Up," starring Tim Daly and Sylvia Miles; "Walking and Talking," with Anne Heche and Liev Schreiber; "Clockwatchers," starring Toni Collette, Parker Posey and Lisa Kudrow; and the controversial film "Six Ways to Sunday," which starred musical icon Deborah Harry and Norman Reedus.

Her additional credits include "The Misadventures of Margaret," starring Brooke Shields, Parker Posey, Elizabeth McGovern and Jeremy Northam; "The Confession," starring Alec Baldwin, Ben Kingsley and Amy Irving; and Warner Bros.' "My Dog Skip," with Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane.

Most recently, Giguere completed "The Weekend," which stars Gena Rowlands, Brooke Shields and Jared Harris, and "All the Rage," with Joan Allen, Gary Sinise, Jeff Daniels, Anna Paquin, Robert Forster and David Schwimmer.

Her television work includes Nickelodeon's "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" and "Science of the Body," which won a CableACE Award for Best Short. She also designed for the American Playhouse productions "Private Contentment" and "The Sunset Gang."

© 2000 Warner Bros.