Jan. 16, 2006 – Barna-Alper Productions Announces Partnership

Barna-Alper Productions Inc., one of Canada's most successful independent production companies, today announced a partnership with Blue Ice Group Capital as it positions itself to aggressively pursue new TV and film projects and other strategic initiatives. Blue Ice Group Capital principals are award-winning filmmaker Steven Silver and entrepreneur Neil Tabatznik.

Laszlo Barna will remain at the helm of Barna-Alper as president, chairman and chief executive officer, continuing to lead with his unique creative spark and keen business acumen.

Steven Silver, who has had a successful ten-year creative relationship with Barna-Alper, has been named the company’s executive vice president and will assume a seat on the board of directors. Neil Tabatznik, an entrepreneur who founded and runs Canada’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical company, has also been named to the board.

"I am delighted with our partnership with Blue Ice. The deal enhances our corporate strength both financially and creatively. It provides tremendous opportunities for our company, which we intend to pursue domestically and internationally," said Barna.

Barna-Alper also announced that Margaret O’Brien, Barna-Alper’s CFO and COO, is now a shareholder in the company.

The transaction will help Barna-Alper to realize its plans for expansion. The company will continue to develop original film and television projects internally, while pursuing new external opportunities in corporate development and distribution. Barna-Alper is also considering various avenues of expansion, including developing content for a variety of new media and continuing to grow beyond Canada’s borders.

"Neil and I are excited to be joining the talented group Laszlo has assembled as the company embarks on this next phase of development and expansion. We all share a vision for what can be done in the Canadian film industry," said Silver. "We are here to build on 25 years of remarkable successes by moving this great company forward in unprecedented ways."