MTV Films and R&B artist Usher sign deal to produce upcoming feature project

SANTA MONICA, CA. (MTV Films/Paramount Pictures press release) - MTV Films today announced that it will produce a feature alongside R&B sensation, Usher who will star in and executive produce the project. The film will be released through Paramount Pictures, partner of MTV Films under the Viacom umbrella.
The announcement was made today by David Gale, Executive Vice President, MTV Films.

The feature will mark Usher's first starring role and executive producer credit in a movie. The multi-platinum artist whose recent album entitled "Confessions" hit the top of the Billboard 200 list for nine weeks will next be seen playing Jackie Wilson in the fall 2004 release of the Ray Charles biopic, "Ray" and has been featured in additional films including "She's All That," "Light It Up" and "The Faculty."

"Usher's incredible music and acting talents combined with MTV Films sensibility marks a perfect marriage for a feature," said Van Toffler, president of MTV, MTV2 and MTV Films.
"This collaboration is slated to seamlessly integrate film and music by incorporating a soundtrack by Usher which we are confident our audience will appreciate."