The Griffin Group Forms Joint Venture with Fathom Pictures to Develop Interactive Multimedia Projects
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — October 27, 1993 — The Griffin Group, Merv Griffin's investment and management company, announced today that it is forming a joint venture with Fathom Pictures, Inc., a Sausalito, Calif.-based creator of original interactive multimedia titles. The new venture will develop interactive software for all multimedia formats, interactive television and future new media technologies.
"I have spent a lot of time with Garry Hare (Fathom's founder and president)," said Merv Griffin. "He is one of the most creative software developers in the field. We are going to have as much fun producing the titles as people will have playing them.
"This is the first of several new entertainment ventures for The Griffin Group," said Griffin. "We are expanding our involvement in interactive entertainment and actively pursuing other strategic alliances as well."
Hare stated, "The Griffin Group's broad experience in television programming and production and interests in location-based entertainment venues, such as casinos, hotels and resorts, make it the ideal partner. Multimedia is not going to be confined to the home; it will be a central part of other recreational experiences, as well."
The Griffin Group's current holdings and activities include entertainment, hotels, casinos, broadcasting, publishing and real estate properties. Merv Griffin also continues to produce the top-rated television game shows "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy" through Merv Griffin Enterprises, which is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Fathom designs and produces interactive sports, entertainment and specialty titles for various multimedia platforms. Titles currently in the market include "ABC Sports Presents The Palm Springs Open," a live-action golf simulation featuring 18 of the most famous holes in Palm Springs; "Escape From Cybercity," a cell-animated interactive movie; and "ABC Sports Presents Power Hitter," where the player can actually bat live and point-of-view. Current projects in development include original programming for Apple Computer's Newton PDA and other Apple multimedia technologies, and "CD Coach," a personal trainer on disc.
CONTACT:
Claudia Ceniceros, 212-484-7455