NEWSFLASH

---

HOLLYWOOD HIRES PINOY ANIMATORS FOR "ANASTASIA"

Manila, Oct. 11, 1997 - The release of "Anastasia" is being eagerly awaited by friends and fans of 45 Filipino animation artists who have been hired by 20th Century Fox for the production of its first full-length animation movie. The artists are housed in Phoenix, Arizona, very near the Fox Animation Studios.

"Anastasia" is a musical fairy tale inspired by the story of the youngest daughter of Nicholas and Alexandra, the last Czar and Czarina of Russia.

Jocelyn "Ochie" Atienza-Alferez, in an interview with photographer Mandy Navasero of the Inquirer, said the atmosphere in the studio is conducive to excellence and professional growth. "We are treated simply s artists, no matter what our nationality is. And yet I feel proud that I am a Filipino," Alferez said.

She gushed over the studio's equipment, saying "we have the best facilities and equipment ..it's really a dream come true to be part of this group"

Twentieth Century Fox sent its representatives to Manila to recruit animation artists for employment in Arizona. Alferez said even the artists' families were moved to and housed in Phoenix.

"Anastasia" features Meg Ryan as the voice of the led character, with John Cusack voicing the leading man Dmitri. Other actors and actresses providing the voices are: Kelsey Grammer, Hank Azaria, Christopher Lloyd, Bernadette Peters and Angela Lansbury.

---