NEW YORK, NY July 18, 2006 –– HBO announced today that the HBO Comedy Festival will be held in Aspen, Colorado from February 28 – March 4, 2007. Drawing upon 12 years of success through their involvement with the U.S Comedy Arts Festival (USCAF), this will mark the first year of what is now known as the HBO Comedy Festival. With a mission of discovery, innovation and tribute, the HBO Comedy Festival presents cutting-edge new talent, writers and filmmakers as well as feature appearances and performances by some of the biggest stars in comedy.

The HBO Comedy Festival is now accepting submissions for live performances through November 6, 2006 and will begin accepting comedic features and shorts films for its Film Discovery Program from August 1st through December 1st, 2006. Complete submission information is available online at www.hbocomedyfestival.com.

HBO has an undisputed legacy of presenting the best new comedians and top comedic talent, both live onstage and on television. Most of today’s recognizable names in comedy have worked with HBO, in past USCAF festivals or in broadcast special events and series, including Jack Black, George Carlin, Dave Chappelle, Billy Crystal, Larry David, Ellen DeGeneres, Janeane Garofalo, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Izzard, Steve Martin, Mike Myers, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Russell Simmons and Def Comedy Jam, The Simpsons Live, Damon Wayans and Robin Williams. In its 12-year sponsorship of USCAF, HBO played an integral role in presenting one of a kind tributes and reunions, honoring the casts of Cheers, Everybody Loves Raymond, Saturday Night Live, SCTV, Sex and the City and Swingers! Special events, including the AFI Star Award to Albert Brooks, Jim Carrey, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner provided memorable evenings, laying the landscape for the new festival, to be known as the HBO Comedy Festival.

Capitalizing on HBO’s artistic leadership in feature and short films, the HBO Comedy Festival will offer new and established filmmakers the opportunity to present their works in an intimate, supportive setting. The Film Discovery Program will continue to play a vital role in independent comedy film, and also showcase world and North American premieres.

Festival ticket packages will be available in Fall 2006. Pre-registration and more information is available at www.hbocomedyfestival.com.