Robert Townsend, President and CEO of MBC Productions, is recognized as one of today's most versatile and innovative talents. His repertoire includes: actor, comedian, producer, director and screenwriter. With over 30 years of experience, Townsend has worked with celebrities such as Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Beyonce, Damon Wayans, Chris Tucker and Alfre Woodard.

Townsend is conducting a nationwide talent search to find undiscovered actors/actresses, spoken word artists, youth performers, singers, comedians and dancers for roles in original cable television shows to air on MBC Network. Some of the programs Townsend has developed are: "Thug Angelz," a drama described as "The Sopranos" meets "Touched by an Angel;" an "Urban Kids Block," featuring a talk show and educational moments; "The Champ," a reality show featuring boxing champ Evander Holyfield; "BarberShop Critics," a show where comedians gather at a neighborhood barber shop to discuss hot topics and "Gospel Soul Search," an inspirational talent competition. The Atlanta talent search is sponsored in part by Comcast, The Atrium and Dekalb County.

WHEN: SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2004 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.

WHERE: THE ATRIUM, 5479 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Townsend's mission as President and CEO of MBC Productions is to discover new talent, produce innovative programs and create timeless television for black families to watch on cable. As part of this direction, MBC Network Chairman and CEO Willie Gary, along with his partners baseball slugger Cecil Fielder, four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, famed Jackson 5 member Marlon Jackson and broadcast veteran Alvin James announced that MBC will change its name to the Black Family Channel effective October 11 which will coincide with Townsend's new programs launch.

For more information about MBC Network or the talent search go to http://www.mbcnetwork.com/. Also watch MBC Network on Comcast Digital Cable Channel 272.