Warner Bros. Consumer Products Names Funrise Toy Corp. Global Master Toy Partner For The Upcoming Theatrical Release

(January 5, 2005 - Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced today that they have awarded Funrise Toy Corp. the global master toy license for the upcoming theatrical release, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, scheduled to hit theaters nationwide beginning July 15, 2005 (U.S./UK)*. As part of this agreement, Funrise will manufacture, market and sell a full line of toys, inspired by this fantasy-adventure feature film, including play sets, action figures, activities, puzzles, pinball and games. The new product line will be available at retail stores worldwide, starting in summer 2005. Funrise Toy Corp. is creating fun with a diverse product line that will hit shelves this July. The vast selection of entertaining toys, ranging from an SRP of $5.99 to $99.99, met with a successful reception at the New York Toy Fair this past October, and will no doubt capture the imaginations of kids of all ages. The new line of play sets will replicate the play pattern of the theatrical release and the action figures are true replicas of all the main characters. Small and large themed puzzles will be offered, as well as games and Funrise’s own Home Arcade tabletop pinball machines. Additional activity themed toys will be added to the line prior to launch. “We continue to work with great partners around the world and are looking forward to teaming with Funrise to launch a new line of creative toys inspired by this timeless theatrical masterpiece,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Funrise has done a great job of bringing our properties to life through their innovative toys and we are pleased to expand their license to include this captivating film.” “We are thrilled to be named the master toy licensee for global markets and to create products that capture the essence of this family-friendly, whimsical film,” states Arnie Rubin, president and CEO of Funrise Toy Corp. “This property is consistent with Funrise’s strategy of aligning with popular brands in order to provide children with leading edge design and high quality toys.” Acclaimed director Tim Burton brings his vividly imaginative style to the beloved Roald Dahl classic, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," a fantasy adventure about eccentric chocolate-maker Willy Wonka, played by Johnny Depp, and Charlie, a good-hearted boy from a poor family who lives in the shadow of Wonka's extraordinary factory. Long isolated from his own family, Wonka launches a worldwide contest to select an heir to his candy empire. Five lucky children, including Charlie, draw "Golden Tickets" from Wonka chocolate bars and win a guided tour of the legendary candy-making facility that no outsider has seen in 15 years. Dazzled by one amazing sight after another, Charlie is drawn into Wonka's fantastic world in this astonishing and enduring story. About Warner Bros. Consumer Products Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world. About Funrise Toy Corp. Founded in 1987, Funrise Toy Corp. is an adventurous innovator of superior toys and an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of the most popular children's toys. Simply put…we create fun! With strong drivers in our core property portfolio which includes Gazillion Bubbles®, Nylint®, Dr. Dreadful™, and Jet Set Friends™, combined with leading licensed power brands such as Tonka®, Disney©, Scooby-Doo™ and more, Funrise excels in key categories comprising the toy marketplace. Our commitment to leading edge design and product quality has garnered Funrise master toy licensee rights to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Funrise has offices in Woodland Hills, CA, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and France with additional showrooms in New York City and Bentonville, AK. The company is operated by its founder, Arnie Rubin, who also serves as Chairman of the Toy Industry Association (T.I.A.). Funrise Toy Corp's success results from its commitment to quality manufacturing, progressive marketing and a values-based corporate culture. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. # # #