SIMMONS-SHELLEY ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS WITH MTV NETWORKS, THE COCA COLA COMPANY AND RAIN FOREST FILMS TO PRESENT SPRITE STEP-OFF DOCU-SERIES FOR MTV2

A New Docu-Series Starring Six Collegiate Step Teams Competing for National Final Spot and Cash Prizes

Lights, Camera and Action as Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and Actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges hosts an energy-packed, new docu-series- Sprite Step-Off- which debuted on MTV2 , Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3PM EST.   The series takes an up close look in the eyes of six collegiate fraternity and sorority step-teams from all over the nation, as they compete for a final spot in the national Sprite Step Off championship, the largest national step team competition in history with a combined prize pool of $1.5 million in scholarships.

Sprite Step-Off is a six part, half hour docu-series that focuses on 6 dynamic step teams, shot at their college campuses.  The cameras go inside the internal foundation of a collegiate step-team, showcasing step practices, pressures from school, personal and professional responsibilities while the students try to balance a demanding school schedule and an opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to win $100,000 scholarships at the National Finals.  Sororities and Fraternities represented on the show include Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Zeta Tau Alpha.

“This Step competition promises to be the hottest dance challenge to hit college campuses and cities this year,” said Chris McCarthy, senior vice president of Strategic Development and Digital TV Networks, MTV. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sprite to bring these student performances to television as part of our new original series lineup for MTV2 and to provide a platform for the rich and historic tradition of college stepping.”

Tracey Baker-Simmons and Wanda Shelly of Simmons Shelley Entertainment serve as the shows Executive Producers along with Rob Hardy and Will Packer of Rainforest Films, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.  Chris McCarthy and Eric Conte are the MTV2 executives in charge of production.??

“My partner, Wanda Shelley, and I had the pleasure of working with Rainforest Films, MTV2 and Sprite on this project. The show’s premise is another perspective on the “Stomp The Yard” movie concept. There will be a lot action packed entertainment and surprises while recognizing the art form of stepping,” said Tracey Baker Simmons, Executive Producer. “The world will see stepping very differently and most of all they will learn to appreciate the talent it requires to be a stepper.  Watch out for the shows break out stars!”

Throughout the docu-series, teams will be eliminated and some will win all vying for a chance to compete on the national stage to win Sprite Step Off.

For video footage, go here: http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/477852/past-and-present.jhtml#id=1630694

About the Sprite Step Off:
Championed by Sprite, the leading lemon-lime sparkling beverage brand among multicultural young people, Sprite Step Off is a national competition that celebrates the creativity and originality of the multicultural college experience through stepping, scholarship and service. It is the largest step competition for Greek letter organizations in the U.S., with the largest prize pool ever. Sprite Step Off will make it possible for a broader audience to experience an iconic form of self-expression that has been shared by multicultural college students for decades and encourage young people nationwide to get involved in community service to improve their communities.   The competition also promotes the Sprite Step Off Service Challenge, a national program designed to inspire youth nationwide to refresh their communities by donating a collective 1.5 million hours of volunteerism and service between September 12, 2009 – September 12, 2010. For more information on Sprite Step Off, visit spritestepoff.com.

About MTV2 Network:
MTV2 is a Man’s Best Friend, with the highest concentration of males 12-24 on TV today.  A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2’s audience has grown each year and the channel is currently available in 75 million homes on both digital and analog.  MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Come check us out at … www.mtv2.com.