December 16, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dawn Newell - (310) 247-3000
                       dnewell@oscars.org

Beverly Hills, CA - Leonard A. (Lance) Mueller, a senior executive of Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc., a leading U.S. security company, has been appointed traffic and security chief for the 76th Academy Awards^® ceremony by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Mueller, who will coordinate all police, fire, traffic control and private security activities associated with the 76th Academy Awards, succeeds Kirk Smith, who was security chief for the last three Awards telecasts and had previously worked on 12 additional ceremonies.

"With Lance's background and experience, we're confident he'll maintain the safe and secure environment for our guests which, of course, is our top priority," said Academy President Frank Pierson.

Mueller has worked with Inter-Con in various capacities for seven years and in private security for 13 years. Prior to that he spent 25 years in the United States Marine Corps and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.

Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc., provides a full range of physical security services to commercial and industrial customers on four continents.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 will be presented on Sunday, February 29, 2004, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland^® and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.