GEICO GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO THE GECKO
Film Trailer Competition Will Feature Favorite Advertising Icon

Washington, DC – September 19, 2005 – The Gecko is ready for his close-up. GEICO, the nation’s fourth largest private passenger auto insurer, announced a contest aimed at bringing its famous mascot, the GEICO Gecko, to the silver screen.  The new “Golden Gecko” competition challenges all film-lovers, from aspiring Coppolas to amateur videographers, to develop a concept for a feature film starring the Gecko.

Entrants are invited to submit a 15-second movie trailer dramatizing their video concept to www.goldengecko.com, where the public will be able to view and vote on each contender.

Recognizing the Gecko’s versatility as an actor, GEICO is accepting entries in five categories: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Action, and “Other.”  The contest will run though October 24, at which time the site will close for submissions and open October 25 for voting through November 8 for the three finalists in each category.

“Our Gecko could be one of the first commercial figures to cross over into Hollywood, which is a very exciting prospect,” said Jess Reed, GEICO chief information officer. “We are looking to the public for the creative inspiration that will make him this generation’s next big thing.”

Winners will be rewarded with a wide array of prizes that cater to the tastes of showbiz movers and shakers, including techno-treats such as portable DVD players, LCD televisions, camcorders, and week-long getaways to the Renaissance Ilikai Hotel in Waikiki, the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, the South Seas Island Resort on Florida’s Captiva Island, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort.

Like so many Hollywood legends, the Gecko’s rise to fame began with a happy accident. In the late ‘90s, he was frequently contacted by people trying to reach GEICO. A series of commercials during the 1999 – 2000 television season dramatized his dilemma. In the years that followed, his popularity grew, and he evolved into a beloved TV personality. To date, he has appeared in dozens of memorable television spots and numerous print ads.  His personal appearances number in the hundreds each year. And he’s inspired a cottage industry of Gecko paraphernalia – from online games to action figures.

“The Gecko is already an award-winning cultural icon,” said Reed. “We want to further develop his character and take him to the next level.   To do so requires the creative participation of the best up-and-coming filmmakers in the country.  We are looking forward to the competition and discovering what is in store for our friend.”

Winning video spots will be announced on November 15. For more information, rules and regulations, as well as technical requirements, please visit www.goldengecko.com.
 
About GEICO:
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.  It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 6 million policyholders and insures more than 10 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. GEICO provides consumers with sales, service and claims capabilities on its geico.com website.  Consumers may also contact the company at its toll free 1-800-841-3000 number. For more information, go to geico.com.