"Be forewarned! Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Pictures have partnered with the nonprofit children's literacy organization Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., along with HarperCollins Children's Books, to celebrate reading with The Cunning Count Olaf Composition Contest.

Based on the acclaimed book series of the same name, which traces the adventures of the unfortunate Baudelaire orphans as they use their powers of skill and invention to outwit the devious, and cunning, Count Olaf, opens nationwide December 17 from Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Pictures.

The contest invites readers and writers, ages 8 to 15, to write a short story about the dreadful Count Olaf, played in the film by Jim Carrey, to win a prize package that includes a screening of /www.dreamworksfansite.com/unfortunateevents/>Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events movie tie-in books from HarperCollins Children's Books.

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Eventsis based on books that have stoked the imagination of young readers and writers all over the world, said Nancy Kirkpatrick, Paramount Pictures' Executive Vice President, Worldwide Publicity. We're excited to work with RIF and HarperCollins to give children the opportunity to create their own stories within Count Olaf's universe in this contest, which blends the joy of reading the books with anticipation for the movie.

Producer Laurie MacDonald added, As the mother of two school-age children, I am a passionate advocate of encouraging kids of all ages and backgrounds to discover the joy of reading. It is fundamental to every aspect of education. This film is based on a beloved literary work and we truly hope this short story competition inspires a whole new group of readers.

"Thanks to the generous support of Paramount, RIF is able to offer a contest that brings together reading, writing and film in a way that we think will really get young people excited about reading," said Heidi Okla, director of online communications at RIF.

To enter the contest, participants are encouraged to think about the following scenario and write no more than 1,000 words on the subject:

"In a shocking turn of events, posters have begun appearing all over the city for Count Olaf's newest play. As you may know, Count Olaf's previous efforts include 'The Most Handsome Man in the World;' 'Why, I Believe I've Become Even More Handsome!;' 'One Last Warning to Those Who Try to Stand in My Way;' and 'The Marvelous Marriage.' What is the title of Count Olaf's latest play? More importantly, what is it about, and what is he up to?"

The contest is open to U.S. residents between the ages of 8 and 15. Official rules are posted at RIF's official site at http://www.rif.org. All stories must be submitted by November 12, 2004 to:

Count Olaf Story Contest c/o Reading Is Fundamental 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW , Suite 400 Washington, DC 20009

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures present a Parkes/MacDonald production, a Nickelodeon Movies production of a Brad Silberling film, starring Jim Carrey and Jude Law as the voice of Lemony Snicket, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. With Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Timothy Spall, Catherine O'Hara, Billy Connolly, Cedric The Entertainer, Luis Guzman, Jennifer Coolidge and Meryl Streep. Directed by Brad Silberling from a screenplay by Robert Gordon based on the books The Bad Beginning, "The Reptile Room," and "The Wide Window" by Lemony Snicket, the film was produced by Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes and Jim Van Wyck. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events was executive produced by Scott Rudin, Barry Sonnenfeld, Julia Pistor and Albie Hecht."