EXHIBIT 4.1 FOUR MEDIA COMPANY 1997 STOCK PLAN 1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract and -------------------- retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of any Option and subject to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan. 2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply: ----------- (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees appointed ------------- pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan. (b) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. ----- (c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. ---- (d) "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors in --------- accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. (e) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company. ------------ (f) "Company" means FOUR MEDIA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation. ------- (g) "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company or any ---------- Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services. The term Consultant shall not include Directors who are not compensated for their services or are paid only a Director's fee by the Company. (h) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that the ---------------------------------------------- employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary or successor. A leave of absence approved by the Company shall include sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave approved by an authorized representative of the Company. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed 90 days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract, including Company policies. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so 1 guaranteed, on the 91st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. (i) "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. -------- (j) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed --------- by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. The payment of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company. (k) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. ------------ (l) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock ----------------- determined as follows: (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, its Fair market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination and reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System (but not on the Nasdaq National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination; or (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator. (m) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as an ---------------------- incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. (n) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to qualify as ------------------------- an Incentive Stock Option. (o) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the ------- meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. (p) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. ------ (q) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an ---------------- Optionee pursuant to which the Optionee receives an Option or a Stock Purchase Right. 2 (r) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or a Stock -------------- Purchase Right. (s) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an Option or -------- Stock Purchase Right. (t) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter ------ existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code. (u) "Plan" means this 1997 Stock Plan. ---- (v) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to a ---------------- grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below. (w) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance ----- with Section 12 below. (x) "Stock Purchase Right" means a right to purchase Common Stock pursuant -------------------- to Section 11 below. (y) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether not or hereafter ---------- existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. 3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to Section 12, the maximum ------------------------- aggregate number of Shares which may be subject to option and sold under the Plan is 1,650,000 Shares; provided, however, that beginning August 1, 1997, the number of Shares shall be increased each August 1st by five percent (5%) of the total issued and outstanding Shares on such date. In no event, except as subject to Section 12, shall more than 1,650,000 Shares be available for issuance pursuant to Incentive Stock Option grants under the Plan. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the plan (unless the Plan has terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, upon exercise of either an Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price and the original purchaser of such Shares did not receive any benefits of ownership of such Shares, such Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan. For purposes of the preceding sentence, voting rights shall not be considered a benefit of Share ownership. 4. Administration of the Plan. -------------------------- (a) Procedure. --------- 3 (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule ------------------------------ 16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to Directors and Officers, and Employees and Consultants who are neither Directors nor Officers. (ii) Administration With Respect to Directors and Officers. With ----------------------------------------------------- respect to grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights to Employees who are also Officers or Directors of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board if the Board may administer the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor thereto ("Rule 16b-3") with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan, or (B) a Committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which Committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to permit the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan. (iii) Administration With Respect to Other Employees and -------------------------------------------------- Consultants. With respect to grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights to - ----------- Employees or Consultants who are neither Directors nor Officers of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee designated by the Board, which committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the legal requirements relating to the administration of incentive stock option plans, if any, of California corporate and securities laws, of the Code, and of any applicable stock exchange (the "Applicable Laws"). Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws. (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the --------------------------- Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, including the approval, if required, of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed, the Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion: (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in accordance with Section 2(l) of the Plan; (ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder; 4 (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options and Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted hereunder; (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder; (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine; (vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted; (viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan; (ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws; (x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right (subject to Section 14 of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan; (xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator; (xii) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to Options and Stock Purchase Rights and any Restricted Stock; and (xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions, determinations ---------------------------------- and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all Optionees and any other holders of any Options or Stock Purchase Rights. 5 5. Eligibility. ----------- (a) Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. An Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option or Stock Purchase Right may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Options or Stock Purchase Rights. (b) Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares subject to an Optionee's Incentive Stock Options granted by the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary, which become exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the limit imposed by Section 422(d) of the Code or any successor statute thereto, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted. (c) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuation of his or her employment or consulting relationship with the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause. (d) Upon the Company or a successor corporation issuing any class of common equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act or upon the Plan being assumed by a corporation having a class of common equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights to Employees: (i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the Company, Options and Stock Purchase Rights to purchase more than 175,000 Shares. (ii) The foregoing limitation shall be adjusted proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as described in Section 12. (iii) If an Option or Stock Purchase Right is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 12), the cancelled Option shall be counted against the limit set forth in Section 5(d)(i). For this purpose, if the exercise price of an Option is reduced, such reduction will be treated as a cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option. 6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to ------------ occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the stockholders of the Company, as 6 described in Section 18 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan. 7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in -------------- the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement. 8. Option Exercise Price and Consideration. --------------------------------------- (a) The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator, but shall be subject to the following: (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant; (B) granted to any other Employee, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. (b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be determined at the time of grant). Such consideration may consist of (1) cash, (2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (5) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and a broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price, (6) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement, or (7) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator 7 shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company. 9. Exercise of Option. ------------------ (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option ----------------------------------------------- granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option may be exercised earlier than six (6) months from the date of grant of such Option. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the Company. Full payment may, as authorized by the Administrator, consist of any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) hereof. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote, receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 12 hereof. Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. (b) Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship. In the ---------------------------------------------------- event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant (but not in the event of an Optionee's change of status from Employee to Consultant (in which case an Employee's Incentive Stock Option shall automatically convert to a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the ninety-first (91st) day following such change of status) or from Consultant to Employee), such Optionee may, but only within such period of time as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option not exceeding three (3) months after the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that the Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (c) Disability of Optionee. In the event of termination of an ---------------------- Optionee's Continuous Status of an Employee or Consultant as a result of his or her "Disability," as such 8 term is defined in Section 422(e)(3) of the Code, the Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if the Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee, the ----------------- Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement) by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option on the date of death. If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If, after the Optionee's death, the Optionee's estate or a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance does not exercise the Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (e) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to persons subject to Section 16(b) ---------- of the Exchange Act must comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions. (f) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to ----------------- buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made. 10. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Options and -------------------------------------------------------- Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. 11. Stock Purchase Rights. --------------------- (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either ------------------ alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within which such person must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed thirty (30) days from the date upon which the Administrator makes the determinations to grant the Stock Purchase Right. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a 9 Restricted Stock purchase agreement in the form determined by the Administrator. Shares purchased pursuant to the grant of a Stock Purchase Right shall be referred to herein as "Restricted Stock." (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, ----------------- the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's employment or consulting relationship with the Company for any reason (including death or Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the Administrator may determine. (c) Rule 16b-3. Stock Purchase Rights granted to persons subject to ---------- Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act ("Insiders"), and Shares purchased by Insiders in connection with Stock Purchase Rights, shall be subject to any restrictions applicable thereto in compliance with Rule 16b-3. An Insider may only purchase Shares pursuant to the grant of a Stock Purchase Right, and may only sell Shares purchased pursuant to the grant of a Stock Purchase Right, during such time or times as are permitted by Rule 16b-3. (d) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall ---------------- contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock purchase agreements need not be the same with respect to each purchaser. (e) Rights as a Stockholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is ----------------------- exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a stockholder and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan. 12. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization or Merger. ---------------------------------------------------- (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the ------------------------- stockholders of the Company, the number of Shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, as well as the price per Share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company. The conversion of any 10 convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of Shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into Shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock Purchase Right. (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed -------------------------- dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company -------------------- with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall have the right to exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be exercisable. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right is exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee that the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets. 13. Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of grant -------------------------------------------------- of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option or Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant. 11 14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. ------------------------------------- (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, ------------------------- alter, suspend or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, suspension or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or with Section 422 of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation, including the requirements of the NASD or an established stock exchange), the Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required. (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or ---------------------------------- termination of the Plan shall not affect Options or Stock Purchase Rights already granted, and such Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company. 15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued ---------------------------------- pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. As a condition to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned relevant provisions of law. 16. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, --------------------- shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. 17. Agreements. Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced by ---------- written agreements in such form as the Administrator shall approve from time to time. 12 18. Stockholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to -------------------- approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed. 13 FOUR MEDIA COMPANY 1997 STOCK PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement. I. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT ---------------------------- [Optionee's Name and Address] --------------------------- _______________ _______________ _______________ You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows: Grant Number: _______________ Date of Grant: _______________ Vesting Commencement Date: _______________ Exercise Price per Share: $_______________ Total Number of Shares for which Option is Granted: _______________ Total Exercise Price: $_______________ Type of Option: ___ Incentive Stock Option ___ Nonstatutory Stock Option Term/Expiration Date: _______________ Vesting Schedule: - ---------------- This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Termination Period: - ------------------ [This Option, to the extent vested, may be exercised (a) for three (3) months after termination of your employment or consulting relationship, unless such termination is for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined) or you voluntarily terminate your employment or consulting relationship in breach of any employment or consulting agreement, in which case this Option may be exercised on the date your employment or consulting relationship with the Company 1 terminates, or (b) for such longer period as may be applicable upon death or Disability of Optionee as provided in the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of the Optionee's change in status from Employee to Consultant or Consultant to Employee, this Option Agreement shall remain in effect. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above. "Cause" shall mean cause as defined in any written employment or consulting agreement in effect from time to time between Optionee and the Company or its subsidiaries, or if there is no written employment or consulting agreement in effect at the time of termination, "Cause" means cause as defined in the latest written employment or consulting agreement between Optionee and the Company or its subsidiaries.] or [This Option, to the extent vested, may be exercised (a) for three (3) months after termination of your employment or consulting relationship, unless such termination is for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined) or you voluntarily terminate your employment or consulting relationship in breach of any employment or consulting agreement, in which case this Option may be exercised on the date your employment or consulting relationship with the Company terminates, or (b) for such longer period as may be applicable upon death or Disability of Optionee as provided in the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of the Optionee's change in status from Employee to Consultant or Consultant to Employee, this Option Agreement shall remain in effect. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above. "Cause" shall mean any of the following: (a) Optionee has committed an act of gross misconduct in connection with the performance of his duties on behalf of the Company, as determined by the Company's Chief Executive Officer or the Company's Board of Directors; or (b) Optionee demonstrates habitual negligence and/or incompetence in the performance of his duties on behalf of the Company, as determined by the Company's Chief Executive Officer or the Company's Board of Directors; or (c) Optionee is convicted of or pleads nolo contendere to any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or to any felony; or (d) Optionee has committed any act of fraud, misappropriation of funds or embezzlement in connection with his employment or consulting relationship with the Company.] AGREEMENT --------- 1. Grant of Option. FOUR MEDIA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the --------------- "Company"), hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the "Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase the total number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement. If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. 2 Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO"). 2. Exercise of Option, ------------------ (a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during its ----------------- term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other termination of the employment or consulting relationship, this Option shall be exercisable in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. (b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by written ------------------ notice (in the form attached as Exhibit A) which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to the holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such written notice shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice accompanied by the Exercise Price. No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares. 3. Optionee's Representations. In the event the Shares purchasable -------------------------- pursuant to the exercise of this Option have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option is exercised, Optionee shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. 4. Method of Payment. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any of ----------------- the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee: (a) cash; (b) check; (c) surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company which (A) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised; or 3 (d) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the Exercise Price. 5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such ------------------------ time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such Shares would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule under Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G") as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. 6. Termination of Relationship. In the event an Optionee's Continuous --------------------------- Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates, Optionee may, to the extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the "Termination Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out in the Notice of Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise this Option at the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise this Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. 7. Disability of Optionee. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6 ---------------------- above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a result of his or her disability, Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination; provided, however, that if such disability is not a "disability" as such term is defined in Section 422(e)(3) of the Code, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option such Incentive Stock Option shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the day three months and one day following such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. 8. Death of Optionee. In the event of termination of Optionee's ----------------- Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of the death of Optionee, the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the date of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in Section 10 below), by Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee could exercise the Option at the date of death. 9. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in ----------------------------- any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee. 4 10. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set -------------- out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option. The limitations set out in Section 7 of the Plan regarding Options designated as Incentive Stock Options and Options granted to more than ten percent (10%) stockholders shall apply to this Option. 11. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date ---------------- of this Option of some of the federal and California tax consequences of exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. (a) Grant of Options. The Optionee will not recognize any income for ---------------- either federal or California income tax purposes upon grant of an Option under the Plan, regardless of whether the Option qualifies as an ISO or is an NSO. (b) Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there will --------------- be no regular federal income tax liability or California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option, although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the alternative minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise. (c) Exercise of ISO Following Disability. If the Optionee's ------------------------------------ Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates as a result of disability that is not total and permanent disability as defined in Section 422(e)(3) of the Code, to the extent permitted on the date of termination, the Optionee must exercise an ISO within 90 days of such termination for the ISO to be qualified as an ISO. (d) Exercise of NSO. There may be a regular federal income tax --------------- liability and California income tax liability upon the exercise of an NSO. The Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise. (e) Disposition of Shares. In the case of an NSO, if Shares are held --------------------- for more than one year, any gain or loss realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss for federal and California income tax purposes; and if Shares are held for one year or less, any such profit or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, if 5 such Shares are held for more than one year but less than 18 months, any gain will be treated as a mid-term gain. In the case of an ISO, if Shares received pursuant to exercise of the Option are held for more than one year after exercise and are disposed of more than two years after the date of grant, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO are disposed of within such one-year period or within two years after the date of grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise, or (2) the sale price of the Shares. (f) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option ------------------------------------------------- granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee. 12. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by ------------------------------- reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. This Option Agreement is governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws. FOUR MEDIA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation By:___________________________ OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OPTION IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING CONSULTANCY OR EMPLOYMENT AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. 6 Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below. Dated:__________________ _______________________ Optionee Residence Address: ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ 7 EXHIBIT A --------- 1997 STOCK PLAN EXERCISE NOTICE FOUR MEDIA COMPANY 2813 W. ALAMEDA AVENUE BURBANK, CA 91505 Attention: Secretary Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, _________, 19__, the ------------------ undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase ________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of FOUR MEDIA COMPANY (the "Company") under and pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the [ ] Incentive [ ] Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement dated _______, 19__ (the "Option Agreement"). Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Exercise Notice. 1. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has --------------------------- received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions. 2. Rights as Stockholder. Until the stock certificate evidencing such --------------------- Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 12. 3. Tax Consultation. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer ---------------- adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of the Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax consultants Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for any tax advice. 4. Restrictive Legend and Stop-Transfer Orders. ------------------------------------------- (a) Legends. Optionee understands and agrees that the Company may ------- cause the legend set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws: 1 THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH. (b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Optionee agrees that, in order to ensure --------------------- compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records. (c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to ------------------- transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been transferred. 5. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under ---------------------- this Exercise Notice to single or multiple assignees, and this Exercise Notice shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice shall be binding upon Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. 6. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this -------------- Exercise Notice shall be submitted by Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the Company's Board of Directors or the committee thereof that administers the Plan, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Board or committee shall be final and binding on the Company and on Optionee. 7. Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise Notice shall be governed by --------------------------- and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California excluding that body of law pertaining to conflicts of law. Should any provision of this Exercise Notice be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable. 8. Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in ------- writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States mail by certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown below beneath its signature, or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the other party. 2 9. Further Instruments. The parties agree to execute such further ------------------- instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Option. 10. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the ------------------- full Exercise Price for the Shares. 11. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Notice of Grant/Option Agreement are ---------------- incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan, the Option Agreement and the Investment Representation Statement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. Submitted by: Accepted by: OPTIONEE: FOUR MEDIA COMPANY By:______________________________ Its:_____________________________ _________________________ (Signature) Address: Address: - ------- ------- _________________________ 2813 W. ALAMEDA AVENUE BURBANK, CA 91505 _________________________ 3 EXHIBIT B --------- INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT OPTIONEE : COMPANY : FOUR MEDIA COMPANY SECURITY : COMMON STOCK AMOUNT : DATE : In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Shares, the undersigned Optionee represents to the Company the following: (a) Optionee is aware of the Company's business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares. Optionee is acquiring these Shares for investment for Optionee's own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). (b) Optionee acknowledges and understands that the Shares constitute "restricted securities" under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Optionee's investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, Optionee understands that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable if Optionee's representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to hold these Shares for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the market price of the Shares, or for a period of one year or any other fixed period in the future. Optionee further understands that the Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Optionee further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares. Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing the Shares will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Shares unless they are registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company and any other legend required under applicable laws. (c) Optionee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permits limited public resale of "restricted securities" 1 acquired, directly or indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including: (1) the resale to occur not less than one year after the Shares were acquired, (2) the resale being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, or a nonaffiliate who has held the Shares less than two years, (3) the availability of certain public information about the Company, (4) the amount of Shares being sold during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in Rule 144(e), and (5) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable. (d) Optionee further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A or some other registration exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rule 144 is not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rule 144 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. Optionee understands that no assurances can be given that any such other registration exemption will be available in such event. Signature of Optionee: ___________________________ Date: ___________, 19__ 2