EXHIBIT 10.1


                       FOUR MEDIA COMPANY 1997 STOCK PLAN


     1.  Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract
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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:
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         (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.
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         (c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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         (d) "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors
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in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

         (e) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
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         (f) "Company" means FOUR MEDIA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation.
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         (g) "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company or any
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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.

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         (h) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that the
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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 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.
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         (j) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
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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;

                                       2

 
             (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
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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.
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         (q) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or a
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Stock Purchase Right.

         (r) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an Option
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or Stock Purchase Right.

         (s) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
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existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

         (t) "Plan" means this 1997 Stock Plan.
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         (u) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
              ----------------                                                
to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

         (v) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in 
              -----                                    
accordance with Section 12 below.

                                       3

 
         (w) "Stock Purchase Right" means a right to purchase Common Stock
              --------------------                  
 pursuant to Section 11 below.

         (x) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether not or
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hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

     3.  Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to Section 12, the maximum
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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.
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         (a)  Procedure.
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               (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.  
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With respect to grants of Options and Stock Purchase 

                                       4

 
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 
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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

                                       5

 
Stock is listed, the Administrator shall have the authority it 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;

              (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 

                                       6

 
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.   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 

                                       7

 
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 ________
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
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occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
stockholders of the Company, as described in Section 18 of the Plan.  It shall
continue in effect for a term of

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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
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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) 

                                       9

 
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 shall consider if acceptance of
such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.

     9.   Exercise of Option.
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          (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, 

                                       10

 
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 term is defined in Section 22(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

                                       11

 
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
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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 Notice of Grant) 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)
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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 

                                       12

 
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
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.

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          (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 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.

                                       14

 
          (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 

                                       15

 
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.

     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 

                                       16

 
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.

     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.

                                       17

 
                               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:              _________________________

                                       18

 
     Vesting Schedule:
     ---------------- 

     This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

     Termination Period:
     ------------------ 

     This Option may be exercised for _____ [months/days] after termination of
your employment or consulting relationship, or such longer period as may be
applicable upon death or Disability of Optionee as provided in the Plan.  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.


II.  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.  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").

                                       19

 
     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, and shall
read the applicable rules of the California Commissioner of Corporations
attached to such Investment Representation Statement.

                                       20

 
     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

          (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 

                                       21

 
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 22(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.

     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.

                                       22

 
     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
22(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.

                                       23

 
          (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.  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

                                       24

 
                                    By:___________________________


     OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE
OPTION HEREOF 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.

     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:

                                         ______________________

                                         ______________________

                                         ______________________

                                       25

 
                                   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.

          Optionee shall enjoy rights as a stockholder until such time as
Optionee disposes of the Shares or the Company and/or its 

                                       26

 
assignee(s) exercises the Right of First Refusal hereunder. Upon such exercise,
Optionee shall have no further rights as a holder of the Shares so purchased
except the right to receive payment for the Shares so purchased in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement, and Optionee shall forthwith cause the
certificate(s) evidencing the Shares so purchased to be surrendered to the
Company for transfer or cancellation.

     3.   Company's Right of First Refusal.  Before any Shares held by Optionee
          --------------------------------                                     
or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder")
may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of
law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to
purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the
"Right of First Refusal").

          (a) Notice of Proposed Transfer.  The Holder of the Shares shall
              ---------------------------                                 
deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating:  (i) the
Holder's bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the
name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee");
(iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and
(iv) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder
proposes to transfer the Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the Holder shall
offer the Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its assignee(s).

          (b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal.  At any time within thirty
              ----------------------------------                            
(30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may,
by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed
Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (c)
below.

          (c) Purchase Price.  The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the
              --------------                                                
Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section shall be
the Offered Price.  If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash,
the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.

                                       27

 
          (d) Payment.  Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the
              -------                                                      
option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of
all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company
(or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any
combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner
and at the times set forth in the Notice.

          (e) Holder's Right to Transfer.  If all of the Shares proposed in the
              --------------------------                                       
Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the
Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section, then the Holder may
sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the
Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is
consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice and provided further
that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any
applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that
the provisions of this Section shall continue to apply to the Shares in the
hands of such Proposed Transferee.  If the Shares described in the Notice are
not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice
shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again
be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may
be sold or otherwise transferred.

          (f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers.  Notwithstanding anything
              --------------------------------------                           
to the contrary contained in this Section, the transfer of any or all of the
Shares during the Optionee's lifetime or on the Optionee's death by will or
intestacy to the Optionee's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of the
Optionee's immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.
"Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or
antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister.  In such case, the transferee or
other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the
provisions of this Section, and there shall be no further transfer of such
Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section.

          (g) Termination of Right of First Refusal.  The Right of First Refusal
              -------------------------------------                             
shall terminate as to any Shares upon the first sale of Common Stock of the
Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with
and declared effective by the 

                                       28

 
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     4.   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.

     5.   Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
          -------------------------------------------- 

          (a) Legends.  Optionee understands and agrees that the Company shall
              -------                                                         
cause the legends 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:

          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.

          THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
          RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE
          ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN
          THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH
          MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER.  SUCH TRANSFER
          RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF
          THESE SHARES.

          IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR
          ANY INTEREST 

                                       29

 
          THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR
          WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF
          CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES.

          Optionee understands that transfer of the Shares may be restricted by
Section 260.141.11 of the Rules of the California Corporations Commissioner, a
copy of which is attached to Exhibit B, the Investment Representation Statement.

          (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 Agreement 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.

     6.   Successors and Assigns.  The Company may assign any of its rights
          ----------------------                                           
under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company.  Subject to
the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding
upon Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns.

     7.   Interpretation.  Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
          --------------                                                   
Agreement 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.

     8.   Governing Law; Severability.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
          ---------------------------                                          
construed in accordance with the laws of the State 

                                       30

 
of California excluding that body of law pertaining to conflicts of law. Should
any provision of this Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or
unenforceable, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and
shall remain enforceable.

     9.   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.

     10.  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 Agreement.

     11.  Delivery of Payment.  Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
          -------------------                                                
full Exercise Price for the Shares.

                                       31

 
     12.  Entire Agreement.  The Plan and Notice of Grant/Option Agreement are
          ----------------                                                    
incorporated herein by reference.  This Agreement, 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
_________________________

                                       32

 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------

                      INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT


OPTIONEE       :

COMPANY        :    FOUR MEDIA COMPANY

SECURITY       :    COMMON STOCK

AMOUNT         :

DATE           :


In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, 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 Securities.  Optionee is
acquiring these Securities 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 Securities
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 Securities 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 Securities, or for a period of one year or any other fixed
period in the future.  Optionee further understands that the Securities must be
held indefinitely unless they are 

                                       33

 
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 Securities. Optionee
understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities will be imprinted
with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the Securities unless they are
registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel
satisfactory to the Company, a legend prohibiting their transfer without the
consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of the State of California and any
other legend required under applicable state securities laws.

          (c) Optionee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144,
each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited
public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly from
the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions.  Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule
701 at the time of the grant of the Option to the Optionee, the exercise will be
exempt from registration under the Securities Act.  In the event the Company
becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or such longer
period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities exempt
under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the
conditions specified by Rule 144, including:  (1) 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, (2) the availability of certain
public information about the Company, (3) the amount of Securities being sold
during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in Rule
144(e), and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.

     In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time
of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain limited
circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires the resale
to occur not less than two years after the later of the date the Securities were
sold by the Company or the date the Securities were sold by an affiliate of the
Company, within the meaning of Rule 144; and, in the case of acquisition of the
Securities by an affiliate, or by a non-affiliate who subsequently holds the
Securities less than three 

                                       34

 
years, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in sections (1), (2), (3)
and (4) of the paragraph immediately above.

          (d) Optionee hereby agrees that if so requested by the Company or any
representative of the underwriters in connection with any registration of the
offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, Optionee
shall not sell or otherwise transfer any Shares or other securities of the
Company during a period of up to 180 days following the effective date of a
registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act; provided,
however, that such restrictions shall only apply to the first registration
statement of the Company to become effective under the Securities Act which
include securities to be sold on behalf of the Company to the public in an
underwritten public offering under the Securities Act.  The Company may impose
stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing
restrictions until the end of such 180-day period.

          (e) Optionee further understands that in the event all of the
applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 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 Rules 144
and 701 are 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
Rules 144 or 701 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.

          (f) Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing the
Securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the
Securities without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of
California.  Optionee has read the applicable Commissioner's Rules with respect
to such restriction, a copy of which is attached.


                              Signature of Optionee:

                                       35

 
                              ___________________________

                              Date:___________, 19__

                                       36

 
                                  ATTACHMENT 1
              STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
              ----------------------------------------------------

        Title 10.  Investment - Chapter 3.  Commissioner of Corporations

     260.143.33:  Restriction on Transfer.  (a)  The issuer of any security upon
     ----------   -----------------------                                       
which a restriction on transfer has been imposed pursuant to Sections 260.102.6,
260.141.10 or 260.534 shall cause a copy of this section to be delivered to each
issuee or transferee of such security at the time the certificate evidencing the
security is delivered to the issuee or transferee.

     (b) It is unlawful for the holder of any such security to consummate a sale
or transfer of such security, or any interest therein, without the prior written
consent of the Commissioner (until this condition is removed pursuant to Section
260.141.12 of these rules), except:

          (1)  to the issuer;

          (2) pursuant to the order or process of any court;

          (3) to any person described in Subdivision (i) of Section 25102 of the
     Code or Section 260.105.14 of these rules;

          (4) to the transferor's ancestors, descendants or spouse, or any
     custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the transferor's
     ancestors, descendants or spouse; or to a transferee by a trustee or
     custodian for the account of the transferee or the transferee's ancestors,
     descendants or spouse;

          (5) to holders of securities of the same class of the same issuer;

          (6) by way of gift or donation inter vivos or on death;

          (7) by or through a broker-dealer licensed under the Code (either
     acting as such or as a finder) to a resident of a foreign state, territory
     or country who is neither domiciled in this state to the knowledge of the
     broker-dealer, nor actually present in this state if the sale of such
     securities 

                                       37

 
     is not in violation of any securities law of the foreign state, territory
     or country concerned;

          (8) to a broker-dealer licensed under the Code in a principal
     transaction, or as an underwriter or member of an underwriting syndicate or
     selling group;

          (9) if the interest sold or transferred is a pledge or other lien
     given by the purchaser to the seller upon a sale of the security for which
     the Commissioner's written consent is obtained or under this rule not
     required;

          (10) by way of a sale qualified under Sections 25111, 25112, 25113 or
     25121 of the Code, of the securities to be transferred, provided that no
     order under Section 25140 or subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect
     with respect to such qualification;

          (11) by a corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary of such
     corporation, or by a wholly owned subsidiary of a corporation to such
     corporation;

          (12) by way of an exchange qualified under Section 25111, 25112 or
     25113 of the Code, provided that no order under Section 25140 or
     subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such
     qualification;

          (13) between residents of foreign states, territories or countries who
     are neither domiciled nor actually present in this state;

          (14) to the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law or
     to the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state; or

          (15) by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law or
     by the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state if, in
     either such case, such person (i) discloses potential purchasers at the
     sale that transfer of the securities is restricted under this rule, (ii)
     delivers to each purchaser a copy of this rule, and (iii) advises the
     Commissioner of the name of each purchaser;

                                       38

 
          (16) by a trustee to a successor trustee when such transfer does not
     involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the securities;

          (17) by way of an offer and sale of outstanding securities in an
     issuer transaction that is subject to the qualification requirement of
     Section 25110 of the code by exempt from that qualification requirement by
     subdivision (f) of Section 25102; provided that any such transfer is non
     the condition that any certificate evidencing the security issued to such
     transferee shall contain the legend required by this section.

     (c) The certificates representing all such securities subject to such a
restriction on transfer, whether upon initial issuance or upon any transfer
thereof, shall bear on their face a legend, prominently stamped or printed
thereon in capital letters of not less than 10-point size, reading as follows:

         "IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR
         ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR,
         WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS
         OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S
         RULES."

                                       39