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Neil Meron

Neil Meron (born October 26, 1955) is an American film, television, and theater producer best known for his long-term collaboration with on musical adaptations and live broadcasts. Through Zadan/Meron Productions, Meron has produced projects that collectively garnered six , five Golden Globes, and 23 , including the 2002 film , which won Best Picture and five other Oscars for its revival of the movie musical genre. Their portfolio also features the 2007 adaptation , alongside television specials like the Emmy-winning Live in Concert (2018) and the series Smash (2012–2013), which dramatized the creation of a musical. Meron's early career included producing TV movies such as (1997) and (1999), both starring and emphasizing family-friendly musical storytelling. In recent years, following Zadan's death in 2019, Meron has focused on stage productions like the musical Some Like It Hot (2022) and served as a North American consultant for Andrew Lloyd Webber's to develop new licensing opportunities.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Upbringing

Neil Meron was born in 1955 in , . He grew up in the borough, where he developed a precocious interest in . In a 2002 interview, Meron recounted knowing his career aspirations from infancy, humorously stating that he was "reading as I was coming down the birth canal." Details regarding his parents, siblings, or specific family dynamics remain private, with no or interviews disclosing such information from reputable sources.

Formal Education and Initial Influences

Meron attended , where he developed an early professional connection in the entertainment industry by inviting writer and producer to speak at a campus lecture series. He graduated from the institution in 1976. From a young age, Meron expressed a profound interest in , later describing himself as having known his career path since "in the womb." This passion aligned with his studies at , a public institution in known for its programs in and . Following graduation, he gained formative experience working under , the influential director of , whom Meron credited with imparting essential knowledge about production and theater operations. These early encounters, particularly the from Papp and the nascent with Zadan initiated during his years, shaped Meron's trajectory toward producing musicals and adaptations of stage works for film and television. His time at thus served as a pivotal bridge between academic exposure to the arts and hands-on immersion in New York's vibrant theater scene.

Professional Career

Entry into Entertainment Industry

Neil Meron, born in , , in 1955, developed an early aspiration for theater while studying at , initially envisioning a career as an actor. During his college years in the mid-1970s, he organized a lecture series to build connections in the industry, which led to his meeting , author of the book Sondheim & Co., whom Meron invited as a speaker around 1976. This encounter marked the beginning of their professional collaboration, with Meron transitioning from acting ambitions to behind-the-scenes roles in production. Following his graduation from in 1976, Meron served as Zadan's assistant, initially assisting with club acts featuring Broadway composers at the Ballroom cabaret in . The duo soon joined under founder , where Meron worked for three years in the late 1970s, contributing to the development of new shows including Getting My Act Together (1978), (1978), and an adaptation of . Papp's mentorship provided foundational training in production, with Meron later crediting him for imparting essential knowledge about theater operations and show development. By the early 1980s, Meron and Zadan relocated to , entering the film industry by working for , then CEO of what would become Entertainment, though Meron initially remained based in while Zadan moved to . This shift expanded their scope beyond theater, laying the groundwork for their later productions, with Meron's first credited , Sing (), reflecting his growing involvement in musical . Their early theater experience at thus served as the primary entry point, emphasizing musical and developmental work that informed their subsequent endeavors.

Partnership with Craig Zadan

Neil Meron and co-founded the production company Storyline Entertainment in 1991, marking the formal start of their professional partnership focused on film, television, and stage adaptations. Their initial joint project was the 1991 feature film If Looks Could Kill, a thriller directed by . The duo quickly expanded into television, with their first significant collaboration being the 1994 HBO film Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story, which earned three , including Outstanding Made for Television Movie. Storyline Entertainment specialized in musical adaptations and biographical dramas, producing a series of high-profile movies that included the 1993 CBS remake of Gypsy starring , the 1997 ABC version of Cinderella with and , the 1999 ABC Annie featuring and , and the 2003 ABC The Music Man with and . These projects often featured lavish productions and star-studded casts, contributing to the revival of made-for-TV musicals in the 1990s and early 2000s. In film, Meron and Zadan achieved commercial and critical success with musical remakes, including the 2002 Chicago, directed by and starring and , which grossed over $306 million worldwide and won six , and the 2007 Hairspray, directed by with and , earning $297 million globally. They also produced the 2011 remake of Footloose. The partnership extended to television series and live events, notably executive producing NBC's musical drama Smash from 2012 to 2013, which chronicled the behind-the-scenes creation of a musical. Meron and Zadan produced several telecasts, including the 85th (2013), 86th (2014), and 87th (2015) ceremonies, hosted by , , and , respectively, emphasizing musical performances and high production values. Their company secured multiple development deals to sustain output, such as a two-year extension with in 2012 for TV movies and miniseries, and a first-look agreement with in 2012 for content development. These collaborations yielded over a dozen Emmy nominations and wins, alongside box-office successes that revitalized interest in screen musicals.

Key Film Productions

Meron co-produced Chicago (2002), a musical adaptation of the stage production directed by , starring as , as , and as Billy Flynn. Released on December 27, 2002, the film earned $306.8 million worldwide against a $45 million budget and received 13 Academy Award nominations, winning six, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Zeta-Jones, and Best Editing. In 2007, Meron executive produced Hairspray, also directed by , adapting the musical with stars including as Edna Turnblad, , and in the lead role. The film, released July 20, 2007, grossed $297.6 million globally on a $75 million budget, nominated for three Oscars including Best Art Direction, and praised for revitalizing interest in screen musicals following . The Bucket List (2007), a non-musical directed by and starring and as terminally ill men embarking on a life-affirming adventure, marked another commercial success for Meron. Released December 25, 2007, it grossed $175.8 million worldwide on a $45 million budget, nominated for an for (Nicholson) and Best Original . Meron also contributed to the 2011 remake of , directed by with and , updating the 1984 original he had previously worked on. Released October 14, 2011, it earned $63.7 million worldwide, appealing to younger audiences with its dance-centric narrative on small-town rebellion. Later credits include executive producing (2022), a of the show directed by , featuring Berrett and , which premiered August 12, 2022, and focused on adolescent identity themes through song.

Television and Miniseries Work

Neil Meron, primarily through his production company Zadan/Meron Productions in collaboration with , has executive produced a range of television films, , and live specials, often adapting musicals or historical dramas for the small screen. Early notable works include the 1993 television adaptation of Gypsy, starring as Mama Rose, which earned multiple Emmy nominations for its musical direction and performances. This was followed by the 1997 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's , featuring and , which drew 60 million viewers and received 11 Emmy nominations, including for outstanding variety, music, or special. In the late and early , Meron and Zadan expanded into biographical and dramatic TV movies, such as the 1999 ABC remake of with and , which garnered praise for its faithful adaptation and family appeal. Other credits include the 2001 ABC remake of , focusing on the friendship between players and , and the 2002 CBS biopic , starring and as the comedy duo. These productions emphasized character-driven narratives and received acclaim for casting and historical accuracy. efforts included the 1995 Lifetime TV movie Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story, which addressed on homosexuality and earned Emmy nominations for outstanding TV movie and lead actress . Meron's television portfolio diversified in the 2000s and 2010s with series like the Lifetime legal comedy-drama Drop Dead Diva (2009–2014), starring Brooke Elliott as a reincarnated model in a lawyer's body, which ran for six seasons and blended supernatural elements with courtroom stories. The NBC musical drama Smash (2012–2013), chronicling the development of a Broadway show about Marilyn Monroe, featured original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and starred Debra Messing and Katharine McPhee, though it faced criticism for its portrayal of theater production realities before cancellation after two seasons. Miniseries highlights encompass the 2013 A&E four-part event Bonnie and Clyde, depicting the infamous crime spree with Emile Hirsch and Holliday Grainger, which averaged 6.2 million viewers per episode and earned a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for best movie/miniseries. Later projects shifted toward live television musicals, reviving the format with high-profile broadcasts. The 2013 NBC production of The Sound of Music Live! starred Carrie Underwood and drew 18.7 million viewers despite mixed reviews on vocal performances. Subsequent efforts included the 2014 NBC Peter Pan Live!, featuring Allison Williams, and the 2016 NBC Hairspray Live!, both of which incorporated audience interaction elements and earned Emmy recognition for technical achievements. In 2018, Meron executive produced the NBC live concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by David Leitch with John Legend as Jesus, which won two Emmys for directing and lighting. The 2021 NBC Annie Live! continued this trend, starring Celina Smith and Harry Connick Jr., and received praise for its energetic staging amid pandemic-era production challenges. Additional TV movies like the 2012 Lifetime Steel Magnolias remake with an all-Black cast, the 2008 ABC A Raisin in the Sun with Sean Combs, and the 2019 Lifetime biopic Patsy & Loretta on country singers Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn further demonstrated Meron's focus on ensemble-driven adaptations.

Broadway and Theater Productions

Neil Meron, primarily known for film and television productions, has also contributed to as a lead producer, often alongside longtime partner until Zadan's death in 2018. Their joint efforts focused on musical revivals and adaptations, leveraging Meron's experience in musical theater adaptations for screen. Meron's post-Zadan Broadway work includes original musicals drawing from film and television sources. One of Meron's earliest Broadway producing credits was the revival of , a musical comedy based on the 1960 Billy Wilder film . The production, directed by Rob Ashford and Glenn Casale, opened on April 25, 2010, at the and ran for 2,949 performances before closing on January 2, 2011. Starring as C.C. Baxter and Kristen Chenoweth as Fran Kubelik, it received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical. In 2011, Meron and Zadan produced the revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, an adaptation of the satirical 1961 musical by and . Directed by , it opened on March 23, 2011, at the 46th Street Theatre (later renamed ) and closed on July 1, 2012, after 1,000+ performances. The cast featured in the lead role of J. Pierrepont starting in November 2011, contributing to its commercial success and three Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical. Following Zadan's passing, Meron independently produced , a musical adaptation of the 1959 film, with book by Matthew Lopez and , music by , and lyrics by and Shaiman. Directed by Casey Nicholaw, it premiered on December 11, 2022, at the Shubert Theatre and closed on December 30, 2023, after 1,163 performances amid mixed reviews and eight Tony Award nominations but no wins. The production starred , , and . Meron's most recent Broadway credit as of 2025 is the stage musical adaptation of Smash, based on the 2012-2013 television series he executive produced. The original musical opened on April 10, 2025, at the , directed by , and concluded its limited run on June 22, 2025, after approximately 80 performances. Featuring music from the series' composers including and , it highlighted behind-the-scenes drama of mounting a musical about .

Production of Major Award Shows

Neil Meron, alongside longtime partner , produced three consecutive ceremonies: the 85th on February 24, 2013; the 86th on March 2, 2014; and the 87th on February 22, 2015. Their tenure marked the first time since Gil Cates's run from to 1999 that the same producers oversaw three straight telecasts. The 85th Oscars, hosted by , introduced Zadan and Meron's approach emphasizing musical elements drawn from their and film background, including performances tied to nominated films like . MacFarlane's hosting drew mixed reactions for its edgy humor, prompting adjustments in subsequent years. For the 86th ceremony, Zadan and Meron selected as host to deliver a safer, more inclusive show with broader appeal, featuring group musical numbers and celebrity selfies that went viral on social media. They retained production designer McLane, who earned an Emmy for his work, and incorporated innovations like the Oscar Experience college search initiative. The 87th Oscars brought back Neil Patrick Harris as host, leveraging his theater experience for elaborate opening numbers and musical segments, including a tribute to movie heroes. In March 2015, following the 87th telecast, the Academy announced Zadan and Meron would not return for the 88th ceremony. No records indicate their production of other major award show telecasts, such as the Tony or Emmy ceremonies.

Personal Life

Long-Term Professional and Personal Partnership

Neil Meron and Craig Zadan's professional partnership began in the mid-1970s when Meron, then a student at , invited Zadan to speak at a series, leading to their initial collaboration upon Meron's graduation in 1976. Over the subsequent decades, their working relationship evolved into a close personal alliance characterized by complementary strengths, with Zadan focusing on dealmaking, , and promotion, while Meron handled more creative aspects of production. This synergy underpinned their joint ventures across theater, television, and film, spanning more than four decades until Zadan's death in 2018. In 1991, Meron and Zadan formalized their collaboration by establishing Storyline Entertainment as their production banner, initially producing the film If Looks Could Kill and later expanding into acclaimed musical adaptations and television projects. Their shared passion for musical theater drove successes such as the 2002 film Chicago, which earned six Academy Awards, and live NBC broadcasts like The Sound of Music Live! in 2013. Beyond business, their bond was marked by mutual reliance and a unified artistic vision, as evidenced by Meron's reflections on Zadan's "singular passion for producing" and their seamless integration in high-stakes endeavors like producing the Academy Awards multiple times between 2013 and 2017. The partnership's personal dimension was evident in their enduring friendship, with Meron describing Zadan as integral to his professional identity and crediting their joint efforts for revitalizing musical formats in modern media. Despite Zadan maintaining a separate long-term with Elwood Hopkins, Meron and Zadan's collaboration reflected a profound interpersonal trust that sustained their output of over 20 major productions. This alliance not only yielded commercial hits but also fostered innovation, such as pioneering live musical events on network television in the 2010s.

Response to Craig Zadan's Death

Craig Zadan died on August 20, 2018, at the age of 69 from complications following shoulder replacement surgery. , Zadan's longtime producing partner of over three decades, immediately expressed shock and profound sadness over the sudden loss, describing it as stunning given their recent collaboration on NBC's Live in Concert, which aired on April 1, 2018. In a tearful , Meron praised Zadan's dedication, stating, "He had a singular passion for producing... He loved bringing the elements together and seeing the vision take shape. And it was always about the work for him." He emphasized Zadan's personal qualities, noting, "Craig always treated me as someone who should be there," and highlighted his compassion, humor, and intelligence: "He could not be cruel. He was compassionate... really, really funny and obviously so smart." Meron committed to honoring Zadan by proceeding with their planned NBC live production of Hair, which they had been developing at the time of Zadan's death, as a means of perpetuating their shared vision for reviving musicals on television. In October 2018, while preparing to produce the Academy Awards, Meron reflected on adjusting to the void left by Zadan, observing that his partner "would've loved" the posthumous Emmy recognition for Jesus Christ Superstar Live, including five nominations announced shortly after Zadan's passing. A memorial tribute to Zadan, featuring performances by artists such as , , and Kristen Chenoweth, was held on November 11, 2018, at the Educational Theatre Foundation's event in , where Meron joined industry figures in celebrating Zadan's legacy in musical theater and production.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Reagans Miniseries Backlash

In 2003, Neil Meron and longtime producing partner Craig Zadan executive produced The Reagans, a four-hour miniseries depicting the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan from their early romance through the presidency, starring James Brolin as Ronald Reagan and Judy Davis as Nancy Reagan. Originally developed in the late 1990s as a project titled Nancy R for ABC and later expanded for CBS, the production drew from biographical sources including Carl Sferrazza Anthony’s book on Nancy Reagan, with filming commencing in Montreal under director Robert Allan Ackerman. CBS initially approved the script and scheduled it for broadcast on November 16 and 18 during the November sweeps period. Controversy erupted in early October 2003 following a New York Times article that previewed script excerpts portraying negatively, including depictions of as a "control addict" exerting and as dismissive toward the AIDS crisis. Leaked script details fueled accusations from conservative commentators and figures, such as (the former president's son), who labeled the project "liberal propaganda" and a "hatchet job" timed insensitively amid Reagan's battle with . Critics contended the distorted historical events by emphasizing contested narratives—such as Reagan's alleged apathy on AIDS, including a now-disputed line implying biblical condemnation of homosexuals ("They that live in sin shall die in sin," later removed)—while downplaying achievements like economic recovery and Reagan's own advocacy efforts. The producers' openly left-leaning political views and backgrounds as were cited by detractors, including biographer and policy advisor Peter Robinson, as contributing to a skewed, unfavorable lens that prioritized partisan critique over factual balance. Under mounting pressure from the , conservative media, and threats of boycotts, CBS reconsidered and ultimately pulled the miniseries on November 5, 2003, stating it did not meet standards of despite prior approvals. executives, including , attributed the decision to "too much pressure" without specifying sources, though the move was framed as a moral rather than purely commercial choice amid claims of historical inaccuracy. Showtime, a Viacom-owned cable sibling to CBS, acquired broadcast rights the same week and aired a trimmed three-hour version on November 30, 2003, allowing the project to reach audiences despite the furor. Republicans extended criticism to Showtime for proceeding, viewing it as enabling biased content. Meron and Zadan defended the miniseries as an effort to "humanize" rather than perpetuate myth, insisting it was grounded in extensive research and multiple biographical accounts rather than any . Meron emphasized a hands-off approach to the backlash, stating, "We wanted the movie to speak for itself," and later credited Showtime president Bob Greenblatt with preserving their vision: "Bob saved the film and it was presented pretty much the way we wanted it to be seen." They expressed dismay at CBS's reversal but positioned themselves as storytellers, not documentarians, rejecting claims of deliberate distortion. Brolin echoed this, describing the controversy as "benign" and the role as a nuanced exploration beyond surface lines. The episode underscored tensions over Hollywood's perceived leftward tilt in biographical depictions of conservative figures, with the miniseries ultimately earning seven Emmy nominations (including a win for hairstyling) and Golden Globe nods for Brolin and , though viewership remained limited on cable. For Meron, the backlash highlighted risks in tackling politically charged subjects but did not derail his career, as he reflected in a 2020 that the project aimed for authenticity amid polarized interpretations of the Reagans' legacy.

Academy Awards Hosting Debates

Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, as producers of the telecast on February 24, 2013, selected to host, aiming for an irreverent tone to attract younger audiences. MacFarlane's opening monologue and segments, including a song "We Saw Your Boobs" listing films featuring female nudity, sparked widespread debate over appropriateness, with critics and advocacy groups accusing the performance of , , and insensitivity toward survivors of the shooting. Meron and Zadan defended MacFarlane's approach, asserting that his highlighted a societal shift away from recognizing humorous and that he performed an "extraordinary job" under pressure. They emphasized the telecast's 4% ratings increase to 40.3 million viewers, particularly among men aged 18-49, as validation despite viewer complaints directed at the . The controversy fueled discussions on balancing value with , with some outlets questioning whether the producers prioritized shock over inclusivity. For the on March 2, 2014, Meron and Zadan chose as host, shifting to a lighter, celebrity-driven format that included a group tweeted to over 2 million retweets in minutes, largely avoiding the prior year's backlash but drawing debate over length and pacing. The 87th telecast on February 22, 2015, featured , whose hosting received mixed reviews for elaborate musical numbers but criticism for uneven energy and reliance on insider jokes, amid emerging conversations on host diversity as #OscarsSoWhite critiques gained traction. Comedian publicly noted in October 2014 that Meron and Zadan had not approached him for the role, underscoring selective casting debates. The producers' tenure ended after 2015, with Meron and Zadan opting not to return, amid broader industry discourse on evolving hosting strategies, including the Academy's later experiments with hostless formats post-2018 to address flagging ratings and format fatigue. Their choices consistently prioritized star power and spectacle, prompting ongoing debates on whether such approaches enhanced or undermined the ceremony's prestige.

Awards, Honors, and Recognition

Major Industry Awards

Neil Meron received the in 2003 as an of the film Chicago, which earned six Oscars overall from its 13 nominations. In 2018, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as an of Live in Concert, a televised production featuring in the title role. Meron and his longtime producing partner were jointly honored with the Career Achievement Award by the in 2008, recognizing their contributions to casting and production across , , and theater. The pair also received the Producers of the Year award from the Hollywood Film Festival in 2007 for their body of work, including musical adaptations and live events. These accolades highlight Meron's role in high-profile projects that garnered broader industry recognition, though he has not won competitive despite multiple nominations for Broadway productions such as How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2011).

Recent Honors and Nominations

In 2025, Neil Meron and television executive were awarded the Gratitude Award by the Drama League, recognizing their roles as lead producers of the musical Smash, which premiered during the 2024–2025 season. The honor, announced on January 22, 2025, highlights their contributions to bringing the stage adaptation of the series to , emphasizing revival of musical theater properties with broad cultural resonance. The award was presented at the 91st Annual ceremony on May 16, 2025, alongside other special recognitions for theater contributions. No additional personal nominations or honors for Meron have been documented in major industry awards bodies, such as the or Primetime Emmys, following his last recorded Emmy recognition in 2018. This Gratitude Award stands as a targeted acknowledgment of his ongoing producing efforts in live theater amid a period focused on high-profile revivals.

Legacy and Impact

Contributions to Musical Revivals

Meron, in partnership with the late , played a pivotal role in revitalizing the film musical genre, which had languished after commercial disappointments such as the 1969 Hello, Dolly!. Their production of the 2002 film adaptation of , directed by and starring and , grossed over $306 million worldwide and won six , including Best Picture, marking the first such win for a musical since Oliver! in 1968. This success demonstrated the viability of stage-to-screen musical adaptations, encouraging to invest in the form. Building on this momentum, Meron and Zadan produced the 2007 film version of , directed by , which earned $300 million globally and received two Academy Award nominations, further solidifying their influence in resurrecting cinematic musicals. Their approach emphasized faithful yet accessible adaptations that appealed to contemporary audiences, blending authenticity with broad commercial appeal. Subsequent projects, such as the 2014 film , extended this revival by adapting Stephen Sondheim's 1987 stage musical, though it received mixed critical reception for tonal shifts. On Broadway, Meron contributed to stage revivals that refreshed classic works for modern theatergoers. The duo produced the 2010 revival of Promises, Promises, starring Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth, which ran for 1,281 performances and earned two Tony Awards, including for Best Revival of a Musical. They followed with the 2011 revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, featuring Daniel Radcliffe in his Broadway debut, which garnered a Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical and highlighted innovative casting to draw younger demographics. These efforts underscored Meron's strategy of leveraging star power and updated staging to sustain interest in mid-20th-century musicals. Meron also advanced musical revivals through live television broadcasts, pioneering a format that echoed 1950s telecasts while adapting to digital-era production. Productions like The Sound of Music Live! (2013), Peter Pan Live! (2014), and The Wiz Live! (2015) attracted 18-22 million viewers each, reviving public engagement with full-cast performances of iconic scores and inspiring networks to produce similar events, such as Fox's Grease: Live. This medium extended Meron's revival work beyond theaters and cinemas, fostering a hybrid model that preserved musical theater's narrative and performative essence amid declining traditional attendance.

Influence on LGBTQ+ Representation in Media

Meron, alongside longtime producing partner , advanced LGBTQ+ visibility through Storyline Entertainment's television projects that centered real-life struggles of gay and lesbian individuals against institutional discrimination. Their 1995 NBC film Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story, starring as the U.S. Army Colonel discharged under regulations barring homosexuals from service, dramatized events leading to her landmark 1994 lawsuit and reinstatement, drawing 23 million viewers on premiere and securing a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Movie along with Emmy nominations for Close and director Jeff Bleckner. Aired three years before the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy's implementation, the film spotlighted military bias, contributing to early-1990s public discourse on in the armed forces without endorsing broader policy shifts. In 2001, they executive produced Lifetime's , based on the case of Sandy Schuster, a whose parental rights to her late partner's biological children were contested post-1992 death, emphasizing custody vulnerabilities under then-prevalent state laws denying equivalence. The film, directed by Maggie Greenwald and featuring , aligned with contemporaneous legal battles, such as Vermont's civil unions legislation, by portraying familial bonds independent of recognition. These and analogous efforts, including advocacy for gay rights narratives from their careers' outset, positioned Meron and Zadan as pioneers in network television depictions, earning the 2012 Vito Russo Award from for fostering equality through media. Openly gay since early professional years, their selections prioritized empirical stories of resilience amid prejudice, influencing subsequent LGBTQ+-themed programming by demonstrating commercial viability—Serving in Silence outperformed many contemporaries in ratings—while and citations affirm peer recognition, though impact metrics remain tied to viewership and awards rather than direct attitudinal surveys.

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