Studio to pay contest winner's mortgage

Culver City, Calif -- Hollywood's Columbia Pictures announced it has established a contest to pay off a family's home mortgage in connection with its new film "Hancock."

The studio said its "Hancock's Helping Hand Mortgage" payoff contest was inspired by the upcoming Will Smith-Charlize Theron action comedy, "Hancock," which opens July 2.

Columbia Pictures described the title character as "a misunderstood superhero who is encouraged to improve his public image when he meets a good-hearted public relations executive."

The studio said it will pay off the mortgage debt of one deserving family, with a grand prize worth up to $360,000.

Those who wish to enter can find the official contest rules at www.Hancockmovie.com

Entrants are to write a 200-word essay explaining why they deserve the grand prize.

The contest will run through July 6.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.