<PAGE>

                                 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

          THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of this 9th day of February, 1998, by and
between GETTY IMAGES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), whose
principal executive offices are located at 500 North Michigan Avenue, Suite
1700, Chicago, Illinois 60611 and MARK TORRANCE, an individual whose mailing
address is 2013 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121 (the "EXECUTIVE").

                                 W I T N E S S E T H:

          WHEREAS, the Executive is presently serving as Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of PhotoDisc, Inc. ("PHOTODISC"); and

          WHEREAS, Getty Communications, plc, the predecessor to the Company, is
a party to a merger agreement dated as of September 15, 1997 (the "MERGER
AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which PhotoDisc shall merge into a merger subsidiary of
the Company; and  

          WHEREAS, the Company seeks to employ the Executive and the Executive
seeks to become employed by the Company; and

          WHEREAS, both parties desire that the terms and conditions of the
Executive's employment with the Company be governed by the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual
covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

          1.   EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES.

          (a)  GENERAL.  The Company hereby employs the Executive, effective as
of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the
"EFFECTIVE DATE"), and the Executive agrees upon the terms and conditions herein
set forth to serve, effective as of the Effective Date, as Co-Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD").  In such capacity, the
Executive shall report directly and only to the Board.  The Executive's
principal place of business shall be Seattle, Washington.

          (b)  SERVICES AND DUTIES.  For so long as the Executive is employed 
by the Company, the Executive shall devote his full business time to the 
performance of his duties hereunder; shall faithfully serve the Company; 
shall in all respects conform to and comply with the lawful and good faith 
directions and instructions given to him by the Board as the same are 
consistent with his status and the terms hereof; and shall use his best 
efforts to promote and serve the interests of the Company.  Specifically, the 
Executive shall share equal duties and authority with his Co-Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer for the financial performance of 

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                                      2

the Company, the management of the Company's shareholders, developing 
strategic alliances and partnerships and maximizing their commercial 
benefits, communications to both internal and external audiences and external 
relationships with business, industry and academic communities and strategic 
leadership.  In addition, the Executive shall be jointly responsible with his 
Co-Chairman for chairing the Board and managing relationships with members 
and provide leadership for the research and development function of the 
Company.  The Executive shall have a special emphasis on technology and 
corporate culture.  It is expressly acknowledged that the Executive may be 
required to travel to London, England in order to perform his duties 
hereunder.

          (c)  NO OTHER EMPLOYMENT.  Except as provided below, for so long as
the Executive is employed by the Company, he shall not, directly or indirectly,
render services to any other person or organization for which he receives
compensation without the prior approval of the Board.  No such approval will be
required if the Executive seeks to perform inconsequential services without
direct compensation therefor in connection with the management of personal
investments or in connection with the performance of charitable and civic
activities, provided that such activities do not contravene the provisions of
Section 6 hereof.  In addition, the Company expressly agrees that the Executive
may continue his management activities relating to the Torrance Real Estate
Partnership, WestLake Marina, PDI LLP, and Marshall Building LLP; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the foregoing shall not compromise in any way the Executive's
obligation to carry out his duties hereunder as set forth in Section 1(b).

          (d)  BOARD MEMBERSHIP.  The Executive shall be a member of the Board
and of the Executive Committee.  In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to
attend the meetings of all other committees of the Board, such as the Audit
Committee and the Compensation Committee, and shall be a member of any strategy
committee of the Board.  After his initial term as director, the Company shall
nominate the Executive for reelection to the Board and shall use all reasonable
efforts to cause the Executive to be elected to such term.  

          2.   TERM OF EMPLOYMENT.  The term of the Executive's employment under
this Agreement (the "TERM") shall commence on the Effective Date and continue
until the second anniversary date of the Effective Date.  Thereafter, the Term
shall continue until it is terminated by either party giving the other at least
twelve months' written notice of termination of the Term, with no such notice to
be given so as to expire before the third anniversary of the Effective Date.

          3.   COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS.  Subject to the provisions of
this Agreement, the Company shall pay and provide the following compensation and
other benefits to the Executive during the Term as compensation for all services
rendered hereunder:

          (a)  SALARY.  The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual salary
(the "SALARY") at the initial rate of $275,000 (retroactive to February 1,
1998), payable to the 

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                                      3

Executive in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company for 
its executive officers as are in effect from time to time. The amount of the 
Executive's Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board on or about April 
1 of each year during the Term beginning in the 1999 calendar year and may be 
increased, but not decreased below such amount, on the basis of such review 
and then-current market practices. 

          (b)  ANNUAL BONUS. During the Term, the Executive shall be eligible 
for each calendar year within the Term to participate in an annual incentive 
bonus program established by the Company in accordance with the policies of 
the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates (hereinafter, collectively the 
"GROUP") and subject to such terms and conditions as may be approved annually 
by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE").   
Under the terms of the annual incentive bonus program, the Executive will be 
afforded the opportunity to earn up to 50% of his Salary (the "BONUS") in 
effect for the applicable calendar year if the Company achieves the 
performance targets established by the Compensation Committee for that year, 
to be paid on a pro-rata basis in the event that the Executive is employed 
for less than twelve months of any calendar year within the Term (for 
purposes of determining the 1998 Bonus, the Executive shall be deemed to have 
commenced employment as of January 1, 1998). 

          (c)  STOCK OPTIONS.  Effective as of the Closing Date (as defined 
in the Merger Agreement), the Company shall grant the Executive an option 
(the "DEAL OPTION") to purchase 50,000 shares of the common stock of the 
Company pursuant to the terms of the Company's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the 
"OPTION PLAN").  The per share exercise price of the Deal Option shall equal 
the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the Closing Date, as 
determined in accordance with the terms of the Option Plan.  The Deal Option 
shall vest and become exercisable in full on February 1, 1999.  Also 
effective as of the Effective Date, the Company shall grant the Executive an 
option (the "OPTION") to purchase 500,000 shares of the common stock of the 
Company pursuant to the terms of the Option Plan. The per share exercise 
price of the Option shall equal the fair market value of a share of Common 
Stock on the Closing Date, as determined in accordance with the terms of the 
Option Plan.  The Option shall vest and become exercisable as to 25% on 
February 1, 1999; the remainder of the Option shall vest ratably on the first 
day of each month over the following three years.  Both the Deal Option and 
the Option shall be subject to the terms of the Option Plan and to such other 
terms and conditions as may be specified by the Compensation Committee in the 
form of a standard option agreement between the Company and the Executive.  
In the event that the Executive ceases to be an employee of the Company for 
any reason other than (i) if he is terminated for "Cause", "Disability" or on 
account of his death, or (ii) if he resigns without "Good Reason" (as each 
such term is defined below), the vesting under both the Deal Option and 
Option shall accelerate and all options thereunder shall become immediately 
exercisable and the Executive shall be entitled to retain such options, for 
the remainder of their respective terms, as if he had remained an employee of 
the Company.  In the event that the Executive ceases to be an employee of the 
Company because he is terminated for Cause or resigns without Good Reason, 
the Executive shall be entitled to retain the then-vested portion of such 

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                                      4

options as if he had remained an employee of the Company, but the unvested 
portion of such options shall lapse.  In the event of the Executive's death 
or Disability (as defined below), the vesting under both the Deal Option and 
Option shall accelerate and all options thereunder shall become immediately 
exercisable and shall remain outstanding for a period of twelve (12) months.  

          (d)  PENSION SCHEME AND LIFE INSURANCE.  During the Term, the 
Company shall pay, in addition to amounts payable under Sections 3(a) and (b) 
above, an amount equal to 20% of the Executive's Salary through equal monthly 
contributions in arrears, which amounts shall either be paid to the Executive 
as additional compensation or, to the extent the Executive so elects with 
respect to any such payments not yet earned by him, be paid into a 
non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement that will enable him to 
effectively defer such compensation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  In 
addition, during the Term, the Company shall maintain a life insurance policy 
on the life of the Executive for the benefit of the Executive's estate 
providing a benefit equal to the greater of (i) $750,000 and (ii) four times 
the Executive's Salary (and maximum Bonus).

          (e)  COMPANY AUTOMOBILE.  During the Term, the Company will provide 
the Executive with an automobile of such make and model as the Board deems 
appropriate and suitable for his status with the Company for his sole use and 
will reimburse the Executive for all costs and expenses incurred by the 
Executive in connection with the use of that vehicle, or, at the Executive's 
sole discretion, the Company shall pay an equivalent amount of such 
perquisite to him as additional compensation.

          (f)  OTHER SPECIFIC BENEFITS.  The Company shall install and pay 
the rental and unit charges attributable to a dedicated business telephone 
and/or ISDN line at his home.  During the Term, the Company shall also pay 
for the Executive's purchase, line charges, rental and unit charges for his 
mobile phones.  The Company shall provide the Executive with a fax machine 
and computer modem to be installed at the Executive's home and a suitable 
desktop and laptop computer, as well as all ancillary equipment and 
maintenance therefor.  In addition, the Company will pay for the cost of the 
Executive's membership in or subscriptions to the internet service provider 
of his choice, and such professional memberships and journals as are 
appropriate to his duties under this Agreement.

          (g)  EXPENSES.  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive 
for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Executive in 
connection with his employment hereunder and expressly agrees that it will 
reimburse the Executive for his business class airfare on international 
flights which are over five hours in duration taken in connection with 
Company business.  Such expenses shall be paid upon the periodic submission 
of invoices and shall be paid reasonably promptly after the date of such 
invoice.  The reimbursement of expenses under this Section 3(g) shall be 
subject to the Executive's providing the Company with such documentation of 
the expenses as the Company may from time to time reasonably request.  The 
Company also agrees that, in the event that the Executive is required 

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                                      5

to travel abroad in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder 
for a period in excess of two weeks, the Company will reimburse the Executive 
for the airfare, hotel and other transportation expenses only of his spouse 
and minor children so that they may accompany him on such trip.

          (h)  WELFARE AND FRINGE BENEFITS.  During the Term, the Executive
shall be eligible to participate in the Company's medical and disability plans
applicable to senior officers of the Company in accordance with the terms of
such plans as in effect from time to time.  The Executive shall participate in
any disability plan of the Company that replaces his Salary under this Agreement
in the event that he suffers a Disability (as defined in Section 4(b) below).

          (i)  LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM.  During the Term, the Executive
shall participate in all long-term incentive plans and programs of the Company
that are applicable to its senior officers in accordance with their terms and in
a manner consistent with his position with the Company.  

          (j)  HOLIDAYS.  In addition to the usual public and bank holidays, the
Executive shall be entitled to thirty days' paid vacation annually, which shall
be taken at such times as are approved by the Board or the Executive Committee. 

          4.   TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.  Subject to the notice and other
provisions of this Section 4, as well as the provisions of Section 5.13 of the
Bylaws of the Company, the Company shall have the right to terminate the
Executive's employment hereunder, and he shall have the right to resign, at any
time for any reason or for no stated reason.

          (a)  TERMINATION FOR CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON.  (i)  If,
prior to the expiration of the Term, the Executive's employment is terminated by
the Company for Cause or if the Executive resigns from his employment hereunder
other than for Good Reason, he shall be entitled to payment of the pro rata
portion of his Salary, accrued Bonus and supplemental pension contributions as
described in Section 3(d) through and including the date of termination or
resignation as well as any unreimbursed expenses.  Except to the extent required
by the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plan or program or as
otherwise required by applicable law, the Executive shall have no rights under
this Agreement or otherwise to receive any other compensation or to participate
in any other plan, program or arrangement after such termination or resignation
of employment with respect to the year of such termination or resignation and
later years.

          (ii) Termination for "CAUSE" shall mean termination of the Executive's
employment with the Company because of (A) willful or persistently repeated
material non-performance of the Executive's duties to the Company (other than by
reason of the incapacity of the Executive due to physical or mental illness)
after notice by the Board of such failure and 

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                                      6

the Executive's non-performance and continued, willful or persistently 
repeated material non-performance after such notice, (B) the indictment of 
the Executive for a felony offense, (C) fraud against the Group or any 
willful misconduct that brings the reputation of the Group into serious 
disrepute or causes the Executive to cease to be able to perform his duties, 
(D) any other material breach by the Executive of any material term of this 
Agreement, or (E) the Executive files for personal bankruptcy under the 
United States Bankruptcy Code.

          (iii)     Termination of the Executive's employment for Cause shall be
communicated by delivery to the Executive of a written notice from the Company
stating that the Executive has been terminated for Cause, specifying the
particulars thereof and the effective date of such termination.  The date of a
resignation by the Executive without Good Reason shall be the date specified in
a written notice of resignation from the Executive to the Company.  The
Executive shall provide at least 90 days' advance written notice of resignation
without Good Reason.

          (b)  INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION.  (i)  If, prior to the expiration of the
Term, the Company terminates the Executive's employment for any reason other
than Disability or Cause or Executive resigns from his employment hereunder for
Good Reason (collectively hereinafter referred to as an "INVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION"), the Company shall pay to the Executive his Salary and Bonus
accrued up to and including the date of such Involuntary Termination, as well as
any unreimbursed expenses.  In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive
as severance (the "SEVERANCE PAYMENTS") within 30 days after the date of
termination a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the sum of his Salary, at
the rate in effect immediately prior to such Involuntary Termination, plus his
maximum Bonus as described in Section 3(b) and his supplemental pension
contributions as described in Section 3(d), in each case for the remainder of
the Term.  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, no
amounts shall be payable under this Section 4(b) if the Executive's employment
with the Company ends at the expiration of the Term in accordance with
Section 2.

          (ii) In the event of the Executive's Involuntary Termination, the
Executive shall continue to participate on the same terms and conditions as are
in effect immediately prior to such termination or resignation in the Company's
health and medical plans provided to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(h)
above at the time of such Involuntary Termination for a period equal to the
longer of (A) two years following the Involuntary Termination or (B) the
remainder of the Term (the "CONTINUATION PERIOD").  Anything herein to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall have no obligation to continue to
maintain during the Continuation Period any plan or program solely as a result
of the provisions of this Agreement but this obligation shall apply in respect
of any substitute or replacement plan.

          (iii)     Resignation for "GOOD REASON" shall mean resignation by
Executive because of (A) an adverse and material change in the Executive's
duties, titles or reporting responsibilities, (B) a material breach by the
Company of any term of the Agreement, (C) a reduction in the Executive's Salary
or bonus opportunity or the failure of the Company to pay 

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                                      7

the Executive any material amount of compensation when due, (D) failure by 
the Company to nominate the Executive for reelection to the Board during the 
Term, (E) the failure of the Executive to be reelected to the Board during 
the Term, or (F) a relocation of the Executive's principal place of business 
without his prior written consent.  The Company shall have 30 business days 
from the date of receipt of such notice to effect a cure of the material 
breach described therein and, upon cure thereof by the Company to the 
reasonable satisfaction of the Executive, such material breach shall no 
longer constitute Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement.  

          (iv) The date of termination of employment without Cause shall be the
date specified in a written notice of termination to the Executive.  The date of
resignation for Good Reason shall be the date specified in a written notice of
resignation from the Executive to the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such
written notice shall be effective unless the cure period specified in Section
4(b)(iii) above has expired without the Company having corrected, to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Executive, the event or events subject to cure.

          (c)  TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CHANGE IN CONTROL.  In the event of a
Change in Control (defined as it is for purposes of the Option Plan), the
Executive shall have the right to resign his employment with the Company and
will be entitled to receive within 30 days a lump sum payment in an amount equal
to the Executive's Salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such
Involuntary Termination, plus his maximum Bonus as described in Section 3(b) and
his supplemental pension contributions as described in Section 3(d), in each
case for the remainder of the Term. In addition, the Executive shall continue to
participate on the same terms and conditions as are in effect immediately prior
to such resignation in the Company's health and medical plans provided to the
Executive pursuant to Section 3(h) above at the time of such resignation for the
a period equal to the longer of (A) two years following the resignation or (B)
the remainder of the Term (the "CIC CONTINUATION PERIOD").  Anything herein to
the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall have no obligation to continue
to maintain during the CIC Continuation Period any plan or program solely as a
result of the provisions of this Agreement but this obligation shall apply in
respect of any substitute or replacement plan. 

          (d)  TERMINATION DUE TO DISABILITY.  In the event of the Executive's
Disability (as hereinafter defined), the Company shall be entitled to terminate
his employment upon providing the Executive with six months' prior written
notice.  If the Company terminates the Executive's employment due to Disability,
the Executive shall be entitled to receive, for the remainder of the Term, his
Salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to his Disability, plus his
maximum Bonus as described in Section 3(b) and supplemental pension
contributions as described in Section 3(d), less any sums paid to the Executive
under any disability plan of the Company.  In addition, the Executive shall
continue to be covered by the Company's health and medical benefit plans as
described in Section 3(h) for the longer of (A) two years or (B) the remainder
of the Term.  As used in this Section 4(d), the term "DISABILITY" shall mean a
physical or mental incapacity that substantially prevents the Executive from
performing his 

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                                      8

duties hereunder and that has continued for at least six of the last twelve 
months and that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. Any 
dispute as to whether or not the Executive is disabled within the meaning of 
the preceding sentence shall be resolved by a physician reasonably 
satisfactory to the Executive and the Company, and the determination of such 
physician shall be final and binding upon both the Executive and the Company.

          (e)  DEATH.  In the event of the Executive's death, the Executive's
Beneficiary shall be entitled to receive within 30 days a lump sum payment in an
amount equal to the Executive's Salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior
to his death, plus his maximum Bonus as described in Section 3(b) and
supplemental pension contributions as described in Section 3(d), in each case
for the remainder of the Term, less any death benefits which are provided to the
Executive's Beneficiary under the terms of any plan, program or arrangement
referred to in Section 3(d) or 3(h) applicable to the Executive at the time of
death.  In addition, the Executive's spouse and then-eligible dependents shall
continue to participate on the same terms and conditions as are in effect
immediately prior to such termination or resignation in the Company's health and
medical plans provided pursuant to Section 3(h) above at the time of the
Executive's death for a period equal to the longer of (A) two years following
his death or (B) the remainder of the Term (the "DEATH CONTINUATION PERIOD"). 
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall have no
obligation to continue to maintain during the Death Continuation Period any plan
or program solely as a result of the provisions of this Agreement but this
obligation shall apply in respect of any substitute or replacement plan.

          (f)  BENEFICIARY.  For purposes of this Agreement, except as provided
in Section 3(d) or 3(h), "BENEFICIARY" shall mean the person or persons
designated in writing by the Executive to receive benefits under a plan, program
or arrangement or to receive the balance of the Severance Payments, if any, in
the event of the Executive's death, or, if no such person or persons are
designated by the Executive, the Executive's estate.  No Beneficiary designation
shall be effective unless it is in writing and received by the Company prior to
the date of the Executive's death.

          5.   LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

          Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if any of the
payments made hereunder would constitute a "PARACHUTE PAYMENT" (as defined in
Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code")), and the net after-tax amount of the parachute payment is less than the
net after-tax amount if the aggregate payments to be made to the Employee were
three times his "BASE AMOUNT" (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code),
less $1.00, then the aggregate of the amounts constituting the parachute payment
shall be reduced to an amount that will equal three times the base amount, less
$1.00.  The determinations to be made with respect to this Section 5 shall be
made by an independent accounting firm of national standing (other than the
Company's regular auditors).  The accounting firm shall be paid by the Company
for its services performed hereunder.

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                                      9

          6.   PROTECTION OF THE COMPANY'S INTERESTS.

          (a)  NO COMPETING EMPLOYMENT.  For so long as the Executive is 
employed by the Company, and in circumstances where the Executive receives a 
payment pursuant to Section 4(b), 4(c) or 4(d) or his employment is 
terminated for Cause, and in no other circumstances, continuing for the 
remainder of the Term (such period being referred to hereinafter as the 
"RESTRICTED PERIOD"), the Executive shall not, without the prior written 
consent of the Board, directly or indirectly, own an interest in, manage, 
operate, join, control, lend money or render financial or other assistance to 
or participate in or be connected with, as an officer, employee, partner, 
stockholder, consultant or otherwise, any individual, partnership, firm, 
corporation or other business organization or entity that competes with the 
Group by providing any goods or services provided or under development by the 
Group at the effective date of the Executive's termination of employment 
under this Agreement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this Section 6(a) shall not 
proscribe the Executive's ownership, either directly or indirectly, of either 
less than five percent of any class of securities which are listed on a 
national securities exchange or quoted on the automated quotation system of 
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or any limited 
partnership investment over which the Executive has no control.  

          (b)  NO INTERFERENCE.  During the Restricted Period, in 
circumstances where the Executive receives a payment pursuant to Section 
4(b), 4(c) or 4(d) or his employment is terminated for Cause, and in no other 
circumstances, the Executive shall not, whether for his own account or for 
the account of any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other 
business organization (other than the Company), intentionally endeavor to 
entice away from the Group, or otherwise interfere with the relationship of 
the Group with, any key person or team who is employed by or otherwise 
engaged to perform services for the Group or any key person or team or entity 
who is, or was within the then most recent twelve-month period, a customer, 
client or supplier of the Group.

          (c)  SECRECY.  The Executive recognizes that the services to be 
performed by him hereunder are special, unique and extraordinary in that, by 
reason of his employment hereunder, he may acquire confidential information 
and trade secrets concerning the operation of the Group, the use or 
disclosure of which could cause the Group substantial losses and damages 
which could not be readily calculated and for which no remedy at law would be 
adequate. Accordingly, the Executive covenants and agrees with the Company 
that he will not at any time, except in performance of the Executive's 
obligations to the Company hereunder or with the prior written consent of the 
Board, directly or indirectly disclose to any person any secret or 
confidential information that he may learn or has learned by reason of his 
association with the Group.  The term "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means any 
information not previously disclosed to the public or to the trade by the 
Group with respect to the Group's, products, facilities and methods, trade 
secrets and other intellectual property, systems, procedures, manuals, 
confidential reports, product price lists, customer lists, financial 
information 

<PAGE>

                                      10

(including the revenues, costs or profits associated with any of 
the Group's products), business plans, prospects or opportunities.

          (d)  EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY.  The Executive confirms that all 
confidential information is and shall remain the exclusive property of the 
Group.  All business records, papers and documents kept or made by the 
Executive relating to the business of the Group shall be and remain the 
property of the Group.  Upon the termination of his employment with the 
Company or upon the request of the Company at any time, the Executive shall 
promptly deliver to the Company, and shall not without the consent of the 
Board retain copies of, any written materials not previously made available 
to the public, or records and documents made by the Executive or coming into 
his possession concerning the business or affairs of the Group; PROVIDED, 
HOWEVER, that subsequent to any such termination, the Company shall provide 
the Executive with copies (the cost of which shall be borne by the Executive) 
of any documents which are requested by the Executive and which the Executive 
has determined in good faith are (i) required to establish a defense to a 
claim that the Executive has not complied with his duties hereunder or (ii) 
necessary to the Executive in order to comply with applicable law.

          (e)  ASSIGNMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS.  All "DEVELOPMENTS" (as defined 
below) that were or are at any time made, conceived or suggested by 
Executive, whether acting alone or in conjunction with others, during 
Executive's employment with the Group shall be the sole and absolute property 
of the Group, free of any reserved or other rights of any kind on the part of 
Executive. During Executive's employment and, if such Developments were made, 
conceived or suggested by Executive during his employment with the Group, 
thereafter, Executive shall promptly make full disclosure of any such 
Developments to the Group and, at the Group's cost and expense, do all acts 
and things (including, among others, the execution and delivery under oath of 
patent and copyright applications and instruments of assignment) deemed by 
the Group to be necessary or desirable at any time in order to effect the 
full assignment to the Group of Executive's right and title, if any, to such 
Developments.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term "DEVELOPMENTS" shall 
mean all data, discoveries, findings, reports, designs, inventions, 
improvements, methods, practices, techniques, programs, concepts, and ideas, 
whether or not patentable, relating to the activities of the Group of which 
Executive is as of the date of this Agreement aware or of which Executive 
becomes aware at any time during the Term, excluding any Development for 
which no equipment, supplies, facilities or confidential information of the 
Group was used and which was developed entirely on Executive's own time, 
unless (i) the Development relates directly to the business of the Group, 
(ii) the Development relates to actual or demonstrably anticipated research 
or development of the Group, or (iii) the Development results from any work 
performed by Executive for the Group (the foregoing is agreed to satisfy the 
written notice and other requirements of Section 49.44.140 of the Revised 
Code of Washington).  It is understood that for purposes of this Section 
6(e), the fact that an invention was created using equipment provided by the 
Company for the Executive's personal use shall not create a presumption that 
such invention is a "Development."

<PAGE>

                                      11

          (f)  INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.  Without intending to limit the remedies 
available to the Company, the Executive acknowledges that a breach of any of 
the covenants contained in this Section 6 may result in material irreparable 
injury to the Group for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it 
will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, 
in the event of such a breach or threat thereof, the Company shall be 
entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary or 
permanent injunction restraining the Executive from engaging in activities 
prohibited by this Section 6 or such other relief as may be required to 
specifically enforce any of the covenants in this Section 6.  Without 
intending to limit the remedies available to the Executive, the Executive 
shall be entitled to seek specific performance of the Company's obligations 
under this Agreement.

          (g)  The Executive shall during the continuance of his employment 
(and shall procure that his spouse or partner and his minor children shall 
comply) comply with all applicable rules of law, stock exchange regulations 
and codes of conduct applicable to employees, officers and directors of the 
Company and any company which is a holding company or a subsidiary of the 
Company or a subsidiary of the Company's holding company (an "ASSOCIATED 
COMPANY") for the time being in force in relation to dealings in the shares, 
debentures and other securities of the Company or any Associated Company or 
any unpublished price sensitive information affecting the securities of any 
other company with which the Company has business dealings (provided that the 
Executive shall be entitled to exercise any options granted to him under any 
share option scheme established by the Company or any Associated Company 
subject to the rules of such scheme).

          (h)  The Executive shall in relation to any dealings in securities 
of overseas companies comply with all laws of any foreign state affecting 
dealings in the securities of such companies and all regulations of any 
relevant stock exchange on which such dealings take place.

          (i)  During the continuance of his employment, the Executive shall 
observe the terms of any policy issued by the Company in relation to 
payments, rebates, discounts, gifts, entertainment or other benefits 
("GRATUITIES") from any third party in respect of any business transacted or 
proposed to be transacted (whether or not by him) by or on behalf of the 
Group or any Associated Company.

          7.   GENERAL PROVISIONS.

          (a)  SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.  All payments provided under this 
Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to a plan which provides 
otherwise, shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company, and 
no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation of 
assets made, to assure payment.  The Executive shall have no right, title or 
interest whatever in or to any investments which the Company may make to aid 
the Company in meeting its obligations hereunder.  To the extent that any 
person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such 
right shall be no greater than the right 

<PAGE>

                                      12

of an unsecured creditor of the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this 
provision shall not be deemed to waive or abrogate any preferential or other 
rights to payment accruing to the Executive under applicable bankruptcy laws 
by virtue of the Executive's status as an employee of the Company.

          (b)  NO OTHER SEVERANCE BENEFITS.  Except as specifically set forth in
this Agreement, the Executive covenants and agrees that he shall not be entitled
to any other form of severance benefits from the Company, including, without
limitation, benefits otherwise payable under any of the Company's regular
severance policies, in the event his employment hereunder ends for any reason
and, except with respect to obligations of the Company expressly provided for
herein, the Executive unconditionally releases the Company and its subsidiaries
and affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees and
stockholders, or any of them, from any and all claims, liabilities or
obligations under this Agreement or under any severance or termination
arrangements of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates for
compensation or benefits in connection with his employment or the termination
thereof.

          (c)  TAX WITHHOLDING.  Payments to the Executive of all compensation
contemplated under this Agreement shall be subject to all applicable tax
withholding.

          (d)  NOTICES.  Any notice hereunder by either party to the other shall
be given in writing by personal delivery, or certified mail, return receipt
requested, or (if to the Company) by telex or facsimile, in any case delivered
to the applicable address set forth below:

          (i)  To the Company:     Getty Images, Inc.
                                   500 North Michigan Avenue
                                   Suite 1700
                                   Chicago, Illinois 60611
               
                                   With copies to:
               
                                   Shearman & Sterling 
                                   599 Lexington Avenue
                                   New York, New York 10022
                                   Attn.:  John J. Cannon, III, Esq.
               
                                   Shearman & Sterling 
                                   555 California Street
                                   San Francisco, CA 94104
                                   Attn.: Christopher D. Dillon, Esq.

                                   Clifford Chance

<PAGE>

                                      13

                                   200 Aldersgate Street
                                   London EC1A 4JJ England
                                   Attn.:  Michael Francies

          (ii) To the Executive:   Mark Torrance
                                   2013 Fourth Avenue
                                   Seattle, Washington 98121

or to such other persons or other addresses as either party may specify to 
the other in writing.

          (e)  REPRESENTATION BY THE EXECUTIVE.  The Executive represents and 
warrants that his entering into this Agreement does not, and that his 
performance under this Agreement and consummation of the transactions 
contemplated hereby will not, violate the provisions of any agreement or 
instrument to which the Executive is a party, or any decree, judgment or 
order to which the Executive is subject, and that this Agreement constitutes 
a valid and binding obligation of the Executive in accordance with its terms. 
 Breach of this representation will render all of the Company's obligations 
under this Agreement void AB INITIO.

          (f)  LIMITED WAIVER.  The waiver by the Company or the Executive of 
a violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement, whether express or 
implied, shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent 
violation of any such provision.

          (g)  ASSIGNMENT; ASSUMPTION OF AGREEMENT.  No right, benefit or 
interest hereunder shall be subject to assignment, encumbrance, charge, 
pledge, hypothecation or setoff by the Executive in respect of any claim, 
debt, obligation or similar process.  The Company will require any successor 
(whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) 
to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to 
assume expressly and to agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner 
and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no 
such succession had taken place.

          (h)  AMENDMENT; ACTIONS BY THE COMPANY.  This Agreement may not be 
amended, modified or canceled except by written agreement of the Executive 
and the Company.  Any and all determinations, judgments, reviews, 
verifications, adjustments, approvals, consents, waivers or other actions of 
the Company required or permitted under this Agreement shall be effective 
only if undertaken by the Company pursuant to authority granted by a 
resolution duly adopted by the Board; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that by resolution 
duly adopted in accordance with this Section 7(h), the Board may delegate its 
responsibilities hereunder to one or more of its members other than the 
Executive.

          (i)  SEVERABILITY.  If any term or provision hereof is determined 
to be invalid or unenforceable in a final court or arbitration proceeding, 
(i) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired and (ii) 
the invalid or unenforceable term or provision shall be deemed replaced by a 
term or provision 

<PAGE>

                                      14

that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the 
intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.

          (j)  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and 
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (determined 
without regard to the choice of law provisions thereof).

          (k)  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement sets forth the entire 
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the matters 
covered hereby and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the 
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

          (l)  HEADINGS.  The headings and captions of the sections of this 
Agreement are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not 
control the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.

          (m)  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed by the parties 
hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but both 
such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same document.

          (n)  DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES.  For statutory 
purposes, there is  no formal disciplinary procedure in relation to the 
Executive's employment. The Executive shall be expected to maintain the 
highest standards of integrity and behavior.  If the Executive has any 
grievance in relation to his employment or is not satisfied with any 
disciplinary procedure taken in relation to him, he may apply in writing 
within 14 days of that decision to the Board, whose decision shall be final.  
The foregoing shall not be construed, however, to limit the Executive's 
remedies at law or otherwise.

<PAGE>

                                      15

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective
as of the day and year first written above.


                                      GETTY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


                                      By:
                                         --------------------------------------
                                           Name: 
                                           Title:   


                                      EXECUTIVE


                                         --------------------------------------
                                           Mark Torrance