SANTA MONICA, Calif.,
March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and
premium subscription platform STARZ have closed a multiyear
exclusive first window output deal for all theatrically released
Lionsgate and Summit label films when current agreements expire at
the end of 2021 and end of 2022, respectively, the two companies
announced today.
The agreement will bring to STARZ such blockbuster franchises as
JOHN WICK, starring Keanu Reeves, BORDERLANDS, based on the
best-selling video game franchise, directed by Eli Roth and starring a world-class cast
including Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett,
Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jack Black, WHITE BIRD: A WONDER STORY,
featuring Helen Mirren and
Gillian Anderson in the follow-up to
Lionsgate's breakout box office phenomenon, Kelly Fremon Craig's ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME,
MARGARET, produced by Academy Award® winner James L. Brooks and adapted from the beloved
Judy Blume classic, and The Hunger
Games prequel based on Suzanne
Collins' runaway bestseller THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS &
SNAKES, to be helmed by Hunger Games franchise director
Francis Lawrence and produced by
Nina Jacobson. Future
installments of the SAW franchise will also be included under the
deal.
"This agreement is the next logical step in capitalizing on the
combination of our two companies," said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. "It gives our brands and
franchises an exciting new platform home, accelerates the
convergence of our studio and platform businesses and will support
STARZ's continued growth into one of the world's leading premium
subscription platforms."
"We're pleased to continue deepening our premium content
offering for our subscribers with Lionsgate's highly anticipated
films featuring some of today's biggest stars," said Alison Hoffman, President of Domestic Networks
for Starz. "Combining our strong slate of original programming
focused on narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented
audiences with Lionsgate's diverse pipeline of both commercially
successful and critically acclaimed franchises further enhances the
value proposition we bring to our subscribers and partners."
"We are immensely proud of our exciting, commercially broad and
creatively varied film slate," said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Chairman Joe Drake. "With a
focus on attracting A-list storytellers and stars to collaborate on
a slate filled with big branded entertainment, Lionsgate's content
strategy amplifies and aligns perfectly with STARZ's premium
high-end programming. This deal is a win for moviegoers as our
films find an even broader post-theatrical audience on STARZ's
streaming and traditional platforms."
"Demand for movies has never been greater, and this agreement
has significant benefits for our Company, our consumers and our
partners," said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television
Distribution Jim Packer. "It
represents a great opportunity to continue monetizing our robust
theatrical slate while supporting the continued strong growth of
STARZ."
STARZ is a premium global subscription platform with 28 million
subscribers, more than half of whom are streaming
subscribers. It offers subscribers more than 7,500 premium
television episodes and feature films, including STARZ original
series, first-run movies, and other popular programming. It
recently launched its vanguard #TakeTheLead initiative highlighting
its leadership in streaming premium content that spotlights a
spectrum of women both in front of and behind the camera for
audiences worldwide.
About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company
(NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is the global media company taking the lead
in streaming premium content that spotlights a spectrum of women
both in front of and behind the camera for audiences worldwide.
Starz is home to the flagship domestic
STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium
pay TV channels and the associated on-demand and online services,
as well as the proprietary and highly-rated STARZ app. In 2018
Starz launched its Starzplay international premium streaming
platform and, coupled with its Starz Play Arabia venture, has since
expanded its global footprint into 50 countries throughout
Europe, Latin America, Canada, Japan
and India. The essential
complement to any subscription platform, STARZ and Starzplay are
available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video
distributors, including cable operators, satellite television
providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. Starz
offers subscribers more than 7,500 distinct premium television
episodes and feature films, including STARZ Original series,
first-run movies and other popular programming.
About Lionsgate
Combining the STARZ premium global subscription platform with
world-class motion picture and television studio operations,
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) brings a unique and varied portfolio
of entertainment to consumers around the world. Its film,
television, subscription and location-based entertainment
businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and the largest
collection of film and television franchises in the independent
media space. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial
culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is
synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for the
audiences it serves worldwide.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Peter D. Wilkes
Lionsgate
pwilkes@lionsgate.com
310-255-3726
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SOURCE Lionsgate
