Lionsgate Ups Studiocanal Distribution Agreement

2 Nov, 2017 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Lionsgate and Studiocanal Nov. 2 kicked off the American Film Market in Santa Monica, Calif., announcing a new multiyear agreement. The pact strengthens Lionsgate’s upcoming release slate with an animated film from Oscar-winning Aardman Studios and two live-action theatrical titles. The agreement also encompasses two Studiocanal properties currently in development.

The pact includes domestic rights to Shaun The Sheep Movie 2, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed original that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2015. Live-action releases include the action thriller Hard Powder, starring Liam Neeson, Laura Dern and Golden Globe nominee Emmy Rossum, and adventure tale The Mercy for Roadside Attractions, teaming Oscar winners Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz.

Lionsgate’s relationship with Paris-based Studiocanal began in 2010 with horror thriller The Last Exorcism, followed by Shaun the Sheep Movie and upcoming thriller The Commuter, slated for a Jan. 12, 2018, and the prehistoric comedy Early Man, opening on Feb. 16, 2018.

“They bring to our slate a mix of live-action and animated event films driven by AAA talent that will continue to enhance the strength and diversity of our portfolio for years to come,” Steve Beeks, co-COO and motion picture group co-president at Lionsgate, said in a statement.

The Santa Monica, Calif.-based studio also distributes Studiocanal’s 6,500-title film library in North America through home entertainment channels. Studiocanal has a long-term output deal for Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment titles in Australia and New Zealand. The two companies are partnered in the Elevation Sales home entertainment joint venture founded in 2004 in the United Kingdom.

“Lionsgate is a terrific partner with a proven track record of success in handling our films,” said Anna Marsh, EVP of international distribution at Studiocanal.
 

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