Lionsgate Firms Up Distribution Pact with Skydance Media

SANTA MONICA/VANCOUVER: A deal between Lionsgate and Skydance Media sees the formation of Skydance International, a newly formed label that will house TV properties around the world following their initial U.S. broadcast.

The global distribution pact will encompass programming led by Skydance’s Emmy-nominated television series Grace and Frankie and the drama Manhattan (produced in partnership with Lionsgate and Tribune Studios). It will also feature a number of new properties that Skydance is developing for the international television marketplace. These include Lore, which is executive produced by McG (Supernatural) and written by Zack Stentz (X-Men: First Class), and Madness of Angels, which is inspired by Kate Griffin’s six-book fantasy series.

The move augments Lionsgate’s worldwide distribution pipeline and allows the two companies to tap opportunities across the global TV marketplace. Lionsgate currently distributes nearly 2,000 hours of TV programming annually around the world.

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Skydance Media, one of the hottest and most dynamic film and television studios in the industry,” said Lionsgate's president of worldwide television and digital distribution, Jim Packer. “The Skydance brand is synonymous with big, bold, quality entertainment events, and their television slate complements our global distribution pipeline. We’re excited to partner with them on all forms of global distribution, from the traditional to the disruptive, and we’ll focus on innovative deals that reflect today’s dynamic television ecosystem.”

“We believe joining together with Lionsgate—one of the most cutting-edge and creative content companies in the world—will strongly position the Skydance Media brand for success as we make our debut in the international television marketplace,” said Skydance Media's founder and CEO, David Ellison. “We’ve worked hard to create premium, branded content that will resonate with audiences worldwide, and this new partnership with Lionsgate will accelerate our ability to distribute our shows far and wide across platforms and around the globe in conjunction with the launch of Skydance International.”

“As part of today’s announcement, we are excited to welcome Brandon Zimon to the Skydance Media team as senior VP of international television sales and co-productions,” added Skydance's COO, Jesse Sisgold. “In this important new role, Brandon will be responsible for collaborating with Lionsgate to expand the reach of our new and existing television properties around the world and for independently executing international television acquisitions for Skydance Media.”