MUMBAI: Reflecting its continued growth in a major international territory, Lionsgate has forged an output deal with Disney’s Buena Vista International (BVI), for distribution of its titles in Russia and the rest of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The agreement will kick off with Lionsgate’s revenge thriller Sicario this fall and will also encompass titles as: Francis Lawrence’s adventure fantasy, The Odyssey; the first live action Saban’s Power Rangers film; and the film adaptation of Hasbro’s Monopoly.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Buena Vista International through this output agreement in a major territory with enormous upside. We’re pleased to continue building our BVI relationship with a powerful, commercially exciting slate loaded with blockbuster tentpoles, potential franchises and star-driven event films,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman and Lionsgate International COO Andrew Kramer.
“BVI’s stature, experience and tremendous track record coupled with Lionsgate’s diverse film portfolio promise significant upside for both companies. This new output agreement reflects our commitment to Russia and our continued emergence as a creative force in the global marketplace,” added Lionsgate EVP of international sales Crystal Bourbeau.
Lionsgate previously teamed with BVI on Summit Entertainment label films including the Japanese release of the action thriller Red, the release of the Step Up franchise in Japan and the Spanish and Japanese releases of Source Code and Tree of Life. Most recently, both companies announced that they will be launching the fourth installment of the global blockbuster The Hunger Games franchise, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, on 19 November in Russia and CIS.
