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Tag: Lionsgate

  • WWE Studios closes $35 million credit facility with Bank Of America Merrill Lynch

    WWE Studios closes $35 million credit facility with Bank Of America Merrill Lynch

    MUMBAI: Santa Monica, CA-based WWE Studios has closed on a revolving credit facility worth $35 million with Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML).  The deal comes after a multi-year successful run by the production company.

     

    With this new arrangement, WWE Studios expects to extend and grow their partnership base, which already includes Warner Bros., Lionsgate and 20th Century Fox.

     

    The proceeds of the facility will allow WWE Studios to execute further on its key strategy for long-term growth, increasing the number of mid-size budgets films, similar to The Call and Oculus, on its slate. The funds will also go toward the expansion of the acquisition slate.

     

    “WWE Studios is an amazing brand with a history of creating content with fascinating characters and storylines. This new facility will provide WWE Studios the capacity to build on the momentum from the last several years by producing and acquiring more branded and genre films.  The various platforms and global reach of both BofAML and WWE creates the perfect collaboration,” said Bank of America Merrill Lynch senior vice president Randy Hua.

     

    “This new relationship with Bank of America Merrill Lynch gives us the opportunity to be involved in higher profile films and expand talent relationships. Our audience craves larger-than-life stories, and we’re looking forward to using this new facility to bring even more of those stories to the big screen,” added WWE Studios president Michael Luisi.

     

    “The credit facility enhances WWE’s financial flexibility and is consistent with WWE’s film strategy and planned investment levels as previously communicated,” said WWE chief strategy and financial officer George Barrios.

     

    WWE Studios most recently launched a new label, Erebus Pictures, with media mogul Gene Simmons, which is set to finance and produce elevated horror movies.

     

    WWE Studios titles include The Call with Halle Berry and WWE Superstar David Otunga, Oculus directed by Mike Flanagan starring Karen Gillan and Katee Sackhoff,  Dead Man Down starring Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace, Terrence Howard and featuring WWE Superstar Bad News Barrett, The Marine franchise featuring WWE Superstars John Cena, The Miz and WWE Diva Summer Rae, and Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery, which paired animated versions of WWE Superstars with Scooby and the gang.  Upcoming releases include Incarnate with Blumhouse Pictures starring Aaron Eckhart and featuring WWE Superstar Mark Henry, and a sequel to Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery starring WWE legend Hulk Hogan.

  • Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group ups Patricia Laucella as president

    Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group ups Patricia Laucella as president

    MUMBAI: Reflecting the continued growth and evolution of the company’s motion picture operations, Lionsgate has promoted Patricia Laucella to president, business and legal affairs for its Motion Picture Group.

     

    Laucella will continue to report to Lionsgate general counsel and chief strategic officer Wayne Levin.

     

    In her expanded role, Laucella will oversee a business and legal affairs division responsible for negotiating the production and talent deals of a broad portfolio of films that have propelled Lionsgate into a major force at the global box office, generating approximately $2 billion worldwide each of the past three years.

     

    Laucella has handled production and talent deals for the last two Hunger Games films, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the 10th highest-grossing domestic box office release of all time, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 as well as the upcoming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. She has also structured and negotiated talent deals for director Francis Lawrence and Academy Award-winning superstar Jennifer Lawrence as well as many of the other principal Hunger Games cast members.

     

    In addition, Laucella has structured and negotiated production and talent deals for the first two installments of Lionsgate’s newest franchise, Divergentand Insurgent, the upcoming Allegiant and other upcoming event films such as Gods of Egypt, the epic re-imagining of ancient Egypt, the live actionPower Rangers series, Peter Berg’s action thriller Deepwater Horizon, starring Mark Wahlberg, the supernatural thriller The Last Witch Hunter, starring Vin Diesel, Damien Chazelle’s La La Land and Wonder, based on the long-running New York Times best-seller.

     

    “Patricia is a skilled financial strategist, superb negotiator and a great team leader. She and her team are providing critical legal support to an expanding portfolio of high profile event pictures, and her multidisciplinary business and legal skills combined with her leadership abilities have earned the respect of her colleagues throughout the Lionsgate family,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger and Levin.

     

    “I’m fortunate to work within the dynamic, innovative and entrepreneurial studio environment created by our amazingly talented senior management team, and it’s a thrill to play a role in assembling such an exciting pipeline of films. I’m also very lucky to work with such a skilled business and legal affairs team, and I’d like to extend particular thanks to my colleague and counterpart Robert Melnik, who is a pillar of Lionsgate’s business affairs activities and an incredibly adept talent negotiator,” added Laucella.

  • Lionsgate partners Comic-Con to launch online video service

    Lionsgate partners Comic-Con to launch online video service

    MUMBAI: As part of its ongoing commitment to deliver branded content to online audiences around the world, Lionsgate has partnered with Comic-Con International: San Diego on a subscription video-on-demand service that will launch later this year.

     

    The new service will launch with a broad portfolio of content including original short-form content created exclusively for the channel’s subscribers, films and television series from Lionsgate and other studios designed to appeal to the diverse interests of Comic-Con’s fan base as well as exclusive archived footage from Comic-Con’s 45-year history. As part of the new channel, the two companies will also work closely to make the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival (CCI-IFF) a 365-day-a-year online event.

     

    Last year 17 of the top 20 North American box office blockbusters had a presence at the Comic-Con Convention along with iconic television series such as The Walking Dead and American Horror Story. Comic-Con International has grown from 300 attendees in the basement of San Diego’s US Grant Hotel in 1970 to well over 130,000 fans from around the world last year, marking its evolution into a staple of popular culture and the longest-running comics and popular arts convention in America. Badges for this year’s Comic-Con sold out in 60 minutes.

     

    “We’re thrilled that the biggest pop culture event of the year will become a year-round digital channel for Comic-Con fans and audiences around the world. The fan base for the kind of films and television series showcased at Comic-Con has grown exponentially, and a subscription video-on-demand service is the ideal platform to capture the magic and excitement of the Comic-Con experience year-round as well as the perfect vehicle for Comic-Con fans to discover new content,” said Lionsgate president of worldwide television and digital distribution Jim Packer.

     

    Reflecting the tremendous interest in the diverse roster of comics, films and television series showcased at Comic-Con International each year, the two companies plan to roll out the new service beginning with the US later this year.

     

    “From the beginning of our discussions, nearly two years ago, we have been extremely impressed with Lionsgate’s embracing and understanding of fan culture. Working with our Lionsgate partners has been an exciting exercise in finding great ways to expand our horizons to deliver the unique magic of Comic-Con and the celebration of comics and popular art to our fans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and around the world,” said Comic-Con director of marketing and public relations David Glanzer.

     

    “As a next generation studio, Lionsgate has grown up with Comic-Con, and their fans are our audiences. We’re excited by the opportunity to expand and enrich the world of Comic-Con for existing fans and extend it to a whole new global audience with a channel distinguished by its imaginative curation, depth and diversity of content and fierce loyalty to the Comic-Con brand,” said Lionsgate president of interactive ventures & games Peter Levin.

     

    Originally showcasing comic books, film and fantasy literature, Comic-Con has grown to also encompass science fiction, horror, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectibles, video games, interactive multimedia, webcomics, fantasy novels and other aspects of pop culture. In addition to San Diego Comic-Con International, the new subscription video-on-demand service will also have exclusive access to the archives of sister convention WonderCon.

     

    The new Comic-Con International channel is the third streaming service to be launched or announced by Lionsgate as the company continues to build its suite of online platforms to deliver content directly to consumers. Lionsgate also recently launched the Lionsgate Entertainment World platform with the Alibaba Group in China and has announced the planned launch this summer of Tribeca Shortlist, a subscription video-on-demand service for film aficionados in partnership with Tribeca Enterprises.

  • Lionsgate extends deal with Emmett-Furla for 10 movies

    Lionsgate extends deal with Emmett-Furla for 10 movies

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate and its Grindstone Entertainment Group have extended their long-term partnership with Emmett/Furla Films for another 10 movies, several of which will be released through the newly-launched Lionsgate Premiere label.

     

    Grindstone’s collaboration with Emmett/Furla has generated a string of successful star-driven event films, including the Bruce Willis, Josh Duhamel and Rosario Dawson action adventure Fire With Fire, the crime thriller Empire State, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and The Hunger Games franchise’s Liam Hemsworth, and the serial killer thriller Frozen Ground, featuring Nic Cage and John Cusack.

     

    The partnership’s eagerly-anticipated upcoming slate includes the heist film Bus 657, starring Robert DeNiro and Kate Bosworth, the CIA action thriller The Extraction, teaming Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz and Gina Carano, and the thriller Daughter of God, featuring an all-star cast led by John Wick’s Keanu Reeves and Mira Sorvino. The first film to release through Lionsgate’s new Premiere specialty distribution label will be The Extraction.

     

    “Grindstone is an important contributor to the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and they have established one of the industry’s most enviable track records of consistency and profitability as well as a dynamic pipeline of star-driven event films. We’re delighted to extend their productive collaboration with Emmett/Furla for another 10 films that we expect to be distinguished by the high-octane excitement, A-list talent and commercial success that have become their trademarks,” said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and Motion Picture Group president Steve Beeks.

     

    “Randall Emmett and George Furla are among the most consistently exciting film producers in the world today, and we’re thrilled to extend and expand our partnership for another 10 films. Emmett/Furla is recognized by audiences around the world as a truly global brand synonymous with big stars, box office excitement and outsized commercial results. Our pipeline of films from world-class producers like Randall and George, combined with our access to Lionsgate’s tremendous marketing and distribution infrastructure, is an unbeatable combination,” added Grindstone president Barry Brooker and Grindstone partner Stan Wertlieb.

     

    “We’ve been part of the Lionsgate family since the earliest days of the studio, and our partnership has grown with their success. Lionsgate has emerged as a powerful creative force in the global marketplace, and we’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Steve Beeks, Barry Brooker and the rest of the Lionsgate team as well as to help launch Lionsgate Premiere, the Company’s newest label,” said Emmett and Furla.

     

    Emmett/Furla partnered with Lionsgate on the theatrical films Rambo, Wonderland, Narc and last year’s Escape Plan, starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in an action thriller that became a box office blockbuster in China and Russia on its way to grossing nearly $140 million around the world.

  • Lionsgate launches new specialty distribution label

    Lionsgate launches new specialty distribution label

    MUMBAI: As part of the continued diversification of its portfolio of films, Lionsgate has launched a new specialty film distribution label called Lionsgate Premiere.

     

    Marketing initiatives for the new label will be headed by Lionsgate senior vice president of marketing and research Jean McDowell under the supervision of Lionsgate chief marketing officer Tim Palen. Adam Sorensen, currently manager of western sales at Lionsgate, will oversee Lionsgate Premiere’s distribution operations.

     

    Lionsgate Premiere, which will release films from both the Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment labels, will extend the reach of the company’s motion picture group to new audiences and platforms. It will encompass a diverse slate of up to 15 films annually that will be released in theatres as well as across a broad spectrum of digital platforms.

     

    Lionsgate Premiere will focus on customizing innovative multiplatform and other release strategies for its slate of films in order to capitalize on the fast-changing motion picture environment, reach affinity audiences with branded content and targeted marketing and enhance the profitability of individual films.

     

    Lionsgate Premiere’s slate will kick off this fall with the Chinese hit Dragon Blade, whose all-star cast includes Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody and John Cusack. Next up will be the offbeat zom-com and Sundance Film Festival sensation Cooties, starring Rainn Wilson and Elijah Wood and written by Saw franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. Other Premiere titles will include the comedy Don Verdean, starring Sam Rockwell, Danny McBride and Will Forte; horror/thriller Knock Knock, from Cabin Fever and Hostelwriter/director Eli Roth, starring John Wick’sKeanu Reeves, and the action thriller Extraction, featuring Bruce Willis, Kellen Lutz and MMA fighter-turned-actress Gina Carano.

     

    “Lionsgate Premiere embodies the unique attributes of our motion picture business – our diversity, our focus on audiences in our sweet spot and ability to create release strategies attuned to next generation moviegoers. We’re thrilled to launch our newest label with a wide-ranging slate that features films from horror maestros, star-driven action thrillers as well as a blockbuster that has already conquered the Chinese box office,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger.

     

    “Our new Lionsgate Premiere brand positions us to further expand our portfolio of releases and capitalize on opportunities to deliver an exciting slate of films to next generation audiences. We have put in place a dynamic marketing and distribution team that will ensure that the Lionsgate Premiere brand is distinguished by provocative and original storytelling, innovative marketing campaigns and forward-looking multiplatform and other release strategies that maintain our leadership at the cutting edge of industry innovation,” said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and Motion Picture Group president Steve Beeks.

     

    Before his recent promotion, McDowell served as vice president of research for the studio.

  • Lionsgate partners Dubai Parks & Resorts for ‘Hunger Games’ theme park attractions

    Lionsgate partners Dubai Parks & Resorts for ‘Hunger Games’ theme park attractions

    MUMBAI: Continuing its roll-out of location-based entertainment venues around the world, Lionsgate has partnered with Dubai Parks and Resorts to bring a Lionsgate zone to motiongate Dubai, the Hollywood-themed park opening in Dubai in October 2016.

     

    The Lionsgate zone will feature state-of-the-art theme park attractions and a retail facility inspired by Lionsgate’s global blockbuster The Hunger Games franchise. It will also incorporate a live stage show based on Step Up: All In and Step Up: Revolution, the two most recent films in the company’s worldwide Step Up franchise.

     

    “Our franchises are continuing to drive location-based entertainment opportunities around the world. We’re proud to partner with the team at Dubai Parks and Resorts to create a thrilling total entertainment experience designed to attract millions of new fans and continue the global expansion of our brands,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.

     

    The four million square foot motiongate Dubai is anticipated to attract over three million visits a year and will take visitors on an immersive cinematic journey through their favorite films via 27 different latest-in-technology rides and attractions.

     

    Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi said, “We are thrilled to be working with a Hollywood studio whose creative resources, spirit of innovation and vision of the entertainment experience are so closely aligned with our own. Lionsgate’s Hunger Games, Step Up and other signature properties are the perfect centerpiece for one of the most visionary new theme parks in the world. Through this partnership we are offering even more for the whole family to enjoy on their visit and are confident that motiongate Dubai will set a global benchmark as the ultimate movie themed destination.”

     

    “motiongate Dubai is poised to become one of the most exciting new entertainment destinations in the world, and we’re thrilled that many of our biggest franchises will be an integral part of it. The Lionsgate section of motiongate Dubai is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to extend the longevity, broaden the global fan base and enrich the vitality of our most exciting entertainment properties it,” said Lionsgate EVP – global franchise management and strategic partnerships Kerry Phelan and SVP – branded attractions Jenefer Brown. “

     

    Alongside motiongate Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts will include LEGOLAND Dubai, the first LEGOLAND theme park in the Middle East; and Bollywood Parks Dubai, a first-of-its-kind entertainment destination that will showcase the authentic Bollywood movie experience. These will be connected by Riverland, a retail, dining and entertainment walkway. The development will also feature Lapita, a Polynesian-themed resort catering to families.

  • Lionsgate UK CEO Zydi Kamasa extends contract; takes on added responsibility

    Lionsgate UK CEO Zydi Kamasa extends contract; takes on added responsibility

    MUMBAI: In a move reflecting Lionsgate’s continued globalization, Zygi Kamasa has entered a new long-term agreement to continue serving as Lionsgate UK CEO and to assume additional new responsibilities as CEO of Lionsgate’s European office.

     

    Kamasa, who has led Lionsgate’s self-distribution business in the UK to record revenue and profits, will continue to grow Lionsgate UK’s film, television, home entertainment and digital businesses, including distribution of Lionsgate and Summit films, production and release of its own Lionsgate UK titles and third-party acquisitions. In his expanded role he will also spearhead Lionsgate’s strategic growth initiatives and new business development across Europe, including potential coproduction arrangements, M&A initiatives and entry into new lines of business.

     

    Lionsgate UK recently expanded its distribution slate to include Summit as well as Lionsgate releases (for Summit titles produced after July 2015). Lionsgate has also relocated its international sales and distribution headquarters to London, moving its international sales executives closer to key European markets.

     

    “Zygi is one of the entrepreneurial executives playing a leadership role in moving Lionsgate forward around the world. He and his team have grown Lionsgate UK into a vibrant and diversified company, and his expanded mandate for Europe underscores our commitment to continue building Lionsgate into a next generation global content leader,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.

     

    “Zygi has achieved record results and established an important film brand at Lionsgate UK. His business acumen, creative leadership and strong talent relationships will be invaluable as he continues to grow Lionsgate UK’s portfolio of businesses as well as exploring innovative growth opportunities across the European continent,” said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and Motion Picture Group president Steve Beeks.

     

    Lionsgate UK is coming off two straight years of record revenue and profits as the company continues to diversify its slate and broaden its relationships. Kamasa and his team have overseen the investment, production and distribution of more than 350 films and have launched over 150 top ten box office hits in the UK, including the first three installments of Lionsgate’s global blockbuster The Hunger Gamesfranchise, the Saw horror franchise, Olympus Has Fallen, Cabin in the Woods and Stephen Soderbergh’s Magic Mike.

     

    Kamasa, a staunch advocate of the UK film industry, has also developed a strong track record in investing in UK projects including: the worldwide hit Bend it Like Beckham; Lasse Hallstrom’s Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt; the adaptation of Eric Lomax’s autobiography The Railway Man, starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman; and the upcoming A Little Chaos, directed by Alan Rickman and starring Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci and Matthias Schoenaerts.

     

    “I’m delighted to continue growing our business within the entrepreneurial and forward-looking culture that Jon, Michael, Steve and the rest of the Lionsgate team have created. Lionsgate’s emergence as a content leader with global scope positions us to continue building our portfolio of production and distribution businesses in the U.K. as well as exploring strategic opportunities across the European continent,” said Kamasa.

     

  • Lionsgate inks co-financing deal with China’s Hunan TV

    Lionsgate inks co-financing deal with China’s Hunan TV

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate and China’s Hunan TV & Broadcast Intermediary Co. Ltd. have inked a partnership that includes a multiyear slate co-financing deal covering qualifying Lionsgate feature films.

     

    The agreement marks another step in Lionsgate’s continued growth into key markets around the world.

     

    Under the terms of the agreement, Hunan’s wholly-owned TIK Films subsidiaries will co-finance all qualifying Lionsgate feature films annually for the next three years, including such eagerly-anticipated branded properties as the action-adventure film Gods of Egypt, an epic reimagining of ancient Egypt, Now You See Me 2, the sequel to Lionsgate’s 2013 global blockbuster, which grossed more than $350 million at the worldwide box office, the supernatural action thriller The Last Witch Hunter, starring Vin Diesel, the critically-acclaimed thriller Sicario and the romantic thriller Age of Adaline, starring Blake Lively and Harrison Ford. 

     

    TIK Films, in partnership with Leomus Pictures, also has the option to distribute up to four of the co-financed films each year in China. In addition, Lionsgate, TIK and Leomus are already planning several feature film co-development and co-production projects in China. Leomus recently distributed the hit films Now You See Me and Escape Plan from Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label in China, where Escape Plan grossed more at the box office ($42 million) than it did in North America.

     

    “We’re delighted to expand our relationship with one of the pre-eminent entertainment brands in China to build our film and television presence in that territory as well as to explore opportunities around the world. This agreement reflects our strategy of teaming with entrepreneurial partners to expand our global operations in key markets while underscoring our commitment to a business model that mitigates risk,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.

     

    “We’re thrilled to partner with Lionsgate, an innovative and forward-looking company that has emerged as a major creative force in the global marketplace. We look forward to joining hands in creating a feature film pipeline filled with some of the most commercially exciting movies in the world as well as exploring other strategic opportunities throughout our complementary film and television businesses,” added Hunan TV & Broadcasting chairman Qiu Yun Long.

     

    Lionsgate is working with Hunan CATV Network Group Co., LTD., a subsidiary company of Hunan TV & Broadcast, which reaches over 15 million subscribers. Lionsgate is cooperating with major shareholder Hunan TV, the second most watched broadcaster in China, to explore opportunities for Hunan series outside China.

     

    Financing for the deal was provided by East West Bank and Bank of China.

  • Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films signs output deal with Eagle Films

    Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films signs output deal with Eagle Films

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films has signed an output deal with Eagle Films, a motion picture producer and distributor based in the Middle East and North Africa. 

     

    The agreement marks Codeblack’s second output deal and will enable it to distribute the films it produces or co-produces throughout the region, beginning with Lionsgate/Codeblack’s Addicted. 

     

    “Codeblack is expanding its footprint beyond the domestic marketplace. We’re dedicated to providing international growth and visibility for our content partners and look forward to pursuing additional alliances with distributors in markets around the world,” said CodeBlack Entertainment founder, CEO and president Jeff Clanagan.

     

    Eagle Films is one of the largest distributors in Western Asia and Egypt and has released Lionsgate’sThe Hunger Games and Expendables franchises as well as The Wolf of Wall Street in the region.

     

    Codeblack signed its first international output deal with Times Media Films, one of South Africa’s largest distributors, in October 2014. Three months later, Times Media launched Addicted, the first film released under the agreement, to a top 10 box office debut in its opening weekend. 

     

    Codeblack Films executive vice president and general manager Quincy Newell is overseeing the company’s international expansion initiative. The Eagle Films output deal was negotiated by Lionsgate executive vice president of international sales Wendy Reeds.

  • Lionsgate partners Buena Vista for ‘The Hunger Games’ release in Russia

    Lionsgate partners Buena Vista for ‘The Hunger Games’ release in Russia

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate and Buena Vista International (BVI) have joined hands on the theatrical release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, the fourth installment of the global blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, in Russia and the rest of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) later this year.

     

    BVI will launch Mockingjay 2 on 19 November in all available formats including Imax 3D as part of the film’s day-and-date global rollout.

     

    “Mockingjay 2 is the next thrilling chapter of an incredible global franchise, and we look forward to creating a singular motion picture event for Russian audiences. We’re delighted to extend our partnership with our friends at Lionsgate on one of the most highly anticipated films of the year,” said BVI international distribution executive David Kornblum.

     

    “We’re thrilled to capitalize on the opportunity to extend our long and successful relationship with the BVI team around the world. Their prestige, performance and consistency speak for themselves.  We look forward to creating an epic and memorable Mockingjay 2 launch for our Russian fans, and BVI is the perfect partner to help us bring The Hunger Games franchise to the next level of performance,” added Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chair Patrick Wachsberger

     

    Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label has previously partnered with BVI on the Japanese release of the action thriller Red, the release of the Step Up franchise in Japan and Spain and the Japanese releases of Source Code and Tree of Life.

     

    The first three installments of The Hunger Games franchise have already grossed more than $2.3 billion at the global box office, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the tenth highest-grossing domestic release of all time. The Hunger Games trilogy of books has already sold more than 82 million copies around the world.

     

    The Lionsgate and Summit labels will continue their theatrical output deals with West Company and Central Partnership, respectively, for the rest of their theatrical slates in Russia and the CIS.