Lionsgate and Massify.com Announce That YouTube Will Serve as the Primary Global Distributor of Online Video Content for Lionsgate Incubator

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the leading next generation studio, and Massify, the leading online talent network for emerging filmmakers, announced today that YouTube, the world's most popular online video community, has agreed to serve as the primary distributor for all short films produced by the Lionsgate/Massify partnership.  The partnership, known as Lionsgate Incubator (LINC), goes live today online at http://www.massify.com/lionsgate.

LINC's first project leveraging YouTube's global platform will feature a high-concept, male-driven comedy short that Lionsgate will evaluate for development into a feature length film. This short film showcase will be based on Massify user-submitted material brought to life by directors, cast, and crew from Massify's online talent network. Lionsgate's feature film executive team will provide feedback and make key decisions throughout the development process.

"This collaboration signals a new step in feature film development, production and distribution for next generation consumers," said Curt Marvis, President of Digital for Lionsgate.  "This is a pioneering business model for creating film projects within the online creative talent community and bringing them to online audiences around the world.  It represents the first time a movie studio has linked a massive online community of filmmakers with a studio development process. This announcement of a LINC distribution relationship with YouTube establishes the foundation for bringing this new content to more than 100 million YouTube viewers worldwide."

"YouTube's involvement with Lionsgate Incubator embodies how our network has evolved into an innovative solution for our media partners to generate content and ideas," said Kenneth Woo, Co-Founder of Massify. "By creating real opportunities with leaders in the industry, Massify continues to attract the best and brightest digital storytellers."

"This relationship with Lionsgate and Massify reflects YouTube's goal to enable a new generation of independent filmmakers," said Kevin Yen, Director of Strategic Partnerships at YouTube.  "Lionsgate and Massify coming together unites the immense power of the leading next generation film studio with the endless creativity of Massify's network, and distributes original, premium content to one of the largest and most engaged online communities in the world."

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Until March 8, 2010, writers and filmmakers are invited to submit pitches for a high-concept, male-driven comedy by submitting a title, logline, synopsis, and written scene on www.massify.com/lionsgate   
• The Lionsgate development team will then select one concept to be produced into a short film.
• Beginning March 19, 2010, Massify will invite directors to submit materials based on the selected concept in addition to their resumes and reels.
• Cast and crew members will be able to submit for available roles beginning April 1, 2010.
• Production of the short film begins early May 2010 for making-of footage, outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, and a completed film that will be distributed via YouTube.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel platform assets.  Its feature film business has generated more than $400 million at the North American box office in the past year, including the recent critically-acclaimed hit PRECIOUS, which has garnered $45 million at the North American box office and earned three Golden Globe nominations, and BROTHERS, which earned two Golden Globe nods.   The Company's home entertainment business has grown to more than 7% market share and is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

About YouTube

YouTube is the world's most popular online video community allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based in San Bruno, CA and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.

About Massify

Massify is the leading and fastest growing online content creation network - a destination environment that enables thousands of digital storytellers to develop their own projects, promote themselves, and connect with each other. By harnessing the power of this network, Massify.com allows partners to generate content and ideas for emerging platforms. Launched in 2008 and based in New York City, Massify is led by a team of seasoned technology and entertainment entrepreneurs.

SOURCE Lionsgate