LIONSGATE AND UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP SIGN MULTIYEAR TELEVISION AGREEMENT

Companies Sign First-Look Deal to Develop Original Scripted and Unscripted Television Projects Drawn from Universal Music Group's World-Class Portfolio

News provided by

Lionsgate

Aug 06, 2018, 10:00 ET

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, signed a multiyear first-look television deal under which the companies will develop original scripted and unscripted television projects drawn from UMG's world-class portfolio of labels, artists and music.

With this unique partnership, Lionsgate and Polygram Entertainment, UMG's film and television production and development division, will work together to combine the artistry, stories and recordings from the music company's legendary labels including Capitol, Def Jam, Interscope, Island, Republic, Universal Music Nashville, Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Verve, Motown and Blue Note to produce premium programming. In addition, UMG will produce soundtrack albums associated with projects created under this agreement.

"We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Universal Music Group, one of the world's most innovative music companies and home to some of the greatest musical talent and recordings in existence," said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. "With Polygram, UMG has produced award-winning films and we can't wait to see what we can accomplish together in television. We see so much opportunity for storytelling in the talent and properties that UMG represents, and we look forward to working together to bring these incredible stories to life in a way that resonates with a global audience."

"We're excited to partner with Lionsgate, one of the premiere entertainment companies in the world, to create an unmatched opportunity for our artists and labels and the stories they inspire, as well as draw from the goldmine of genres, time periods and legendary figures represented by our rich and storied catalog," said Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of UMG. "Polygram has quickly become a home for Hollywood's brightest creators and this partnership is a significant step in our television and audiovisual strategy, as well as our evolution as a global media company."

"I've long respected Lionsgate for the incredible film and television projects they've brought to audiences around the world," said David Blackman, UMG's Head of Film and Television Development and Production. "There's never been a more exciting time to be in the music space and I feel fortunate to be at a company that is uniquely positioned at the intersection of film, television and music with an unrivaled roster of artists who continue to impact culture globally. With this new partnership, we're perfectly positioned to deliver thrilling music-driven stories that will excite fans for years to come."

This announcement builds on Lionsgate and UMG's successful track record with film scores and soundtracks including La La Land (Interscope), Hunger Games (Republic) and Divergent (Interscope), as the two companies continue to explore innovative ways to collaborate creatively.

ABOUT LIONSGATE
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate's content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company's worldwide consumer base.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

ABOUT POLYGRAM ENTERTAINMENT
Polygram Entertainment is the film and television unit of Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment, that develops, produces, finances and distributes original and scripted projects for music fans of all ages. Polygram most recently co-distributed, with Studio Canal, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years and is currently in production on the first fully authorized Motown documentary, with Berry Gordy serving as Executive Producer. Additionally, Polygram is fully financing the upcoming Luciano Pavarotti documentary directed by Ron Howard and The Velvet Underground documentary directed by Todd Haynes.

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SOURCE Lionsgate