Starz, Lionsgate Extend Theatrical Output Deal Even As They Prepare to Split

variety.com:

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large Lionsgate and Starz are about to be split from each other, but the entities are still finding ways to remain in business together.

Lionsgate has extended its multi-year theatrical output deal with Starz, which keeps exclusive first pay TV and SVOD window rights to the studio’s films.

And as part of the new deal extension, the theatrical films will now appear on Starz “on an accelerated basis closer to their initial theatrical release.” The extended deal also continues to give Starz an exclusive second window on those films, while also now adding a third exclusive window to the output. “Movies are a critical part of our premium offering, and we’re pleased to extend our agreement with an accelerated window,” said Starz Networks prexy Alison Hoffman. “Lionsgate’s movies perform incredibly well on our service, and we’re thrilled to offer subscribers their expanding slate of films.” Lionsgate is promising a slate of “nearly 20 theatrical titles a year,” with upcoming entries including “Now You See Me 3,” from director Ruben Fleischer and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco; the next “Hunger Games” installment, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” from director Francis Lawrence and based on thenew Suzanne Collins novel; director Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson; and “John Wick” franchise actioner “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas and directed by Len Wiseman. “This newly extended deal is an affirmation of the tremendous value of Lionsgate movies in the pay television ecosystem,” said Lionsgate worldwide TV distribution president Jim Packer.