Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer recently picked up shares of the company on the open market and vice chair Michael Burns said today he thinks the purchase was spurred by a visit the set of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.
“He is pretty fiscally conservative in many ways and so that was actually interesting to see him do it, and I swear he bought it because he went to the set — we are shooting the Michael Jackson movie on the Sony lot – and he just came back and just said, ‘This thing is going to be incredible’,” Burns said at a Deutsche Bank media conference today.
According to an SEC filing Monday, Feltheimer acquired 100,000 shares, half each Class A and B shares.
Burns was talking up the studio ahead of an upcoming split with Starz. He confirmed that about 13%-15% of the studio’s equity will move into a Spac and...
“He is pretty fiscally conservative in many ways and so that was actually interesting to see him do it, and I swear he bought it because he went to the set — we are shooting the Michael Jackson movie on the Sony lot – and he just came back and just said, ‘This thing is going to be incredible’,” Burns said at a Deutsche Bank media conference today.
According to an SEC filing Monday, Feltheimer acquired 100,000 shares, half each Class A and B shares.
Burns was talking up the studio ahead of an upcoming split with Starz. He confirmed that about 13%-15% of the studio’s equity will move into a Spac and...
- 3/12/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephenie Meyer’s blockbuster Twilight franchise is heading to the small screen, and here are the details.
There was a time in the early 2010s when Twilight was just about the biggest film franchise around.
It comprises five films – 2008’s Twilight, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, 2009’s New Moon, directed by Chris Weitz, 2010’s Eclipse, directed by David Slade, and the two part finale Breaking Dawn, directed by Bill Condon and released in 2011 and 2012. Their success was such that two parody films were also released in quick succession, the much maligned Vampire’s Suck and Breaking Wind.
The films followed Kristen Stewart’s Bella Swan as she becomes romantically involved with vampire Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson, and werewolf Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner. Which all leads to a battle with vampire coven The Volturi.
Adapted by future Jessica Jones creator Melissa Rosenberg, the large ensemble cast also included Billy Burke,...
There was a time in the early 2010s when Twilight was just about the biggest film franchise around.
It comprises five films – 2008’s Twilight, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, 2009’s New Moon, directed by Chris Weitz, 2010’s Eclipse, directed by David Slade, and the two part finale Breaking Dawn, directed by Bill Condon and released in 2011 and 2012. Their success was such that two parody films were also released in quick succession, the much maligned Vampire’s Suck and Breaking Wind.
The films followed Kristen Stewart’s Bella Swan as she becomes romantically involved with vampire Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson, and werewolf Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner. Which all leads to a battle with vampire coven The Volturi.
Adapted by future Jessica Jones creator Melissa Rosenberg, the large ensemble cast also included Billy Burke,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Your scent. It's like a drug to me. You're like my own personal brand of heroin. Or perhaps it's just that Lionsgate simply refuses to let sleeping dogs (shape-shifters?) lie, even now that we're more than a decade removed from the peak of "Twilight" fever. The studio has already revealed its intention to reboot Stephenie Meyer's YA fantasy romance phenomenon for the small screen as a TV series, which begs the question: how exactly does it plan to go about trying to rebottle the "stupid lightning in a stupid bottle" that was the original movie adaptations of Meyer's books, to quote /Film's Bj Colangelo? We now have part of the answer and, incredibly enough, it's not at all a bad idea.
Speaking during a Q&a at this week's Morgan Stanley media conference (as reported on by Variety), Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns casually dropped the bombshell that...
Speaking during a Q&a at this week's Morgan Stanley media conference (as reported on by Variety), Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns casually dropped the bombshell that...
- 3/6/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Lionsgate currently has distribution deals in place with The Roku Channel and Peacock, but will they survive the studio’s split from one company into two?
The long-promised split of the Lionsgate movie studio from the Starz cable/streaming bundle is getting underway in April. A new report from Deadline indicates that the studio will merge with a special purpose acquisition company (Spac) in April, and will begin trading on the Nasdaq under a different symbol than Starz.
The plan is for Lionsgate to be fully split from Starz by the end of 2024. Once the split is complete, Starz and its properties like “Outlander” and the “Power” franchise would be available for acquisition. The transactions should not have an effect on licensing deals between Lionsgate and streaming partners like Peacock and The Roku Channel. Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com
Lionsgate filed paperwork seeking approval to split into two separate entities,...
The long-promised split of the Lionsgate movie studio from the Starz cable/streaming bundle is getting underway in April. A new report from Deadline indicates that the studio will merge with a special purpose acquisition company (Spac) in April, and will begin trading on the Nasdaq under a different symbol than Starz.
The plan is for Lionsgate to be fully split from Starz by the end of 2024. Once the split is complete, Starz and its properties like “Outlander” and the “Power” franchise would be available for acquisition. The transactions should not have an effect on licensing deals between Lionsgate and streaming partners like Peacock and The Roku Channel. Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com
Lionsgate filed paperwork seeking approval to split into two separate entities,...
- 3/6/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
In 2023, it was announced that a Twilight reboot TV series was in the works at Lionsgate, and now the company is offering more background on the latest adaptation of Stephenie Meyer‘s best-selling book series. Instead of envisioning a live-action remake, Lionsgate is opting to take the animated route for this television venture. The show is being shopped around with a John Wick offshoot which Lionsgate’s Vice Chairman Michael Burns revealed during a Q&a at the Morgan Stanley media conference, according to Deadline. “We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that,” Burns said. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 (Credit: Andrew Cooper/Summit Entertainment) As previously reported, Sinead Daly was tapped to serve as writer on the project that could either be a remake or offshoot of the book series. Meyer is...
- 3/6/2024
- TV Insider
More than a decade has gone by since the Twilight Saga ran its course on the big screen, with five movies telling the story of the four books in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. So, of course, Lionsgate is working to figure out ways to revive the franchise. While there are some side stories and reimaginings that could still be brought to the screen, it doesn’t seem like they’re interested in greenlighting any of those projects. Last year, it was announced that a Twilight TV series was in development – and now Variety has confirmed that Lionsgate Television is shopping around a small screen version of the story – not as a live-action show, but an animated series!
Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, brought up the project during a media conference, saying, “We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there...
Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, brought up the project during a media conference, saying, “We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there...
- 3/6/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Based on Stephenie Meyer’s book series, the popular Twilight film franchise is soon headed to the small screen with an animated television series project, Variety reports this week.
The planned animated “Twilight” series is being shopped by Lionsgate Television.
Lionsgate’s vice chairman Michael Burns teased yesterday, “We’re going to go out with the ‘Twilight’ series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that.”
It was first announced back in 2023 that Lionsgate was looking to bring Twilight to the small screen, but at the time we assumed the project would be a live action TV series.
Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the Twilight film franchise grossed more than $3 billion, with five films released between 2008 and 2012. The film franchise become a massive pop culture phenomenon, though it’s been lying dormant for over 10 years now. Meyer did release a new book in 2020, however,...
The planned animated “Twilight” series is being shopped by Lionsgate Television.
Lionsgate’s vice chairman Michael Burns teased yesterday, “We’re going to go out with the ‘Twilight’ series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that.”
It was first announced back in 2023 that Lionsgate was looking to bring Twilight to the small screen, but at the time we assumed the project would be a live action TV series.
Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the Twilight film franchise grossed more than $3 billion, with five films released between 2008 and 2012. The film franchise become a massive pop culture phenomenon, though it’s been lying dormant for over 10 years now. Meyer did release a new book in 2020, however,...
- 3/6/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Lionsgate is stirring excitement with news of a fresh John Wick spin-off series. This comes as a surprise, especially since it won’t connect to the previously aired prequel, The Continental. At a recent conference, Lionsgate’s vice-chairman, Michael Burns, dropped hints about this project alongside an animated ‘Twilight’ continuation. He believes the John Wick series, starring Keanu Reeves, will grab our attention as a TV series.
The Continental, for those who might not have caught it, was a dive into the backstory of Winston Scott, a key character from the John Wick movies. It aired as three extended episodes on Peacock and Prime Video, showcasing the origins of the New York Continental Hotel – a safe zone for the underworld’s assassins. Despite its connection to the John Wick universe, it seems the new series will chart a different path.
Related: How Many Words Does Keanu Reeves Speak in John Wick Movies?...
The Continental, for those who might not have caught it, was a dive into the backstory of Winston Scott, a key character from the John Wick movies. It aired as three extended episodes on Peacock and Prime Video, showcasing the origins of the New York Continental Hotel – a safe zone for the underworld’s assassins. Despite its connection to the John Wick universe, it seems the new series will chart a different path.
Related: How Many Words Does Keanu Reeves Speak in John Wick Movies?...
- 3/6/2024
- by Hrvoje Milakovic
- Fiction Horizon
Despite the open disdain expressed by lead stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga is embarking on a new show. The news could come as a bit of a shock to viewers who remember Pattinson openly roasting the series every chance he got and Stewart making every effort to distance herself from Bella Swan’s image.
Both actors have made a concerted effort to move away from the $3.3 billion blockbuster franchise that made them household names. Pattinson has ventured into more complex, edgier roles in mainstream films (Tenet), while Stewart has also made her name in challenging roles (Still Alice) in indie projects as well.
Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson in Twilight
So, despite the cast’s dislike for the franchise, Twilight is getting a new show? It could be a case of nostalgia, or the makers see the potential for expanding the Twilight universe beyond the original films.
Both actors have made a concerted effort to move away from the $3.3 billion blockbuster franchise that made them household names. Pattinson has ventured into more complex, edgier roles in mainstream films (Tenet), while Stewart has also made her name in challenging roles (Still Alice) in indie projects as well.
Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson in Twilight
So, despite the cast’s dislike for the franchise, Twilight is getting a new show? It could be a case of nostalgia, or the makers see the potential for expanding the Twilight universe beyond the original films.
- 3/6/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Lionsgate is expanding the “Twilight” franchise with a new animated series, Variety has confirmed.
Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, shared the news during a Q&a at the Morgan Stanley media conference on Tuesday, revealing, “We’re going to go out with the ‘Twilight’ series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that.”
Last April, Variety reported that a “Twilight” TV series adaptation was in very early development at Lionsgate Television.
The animated series would be based on the Stephanie Meyer book series of the same name, which was previously adapted into a film franchise, starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
There were four “Twilight” novels — “Twilight,” “New Moon,” “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn” — published between 2005 and 2008. In 2015, Meyer released the book “Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined,” which gender-swapped the two main characters, Bella and Edward. Meyer then released “Midnight Sun” in...
Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, shared the news during a Q&a at the Morgan Stanley media conference on Tuesday, revealing, “We’re going to go out with the ‘Twilight’ series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that.”
Last April, Variety reported that a “Twilight” TV series adaptation was in very early development at Lionsgate Television.
The animated series would be based on the Stephanie Meyer book series of the same name, which was previously adapted into a film franchise, starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
There were four “Twilight” novels — “Twilight,” “New Moon,” “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn” — published between 2005 and 2008. In 2015, Meyer released the book “Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined,” which gender-swapped the two main characters, Bella and Edward. Meyer then released “Midnight Sun” in...
- 3/6/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Just a few weeks after one of the stars of the John Wick franchise, Ian McShane, ripped Lionsgate’s TV spin-off The Continental live on TV, the studio seems like it’s going full steam ahead on a John Wick TV show. According to Deadline, Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns said as much during a Q&a at the Morgan Stanley media conference. “I think we’ll take one of our great action franchises starring Keanu Reeves, I think it’ll be a television series,” said Burns, who also revealed that the studio is planning a Twilight animated series too.
Readers will remember another John Wick tv series, The Continental, dropping just a few months ago. According to Burns, the new Wick show will not be related to that series of three 90-minute telefilms, which was about the early adventures of the character played by Ian McShane in the proper John Wick movies,...
Readers will remember another John Wick tv series, The Continental, dropping just a few months ago. According to Burns, the new Wick show will not be related to that series of three 90-minute telefilms, which was about the early adventures of the character played by Ian McShane in the proper John Wick movies,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Lionsgate Vice Chair Michael Burns said the company is set to split in two by year end with a first step in early April as the studio merges with a Spac and starts to trade separately from Starz on the Nasdaq under the stock symbol Lion.
For tax reasons, the parent company will retain 87% of the studio stock at first, along with all of Starz, and the plan is fully separate the studio from Starz by the end of 2024, he told investors at the Morgan Stanley media conference.
The operation has been pending for some time and is designed to unlock value as the share price hasn’t reflected the full value of all the company’s assets for some time, execs believe. Both companies would also be digestible acquisition targets in a media landscape that’s consolidating — or trying to.
“Ultimately, I don’t have a crystal ball, but...
For tax reasons, the parent company will retain 87% of the studio stock at first, along with all of Starz, and the plan is fully separate the studio from Starz by the end of 2024, he told investors at the Morgan Stanley media conference.
The operation has been pending for some time and is designed to unlock value as the share price hasn’t reflected the full value of all the company’s assets for some time, execs believe. Both companies would also be digestible acquisition targets in a media landscape that’s consolidating — or trying to.
“Ultimately, I don’t have a crystal ball, but...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate is expanding two of its biggest movie franchises, John Wick and Twilight, with new TV series offshoots. The company’s Vice Chairman Michael Burns shared information about the two projects during a Q&a at the Morgan Stanley media conference.
“We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that,” he said, adding about John Wick, “I think we’ll take one of our great action franchises starring Keanu Reeves, I think it’ll be a television series.”
This is the same Twilight series, news of which leaked last April as being in early development at Lionsgate. According to sources, the project had been envisioned as animated from the get-go.
The new John Wick series, confirmed by Deadline, comes on the heels of prequel The Continental, which consisted of three one-and-a-half-hour movies.
“We ended up...
“We’re going to go out with the Twilight series, an animated series, I think there’ll be a lot of interest in that,” he said, adding about John Wick, “I think we’ll take one of our great action franchises starring Keanu Reeves, I think it’ll be a television series.”
This is the same Twilight series, news of which leaked last April as being in early development at Lionsgate. According to sources, the project had been envisioned as animated from the get-go.
The new John Wick series, confirmed by Deadline, comes on the heels of prequel The Continental, which consisted of three one-and-a-half-hour movies.
“We ended up...
- 3/6/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Dune: Part Two, The Regime and Spaceman.
Dune: Part Two premiere
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgard, Javier Bardem and Denis Villeneuve walked the carpet on Sunday for the New York premiere of their sci-fi sequel.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Souheila Yacoub, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Denis Villeneuve, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux Zendaya Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux
Spaceman special screening
Netflix hosted a special screening of Spaceman on Monday with stars Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Isabella Rossellini, Kunal Nayyar and director Johan Renck.
Johan Renck, Carey Mulligan, Adam Sandler, Isabella Rossellini and Kunal Nayyar
The Regime premiere
Kate Winslet joined costars Guillaume Gallienne and Andrea Riseborough...
Dune: Part Two premiere
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgard, Javier Bardem and Denis Villeneuve walked the carpet on Sunday for the New York premiere of their sci-fi sequel.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Souheila Yacoub, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Denis Villeneuve, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux Zendaya Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux
Spaceman special screening
Netflix hosted a special screening of Spaceman on Monday with stars Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Isabella Rossellini, Kunal Nayyar and director Johan Renck.
Johan Renck, Carey Mulligan, Adam Sandler, Isabella Rossellini and Kunal Nayyar
The Regime premiere
Kate Winslet joined costars Guillaume Gallienne and Andrea Riseborough...
- 3/1/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate has released its third quarter financial results after unveiling plans for a spinoff of its studio business from the premium cable and streaming platform Starz via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (Spac) deal.
The studio swung to a third quarter net loss at $107.4 million, compared to a year-earlier profit of $15.2 million, on overall revenue falling to $975.1 million, against $1 billion in the same period of last year during the three months to Dec. 31, 2023.
Lionsgate posted an adjusted earnings per-share at 27 cents, compared to a year-earlier per-share earnings of 21 cents, which in the latest financial quarter beat an analyst estimate by six cents. Shares in the Hollywood studio rose in after hour trading by 60 cent, or .6 percent, to $10.86.
Lionsgate reported record trailing 12-month library revenue of $784 million in the quarter.
The studio business, made up of the film and TV divisions, saw revenue fall by 23 percent to $691.6 million. TV production revenue fell sharply to $285.4 million,...
The studio swung to a third quarter net loss at $107.4 million, compared to a year-earlier profit of $15.2 million, on overall revenue falling to $975.1 million, against $1 billion in the same period of last year during the three months to Dec. 31, 2023.
Lionsgate posted an adjusted earnings per-share at 27 cents, compared to a year-earlier per-share earnings of 21 cents, which in the latest financial quarter beat an analyst estimate by six cents. Shares in the Hollywood studio rose in after hour trading by 60 cent, or .6 percent, to $10.86.
Lionsgate reported record trailing 12-month library revenue of $784 million in the quarter.
The studio business, made up of the film and TV divisions, saw revenue fall by 23 percent to $691.6 million. TV production revenue fell sharply to $285.4 million,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer says spinning off his Hollywood film and TV studio business from Starz via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (Spac) deal offers the best flexibility available before completing a planned and long-awaited full separation.
“We believe this transaction sets a valuation for the studio and increases our strategic optionality as we move toward separation,” Feltheimer told financial analysts during an after-market call on Thursday. His comments to investors follow Lionsgate unveiling plans last month to back into a Spac to create a separately traded public company with a $4.6 billion enterprise value.
Feltheimer told analysts the Spac deal was the best way to uncover hidden shareholder value for the studio and Starz assets after the Hollywood studio considered strategic alternatives. “We had a number of options available for executing this step in our overall strategic plan. We believe that we selected the best option for aligning with our goal of a full separation,...
“We believe this transaction sets a valuation for the studio and increases our strategic optionality as we move toward separation,” Feltheimer told financial analysts during an after-market call on Thursday. His comments to investors follow Lionsgate unveiling plans last month to back into a Spac to create a separately traded public company with a $4.6 billion enterprise value.
Feltheimer told analysts the Spac deal was the best way to uncover hidden shareholder value for the studio and Starz assets after the Hollywood studio considered strategic alternatives. “We had a number of options available for executing this step in our overall strategic plan. We believe that we selected the best option for aligning with our goal of a full separation,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Deal to create publicly traded pure play content company expected to close in spring 2024.
Lionsgate said on Friday it will separate its film and TV business and 18,000- strong library to create Lionsgate Studios Corp., a stand-alone publicly traded entity with an enterprise value of $4.6bn.
The studio business will merge with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition rights company created for the transaction. The Starz TV network and streaming platform will remain wholly owned by Lionsgate.
The transaction is expected to close in spring 2024.
Lionsgate said in a press release the deal positions Lionsgate Studios as a “platform-agnostic,...
Lionsgate said on Friday it will separate its film and TV business and 18,000- strong library to create Lionsgate Studios Corp., a stand-alone publicly traded entity with an enterprise value of $4.6bn.
The studio business will merge with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition rights company created for the transaction. The Starz TV network and streaming platform will remain wholly owned by Lionsgate.
The transaction is expected to close in spring 2024.
Lionsgate said in a press release the deal positions Lionsgate Studios as a “platform-agnostic,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
After months of not knowing whether Lionsgate would spin off its studio or the Starz cable/streaming bundle, we now have a bit more clarity.
After months of speculation and analysis, there is finally some movement on the Lionsgate front. In July, the company filed paperwork to create two separate business entities; one for its movie and TV studio, and the other for its cable/streaming bundle Starz. Now, reports indicate that Lionsgate has made its decision, which will see its TV and movie studio spun off and merged with a special-purpose acquisition company (Spac).
Lionsgate will merge with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp to form Lionsgate Studios Corp. Its main goal will be to raise cash and make itself a more attractive acquisition target for a bigger company. Lionsgate Studios Corp. has an 18,000-title library, including “The Hunger Games” and “John Wick.” Save 50% Today (Just $5) $9.99+ / month starz.com
Limited Time:...
After months of speculation and analysis, there is finally some movement on the Lionsgate front. In July, the company filed paperwork to create two separate business entities; one for its movie and TV studio, and the other for its cable/streaming bundle Starz. Now, reports indicate that Lionsgate has made its decision, which will see its TV and movie studio spun off and merged with a special-purpose acquisition company (Spac).
Lionsgate will merge with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp to form Lionsgate Studios Corp. Its main goal will be to raise cash and make itself a more attractive acquisition target for a bigger company. Lionsgate Studios Corp. has an 18,000-title library, including “The Hunger Games” and “John Wick.” Save 50% Today (Just $5) $9.99+ / month starz.com
Limited Time:...
- 12/22/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Lionsgate’s long-gestating plan to split the studio with Starz is finally a go as the company announced today that Studios — the TV studio, motion picture group and film and television libraries — will merge with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a Spac (special purpose acquisition company) led by Eli Baker.
The separation is expected to close this spring turning Lionsgate Studios into one of the biggest global pure-play publicly-traded content companies and the hope is, an attractive acquisition target — adding more fuel to the media M&a chatter already in full swing. The Studios’ portfolio includes franchise properties The Hunger Games, John Wick, The Twilight Saga and Ghosts; a robust film and television production and distribution business; a leading talent management and production company; and a large film and television library that throws off significant cash.
Lionsgate has planned for nearly two years to separate the studio and Starz. CEO Jon Feltheimer...
The separation is expected to close this spring turning Lionsgate Studios into one of the biggest global pure-play publicly-traded content companies and the hope is, an attractive acquisition target — adding more fuel to the media M&a chatter already in full swing. The Studios’ portfolio includes franchise properties The Hunger Games, John Wick, The Twilight Saga and Ghosts; a robust film and television production and distribution business; a leading talent management and production company; and a large film and television library that throws off significant cash.
Lionsgate has planned for nearly two years to separate the studio and Starz. CEO Jon Feltheimer...
- 12/22/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
In a move it has telegraphed for some time, Lionsgate unveiled a deal to spin off its studios business in a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (Spac) deal to create a separately traded public company with a $4.6 billion enterprise value.
The proposed Spac-style merger follows strategic talks by the Jon Feltheimer-led company to spin off its studio division or Starz streaming platform. The studio business, comprising Lionsgate’s TV production and Motion Picture Group divisions and a 20,000-title film and TV library, will be combined with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition rights company — often referred to as a blank check company — led by Spac sponsor Eagle Equity Partners and CEO Eli Baker.
The newly merged entity, Lionsgate Studios Corp., will be a publicly traded vehicle able to raise fresh capital and merge with existing businesses. Its biggest asset will arguably be its vast library of movies and television franchises.
The proposed Spac-style merger follows strategic talks by the Jon Feltheimer-led company to spin off its studio division or Starz streaming platform. The studio business, comprising Lionsgate’s TV production and Motion Picture Group divisions and a 20,000-title film and TV library, will be combined with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition rights company — often referred to as a blank check company — led by Spac sponsor Eagle Equity Partners and CEO Eli Baker.
The newly merged entity, Lionsgate Studios Corp., will be a publicly traded vehicle able to raise fresh capital and merge with existing businesses. Its biggest asset will arguably be its vast library of movies and television franchises.
- 12/22/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate unveiled details of the long-awaited separation of its studios business and the Starz TV network and streaming division.
The company announced Friday that its studio business, comprising its TV and film production and distribution segments and a content library with 18,000-plus titles, will spin off in a merger with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (Spac). The deal is expected to close in spring 2024.
The new entity, Lionsgate Studios Corp., will let investors value the film and TV businesses as a publicly traded, standalone company. The transaction is expected to raise approximately $350 million to fund strategic initiatives, with $175 million already committed by several blue-chip investors.
The deal gives Lionsgate Studios at an enterprise value of $4.6 billion and is a big step along the path toward the full separation of Starz and the studios group. The Lionsgate parent company is expected to continue to own 87.3% of the total shares of Lionsgate Studios,...
The company announced Friday that its studio business, comprising its TV and film production and distribution segments and a content library with 18,000-plus titles, will spin off in a merger with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (Spac). The deal is expected to close in spring 2024.
The new entity, Lionsgate Studios Corp., will let investors value the film and TV businesses as a publicly traded, standalone company. The transaction is expected to raise approximately $350 million to fund strategic initiatives, with $175 million already committed by several blue-chip investors.
The deal gives Lionsgate Studios at an enterprise value of $4.6 billion and is a big step along the path toward the full separation of Starz and the studios group. The Lionsgate parent company is expected to continue to own 87.3% of the total shares of Lionsgate Studios,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer’s compensation rebounded to prior levels in fiscal 2023, reaching $21.5 million.
In the most recent fiscal year, the exec’s pay totaled $5.6 million, down sharply from $19.2 million in fiscal 2021.
The company disclosed the figures as part of a proxy filing with the SEC.
Vice Chair Michael Burns saw his total pay rise to $10.1 million in fiscal 2023, from $4.4 million in the previous year. CFO Jimmy Barge, meanwhile, had total compensation of $10.9 million, up from $6.45 million.
The proxy statement also included a date for the company’s annual shareholder meeting as well as a special shareholder meeting. On November 28, shareholders will cast votes on executive compensation and members of the board of directors.
Lionsgate is also poised to separate its studio business from Starz. After a lengthy process of strategic deliberation, the split was then postponed last August due to the WGA strike and the company’s acquisition of eOne.
In the most recent fiscal year, the exec’s pay totaled $5.6 million, down sharply from $19.2 million in fiscal 2021.
The company disclosed the figures as part of a proxy filing with the SEC.
Vice Chair Michael Burns saw his total pay rise to $10.1 million in fiscal 2023, from $4.4 million in the previous year. CFO Jimmy Barge, meanwhile, had total compensation of $10.9 million, up from $6.45 million.
The proxy statement also included a date for the company’s annual shareholder meeting as well as a special shareholder meeting. On November 28, shareholders will cast votes on executive compensation and members of the board of directors.
Lionsgate is also poised to separate its studio business from Starz. After a lengthy process of strategic deliberation, the split was then postponed last August due to the WGA strike and the company’s acquisition of eOne.
- 10/13/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer saw his total compensation jump to $21.5 million for fiscal 2023, according to the company’s latest proxy filing disclosed Friday.
That’s up from fiscal 2022 when Feltheimer received $5.6 million in total pay, and the $19.1 million he earned as part of his overall compensation package for fiscal 2021. Feltheimer’s 2023 compensation included an unchanged $1.5 million base salary, compared to the two prior years.
And his bonus last year rose to $10 million, from a bonus of $2.8 million in fiscal 2022 and a $10 million bonus for 2021. Feltheimer again received no option awards last year as in fiscal 2022.
That was against $6.7 million in option awards received for fiscal 2021. But his stock awards for fiscal 2023 rose to $9.75 million, compared to a year-earlier $1 million in stock awards and $700,000 in fiscal 2021.
Feltheimer in August 2020 extended his long-term employment agreement, keeping him at the Hollywood studio potentially to August 2025. His latest pay package follows the media giant...
That’s up from fiscal 2022 when Feltheimer received $5.6 million in total pay, and the $19.1 million he earned as part of his overall compensation package for fiscal 2021. Feltheimer’s 2023 compensation included an unchanged $1.5 million base salary, compared to the two prior years.
And his bonus last year rose to $10 million, from a bonus of $2.8 million in fiscal 2022 and a $10 million bonus for 2021. Feltheimer again received no option awards last year as in fiscal 2022.
That was against $6.7 million in option awards received for fiscal 2021. But his stock awards for fiscal 2023 rose to $9.75 million, compared to a year-earlier $1 million in stock awards and $700,000 in fiscal 2021.
Feltheimer in August 2020 extended his long-term employment agreement, keeping him at the Hollywood studio potentially to August 2025. His latest pay package follows the media giant...
- 10/13/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The first "Saw" movie famously launched the careers of modern horror maestros James Wan and Leigh Whannell, but they quickly moved on to different pastures. In their place, the larger "Saw" franchise -- the horror series that defined the aughts, dominated the Halloween box office for years, and inspired a bajillion pearl-clutching think pieces -- was shepherded forward by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, who have masterminded every single film in the series. If you want to tap into the "Saw" braintrust, to really understand how these movies are made and what drives them, these are the guys you speak with.
"Saw X," the tenth film in the series, is both a throwback and a departure. On one hand, it's a prequel, set between the first and second films, and an excuse to bring Tobin Bell's John Kramer back from the dead. But on the other, it's a slickly produced,...
"Saw X," the tenth film in the series, is both a throwback and a departure. On one hand, it's a prequel, set between the first and second films, and an excuse to bring Tobin Bell's John Kramer back from the dead. But on the other, it's a slickly produced,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
Hasbro has confirmed the sale of Entertainment One (eOne) to Lionsgate for $500M, which should close by the end of this year.
Speculation had been intensifying that confirmation was incoming, with Deadline revealing several weeks ago that Lionsgate was in pole position to buy the majority of the on-the-block Woman King and Yellowjackets studio. The news came in the hours preceding Hasbro’s Q2 earnings call.
Hasbro bought eOne for $4B in 2019 but will sell for just $500M, consisting of $375M in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and the assumption by Lionsgate of production financing loans. Hasbro said the transaction has been approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors and remains subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals. It will use the proceeds to retire a minimum of $400M of floating rate debt by the end of the year.
“This sale fully aligns with our strategy, and we...
Speculation had been intensifying that confirmation was incoming, with Deadline revealing several weeks ago that Lionsgate was in pole position to buy the majority of the on-the-block Woman King and Yellowjackets studio. The news came in the hours preceding Hasbro’s Q2 earnings call.
Hasbro bought eOne for $4B in 2019 but will sell for just $500M, consisting of $375M in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and the assumption by Lionsgate of production financing loans. Hasbro said the transaction has been approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors and remains subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals. It will use the proceeds to retire a minimum of $400M of floating rate debt by the end of the year.
“This sale fully aligns with our strategy, and we...
- 8/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Speculation is intensifying that Lionsgate is getting closer to a deal to acquire the Hasbro-owned Entertainment One.
The timing is not coincidental. Hasbro is set to report second-quarter 2023 earnings Thursday morning. The company’s CEO Chris Cocks had said in February that “we expect to have an update in the second quarter,” so he probably would like to give investors said update on the Q2 call.
Sources close to the situation caution that, while there is an effort to close the deal by Thursday, negotiations are ongoing and they may not be completed in time for the Hasbro earnings announcement. Reps for Hasbro and Lionsgate declined comment or did not respond to a request for comment.
M&a — and all dealmaking — in Hollywood has slowed down amid overall economic woes and two strikes against the studios, one by the WGA and one by SAG-AFTRA.
Deadline revealed last month that Lionsgate...
The timing is not coincidental. Hasbro is set to report second-quarter 2023 earnings Thursday morning. The company’s CEO Chris Cocks had said in February that “we expect to have an update in the second quarter,” so he probably would like to give investors said update on the Q2 call.
Sources close to the situation caution that, while there is an effort to close the deal by Thursday, negotiations are ongoing and they may not be completed in time for the Hasbro earnings announcement. Reps for Hasbro and Lionsgate declined comment or did not respond to a request for comment.
M&a — and all dealmaking — in Hollywood has slowed down amid overall economic woes and two strikes against the studios, one by the WGA and one by SAG-AFTRA.
Deadline revealed last month that Lionsgate...
- 8/1/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate has established pole position to acquire the Hasbro-owned Entertainment One, sources tell Deadline.
Since Hasbro declared it was shedding all but its core business, Lionsgate has been oft-mentioned as a suitor, as has Legendary. The two indie studios have been more recently bidding for the eOne film and TV assets alongside distributor GoDigital Media Group, with former eOne CEO Darren Throop launching another effort to raise financing. As Deadline has reported, Fremantle and Cvc Capital Partners also were potential buyers earlier in the process.
Lionsgate, whose vice chair Michael Burns sits on the Hasbro board, is in the process of separating its film and TV studio from Starz.
eOne has been changing also pre-sale. Nick Meyer left the company, and eOne underwent a round of layoffs that impacted about 20% of the indie studio’s film and television staff.
“This workforce reduction is part of the ongoing transformational...
Since Hasbro declared it was shedding all but its core business, Lionsgate has been oft-mentioned as a suitor, as has Legendary. The two indie studios have been more recently bidding for the eOne film and TV assets alongside distributor GoDigital Media Group, with former eOne CEO Darren Throop launching another effort to raise financing. As Deadline has reported, Fremantle and Cvc Capital Partners also were potential buyers earlier in the process.
Lionsgate, whose vice chair Michael Burns sits on the Hasbro board, is in the process of separating its film and TV studio from Starz.
eOne has been changing also pre-sale. Nick Meyer left the company, and eOne underwent a round of layoffs that impacted about 20% of the indie studio’s film and television staff.
“This workforce reduction is part of the ongoing transformational...
- 7/17/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate moved another step toward a possible separation of its pay TV and streaming business from its studio operations.
On Wednesday, the Hollywood studio disclosed the public filing of a Form 10 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission around its planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies.
Lionsgate said the potential separation would spin off its studio business, including the Motion Picture and Television Production groups, into a separately traded public company, while the media networks business, which mostly comprises Starz, would remain in the existing company.
“We remain excited by the prospect of separating Lionsgate and Starz into standalone companies with strong financial foundations that will allow each company to pursue its own distinct strategy while offering investors the opportunity to own both a pure-play publicly-traded content studio and a premium subscription platform,” Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said in a statement.
The Form 10 filing lays...
On Wednesday, the Hollywood studio disclosed the public filing of a Form 10 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission around its planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies.
Lionsgate said the potential separation would spin off its studio business, including the Motion Picture and Television Production groups, into a separately traded public company, while the media networks business, which mostly comprises Starz, would remain in the existing company.
“We remain excited by the prospect of separating Lionsgate and Starz into standalone companies with strong financial foundations that will allow each company to pursue its own distinct strategy while offering investors the opportunity to own both a pure-play publicly-traded content studio and a premium subscription platform,” Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said in a statement.
The Form 10 filing lays...
- 7/12/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
eOne: Lionsgate & Legendary Remain Among 4 Potential Buyers As Hasbro Company Sale Nears Finish Line
Here is the latest I hear on eOne. Lionsgate and Legendary are still in contention to acquire a majority stake in the indie film and TV studio, which has been put up for sale. I hear there are two other suitors, private equity firm Cvc Capital Partners and distributor GoDigital Media Group. Deadline reported a month ago that Fremantle also was among the bidders. According to sources, the indie no longer is pursuing eOne as the target price has climbed up beyond what it was willing to pay for the assets.
I hear the final bids are due by end of the month. Reps for Hasbro, Lionsgate, Legendary, Cvc Capital and GoDigital had no comment or didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The assets that have been put up for sale by the toymaker include all scripted and unscripted TV production (except for the Family Brands division housing such...
I hear the final bids are due by end of the month. Reps for Hasbro, Lionsgate, Legendary, Cvc Capital and GoDigital had no comment or didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The assets that have been put up for sale by the toymaker include all scripted and unscripted TV production (except for the Family Brands division housing such...
- 4/17/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Four and a half years ago, it was announced that Lionsgate – a studio that had once been a prominent force in the horror genre, with releases like The Devil’s Rejects, Cabin Fever, the Hostel films, and of course the Saw franchise – was developing a genre project called Cobweb with the intention of taking back their “ownership” of horror. Soon, we’re finally going to have the chance to see just how impressive Cobweb is. Lionsgate has revealed that they’ll be giving the film a theatrical release on July 21st.
Directed by Samuel Bodin, who created Netflix’s short-lived French horror series Marianne, from a screenplay by Chris Thomas Devlin (Leatherface), Cobweb has the following synopsis: Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination. As Peter’s fear intensifies, he believes that...
Directed by Samuel Bodin, who created Netflix’s short-lived French horror series Marianne, from a screenplay by Chris Thomas Devlin (Leatherface), Cobweb has the following synopsis: Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination. As Peter’s fear intensifies, he believes that...
- 4/3/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Lionsgate is moving forward with its plans to separate the studio business from Starz, submitting a draft registration of the proposed spinoff — of the studio — with SEC.
The filing was submitted confidentially, so there are no details. But Lionsgate said it expects the spin-off to be completed “on previously communicated timelines, subject to market and other conditions.” That means the quarter ending in September. Details of the spin will likely become public within the next few months. The company had said previously it intended to file is plans with the SEC in March, so today’s news is in line.
Wall Street has been anticipating the transaction for over a year. It’s meant to unlock value for the stock, which had been lagging, along with the rest of media. This year, Lionsgate shares are among the sector’s best performers, having doubled since Jan. but still down from its...
The filing was submitted confidentially, so there are no details. But Lionsgate said it expects the spin-off to be completed “on previously communicated timelines, subject to market and other conditions.” That means the quarter ending in September. Details of the spin will likely become public within the next few months. The company had said previously it intended to file is plans with the SEC in March, so today’s news is in line.
Wall Street has been anticipating the transaction for over a year. It’s meant to unlock value for the stock, which had been lagging, along with the rest of media. This year, Lionsgate shares are among the sector’s best performers, having doubled since Jan. but still down from its...
- 3/31/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Succession, Yellowjackets, John Wick: Chapter 4 and A Good Person.
Succession premiere
Creator Jesse Armstrong and stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook (who debuted her baby bump), Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun, Alan Ruck, Matthew Macfadyen, J. Smith-Cameron and Alexander Skarsgård walked the carpet for the fourth and final season of the HBO hit drama on Monday in NYC.
Nicholas Braun, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Jeremy Strong, Brian Cox, Matthew Macfadyen and Jesse Armstrong Alexander Skarsgard Sarah Snook and husband Dave Lawson
John Wick: Chapter 4 premiere
Just days after Lance Reddick’s death, the John Wick team premiered their latest film in Hollywood on Monday in his honor, with stars including Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane and director Chad Stahelski wearing blue ribbons in tribute.
Succession premiere
Creator Jesse Armstrong and stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook (who debuted her baby bump), Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun, Alan Ruck, Matthew Macfadyen, J. Smith-Cameron and Alexander Skarsgård walked the carpet for the fourth and final season of the HBO hit drama on Monday in NYC.
Nicholas Braun, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Jeremy Strong, Brian Cox, Matthew Macfadyen and Jesse Armstrong Alexander Skarsgard Sarah Snook and husband Dave Lawson
John Wick: Chapter 4 premiere
Just days after Lance Reddick’s death, the John Wick team premiered their latest film in Hollywood on Monday in his honor, with stars including Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane and director Chad Stahelski wearing blue ribbons in tribute.
- 3/24/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Blindspotting makes its long-awaited return next month, and Starz released the first trailer for Season 2 on Wednesday.
The second installment of Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs‘ comedy series, which is a follow-up to the pair’s 2018 film, picks up nine months after Ashley (Jasmine Cephas Jones) and Miles’ (Casal) prison nuptial in the Season 1 finale.
Related Story 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Related Story Lionsgate Re-Ups Vice Chairman Michael Burns And COO Brian Goldsmith With Starz Transaction Looming Related Story Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff To Headline Starz and MPA Event On Importance Of Women Leaders In Government And Entertainment
In the trailer, Ashley is trying to adjust to her “new normal,” raising her son Sean (Atticus Woodward) alone while Miles is serving time in San Quentin. However, those around her quickly become concerned when Ashley’s behavior starts to go off the rails. One of...
The second installment of Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs‘ comedy series, which is a follow-up to the pair’s 2018 film, picks up nine months after Ashley (Jasmine Cephas Jones) and Miles’ (Casal) prison nuptial in the Season 1 finale.
Related Story 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Related Story Lionsgate Re-Ups Vice Chairman Michael Burns And COO Brian Goldsmith With Starz Transaction Looming Related Story Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff To Headline Starz and MPA Event On Importance Of Women Leaders In Government And Entertainment
In the trailer, Ashley is trying to adjust to her “new normal,” raising her son Sean (Atticus Woodward) alone while Miles is serving time in San Quentin. However, those around her quickly become concerned when Ashley’s behavior starts to go off the rails. One of...
- 3/9/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns has extended his employment agreement with the Hollywood studio for another year through Oct. 2024, while fellow dealmaker COO Brian Goldsmith has entered into a new multi-year contractual deal.
On Friday, in a securities filing, Lionsgate said the board of directors agreed on Feb. 28 that the studio will exercise an option to extend Burn’s contract, with all other terms of the original Dec. 2020 agreement remaining unchanged.
Burns and Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer – whose own employment deal in a similar fashion was recently extended through August 2025 – represent the longest-running management team in Hollywood, having been with the studio for 24 years.
At the same time, Burns and Feltheimer have been busy with plans to split off the studio’s pay TV and streaming business from its studio operations to make both more attractive as takeover targets, with a completion of that strategic alternatives process set for September...
On Friday, in a securities filing, Lionsgate said the board of directors agreed on Feb. 28 that the studio will exercise an option to extend Burn’s contract, with all other terms of the original Dec. 2020 agreement remaining unchanged.
Burns and Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer – whose own employment deal in a similar fashion was recently extended through August 2025 – represent the longest-running management team in Hollywood, having been with the studio for 24 years.
At the same time, Burns and Feltheimer have been busy with plans to split off the studio’s pay TV and streaming business from its studio operations to make both more attractive as takeover targets, with a completion of that strategic alternatives process set for September...
- 3/3/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gunsmoke was one of the most popular television shows ever to hit the air. The network, CBS, knew what it had on its hands after its 1955 premiere and milked it for 20 seasons before suddenly canceling it in 1975. The Western genre later died off, as its wave of popularity never quite returned to form. Here’s a list of five other vintage television shows to dig into if Gunsmoke was your jam.
L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images ‘Bonanza’ (1959-1973) L-r: Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright, Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Bonanza first hit the air in 1959, a few years after Gunsmoke first established its legs among Western shows. The story follows...
L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images ‘Bonanza’ (1959-1973) L-r: Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright, Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Bonanza first hit the air in 1959, a few years after Gunsmoke first established its legs among Western shows. The story follows...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Click here to read the full article.
Corii Berg has resigned as general counsel of Lionsgate.
The departure, effective Dec. 20, was announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing issued by the Hollywood studio on Tuesday. No reason was given for the resignation, but it’s understood it was Berg’s decision to leave the home of the John Wick franchise.
Associate general counsels Adrian Kuzycz and Randall Jackson and chief ethics and legal compliance officer Rahwa Ghebre-Ab will manage Lionsgate’s legal team on an interim basis. Berg, a former Sony Pictures Entertainment exec, joined Lionsgate in mid-2018 and reported to CEO Jon Feltheimer.
Berg also worked closely with vice chairman Michael Burns, COO Brian Goldsmith and CFO Jimmy Barge as the studio navigated industry consolidation. Lionsgate is currently courting possible suitors as it considers spinning off its studio business.
As the studio also explores its options for Starz,...
Corii Berg has resigned as general counsel of Lionsgate.
The departure, effective Dec. 20, was announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing issued by the Hollywood studio on Tuesday. No reason was given for the resignation, but it’s understood it was Berg’s decision to leave the home of the John Wick franchise.
Associate general counsels Adrian Kuzycz and Randall Jackson and chief ethics and legal compliance officer Rahwa Ghebre-Ab will manage Lionsgate’s legal team on an interim basis. Berg, a former Sony Pictures Entertainment exec, joined Lionsgate in mid-2018 and reported to CEO Jon Feltheimer.
Berg also worked closely with vice chairman Michael Burns, COO Brian Goldsmith and CFO Jimmy Barge as the studio navigated industry consolidation. Lionsgate is currently courting possible suitors as it considers spinning off its studio business.
As the studio also explores its options for Starz,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In August, Starz lost “The Continental,” the upcoming prequel series based on the “John Wick” action franchise. Instead, it will go to Peacock — even though the premium cable network and the franchise share the same corporate parent in Lionsgate. At the Rbc Media Conference Tuesday, Starz CEO Jeff Hirsh on Tuesday shed some light on the move.
Hirsh said that the show “really doesn’t fit our two core demos,” which include African American audiences enamored with the “Power” universe and women who have helped make “Outlander” a hit. And though he said “The Continental” could have been “a great success” for Starz, Lionsgate is in the midst of trying to separate from Starz and prove that both sides of the business can get the best bang for their buck.
“We felt in terms of maximizing shareholder value, it probably would be better for the organization if they took it...
Hirsh said that the show “really doesn’t fit our two core demos,” which include African American audiences enamored with the “Power” universe and women who have helped make “Outlander” a hit. And though he said “The Continental” could have been “a great success” for Starz, Lionsgate is in the midst of trying to separate from Starz and prove that both sides of the business can get the best bang for their buck.
“We felt in terms of maximizing shareholder value, it probably would be better for the organization if they took it...
- 11/15/2022
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Lionsgate this week has started the formalities around spinning off its studio from Starz and anticipates filing the deal with the SEC in March, and completing the separation of the businesses by the end of its fiscal second quarter next September, vice chair Michael Burns said Tuesday. The news officially resets the timeline for a deal Wall Street’s been anticipating for the better part of a year.
The transaction is meant to unlock value for the stock.
“When you have two very different businesses, it’s tough to put a blended multiple on that, trying to show shareholders the value of both sides of the business. A separation is the cleanest way to do that,” Burns told the Rbc media conference.
Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch said the stand-alone Starz media group would have its own currency, meaning shares that it can use “to get bigger, or become part of something bigger,...
The transaction is meant to unlock value for the stock.
“When you have two very different businesses, it’s tough to put a blended multiple on that, trying to show shareholders the value of both sides of the business. A separation is the cleanest way to do that,” Burns told the Rbc media conference.
Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch said the stand-alone Starz media group would have its own currency, meaning shares that it can use “to get bigger, or become part of something bigger,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has partnered with Tiicker, a pioneering platform for cultivating shareholder loyalty, to offer retail investors discounts and gifts around the studio’s film and TV brands. The goal is to turn individual fans of its franchises into stockholders.
The studio is the first Hollywood partner of the Detroit-based firm that has programs with Amazon, Carnival, Ford, Gm, Whirlpool and others.
Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns says it currently has fewer than 10,000 retail shareholders owning well under 10 of the company. The shareholder base is largely institutional, as with most publicly traded companies — aside from meme stocks like AMC Entertainment where individual stockholders mostly replaced institutions. Like many stocks in the media space, Lionsgate’s could use a boost.
Perks, tiered to various levels of stock ownership, offered though the Tiicker platform include a 50 discount for a year’s streaming subscription to Starz; discounts on movie tickets in partnership with Atom...
The studio is the first Hollywood partner of the Detroit-based firm that has programs with Amazon, Carnival, Ford, Gm, Whirlpool and others.
Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns says it currently has fewer than 10,000 retail shareholders owning well under 10 of the company. The shareholder base is largely institutional, as with most publicly traded companies — aside from meme stocks like AMC Entertainment where individual stockholders mostly replaced institutions. Like many stocks in the media space, Lionsgate’s could use a boost.
Perks, tiered to various levels of stock ownership, offered though the Tiicker platform include a 50 discount for a year’s streaming subscription to Starz; discounts on movie tickets in partnership with Atom...
- 11/14/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate today confirmed today that it remains on track to separate Starz and its studio business despite volatile markets noting that it’s now focusing on spinning out the studio, instead of the other way around.
“As negotiations progress we have increased our focus on the possibility of spinning our studio business, creating a number of financial and strategic benefits. In that regard, we are continuning productive negotiations with prospective strategic and financial partners on both sides of our business,” the company said in an SEC filing Wednesday.
It said it remains on a path to complete a transaction despite “volatile market conditions.”
Lionsgate initially announced last fall it was exploring strategic options that included a potential spinoff Starz, splitting the businesses in order to realize greater value for both as separate entities with a deal to be announced by late summer to close in early spring. That deadline has...
“As negotiations progress we have increased our focus on the possibility of spinning our studio business, creating a number of financial and strategic benefits. In that regard, we are continuning productive negotiations with prospective strategic and financial partners on both sides of our business,” the company said in an SEC filing Wednesday.
It said it remains on a path to complete a transaction despite “volatile market conditions.”
Lionsgate initially announced last fall it was exploring strategic options that included a potential spinoff Starz, splitting the businesses in order to realize greater value for both as separate entities with a deal to be announced by late summer to close in early spring. That deadline has...
- 9/28/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“I do think the studies will get paid, like they usually do, whatever they are owed. Because we are the suppliers and that’s usually what happens,” Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns said Wednesday of the Chapter 11 filing earlier in the day by Regal Cinemas’ parent Cineworld.
“Those things seem to go through the same cycle – I almost think of the airline business – where they have these giant runups and investors come piling in and then something terrible happens,” he said during a Q&a at the BofA Securities media conference.
According to Cineworld’s filing in the Southern District of Texas, Lionsgate Film Inc. has 15 million in unsecured claims.
A list of creditors holding the 20 largest unsecured claims must be filed in a Chapter 11 case. The group here includes Universal for 20.4 million; Walt Disney for 14 million; Warner Bros. for 7.6 million; Sony Pictures Releasing for 3.2 million; and Imax for 11 million.
“Those things seem to go through the same cycle – I almost think of the airline business – where they have these giant runups and investors come piling in and then something terrible happens,” he said during a Q&a at the BofA Securities media conference.
According to Cineworld’s filing in the Southern District of Texas, Lionsgate Film Inc. has 15 million in unsecured claims.
A list of creditors holding the 20 largest unsecured claims must be filed in a Chapter 11 case. The group here includes Universal for 20.4 million; Walt Disney for 14 million; Warner Bros. for 7.6 million; Sony Pictures Releasing for 3.2 million; and Imax for 11 million.
- 9/7/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns updated Wall Street analysts on Wednesday about current talks with multiple bidders on a possible transaction involving Starz as well as the entire company.
“I can tell you the deeper we’ve gotten into this over the last few months, the more we’re convinced this is the right thing to do,” Burns told the Bank of America 2022 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference, during a session that was webcast.
Lionsgate has been exploring its options for Starz, including a possible separation of the pay TV and streaming business and its studio operations. The goal appears to be creating two standalone companies so investors can value the Starz and studio assets separately.
Burns insisted his studio would not do a speedy or careless deal. “We’re not going to do a dumb deal on one or both sides of the business.
Lionsgate vice chairman Michael Burns updated Wall Street analysts on Wednesday about current talks with multiple bidders on a possible transaction involving Starz as well as the entire company.
“I can tell you the deeper we’ve gotten into this over the last few months, the more we’re convinced this is the right thing to do,” Burns told the Bank of America 2022 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference, during a session that was webcast.
Lionsgate has been exploring its options for Starz, including a possible separation of the pay TV and streaming business and its studio operations. The goal appears to be creating two standalone companies so investors can value the Starz and studio assets separately.
Burns insisted his studio would not do a speedy or careless deal. “We’re not going to do a dumb deal on one or both sides of the business.
- 9/7/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
As Lionsgate’s top brass decides what type of spinoff or sale to consider for its premium cable brand Starz, the company disclosed on Friday a price tag for a film library and stake deal it made in 2021.
Lionsgate agreed to pay 191.4 million for 200 films and an 18.9 percent preferred equity interest in the Gary Barber-run production firm Spyglass Media Company, the conglomerate disclosed in its 10-k report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. Lionsgate said a 171.4 million payment was made last year, with installments of 10 million set aside to be paid in 2022 and 2023.
The Jon Feltheimer-run Lionsgate first revealed the deal for the stake in Spyglass, led by former MGM chief Barber, in July 2021. As part of the agreement, Lionsgate acquired 200 titles from Spyglass, including Paddington, Fruitvale Station, The Kings Speech and Silver Linings Playbook, as well as Quentin Tarantino titles Inglourious Basterds,...
As Lionsgate’s top brass decides what type of spinoff or sale to consider for its premium cable brand Starz, the company disclosed on Friday a price tag for a film library and stake deal it made in 2021.
Lionsgate agreed to pay 191.4 million for 200 films and an 18.9 percent preferred equity interest in the Gary Barber-run production firm Spyglass Media Company, the conglomerate disclosed in its 10-k report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. Lionsgate said a 171.4 million payment was made last year, with installments of 10 million set aside to be paid in 2022 and 2023.
The Jon Feltheimer-run Lionsgate first revealed the deal for the stake in Spyglass, led by former MGM chief Barber, in July 2021. As part of the agreement, Lionsgate acquired 200 titles from Spyglass, including Paddington, Fruitvale Station, The Kings Speech and Silver Linings Playbook, as well as Quentin Tarantino titles Inglourious Basterds,...
- 8/5/2022
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate execs said the company is still on track to announce a deal for Starz next month and close as early as next spring, but talks have expanded to possibly include the studio as well.
CEO Jon Feltheimer said Thursday that different types of bidders have emerged — a group of investors focused on the streaming platform, and others that understand the “immense value” of the studio and are eyeing that. He urged Wall Street to look at Amazon’s 8.5 billion purchase of MGM as a benchmark, noting the high price tag, and that it left Lionsgate “the only real, actionable investment” around as a studio.
“Our library is better than the MGM library. Our library is newer, fresher than the MGM library,” he said.
On timing, he and vice chair Michael Burns — speaking on a post-earnings call — said it’s key is to do this deal “right, not fast,” especially...
CEO Jon Feltheimer said Thursday that different types of bidders have emerged — a group of investors focused on the streaming platform, and others that understand the “immense value” of the studio and are eyeing that. He urged Wall Street to look at Amazon’s 8.5 billion purchase of MGM as a benchmark, noting the high price tag, and that it left Lionsgate “the only real, actionable investment” around as a studio.
“Our library is better than the MGM library. Our library is newer, fresher than the MGM library,” he said.
On timing, he and vice chair Michael Burns — speaking on a post-earnings call — said it’s key is to do this deal “right, not fast,” especially...
- 8/4/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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Lionsgate saw its base of streaming subscribers for Starz keep rising as the Hollywood studio released its second quarter financial results as it explores a sale or spinoff of the premium cable and streaming platform.
On Thursday, the Hollywood studio saw its number of global streaming subscribers for Starz rise to 26.3 million for the three months ending June 30, 2022, in an increasingly competitive global streaming arena. That’s up another 1.8 million subscribers compared to 24.5 million at the end of its fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and a rise of 57 percent year-over-year.
Lionsgate execs, on an after-markets analyst call, were expected to give an update on the studio exploring its options for Starz, including a possible separation of the pay TV and streaming business and its studio operations. The goal appears to be creating two stand-alone companies so investors can value the Starz and studio assets separately.
Lionsgate saw its base of streaming subscribers for Starz keep rising as the Hollywood studio released its second quarter financial results as it explores a sale or spinoff of the premium cable and streaming platform.
On Thursday, the Hollywood studio saw its number of global streaming subscribers for Starz rise to 26.3 million for the three months ending June 30, 2022, in an increasingly competitive global streaming arena. That’s up another 1.8 million subscribers compared to 24.5 million at the end of its fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and a rise of 57 percent year-over-year.
Lionsgate execs, on an after-markets analyst call, were expected to give an update on the studio exploring its options for Starz, including a possible separation of the pay TV and streaming business and its studio operations. The goal appears to be creating two stand-alone companies so investors can value the Starz and studio assets separately.
- 8/4/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer saw annual compensation drop to just under 5.6 million in fiscal 2022 from 19.2 million the year before. His cash bonus shrank to 2.8 million from 10 million.
He received no option awards this year, compared with 6.7 million-worth last year, according to an SEC filing. Last year’s option grant was buoyed by a new contract.
His stock awards rose to 1 million from 700,000.
Feltheimer’s base salary was unchanged at 1.5 million.
Lionsgate’s fiscal year ends in March.
Vice chair Michael Burns saw his total compensation dip to 4.4 million from 8.5 million, according to the proxy filing that lists the pay of a public company’s top five highest-paid executives.
In its analysis section, the board’s compensation committee said Feltheimer “had achieved most of his fiscal 2022 individual goals.” The 72 drop in his cash bonus, it said, was “in order to continue prudent management of the company’s cash position and continue...
He received no option awards this year, compared with 6.7 million-worth last year, according to an SEC filing. Last year’s option grant was buoyed by a new contract.
His stock awards rose to 1 million from 700,000.
Feltheimer’s base salary was unchanged at 1.5 million.
Lionsgate’s fiscal year ends in March.
Vice chair Michael Burns saw his total compensation dip to 4.4 million from 8.5 million, according to the proxy filing that lists the pay of a public company’s top five highest-paid executives.
In its analysis section, the board’s compensation committee said Feltheimer “had achieved most of his fiscal 2022 individual goals.” The 72 drop in his cash bonus, it said, was “in order to continue prudent management of the company’s cash position and continue...
- 7/28/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer took a pretty steep pay cut in 2022. The media chief’s total compensation dropped more than 70, falling from 19.1 million to 5.6 million, according to public filings.
The big drop is due to Feltheimer’s shrinking bonus, which was reduced from 10 million in 2021 to 2.8 million. Feltheimer’s total compensation included a 1.5 million base salary, as well as 1 million in stock awards. Feltheimer’s pay package also includes 37,733 in club membership dues, 21,000 in security service costs, and 213,373 in incremental costs for the personal use of the company-leased aircraft.
Michael Burns, Lionsgate’s vice chairman, also took a pay cut. His compensation was nearly halved, falling from 8.5 million to 4.4 million for fiscal 2022. Again, that was largely attributable to a less generous bonus, which fell from 4 million to 2 million. Burns’ package includes a base salary of 1 million and stock awards valued at 1.3 million. It also includes 34,923 in incremental costs for the...
The big drop is due to Feltheimer’s shrinking bonus, which was reduced from 10 million in 2021 to 2.8 million. Feltheimer’s total compensation included a 1.5 million base salary, as well as 1 million in stock awards. Feltheimer’s pay package also includes 37,733 in club membership dues, 21,000 in security service costs, and 213,373 in incremental costs for the personal use of the company-leased aircraft.
Michael Burns, Lionsgate’s vice chairman, also took a pay cut. His compensation was nearly halved, falling from 8.5 million to 4.4 million for fiscal 2022. Again, that was largely attributable to a less generous bonus, which fell from 4 million to 2 million. Burns’ package includes a base salary of 1 million and stock awards valued at 1.3 million. It also includes 34,923 in incremental costs for the...
- 7/28/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer saw his total compensation fall to 5.58 million for fiscal 2022, according to the company’s latest proxy filing disclosed Thursday.
That’s down from fiscal 2021 when Feltheimer received 19 million in total pay, and the 11 million he earned as part of his overall compensation package for fiscal 2020. Feltheimer’s 2022 compensation included an unchanged 1.5 million base salary, but his bonus tumbled to 2.8 million, against a year-earlier 10 million bonus for 2021.
And he received no option awards last year, against 6.7 million in option awards received for fiscal 2021. Feltheimer in August 2020 extended his long-term employment agreement, keeping him at the Hollywood studio potentially to August 2025.
The new contract extension followed strong digital subscriber growth for the Starz streaming platform as it expands internationally. Feltheimer’s latest compensation package also followed stock in Lionsgate rising by 9 percent in the fiscal year to March 31, 2022.
Lionsgate vice chairman...
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer saw his total compensation fall to 5.58 million for fiscal 2022, according to the company’s latest proxy filing disclosed Thursday.
That’s down from fiscal 2021 when Feltheimer received 19 million in total pay, and the 11 million he earned as part of his overall compensation package for fiscal 2020. Feltheimer’s 2022 compensation included an unchanged 1.5 million base salary, but his bonus tumbled to 2.8 million, against a year-earlier 10 million bonus for 2021.
And he received no option awards last year, against 6.7 million in option awards received for fiscal 2021. Feltheimer in August 2020 extended his long-term employment agreement, keeping him at the Hollywood studio potentially to August 2025.
The new contract extension followed strong digital subscriber growth for the Starz streaming platform as it expands internationally. Feltheimer’s latest compensation package also followed stock in Lionsgate rising by 9 percent in the fiscal year to March 31, 2022.
Lionsgate vice chairman...
- 7/28/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars: Bruce Willis, Lauren McCord, Ashley Greene, Massi Furlan, Adam Huel Potter, Michael Sirow, Texas Battle | Written by Bill Lawrence | Directed by Mike Burns
The last of Bruce Willis’ films continue to trickle out, and the most recent one to come our way is Wrong Place, which reunites Willis with music supervisor turned director Mike Burns and writer Bill Lawrence, the team responsible for Out of Death. I won’t blame you if you give up on it after reading that.
Frank was a police chief, now he’s a security guard. But when we first see him he’s still a cop. He and his wife Maggie are drunkenly discussing their daughter Chloe being diagnosed with cancer. On the way home from their wine-soaked dinner he swerves to avoid a deer on the road. I’m sure you can guess the rest.
A year later, he steps outside for...
The last of Bruce Willis’ films continue to trickle out, and the most recent one to come our way is Wrong Place, which reunites Willis with music supervisor turned director Mike Burns and writer Bill Lawrence, the team responsible for Out of Death. I won’t blame you if you give up on it after reading that.
Frank was a police chief, now he’s a security guard. But when we first see him he’s still a cop. He and his wife Maggie are drunkenly discussing their daughter Chloe being diagnosed with cancer. On the way home from their wine-soaked dinner he swerves to avoid a deer on the road. I’m sure you can guess the rest.
A year later, he steps outside for...
- 7/18/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Roku and Apollo Global Management have teamed up to bid for a minority stake in Starz, Deadline has confirmed.
A person familiar with the situation said a first round of bids was several weeks ago and interested parties were just starting to get access to Starz data. Others are in the mix as well, with interested parties said to include DirecTV, and the process is going rather slowly.
Lionsgate announced last fall it was exploring strategic options for the cable network and streamer, effectively putting it on the block. The company run by Jon Feltheimer acquired Starz for 4.4 billion in 2016. But the combined company now has a market cap of just over 3 billion. Selling all or a part of the asset could unlock value.
That’s been especially true given the big multiples paid for content, including Amazon’s 8.45 billion acquisition of MGM.
Roku launched its first original programming slate...
A person familiar with the situation said a first round of bids was several weeks ago and interested parties were just starting to get access to Starz data. Others are in the mix as well, with interested parties said to include DirecTV, and the process is going rather slowly.
Lionsgate announced last fall it was exploring strategic options for the cable network and streamer, effectively putting it on the block. The company run by Jon Feltheimer acquired Starz for 4.4 billion in 2016. But the combined company now has a market cap of just over 3 billion. Selling all or a part of the asset could unlock value.
That’s been especially true given the big multiples paid for content, including Amazon’s 8.45 billion acquisition of MGM.
Roku launched its first original programming slate...
- 5/3/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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