As part of its international growth strategy, Lionsgate has opened an office in
Lionsgate has entered into a bilateral agreement with Hoyts, a leading Australian distributor of filmed entertainment product throughout Australia and New Zealand
Recent Lionsgate titles include hits such as Saw IV and the critically-acclaimed hit 3:10 To Yuma
Under the agreement, national distribution of Hoyts’ theatrical and back catalogue titles on DVD will be undertaken by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, with whom Lionsgate also has a longstanding relationship in the territory. This agreement serves to consolidate Lionsgate’s distribution business in the Australian marketplace.
“We are very enthusiastic about working with such a highly regarded studio on the DVD distribution of Lionsgate’s acclaimed slate of films,” said Michele Garra, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
“This distribution alliance reflects significant growth and expansion for both of our companies, and we look forward to a successful, ongoing relationship.”
Lionsgate has further bolstered its Australian growth initiative by forging a pay television deal with The Movie Network for all of Lionsgate’s feature films and some of its television programming.
“With the opening of our Australian office, the launch of a broad range of Lionsgate branded filmed entertainment operations and the formation of distribution alliances with three of the top blue-chip partners in the Australian market – Hoyts, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and The Movie Network — Lionsgate is positioned for significant long-term growth in Australia,” said Lionsgate President and co-Chief Operating Officer Steve Beeks.
“Our distribution of current releases and library product in key English-speaking territories is an important component of our strategy for growing our margins and expanding our reach.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home video acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries worldwide.