VANCOUVER – Lionsgate has formed a global television distribution pact with U.S. media company Skydance Media to strengthen its offerings in the international television marketplace
The launch of newly-created label Skydance International, which will feature Skydance Media's current and emerging premium television properties around the world following their initial U.S. broadcast, augments Lionsgate's worldwide distribution pipeline and permits the two companies to tap opportunities across the global television marketplace, reads the announcement. Lionsgate currently distributes nearly 2,000 hours of television programming annually around the world.
The deal will include Skydance's Emmy-nominated television series Grace and Frankie and critically-acclaimed drama Manhattan (produced in partnership with Lionsgate and Tribune Studios), as well as a number of new properties that Skydance is developing for the international television marketplace including Lore and Madness of Angels.
"We're thrilled to expand our partnership with Skydance Media, one of the hottest and most dynamic film and television studios in the industry," said Lionsgate president of worldwide television and digital distribution, Jim Packer, in the announcement. "The Skydance brand is synonymous with big, bold, quality entertainment events, and their television slate complements our global distribution pipeline. We're excited to partner with them on all forms of global distribution, from the traditional to the disruptive, and we'll focus on innovative deals that reflect today's dynamic television ecosystem."
"We believe joining together with Lionsgate – one of the most cutting-edge and creative content companies in the world – will strongly position the Skydance Media brand for success as we make our debut in the international television marketplace," added Skydance Media founder and CEO David Ellison. "We've worked hard to create premium, branded content that will resonate with audiences worldwide, and this new partnership with Lionsgate will accelerate our ability to distribute our shows far and wide across platforms and around the globe in conjunction with the launch of Skydance International."
As part of the announcement, Skydance Media said that Brandon Zimon has joined the company as SVP of international television sales and co-productions.
