5:28:00 AM
.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 6, 2018 -- 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.
