Lionsgate And CBS Films Announce Distribution Partnership

Lionsgate and CBS Films have formed a multi-year distribution partnership which will begin with the 2015 release of the teen comedy 'The DUFF', the two firms announced.

Under the agreement, CBS Films will acquire or produce the films and shepherd the marketing efforts with Lionsgate overseeing distribution initiatives across all media, including theatrical and home entertainment platforms. In addition, Lionsgate will handle exclusive international sales for all titles under the agreement with the exception of The DUFF.

The agreement gives CBS Films access to Lionsgate's distribution prowess as well as its global sales infrastructure, while Lionsgate will receive a new and consistent source of branded quality wide release films for its theatrical and home entertainment pipelines. Outside of this new strategic arrangement, CBS Films will continue to acquire, produce and self-distribute its own limited releases.

Lionsgate and CBS are also partnered in TVGN currently being rebranded as POP. Additionally, the two companies joined forces on the critically acclaimed romantic comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

The first film to be released under the new agreement is the high school comedy The DUFF, based on the bestselling novel by Kody Keplinger and directed by Ari Sandel from a screenplay by Josh Cagan. McG, Mary Viola and Susan Cartsonis produced The DUFF with Lane Bishop serving as executive producer.

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(CD)