• Lionsgate first-run films to launch on Starzplay
  • Multiyear agreement for UK audiences to access $1.3bn of Lionsgate content
  • “A thoughtful and flexible approach to our windowing strategies,” says Lionsgate president

Bombshell (Hilary B Gayle IMDb)

Bombshell: Lionsgate release

Source: Hilary B Gayle / IMDb

Premium international streaming service Starzplay has entered a theatrical output deal with Lionsgate for a split first pay streaming rights in the UK.

The deal encompasses global content leader Lionsgate’s recently released and upcoming feature films including Knives Out and Bombshell.

Under the multi-year agreement, Starzplay subscribers in the UK will be able to access Lionsgate first-run movies including Lionsgate’s feature film slate which grossed nearly $1.3 billion at the global box office in 2019.

Lionsgate president of worldwide television and digital distribution Jim Packer said: “One of our top priorities is to supply STARZPLAY with a deep roster of exciting Lionsgate content that complements their original programming and 3rd party acquisitions as they continue to launch their service around the world.

“This agreement reflects a thoughtful and flexible approach to our windowing strategies while building value through the continued combination of our IP creation and platform distribution capabilities.”

The deal was negotiated by Lionsgate president of international television and digital distribution Agapy Kapouranis, senior vice president and head of Europe, Middle East and Africa television sales Nicky Wood, and vice president of UK, Turkey and Greece television sales Nazneen Sethi.

Starzplay, launched in 2018, has already expanded its premium streaming platform into 49 countries.

It gives subscribers the opportunity to watch a highly curated portfolio of Starz premium content, films and television series from Lionsgate’s 17,000-title library, and an exciting line-up of third-party acquisitions, with future STARZ Originals airing exclusively on Starzplay day-and-date with the US.

Starz executive vice president of international digital networks Superna Kalle said: “We’re delighted to bring Lionsgate’s slate of star-driven and critically-acclaimed feature films to our UK subscribers.

“Offering consumers great content is key to growing our subscriber base as we continue our international rollout, and this partnership only scratches the surface of what Lionsgate and Starz can achieve together.”

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