Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) 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 companies announced today.
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.
Outside of this new strategic arrangement, CBS Films will continue to acquire, produce and self-distribute its own limited releases.
[ Also Visit: Robojit and the Sand Planet – The Story of the Future Universe ]
“Making movies is only half of the equation—today’s marketplace demands a strategic approach to marketing and distribution that is fluid and creative,” said CBS Films president Terry Press.
Lionsgate and CBS are also partners in TVGN currently being rebranded as POP. Additionally, the two companies joined forces on the 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.
[ Also Read: IMAX and Twentieth Century Fox Sign Four-Picture Deal ]
The film follows Bianca (Mae Whitman), a high school senior whose world is shattered when a charming jock (Robbie Amell) informs her that the student body knows her as The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends (Skyler Samuels and Bianca Santos).
Set for release in early 2015, the film also stars Bella Thorne, Nick Eversman, Ken Jeong and Allison Janney. The first teaser trailer for The DUFF will appear in theaters on Lionsgate’s global blockbuster The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 next week.
CBS Films is a division of CBS Corporation. The division develops, finances, acquires, produces and releases theatrical feature films spanning all genres.
