EXCLUSIVE: In the latest of a series of deals to create an international distribution network with top-tier partners offshore, Lionsgate has made a multi-year deal with StudioCanal to release Lionsgate flicks in Germany and Austria.

This comes after the companies arranged earlier for StudioCanal to release The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and renewing an arrangement where Lionsgate distributes StudioCanal’s 2,000+ library titles in North America.

The new deal gives StudioCanal releasing rights for the Hunger Games finales Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2 in German speaking countries, and encompasses other flicks from the Lionsgate slate.

Deal follows one made last week with Village Roadshow for Australia.Lionsgate and StudioCanal have history together; they are also partnered in the Elevation Sales home entertainment joint venture in the UK and distribution of the Miramax library worldwide, and the two companies joined forces on the 2010 release of the hit horror The Last Exorcism.“StudioCanal epitomizes the kind of blue-chip partner around whom we are building our international distribution network,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman.

“Nobody knows our business better than they do, and their marketing prowess, brand recognition and vision will give us continuity, consistency and leadership in bringing our flicks to Germany and Austria for years to come.”In a statement, StudioCanal chairman Olivier Courson said: “We’re delighted to expand and extend our ...... See Complete Article @ Deadline Hollywood