Lionsgate Entertainment 

2700 Colorado Avenue, Suite 5000
Santa Monica, California 90404

http://www.lionsgate.com/

Key Executives 

History

Lionsgate Entertainment has taken the entertainment world by storm by becoming the first major new Hollywood studio in 50 years. The Canadian-American company was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 3, 1997,  and is now headquartered in Santa Monica, California. The brainchild of Frank Giustra and Avi Federgreen, Lionsgate began its rise to the top by producing independent films like “American Psycho” and “Juno” that received critical recognition. [1]

After the company’s acquisition of Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate took off as a leading producer of blockbuster films such as “The Hunger Games” series and the “Divergent” series. Lionsgate’s motion picture business has grossed an average of $2 billion at the worldwide box office for the past three years, joining the “Big 6” film companies at the top of the market. [2]

 In addition to becoming one of Hollywood’s top film studios, Lionsgate also possesses its own successful television group. Lionsgate’s television business has become a leading supplier of premium scripted content to broadcast, cable and digital networks. [2]

Lionsgate takes credit for some of television’s highest rated and most iconic series, including “Orange is the New Black”, “Mad Men”, and “Weeds”. Their television portfolio is now home to 30 television series spanning across 20 different networks, with over 30 primetime Emmy nominations to cement the company’s presence as a leading player in the entertainment world. [3]

 Finances

Lionsgate is celebrating a successful year after having moved up a spot to be ranked sixth among all studios for the market share of the film industry. [4] While there has been a decrease in their stock price over the last three months, from $25.40 to $20.33, the company’s stock is rising again. 

 The company has seen a lucrative year with their box office total gross coming to $195.9 billion dollars. This success is largely due in part to the high-grossing “Hunger Games” franchise which ended its blockbuster run this past fall. [5]

Their television business has also seen impressive growth, with its revenue increasing by 30% to $580 million . [6] The company anticipates further increase in their television revenue after shows such as “Orange is the New Black” and “Nashville” were picked up for new seasons.

Right Here, Right Now

While Lionsgate has experienced great success from its distribution of film franchises such as “The Hunger Games”, “The Twilight Series”, and The “Divergent” Series, the company has noticed a change in the way these types of franchises are being received. Lionsgate was relying on the newest installment of The “Divergent” Series, “Allegiant“, to take the box office by storm. However, “Allegiant” grossed a mere $29 million dollars its opening weekend in the domestic box office, marking the lowest opening for the film franchise to date. [7]  To date, the film has made $64,403,316 at the domestic box office which compares to the over $130 million produced individually by the franchise’s first two films. 

This disappointing reception to “Allegiant” comes on the heels of another upsetting opening for the company. “Gods of Egypt”, starring Russell Crowe, has been deemed the “first big bomb” of 2016 after its February 26th release. [8] The movie only produced $30 million dollars at the domestic box office after a large marketing campaign within the United States. [9]

The film struggled to gain viewership after it was accused of being culturally insensitive. “Gods of Egypt” was accused by audiences and critics of “whitewashing” after all the actors cast to portray Africans were white. The lack of diversity and representation in the film stirred controversy and protests which ultimately hurt its success at the box office.[10] However, Lionsgate took full responsibility for its mistake and issued a statement saying “We recognize that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed. In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologize. Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.” [11] While Lionsgate received backlash for their casting mishap, they have received praise after moving the shooting of their Hulu series “Crushed” from North Carolina to Canada after the state’s controversial passing of a new anti-LGBT law.  [12]

The Future

After the failure of both “Gods of Egypt” and “Allegiant”, Lionsgate has been exploring new content to fill the void created by the end of “The Hunger Games”. For years, Lionsgate relied on the teen fantasy series to serve as their highest grossing films. However, the clear loss of enthusiasm for the “Divergent” series has made it evident to the company that it needs a new approach to making blockbuster films. Lionsgate’s current lineup for future movies includes projects such as a “Power Rangers” reboot, a retelling of “The Odyssey”, and film adaptations of the “Magic Treehouse” book series to restore its luster. [13] [14]

While Lionsgate has had its fair share of ups and downs this past year, they are more confident then ever that their brand will resurge with a newer and stronger vibrancy. The company is anticipating a strong opening on June 10, 2016 for their latest film, “Now You See Me 2“, a sequel to the highly successful “Now You See Me“. The film includes a cast of leads such as Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, and Dave Franco, all of whom possess loyal fanbases. [15]

The film also features a highly anticipated cameo from “Harry Potter” actor Daniel Radcliffe which has kept message boards buzzing for the last few months. Lionsgate is not only confident that the film will have a positive reception, but the company is also dipping into the mobile gaming world by creating a “Now You See Me 2” game. [16]

 Lionsgate also has plans to launch Comic-Con HQ, a video-on-demand platform, on May 7, 2016. Comic-Con HQ will consist of scripted and unscripted series, film and TV genre titles, and behind the scene access and special features for their content. The network will focus on drawing in video game and comic book lovers by tailoring the channel’s content to focus on all the elements of Comic Con that fans love. Lionsgate will be launching the channel with free beta access in May before officially launching with paid subscriptions in June of 2016. [17] 

Lionsgate has proven to the entertainment world that they are a force to be reckoned with. A true underdog story, Lionsgate has risen from small independent production company to a leader in the film and television industries. With innovative ideas and content pouring out of the company, 2016 is sure to be a monumental year for Lionsgate Entertainment.

Sources

[1] “LIONSGATE Key Lines of Business.” Corporate. Lionsgate, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. https://www.lionsgate.com/corporate/

[2] “Lionsgate Movies.” Movies. Lionsgate, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2016 https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/

[3]”Lionsgate Television.” Television. Lionsgate, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. https://www.lionsgate.com/tv/

[4] “2016 Market Share and Box Office Results by Movie Studio.” Box Office Mojo. Box Office Mojo, 1 Jan. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/

[5] France, Lisa Respers. “How ‘Hunger Games’ Changed Hollywood.” CNN. Cable News Network, 19 Nov. 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/19/entertainment/hunger-games-mockingjay-part-2-hollywood-feat/

[6] Fiscal Year 2015 Financial Report. Retrieved November 29, 2015.://www.lionsgate.com/uploads/assets/2015%20Annual%20Report.pdf

[7] “The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016) – Box Office Mojo.” Box Office Mojo. Box Office Mojo, 22 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016 http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=allegiant.htm

[8] Orange, Alan. “Gods of Egypt Is First Big Bomb of 2016.” MovieWeb. N.p., 27 Feb. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://movieweb.com/gods-of-egypt-box-office-bomb-2016/://movieweb.com/gods-of-egypt-box-office-bomb-2016/

[9] “Gods of Egypt (2016) – Box Office Mojo.” Box Office Mojo. Box Office Mojo, 22 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=godsofegypt.htm

[10] Lee, Benjamin. “Gods of Egypt Posters Spark Anger with ‘whitewashed’ Cast.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 13 Nov. 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/nov/13/gods-of-egypt-posters-anger-whitewashed-cast-twitter-exodus

[11] Mendelson, Scott. “Lionsgate Responds To ‘Gods Of Egypt’ Whitewashing Controversy.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 27 Nov. 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/11/27/exclusive-lionsgate-responds-to-gods-of-egypt-whitewashing-controversy/#6892d8b31f4e

[12] Vlessing, Etan, and Gregg Kilday. “Lionsgate Pulls Hulu Pilot ‘Crushed’ From North Carolina After Anti-Gay Bill.” The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lionsgate-pulls-hulu-pilot-crushed-881405

[13] Lang, Brent. “Box Office: ‘Allegiant’ Opening Falling Short of Other ‘Divergent’ Films.” Variety. Variety Entertainment, 15 Mar. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://variety.com/2016/film/box-office/box-office-allegiant-divergent-1201730485/

[14] “Lionsgate Acquires Rights to Globally-Renowned Magic Tree House Book Series.” Childrens Book Council. Childrens Book Council, 21 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.cbcbooks.org/lionsgate-acquires-rights-to-globally-renowned-magic-tree-house-book-series/#.Vxu8yZMrJo5

[15] “‘Now You See Me 2’ Trailer: The Four Horsemen Return With Their Magical Escapades.” The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Mar. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/now-you-see-me-2-trailer-daniel-radcliffe-876192

[16] Vlessing, Etan. “Lionsgate Plans ‘Now You See Me’ Mobile Games.” The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lionsgate-plans-you-see-me-873278

[17] McNary, Dave. “Lionsgate to Launch Comic-Con Channel in May.” Variety. Variety Entertainment, 14 Mar. 2016. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.  http://variety.com/2016/film/news/lionsgate-comic-con-channel-1201728963/

[18] “The Hunger Games.” IMDB.com. IMDB, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://www.the-numbers.com/market/distributor/Lionsgate

[19] Gallagher, Brian. “5 Gods of Egypt Character Posters Introduce the Cast.”MovieWeb. N.p., 12 Nov. 2015. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://movieweb.com/gods-egypt-movie-posters-characters-gerard-butler/

[20] “LIONSGATE Governance.” Corporate. Lionsgate Entertainment, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. https://www.lionsgate.com/corporate/governance/management/james-w-barge/

[21] Shaw, Ashley. “Get an Inside Look at Mad Men’s Final Season Poster Designed by Milton Glaser.” AMC. AMC, 15 Mar. 2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://www.amc.com/shows/mad-men/talk/2014/03/amc-reveals-mad-mens-final-season-poster-designed-by-60s-icon-milton-glaser 

[22] Rice, Lynette. “‘Nashville’ Fall Poster Released.” Entertainment Weekly’s EW.com. Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://www.ew.com/article/2013/09/05/nashville-fall-poster-released

[23] “Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.” Yahoo! Finance. Yahoo!, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=LGF

[24] “About the Series.” Magic Tree House. Random House, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://www.magictreehouse.com/

[25] “Power Rangers: Official Website | Videos, Games & Toys | Saban.” Power Rangers The Official Power Rangers Website. Saban Brands, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. http://www.powerrangers.com/