Lionsgate and SP Media Launch New Film Partnership

Lionsgate and SP Media are starting a new business together. SP Media will provide funding. Lionsgate will own most of the partnership and run it. This move helps Lionsgate expand its 3 Arts operation and other fresh projects. SP Media will create independent movies. Lionsgate will release those films to audiences.

Steven Paul is the head of SP Media. He also leads Crystal Sky Pictures. His past work includes Baby Geniuses and the Ghost Rider movies with Nicolas Cage. He was involved in Ghost in the Shell, which starred Scarlett Johansson. Rambo: Last Blood is another title he worked on that Lionsgate put out. Paul is not buying a share of Lionsgate as a whole. He is only putting money into this one partnership.

Paul and Scott Karol also serve as advisors to Jon Voight. Voight acts as a Hollywood ambassador for Donald Trump. The two men talk with lawmakers from both political parties. They push for a tax credit that supports U.S. film and television production. They also want to limit runaway production. Back in the summer of 2024, Paul led a group of investors. That group offered two point two five billion dollars for National Amusements. The Redstone family owns that company. It controlled most of the voting shares for Paramount. John Paul DeJoria joined that offer as well.

Legendary sent Lionsgate a takeover offer last Tuesday. Lionsgate says there is no formal sale process under way. The company has not hired any bankers. The SP Media partnership was worked out by Brian Goldsmith, Bruce Tobey, and Suzy Felfeli for Lionsgate. Scott Karol represented SP Media. Moelis acted as financial advisor for Lionsgate. Lazard served as financial advisor for SP Media. Paul Hastings LLP provided legal counsel to SP Media.