Lionsgate and Steven Paul's SP Media Launch New Joint Venture

SP Media Has Made a Significant Capital Investment to Co-invest into New Businesses that Expand Lionsgate's Global Platform

 Deal Includes Partnership on Independent Feature Film Production and Extends Resources toward the Continuing Diversification of 3 Arts and Other Lionsgate Businesses

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) and SP Media, led by longtime producer, financier and entrepreneur Steven Paul, today announced the formation of a joint venture through which SP Media will make a significant capital investment to co-invest in new ventures that expand and grow the Lionsgate platform as well as extending resources toward the continuing diversification of 3 Arts and other Lionsgate businesses. SP Media will also produce independent feature films that Lionsgate will distribute.

The relationship will be managed through a joint venture majority owned and controlled by Lionsgate.

The agreement allows Lionsgate to continue scaling its content platform with a new source of independent feature films. The collaboration allows SP Media to partner with one of the world's leading independent standalone studios, and it gives SP a world-class distributor for its films.

Paul, the chairman, founder and CEO of Crystal Sky Pictures and SP Media Group, has shepherded a number of commercial box office successes including the Baby Geniuses franchise, Ghost Rider and Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance, starring Nicolas Cage, Ghost in the Shell, starring Scarlett Johansson, and the Lionsgate-distributed Rambo: Last Blood.

"Steven is a savvy & experienced entrepreneur who has a longstanding relationship with our studio, and I'm pleased to partner with him across multiple touchpoints of our business," said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. "He recognizes the unique and valuable assets that we have built and his investment will help drive the continued growth of these businesses."

"Lionsgate is one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial content studios in the media space today," said Paul. "I'm delighted to build on my longstanding relationship with Jon Feltheimer and the Lionsgate leadership team as we grow our businesses together in an industry environment filled with opportunity."

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by COO Brian Goldsmith, EVP & General Counsel Bruce Tobey, and Senior VP Corporate Development Suzy Felfeli and for SP Media by SP Media Group President & COO Scott Karol. Moelis served as financial advisor to Lionsgate and Lazard served as financial advisor to SP Media. Paul Hastings LLP represented SP Media on the deal. 

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world's leading standalone, pure play content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a premier talent management and production powerhouse at 3 Arts Entertainment and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate's bold and entrepreneurial culture.

About Steven Paul and the SP Group of Companies

Steven Paul is an entrepreneur, producer and financier of motion pictures and television, and his SP Group of Companies has holdings in media, entertainment, talent representation, technology, hospitality, banking and real estate. The diverse portfolio includes The Samuel Goldwyn Building in Century City and Casa Marella Boutique Hotel in South Beach Miami, JLTV television network, Atlas Comics (founded by Marvel Comics owner Martin Goodman), Avenue Six Studios in Van Nuys California, Echo Bridge Distribution Company and Hanks Café in Century City.

For Lionsgate media inquiries, please contact:
Peter D. Wilkes
310-255-3726
[email protected] 

SOURCE Lionsgate