WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lionsgate announced a joint venture with film‑producer Steven Paul’s SP Media, promising a “significant” capital infusion to launch new content initiatives, though the exact amount was not disclosed.

The partnership will create a new entity that combines Lionsgate’s global distribution network with Paul’s production slate, targeting both theatrical releases and streaming platforms. Industry sources said the venture aims to fund at least three mid‑budget films per year, with an eye toward leveraging Lionsgate’s 2023 streaming revenue of $410 million.

Lionsgate reported $3.1 billion in total revenue for 2023, a 12 percent increase from the prior year, and its subscription‑based service, Starz, added 1.4 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter. The joint venture is expected to bolster those numbers by delivering fresh titles that can be cross‑licensed across the studio’s existing channels.

Steven Paul, who produced “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” and “The Man from Toronto,” has been an outspoken advocate for the Trump administration’s 2021 federal tax credit, which allocated up to $500 million for qualifying film and TV projects. In a 2022 interview, Paul said the incentive “opened doors for independent producers to scale up without relying on legacy studio financing.”

Analysts note that the collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward hybrid financing models that blend studio resources with private‑equity‑style investments. “The JV could reduce Lionsgate’s risk exposure while giving Paul a reliable distribution pipeline,” said Mara Patel, an entertainment analyst at Beacon Research. The move may also influence streaming metrics, as both parties target a combined audience of roughly 45 million households worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Lionsgate and SP Media will form a joint venture with an undisclosed but “significant” investment.
• The partnership seeks to produce at least three mid‑budget films annually for theatrical and streaming release.
• Steven Paul’s lobbying helped secure a federal tax credit of up to $500 million for Hollywood projects.

While the exact financial terms remain private, the alliance underscores a strategic effort to blend studio scale with entrepreneurial agility, a model that could reshape content funding and distribution in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape.