Lionsgate inks first-look deal with faith-based trio

Lionsgate has signed a multi-platform film and TV first-look deal with Andrew and Jon Erwin and producing partner Kevin Downes, to serve its faith-based programming.

L-R Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Kevin Downes

As part of the multi-year agreement, the Erwin Brothers and Downes will develop, produce and direct feature films and television programming for the company under their newly-created Kingdom banner.

The deal follows Lionsgate’s success with the faith-based community through titles such as Hacksaw Ridge, The Shack, and most recently, I Can Only Imagine.

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Motion Picture Group’s Jason Constantine, president of acquisitions and co-productions, Eda Kowan, executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productions, Bonnie Stylides, executive VP of business and legal affairs, and Adrian Lopez, senior VP of business and legal affairs.

“We’re proud to expand our relationship with Andrew, Jon and Kevin through this exciting and collaborative, cross-divisional partnership,” said Joe Drake, Motion Picture Group’s chairman, and Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate’s television group chairman.

“This deal underscores our ongoing commitment to serve moviegoers with premium, faith-based content. We look forward to working with the Erwin Brothers and Kevin on film and television projects that resonate not only with the faith-based community but with viewers everywhere.”