SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 17, 2014 /CNW/ -- Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) company, announced today that it has entered into a first look agreement with acclaimed independent producer Datari Turner. Under the terms of the agreement, Codeblack will have all distribution rights to Turner's microbudget film productions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Turner will produce all films through his Datari Turner Productions banner.
"Datari has quickly established himself as a prolific producer with a keen ability to make powerful films that connect with moviegoers," said Codeblack Films President Jeff Clanagan. "The Codeblack family is proud to work with him as part of our goal of empowering filmmakers who create quality movies that showcase diversity for an often underserved multicultural audience."
Turner added, "I'm thrilled to be in business with Codeblack Films and Lionsgate, two industry leaders who distribute a diverse array of content and have shown a keen understanding of films that explore the African American experience. Jeff Clanagan has been a longtime supporter of my films and is an industry force in the marketing of independent films. It only makes sense that we partner up and make films together."
Turner has produced a diverse line-up of films that includes the Sundance sensation LUV, starring rapper/actor Common, Danny Glover and Dennis Haysbert; the dark comedy IT'S A DISASTER, starring Julia Stiles and America Ferrera; the popular indie comedy DYSFUNCTIONAL FRIENDS; VIDEO GIRL starring Meagan Good and Academy Award® nominee Ruby Dee; the James Franco drama ABOUT CHERRY, starring Academy Award nominee Franco and Dev Petal, which premiered at the 62nd Annual Berlin Festival to critical acclaim; KILIMANJARO starring Brian Geraghty and Abigail Spencer; and the award-winning Sundance film ANOTHER HAPPY DAY, starring Demi Moore, Ellen Barkin and Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn.
The agreement was negotiated by Codeblack Films EVP & General Manager Quincy Newell, Lionsgate EVP Business & Legal Affairs Jean Chi and executive Greg Snodgrass of Business Affairs Inc. Turner is represented by CAA.
About Codeblack Films
Codeblack Films, a division of leading global entertainment company LIONSGATE®, is a vertically integrated film production and distribution company focused on providing independent studios, filmmakers, globally-recognized celebrities, intellectual property rights holders and brands cross platform monetization solutions. Entertainment industry veteran Jeff Clanagan founded Codeblack Films in 2012. Codeblack Films' core objective is to serve the global black community with quality programming and help its content and brand partners access the enormous spending power of the rapidly growing African-American consumer market.
In July 2013, Codeblack Films released the sleeper hit KEVIN HART: LET ME EXPLAIN from superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart, which generated over $32 million at the domestic box office. Codeblack has also recently released Shola Lynch's 2013 NAACP Image Award winner FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS, George Tillman Jr. and Alicia Keyes' critically acclaimed and NAACP Image Award nominated THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, the independent thriller REPENTANCE, starring Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, Anthony Mackie and Sanaa Lathan and the Golden Globe nominated FRANKIE & ALICE, starring Academy Award winner Halle Berry. Codeblack is set to release the sexy and provocative thriller ADDICTED from celebrated author Zane on October 10, 2014.
Through parent company Lionsgate, Codeblack Films' operational capabilities include motion picture production and distribution, strategic acquisitions, television programming and syndication, home entertainment distribution, digital distribution, new channel platforms and international distribution and sales.
For further information, please contact:
Hans-Dieter Kopal
Principal Communications Group
hans@pcommgroup.com
323-658-1555
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SOURCE Codeblack Films
