SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia,
April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding to its roster of A-list talent relationships, global content
leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) has signed a first-look producing deal with Salma Hayek
Pinault, one of the industry's premier multi-hyphenates, along with her producing partner Jose "Pepe" Tamez. Under
the agreement, Hayek Pinault and Tamez will produce feature films for Lionsgate under Hayek Pinault's Ventanarosa Productions
banner. Reflecting Hayek Pinault's enormous versatility, her production banner will also explore feature film opportunities with
Lionsgate's Pantelion Films venture.
The collaboration is an extension of the studio's longstanding relationship with Hayek Pinault, which includes the hit action
comedy The Hitman's Bodyguard and Pantelion Films' breakout success, How to Be a Latin Lover. Lionsgate and
Hayek Pinault are currently working on several feature projects in development and the company will also produce films for Hayek
Pinault to star in.
Hayek Pinault produced the double Academy Award® winning Frida, which earned her an Oscar® nomination for her riveting
lead performance as Frida Kahlo, as well as the Emmy® nominated Ugly Betty. Hayek Pinault
has also starred in top Hollywood films across all genres from action to arthouse and comedy,
including Grown Ups, Desperado, Tale of Tales, Savages and most recently the critically acclaimed Beatriz at
Dinner for which she earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
"Salma is an artist with a distinct and powerful voice whose projects resonate with audiences around the world, and we're
thrilled to partner with her and Jose on films that reflect their unique creative vision," said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Co-Chair Joe Drake.
"I'm very grateful to begin this new phase of my partnership with Lionsgate," said Hayek Pinault. "They have built a
tremendous rapport with mainstream and underserved audiences alike and their willingness to push the envelope with films that
reflect a bold and authentic creative vision fills me with great excitement. I couldn't have found a better home. I look forward
to the adventure of working with a team that makes me feel heard and respected and that celebrates diversity and the female point
of view."
"Salma is a major superstar who has shown that great film and television properties transcend language and cultural
boundaries," said Pantelion Films CEO Paul Presburger. "Pantelion's priority is to super-serve the
growing Spanish-language and bilingual market with premium, enjoyable and relatable content. We look forward to partnering with
Salma and Pepe on exciting new projects for our future slate."
Tamez is the president at Ventanarosa Productions and worked with Hayek Pinault on Ugly Betty. He also produced Annie
Award Best Picture nominee The Prophet and most recently Beatriz at Dinner in which Hayek Pinault starred.
Hayek Pinault is represented by CAA, Management 360 and Bill Sobel, at Edelstein, Laird &
Sobel.
The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Motion Picture Group SVP Business & Legal Affairs Phil Strina.
ABOUT LIONSGATE
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products
and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed
entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming,
virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate's content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film
and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with
original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of
the Company's worldwide consumer base.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cristina Castañeda
CCastaneda@lionsgate.com
(310) 255-5114
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lionsgate-signs-first-look-deal-with-academy-award-nominated-actress-and-producer-salma-hayek-pinault-300628630.html
SOURCE Lionsgate