MTG and Lionsgate strike global distribution deal for original series

-- Global distribution deal for first Viaplay original series, Swedish Dicks

-- Series set viewing record when premiering in the Nordics on MTG's video streaming service Viaplay

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and STOCKHOLM, Sept. 14, 2016 /CNW/ -- MTG has entered a global distribution agreement for its Swedish Dicks format with leading Hollywood studio Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a global content leader with nearly 80 television shows on 40 networks.

Swedish Dicks, a comedy series starring Peter Stormare (American Gods, The Blacklist, Fargo, John Wick: Chapter Two) and leading Swedish stand-up comedian Johan Glans, with Keanu Reeves (The Matrix and John Wick series) as a special guest star in a number of episodes, premiered on MTG's video streaming service Viaplay on September 2.

Swedish Dicks, produced by Brain Academy, a part of MTG-owned nice entertainment group, in collaboration with LA-based Viking Brothers Entertainment, set a new viewing record for a Viaplay premiere in the Nordic region during its first weekend.

The hit series is the first Nordic title to be distributed worldwide by Lionsgate, and is expected to premiere in the U.S. early next year.

Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President and CEO, MTG: "This is a milestone for MTG. As a leading provider of entertainment experiences, we are now placing more focus on original programming that captivates our viewers. We are super excited to team up with Lionsgate and tap their worldwide marketing and distribution capacity for global sales of our first original production for Viaplay."

Kevin Beggs, Chairman of Lionsgate Television: "The best storytelling knows no borders. The Nordic region is a leader in developing amazing series, and MTG has created something special with Swedish Dicks. Combining world-class talent Peter Stormare and Johan Glans together with Keanu Reeves as a special guest star, together with edgy, compelling writing creates the kind of noisy, quality programming that is a Lionsgate trademark."

Jakob Mejlhede, EVP of Programming and Content Development, MTG: "Swedish Dicks has already had a fantastic reception in the Nordic region, and we're convinced it will appeal to viewers around the world. We have many formats in the pipeline and look forward to bringing more productions to international audiences."

Jim Packer, President of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution, Lionsgate: "Rarely do we have such a perfect combination of a proven ratings performer, an outstanding cast and inquiries from buyers all over the world. The timing couldn't be better for our international distribution team to bring this hit series to the content industry conference MIPCOM next month in Cannes."

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For U.S. media inquiries, please contact:
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MTG (Modern Times Group MTG AB (publ.)) is a leading international digital entertainment group and we are shaping the future of entertainment by connecting consumers with the content that they love in as many ways as possible. Our popular entertainment brands span Content Production, TV, Radio and eSports, and are available around the world. Born in Sweden, our shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm ('MTGA' and 'MTGB').

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, international distribution and sales, branded channel platforms, interactive ventures and games, and location-based entertainment. The Company has nearly 80 television shows on 40 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses. These include the ground-breaking Orange is the New Black, the fan favorite Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show, the hit drama The Royals, the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Casual and the breakout success Greenleaf.

The Company's feature film business spans eight labels and includes the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the Now You See Me and John Wick series, Nerve, CBS Films/Lionsgate's Hell or High Water, Sicario, Roadside Attractions' Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Codeblack Films' Addicted and concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain and Pantelion Films' Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate's home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

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SOURCE Lionsgate