SGF Invests US$ 5.4 million in the Production of Lionsgate TV Series Blue
Mountain State in Montréal

MONTREAL, Aug. 3, 2010 /CNW Telbec/ - Société générale de financement du Québec (SGF) announces its participation in the financing of the second season of Blue Mountain State, a comedy TV series comprised of thirteen, 30-minute episodes produced by Lionsgate and currently shot in Québec.

This financing project is part of SGF's initial commitment to Lionsgate, announced in 2007. SGF's investment strategy contributes to the development of Québec's film industry and encourages that shooting be done in Québec, thereby ensuring substantial benefits for Québec's economy. Concretely, the economic benefits yielded by the film industry consist in the creation of over 35,000 full-time jobs across 500 companies, including cutting-edge studios, representing a total payroll of over 1 billion.

Over the long term, the benefits for this sector are considerable, both for the workforce and technology development, and for the industry's international reputation. "SGF therefore helps Montréal solidify its position as a major Canadian movie hub and a key player within the North American and European industry. Furthermore, shooting this second series yields interesting benefits, as production will take place in the greater metropolitan area, employ local labour and generate expenses estimated at over $15 million," says Pierre Shedleur, SGF President and General Manager.

"The quality of our financial partnerships is a pillar of our disciplined television growth strategy," said Lionsgate Television COO Sandra Stern. "SGF's significant investment in the second season of Blue Mountain State is the latest initiative in our longstanding and productive partnership with them to produce films and television series in Quebec."

Season two of Blue Mountain State finds Coach Marty Daniels (Ed Marinaro) under pressure to deliver a winning season after an embarrassing showing last year that almost ruined his legacy and put his five national college football titles into question. The BMS Goats are led on the field by overzealous team captain Thad Castle (Alan Ritchson) and freshman quarterback sensation Radon Randell (Page Kennedy). Off the field, the team is led by Alex Moran (Darin Brooks), the second string quarterback who is content riding the bench, and his best friend and team mascot Sammy Cacciatore (Romanski). Sammy's troubles will also multiply this season when his wild sexy party-girl sister, Mary Jo (Frankie Shaw), transfers to BMS.

Blue Mountain State is produced by Varsity Pictures' Brian Robbins ("Varsity Blues," "Smallville," "One Tree Hill") and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett and Lionsgate. Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett are executive producers. Romanski, who also stars as Sammy, and Eric Falconer ("The Sarah Silverman Program," "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia") also serve as executive producers and writers. The second season of Blue Mountain State will debut on Spike TV this fall. It airs on Canada Superchannel and is distributed worldwide by MTV.

Lionsgate is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of primetime cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel platform assets. Lionsgate currently has nearly 20 shows on 10 different networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses. Lionsgate handles a library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles.

About SGF

Société générale de financement du Québec (sgfqc.com), an industrial and financial holding company, has a mission to carry out economic development projects, particularly in the industrial sector, in cooperation with partners and in compliance with accepted profitability requirements and with the economic development policy of the Québec government. As part of its new mandate, SGF is authorized by the Québec government to go beyond its traditional role as an equity investor by offering complementary financial solutions, such as loans, debentures or preferred share investment.

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For further information: Sophie Alarie, Senior Advisor, Communications and Media Relations, 514 876-9368