Cannes 2012: Lionsgate and Studiocanal Renew Giant Library Distribution Deal

TORONTO - Lionsgate and Studiocanal have renewed their library distribution pact, which now includes the French studio releasing The Hunger Games and the follow-up Catching Fire tentpole in German-speaking territories.

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And Lionsgate will continue to handle Studiocanal’s library of just over 2,000 titles in the U.S. market, where recent releases include Jean Renoir’s Grand Illusion and Terminator 2.

“Strengthening our partnership with an even stronger Lionsgate on a long term basis is a great opportunity for Studiocanal,” Olivier Courson, chairman of the French studio, said as he snagged the release of The Hunger Games after it secured $24 million on theatrical release in German-speaking territories.

Earlier tie-ups between the twin studios include the Lionsgate and Studiocanal home entertainment arms last year teaming up to release around 550 library titles from Miramax.

Lionsgate UK and Studiocanal are also partnered in the British market on Elevation Sales, a home entertainment sales and distribution joint venture.

The Studiocanal library includes DVD, TV, VOD and digital rights to titles from the former Carolco and DEG libraries, including Total Recall and Rambo, and classic French films like Renoir’s Rules of the Game and Luis Bunuel’s That Obscure Object of Desire.