Lionsgate Inks Multi-Year Contract With Leading Fitness Franchise Kathy Smith

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Reflecting an overall strategy of allying itself with world-class, brand name partners in all of its businesses, Lionsgate , the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, has entered into a multi-year partnership with one of the top names in fitness -- Kathy Smith. Through the agreement with Smith, Lionsgate has acquired the North American distribution rights to the fitness legend's innovative and top-selling line of DVDs. The deal was announced today by Anne Parducci, Lionsgate Home Entertainment EVP of Marketing and Family Entertainment.

Lionsgate has built one of the most extensive fitness DVD libraries in the industry and already boasts the top four fitness DVDs in 2007. DANCING WITH THE STARS: CARDIO DANCE has accounted for more than $1 million in consumer spending in its first month of release, including higher week one sales than any other fitness DVD to date. Lionsgate's fitness DVD releases of The BIGGEST LOSER - THE WORKOUT, VOL. 1 and THE BIGGEST LOSER - THE WORKOUT, VOL. 2 have earned more than $4 million, making it one of the most successful fitness brands on DVD today. In addition, Denise Austin claims two of the top four titles for the year, according to Nielsen data, building on her success as a top fitness brand.

The studio is scheduled to release two new Kathy Smith titles later in the year. Smith has been in the forefront of the fitness and lifestyle market since 1980 and, during that time, she has helped shape and inspire the lives of millions. A member of the Video Hall of Fame, she has sold over 16 million DVDs, and each of her more than 35 titles has reached platinum or Gold status. Additionally, Smith headlined the 2007 Got Milk? campaign with a $15 million initiative including TV spots, print ads, web-based interactive consumer programs and grocery POS support from January through May. An author of eight books, her newest diet book is scheduled to hit shelves in spring 2008 through Meredith Publications.

"Lionsgate understands how lucrative the fitness DVD industry is, and we are committed to making sure we maintain our leadership position through the distribution of unique and quality product that people will trust to lead them in their workouts at home. As a motivator and role model, Kathy Smith has a unique connection with her audience that stems from her own personal journey for wellness," said Parducci. "Kathy is a wonderful addition to our library, and we look forward to developing the same type of long and healthy relationship with her that she has had with her fan base for more than 25 years."

"I am so excited to be working with the Lionsgate team as their keen knowledge and passion for the fitness industry really provides tremendous support and focus to the public," Smith said. "They are expert partners in answering our consumer and retail needs and key in the on-going efforts to keep America fit!"

ABOUT LIONSGATE

Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, winning the 2006 Best Picture Academy Award (R) for CRASH, and the Company is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, home entertainment, family entertainment, television programming and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more than 11,000 motion picture titles and television episodes is a valuable source of recurring revenue and a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe.

CONTACTS: For Lionsgate: Jodie Magid/Jennifer Sandler 212-386-6885/310-255-4072 jmagid@lionsgate.com/jsandler@lionsgate.com Adam Fenton/Elizabeth Atler Bender/Helper Impact 212-689-6360 adam_fenton@bhimpact.com/elizabeth_atler@bhimpact.com For corporate inquiries: Peter Wilkes 310-255-3726 pwilkes@lionsgate.com