Lionsgate strikes another UK producer deal

The UK division of Lionsgate has continued its expansion with another producer deal, this time linking with TV and film outfit Bonafide.

Lionsgate UK has sealed a first-look deal with the producer and will sell its content internationally.

The UK-based producer has moved into TV and is making 1960s drama The Last Post, from Peter Moffat (The Night Of) and based on the screenwriter’s childhood memories.

It is also working up a TV version of J.G. Ballard thriller Super-Cannes and an adaptation of the George Saunders novella, Bounty.

The company is run by Margery Bone, Elwen Rowlands and Hayley Manning.

Bone said: “In the next three years we look forward to bringing Lionsgate a host of bold and original ideas from the established writers with whom we have ongoing relationships as well as the new writing talent who we support and develop to create the next wave of brilliant, authentic television.”

Lionsgate UK is ramping up its TV activity, having bought into Kindle, Primal Media and, last week Potboiler Productions. That deal and the one announced today with Bona Fide were brought to Lionsgate by consultant Marc Lorber.

Speaking a about Bona Fide, Zygi Kamasa (pictured, top), CEO of Lionsgate’s European office said: “This deal marks the latest step in our continued strategy of bringing British television product to a global audience out of the UK office.”

“Under the leadership of Zygi Kamasa, Lionsgate UK is continuing to build a robust television business alongside its premier film brand,” added Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs.

“We’re pleased to develop a relationship with Margery Bone, Elwen Rowlands and the team at Bonafide, a dynamic and exciting young company with a fast-growing television drama business.”