According to Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate has inked a three-year production and distribution deal with After Dark Films. After Dark Films, of course, was the company that produced the creepy indie flick AN AMERICAN HAUNTING, which has scored close to $20 million worldwide on a $14 million budget.
The deal calls for ADF to supply Lionsgate with multiple wide release films each year, with as many as two specialty films per year. On their side, Lionsgate will retain ancillary rights to all the films. As well, as ADF ramps up its production operations, Lionsgate and After Dark also will co-produce films. ADF also will produce and acquire its own films for wide release through its alliance with Mark Borde and Mike Doban’s Freestyle Releasing, which will serve as ADF’s distribution arm. Lionsgate will retain all ancillary rights to this product as well.
All in all, it looks to be a win-win situation for Lionsgate and After Dark Films. No word on whether this deal affects the DVD release for AN AMERICAN HAUNTING, which hits October 24th.