LIONSGATE Hits Bullseye With Marc Forster's MACHINE GUN PREACHER

    
    Studio Acquires North American Distribution Rights To Fact-Based Action
    Drama Starring Gerard Butler

    Fall 2011 Release Planned - Principal Photography Begins In July





    
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<p>SANTA MONICA, Calif., <span class="xn-chron">June 21</span> /CNW/ -- LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), the leading next generation studio, today announced that it has acquired North American distribution rights to the fact-based action drama MACHINE GUN PREACHER,  directed by <span class="xn-person">Marc Forster</span> (QUANTUM OF SOLACE).  The film is the studio's first collaboration with Forster since the Oscar®-winning MONSTER'S BALL.  <span class="xn-person">Gerard Butler</span> (LAW ABIDING CITIZEN, 300) stars as <span class="xn-person">Reverend Sam Childers</span>, known as "the machine gun preacher."  <span class="xn-person">Michelle Monaghan</span> (EAGLE EYE, GONE BABY GONE) co-stars as his wife, <span class="xn-person">Lynn Childers</span>; Oscar nominee <span class="xn-person">Michael Shannon</span> (THE RUNAWAYS, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD) portrays Childers's best friend, Donnie; <span class="xn-person">Madeline Carroll</span> (THE SPY NEXT DOOR, SWING VOTE) plays Childers's daughter, Paige; <span class="xn-person">Kathy Baker</span> (LAST CHANCE HARVEY, STREET SMART) plays Childers's mother, <span class="xn-person">Daisy Childers</span>; and Souleymane Sy Savane (GOODBYE SOLO, "Damages") plays Deng, Childers's right hand in <span class="xn-location">Africa</span>.  The screenwriter is <span class="xn-person">Jason Keller</span>.  Forster will produce under his Apparatus shingle alongside <span class="xn-person">Robbie Brenner</span>; Gary Safady and <span class="xn-person">Craig Chapman</span> of Kaushi Entertainment; and Deborah Giarratana of GG Filmz.  Executive producers are <span class="xn-person">Myles Nestel</span> of Merlina Entertainment, <span class="xn-person">Brad Simpson</span> of Apparatus, <span class="xn-person">Gerard Butler</span>, <span class="xn-person">Alan Siegel</span> and <span class="xn-person">Louise Rosner</span>.  The announcement was made by <span class="xn-person">Joe Drake</span>, Lionsgate Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President, and Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate President of Motion Picture Production.</p>
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<p>Principal photography for MACHINE GUN PREACHER is scheduled to begin on <span class="xn-chron">July 5th</span> in <span class="xn-location">Detroit</span> and <span class="xn-location">South Africa</span>.  Lionsgate plans to release the film in fall 2011.</p>
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<p>Said Paseornek, "MACHINE GUN PREACHER combines a fascinating, action-packed story and unique characters with great talent on both sides of the camera.  We're delighted to be back in business with our friend Marc, one of the most gifted and versatile filmmakers working today.  And <span class="xn-person">Gerard Butler</span> is the ideal actor to capture the strength, complexity and charisma of this film's real-life hero, <span class="xn-person">Sam Childers</span>."</p>
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<p>Said Brenner, "When I learned about <span class="xn-person">Sam Childers</span>, I thought, 'here is a man who is making a difference, defying the odds and not just talking about what he believes but actually doing it.' Seldom do you find a story that is gripping and relatable but is also about something bigger.  Here was a movie that begged to be made.  <span class="xn-person">Jason Keller</span> wrote an exceptional screenplay, and I can think of no one better able to depict this story than my dear friend, <span class="xn-person">Marc Forster</span>."</p>
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<p>Said Safady, "I am honored to play an integral part in telling the amazing story of <span class="xn-person">Sam Childers</span>.  I think this is the perfect movie as a foray into the film business, as it is both commercial and topical.  In today's society, stories like his are rare and this is one that deserves to be told."</p>
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<p>Said Forster, "I am thrilled to be working again with Lionsgate.  They have a keen understanding for the complexity of the material and will give our film the care and guidance it needs to expose the story to the masses."</p>
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<p>The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Rob McEntegart, Senior Executive Vice President, Motion Picture Group, and by Merlina Entertainment's Nestel, on behalf of the filmmakers.  Forster, Keller, Butler and Shannon are represented by CAA.  Forster and Keller are represented by Guymon Casady of Management 360.  Forster is represented by attorney <span class="xn-person">Linda Lichter</span> of Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman.</p>
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    SYNOPSIS - MACHINE GUN PREACHER
    
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<p>After renouncing his outlaw ways, <span class="xn-person">Sam Childers</span> embarks on a spiritual path, becoming a warrior for the desperate and helpless children in a war-torn country in <span class="xn-location">Africa</span>.</p>
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    ABOUT Lionsgate
    
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<p>Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF - News) 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 prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel assets. Lionsgate currently has nearly 20 shows on 10 different networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as "Mad Men," "Weeds" and "Nurse Jackie" along with new series such as "Blue Mountain State" and "Running Wilde" and the syndication successes "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," its spinoff "Meet The Browns" and "The <span class="xn-person">Wendy Williams Show</span>."</p>
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<p>Its feature film business has generated such recent hits as TYLER PERRY'S WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?, the action film KICK-ASS, which opened at #1 at the North American box office and the critically-acclaimed PRECIOUS, which has garnered nearly <span class="xn-money">$50 million</span> at the North American box office and won two Academy Awards®.  The Company's home entertainment business has grown to more than 7% market share and is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.</p>
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<p>For further information, contact:</p>
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    Sarah Greenberg Roberts
    310-255-3856
    [email protected]
    
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<p>For corporate inquiries, please contact:</p>
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    Peter D. Wilkes
    310-255-3726
    [email protected]






    

For further information: Sarah Greenberg Roberts, [phone], [email protected], or corporate inquiries, Peter D. Wilkes, [phone], [email protected], both of Lionsgate Web Site: http://www.lionsgate.com