Universal Music Group & Lionsgate partner to make TV shows

Universal Music Group (UMG) has teamed up with major US film and TV production powerhouse Lionsgate to develop original television projects.

These would use UMG’s portfolio of labels, artists and music.

The multi-year deal will include the telling of the stories of UG’s iconic labels such as Island, Capitol, Motown, Verve, Blue Note, Def Jam, Interscope, and Republic, and also issue soundtracks and film scores from Lionsgate’s productions.

The two companies have already had success together with soundtracks to hits such as La La Land, The Hunger Games and Divergent.

Polygram Entertainment, UMG’s film and television production and development division, will also be working on the collaborations.

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Universal Music Group, one of the world’s most innovative music companies and home to some of the greatest musical talent and recordings in existence,” said Lionsgate television group chairman Kevin Beggs.

“With Polygram, UMG has produced award-winning films and we can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in television.

“We see so much opportunity for storytelling in the talent and properties that UMG represents, and we look forward to working together to bring these incredible stories to life in a way that resonates with a global audience.”

Added Michele Anthony, EVP, UMG, “We’re excited to partner with Lionsgate, one of the premiere entertainment companies in the world, to create an unmatched opportunity for our artists and labels and the stories they inspire, as well as draw from the goldmine of genres, time periods and legendary figures represented by our rich and storied catalogue.

“Polygram has quickly become a home for Hollywood’s brightest creators and this partnership is a significant step in our television and audiovisual strategy, as well as our evolution as a global media company.”

Last week, Lionsgate signed a long-term agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) to represent its music publishing properties worldwide, including musical compositions and scores.

The deal also called for more of UMPG songwriters and composers to be used in Lionsgate productions.