Lions Gate Home Entertainment Inks Multiyear Contract Extension With America's Number #1 Fitness Expert - Denise Austin

Lions Gate Home Entertainment Inks Multiyear Contract Extension With America's Number #1 Fitness Expert - Denise Austin

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lions Gate Home Entertainment, a division of Lions Gate Entertainment (NYSE:LGF) Toronto, has signed a long-term contract extension that continues the company's lucrative partnership with one of the biggest names in fitness videos -- Denise Austin. The new agreement extends a partnership between Austin and Lions Gate Home Entertainment that began in 2000, enabling Lions Gate to retain the exclusive marketing and distribution rights to all home video releases from the renowned fitness expert. The new agreement reflects Lions Gate's overall strategy of allying itself with world-class, brand name partners in all of its businesses. The deal was announced by Steve Beeks, President of Lions Gate Entertainment.

A recognized leader in the world of fitness videos, Lions Gate currently holds over 8% market share in the health and fitness category according to recent VideoScan data. In five years under the Lions Gate Home Entertainment label, Austin videos have shipped almost seven million units, generating retail sales of more than $50 million. In 2004, the company shipped nearly two million units, generating approximately $15 million in retail sales. In addition to fitness videos from Austin, Lions Gate currently distributes the STOTT Pilates and Wai Lana Yoga series.

"Denise Austin has dedicated her life to the health and well-being of our society and, through her tireless efforts, she has created a name for herself in the industry that is unmatched," Beeks said. "She continuously breaks new ground with each of her video releases and the public can't get enough of her, as evidenced by the fact that she has sold over 20 million videos in her illustrious career. We made the extension of our contract with her one of our top priorities going into 2005. Our partnership with Denise has been an absolute joy, and I am personally very pleased that this relationship will be continuing."

"Lions Gate has been an amazing partner and they continue to come up with different and creative ways to market my videos," Austin said. "They are experts in the marketing and distribution of fitness videos and continue to prove time and again why they are among the recognized leaders in this area."

An active member of the fitness community and fitness-related causes for over 20 years, Austin has been a pioneer in the world of exercise videos. Inducted into the Video Hall of Fame in 2003, she has made over 50 exercise videos, which have sold an aggregate of more than 20 million units. 2005 also marks the 20th anniversary of Denise's morning fitness television show seen on Lifetime Television. Recently she was appointed by President Bush to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in an effort to promote physical fitness to the nation's youth, and she has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to support the "Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act." In addition, she has made public appearances at schools and children's events and has been featured on Larry King Live and Good Morning America as well as in numerous media outlets such as Prevention and the Los Angeles Times.

The contract extension comes on the heels of the latest home video release from Austin -- Denise Austin's Fit Kids. Her first workout video designed specifically for kids and parents, Denise Austin's Fit Kids is a total workout using various methods of exercise ranging from dance to yoga and even sports activities. The DVD and VHS will be available on December 28 for the suggested retail price of $14.98. The DVD features a Music-only feature, which allows viewers to just hear background music. There is also a bonus feature which includes a 20-minute workout that allows the whole family to participate and have fun.

About Lions Gate Entertainment

Lions Gate Entertainment is the premier independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, home entertainment, family entertainment, television programming and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of approximately 8,000 titles is one of the largest in the entertainment industry. The Lions Gate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe. For further information on Lions Gate, visit www.lionsgatefilms.com

For further information, please contact: Sarah Greenberg, +1-310-255-3856, or Jodie Magid, +1-212-386-6885, both of Lions Gate Home Entertainment; or Adam Fenton or Elizabeth Atler, both of Bender/Helper Impact, +1-212-689-6360, for Lions Gate Home Entertainment.


Source: Lions Gate Entertainment

CONTACT: Sarah Greenberg, +1-310-255-3856, or Jodie Magid,
+1-212-386-6885, both of Lions Gate Home Entertainment; or Adam Fenton or
Elizabeth Atler, both of Bender/Helper Impact, +1-212-689-6360, for Lions Gate
Home Entertainment

Web site: http://www.lionsgatefilms.com/


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