- Lions Gate (LGF) is unveiling a new label for its budget genre fare, with the (somewhat surprising) name of Lionsgate Premiere.
- The sub-label represents a further move into a strategy where the studio's key film releases get high-profile theatrical runs, while budget films will get more limited theatrical releases combined with video-on-demand to increase their reach (and profit).
- Chinese blockbuster Dragon Blade will headline the new label, followed by films from "horror maestros" and comedies along with action thrillers.
- In other Lions Gate news, a Hunger Games theme park is on the way ... to Dubai, at least. A "Lionsgate Zone" at Motiongate Dubai will open in October 2016 and bring attractions based on the blockbuster franchise, as well as on LGF's dance franchise Step Up.
- Motiongate Dubai is expected to draw more than 3M visits each year. That's the latest monetization for The Hunger Games, which in coming months will also see a live stage show and a touring exhibition.