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Starz Distribution, formerly IDT Entertainment and Starz Media, was an American television production, distribution and syndication company and the distribution arm of Starz Inc., a subsidiary of Starz Entertainment, established in 2003. It develops, produces and acquires original programming content branded as Starz Originals, feature films and other audiovisual programming for distribution across television, home video and streaming media.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

In November 2003, IDT Corporation, a telecommunications company based in New Jersey, formed an audiovisual entertainment division known as IDT Entertainment following Digital Production Solutions (DPS)' acquisition of a controlling interest in animation studio Film Roman in May and a minor interest in Vanguard Animation in July.[2] Later on in the year, it acquired Troy, Michigan-based home video distributor Anchor Bay Entertainment, and stakes in Mainframe Entertainment and Archie Comics (in January 2004) and in March 2004, IDT's DPS also acquired Toronto-based DKP Studios for an undisclosed price and turned it into their own animation studio.[3][4]

In May 2004, IDT Entertainment announced that it would acquire Manga Entertainment and a minority share in POW! Entertainment with exclusive distribution rights to POW's animated DVD properties and joint development of 6 cartoon films.[5][6][7] In June 2004, IDT Entertainment founded its international sales division, IDT Entertainment Sales (later renamed as Starz Worldwide).[8] In 2005, IDT signed a distribution deal with 20th Century Fox to release IDT's animated films in North America over a two-year pact; starting with Yankee Irving.[9] On May 16, 2006, IDT agreed to sell its IDT Entertainment division to Liberty Media (then-owners of the Starz Entertainment Group) "for all of Liberty Media's interests in IDT, $186 million in cash and the assumption of existing indebtedness."[10] On August 31, 2006, the sale of all of IDT Entertainment's US operations and several international operations was completed. "The remainder of the deal, to include the Canadian and Australian operations, is expected to be closed in the next few weeks after regulatory approval has been given."[11] This sale was completed on September 29, 2006.[12] Liberty then merged IDT Entertainment and its divisions with the Starz cable network to form Starz Media.

On January 4, 2011, The Weinstein Company purchased a 25% stake in the operating unit. While not including TV rights, the deal spans Blu-ray, DVD and VOD, pay-per-view and digital distribution and covers up to 20 TWC and Dimension titles per year. They include The King's Speech, Blue Valentine and Company Men.[13] Starz acquired the 25% stake owned by Weinstein in October 2015.[14]

On January 11, 2013, Liberty Media Corporation completed the "spin-off" of its Starz Entertainment segment as a separate entity. Under this new structure, the entity that was known as "Starz Media" became Starz Distribution.[15]

In November 2015, Waterman Entertainment purchased Film Roman from Starz Distribution.[16]

On December 8, 2016, Lionsgate purchased Starz Inc. for $4.4 billion.[17] As part of the acquisition by Lionsgate, Starz Distribution was folded into Lionsgate's respective home entertainment and television distribution units. [18]

Former assets

[edit]

Starz Distribution previously held minority stakes in:

Live-action films

[edit]

Animated films

[edit]

Starz Distribution/IDT Entertainment have been in charge of the animation production or distribution of the following films:

Theatrical

TV specials

Direct-to-video

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Starz Distribution

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Starz Distribution was the dedicated media distribution arm of Starz Inc., responsible for developing, producing, acquiring, and distributing entertainment content globally across home video, digital media, and traditional television platforms.[1] It operated key brands including Anchor Bay Entertainment for physical and digital home entertainment releases, Starz Digital Media for online video-on-demand and streaming services, and Starz Worldwide Distribution for international television sales and licensing.[2] Established as a core segment of Starz's operations, it competed with major Hollywood studios by supplying independent films, original programming, anime titles via Manga Entertainment, and family-oriented content to consumers and broadcasters worldwide.[2] Originally launched as IDT Entertainment in 2003 under IDT Corporation, the division focused on animation and family programming production before Starz Inc. acquired it in May 2006 for $186 million in cash plus Liberty Media's interests in IDT and assumption of debt, rebranding it as Starz Media to expand into broader content distribution (which included Anchor Bay Entertainment).[3] In 2013, following Liberty Media's spin-off of Starz as a standalone public company, Starz Distribution had evolved into a multifaceted unit generating revenue through DVD/Blu-ray sales, transactional video-on-demand, and content licensing deals, contributing significantly to Starz's overall portfolio alongside its premium cable networks.[4] In December 2016, Lionsgate Entertainment acquired Starz Inc. for $4.4 billion, integrating Starz Distribution into Lionsgate's home entertainment, television production, and worldwide distribution operations, where it bolstered the studio's library of over 16,000 titles and supported releases in physical, digital, and broadcast formats.[5] Following the May 2025 separation of Starz and Lionsgate Studios into independent entities, the distribution assets, including legacy Starz Distribution components such as Anchor Bay and Manga Entertainment libraries, remained with Lionsgate Studios, enabling continued global content monetization through diversified channels while Starz focused on its premium subscription video-on-demand service.[6]

Corporate overview

Company profile

Starz Distribution was established in 2003 as IDT Entertainment, a subsidiary of IDT Corporation focused on animation and live-action production for television and home entertainment.[3] In 2006, Liberty Media Corporation acquired IDT Entertainment for $186 million, integrating it into its Starz Entertainment Group and rebranding it as Starz Media to expand capabilities in content creation and distribution.[3] The company underwent another rebranding in 2013 following Liberty Media's spin-off of Starz as an independent entity, becoming Starz Distribution to emphasize its role in worldwide content sales and home video operations.[4] Headquartered in Burbank, California, Starz Distribution operated as the primary production and distribution arm within the Starz ecosystem, handling motion pictures, television programming, direct-to-video releases, and international syndication under parent companies IDT Corporation (2003–2006) and Starz Inc., a subsidiary of Liberty Media (2006–2016).[7] Its operational scope included key hubs in Burbank for production oversight and additional facilities supporting digital media and global sales, enabling the delivery of Starz Originals, feature films, and ancillary content across television, DVD, and emerging streaming platforms.[4] The company ceased independent operations on December 8, 2016, upon Lionsgate's acquisition of Starz Inc. for $4.4 billion, which integrated Starz Distribution's assets into Lionsgate's broader content pipeline. Following the May 2025 separation of Starz and Lionsgate Studios, the distribution assets remained with Lionsgate Studios for continued global monetization.[5][6]

Leadership and structure

Starz Distribution operated as a subsidiary of Starz, LLC, ultimately reporting to the parent company's CEO, who oversaw its integration into broader content pipelines from development through distribution. Chris Albrecht served as President and CEO of Starz, LLC from 2010 to 2019, directing the strategic oversight of Starz Distribution alongside other units like networks and animation, emphasizing efficient content monetization across home video, digital, and international channels.[8] During the Starz Media era (2006–2013), Kent Rice held the position of President and COO of Starz Media from 2007 to 2009, where he managed production and distribution workflows, including the oversight of acquired animation assets to streamline output for global release. Rice's leadership focused on centralizing operations to support a unified pipeline for animated and live-action content, reporting directly to Starz executives.[9] The organizational structure of Starz Distribution was divided into specialized units to handle distinct aspects of content lifecycle. Starz Digital managed digital content licensing and delivery to platforms like internet and mobile distributors, while Anchor Bay Entertainment handled home video sales and rentals through retailers such as Walmart and Netflix. Starz Worldwide Distribution focused on international television and media rights exploitation, ensuring coordinated global sales efforts.[7] Production units were integrated to support this framework, with Starz Animation serving as the primary hub for animated projects, incorporating acquired studio Film Roman for 2D animation services and feeding content into the centralized distribution pipeline until its sale in 2010. Live-action teams operated under similar integration, aligning with Starz Media's overall structure to facilitate seamless transitions from production to release across physical, digital, and broadcast formats. All divisions reported upward through Starz Media Group to the parent Starz, LLC, enabling a cohesive workflow under Liberty Media's influence as the ultimate owner.[7]

Historical development

IDT Entertainment period (2003–2006)

In 2003, IDT Corporation, a telecommunications firm based in New Jersey, established IDT Entertainment as its audiovisual entertainment division through a series of strategic acquisitions to build capabilities in animation production and home video distribution. In May, IDT acquired a controlling interest in Film Roman, Inc., a prominent animation studio known for its work on series like The Simpsons and King of the Hill.[10] In July, the company secured a minority equity interest in Vanguard Animation, LLC, entering a joint venture to co-produce and co-finance animated feature films.[11] By December, IDT completed the acquisition of Anchor Bay Entertainment Group, a key home video distributor specializing in DVD releases of independent films, television series, and animated content, which provided IDT Entertainment with established international distribution channels.[12] The division expanded rapidly in 2004, acquiring additional assets to strengthen its animation portfolio and global reach. In January, IDT Entertainment purchased a 5% equity stake in Archie Comics Entertainment, LLC, gaining rights to co-develop and co-produce animated properties based on the publisher's characters.[13] In March, it acquired DKP Effects Inc., a Toronto-based 3D animation and special effects studio renowned for contributions to films and television.[14] Later that year, in May, IDT Entertainment bought Manga Entertainment, a specialist in Japanese anime distribution, adding an extensive library of titles to its catalog,[15] and acquired a minority share in POW! Entertainment with exclusive rights to distribute its animated DVD properties.[16] In June, the company launched IDT Entertainment Sales as its international sales division to handle worldwide licensing and distribution of its growing content slate.[17] During this period, IDT Entertainment's operations centered on animation production through subsidiaries like Film Roman and Vanguard Animation, which developed projects such as early feature films and television specials, while Anchor Bay handled home video distribution, issuing initial DVD releases of animated and live-action titles to capitalize on the emerging digital format market.[18] These efforts positioned the division as an integrated player in content creation and dissemination. In May 2006, IDT Corporation sold IDT Entertainment to Liberty Media Corporation for $186 million in cash, plus Liberty's interests in IDT and the assumption of debt, enabling its integration with Starz Entertainment Group to expand programming capabilities.[3]

Starz Media era (2006–2013)

In August 2006, Liberty Media Corporation completed its acquisition of IDT Entertainment for $186 million in cash plus Liberty's interest in IDT Corporation, merging the production and distribution assets with its Starz Entertainment Group subsidiary and rebranding the combined entity as Starz Media LLC.[19][20] This integration positioned Starz Media as a full-service operation encompassing animation studios in Canada and the U.S., live-action production capabilities, and home entertainment distribution through Anchor Bay Entertainment, enabling end-to-end content creation from development to multi-platform release.[21] The merger also inherited IDT's international sales arm, later renamed Starz Worldwide Distribution, to handle global licensing and sales.[22] Under Starz Media, the company scaled its output significantly, focusing on both animated and live-action content to capitalize on emerging digital and home video markets. Animated productions expanded through Starz Animation Toronto, yielding films such as Space Chimps (2008) and 9 (2009), which showcased advancements in CG techniques for family-oriented features.[23] Live-action efforts grew via Anchor Bay, including direct-to-video releases like Van Wilder: Freshman Year (2009), emphasizing genre films in horror and action.[24] International distribution strengthened with key partnerships, such as a 2007 agreement to manage worldwide rights for Lifetime Television's original movies, including home video through Anchor Bay, which broadened Starz Media's global footprint in television syndication and ancillary markets.[25] In January 2011, Starz Media sold a 25% equity stake to The Weinstein Company for an undisclosed sum, establishing a multi-year distribution pact where Anchor Bay handled U.S. home entertainment for TWC titles, fostering co-productions in independent film.[26][27] This alliance briefly enhanced content pipelines but was reversed in 2015 when the stake was repurchased.[28] The Starz Media period ended on January 11, 2013, when Liberty Media spun off its Starz Entertainment segment as an independent public company under the ticker STRZA, prompting the rebranding of the distribution arm to Starz Distribution to align with the new corporate structure.[4] This separation allowed Starz Inc. to focus on premium cable programming while Starz Distribution concentrated on independent production and global sales.[29]

Final years (2013–2016)

Following the spin-off of Starz Entertainment from Liberty Media Corporation on January 11, 2013, Starz Media was restructured as an independent entity and renamed Starz Distribution, focusing primarily on content distribution across home entertainment, digital platforms, and international television markets.[4] This rebranding emphasized core operations through subsidiaries like Anchor Bay Entertainment for physical and digital home video releases, Starz Digital for licensing to video-on-demand and subscription services, and Starz Worldwide Distribution for global TV rights exploitation. In 2013 and 2014, the division generated revenue from distributing Starz Networks' original series, such as Spartacus and Da Vinci's Demons, to retailers and platforms including Amazon and Netflix, with home video net sales reaching $296.5 million in 2013 before declining to $231.2 million in 2014 due to shifts toward digital consumption.[30] In 2015, Starz Distribution continued its distribution activities while undertaking strategic adjustments to streamline operations. Revenue from the division rose 10% to $360.8 million, driven by licensing deals for series like Spartacus and Magic City to Netflix, as well as home entertainment releases of Black Sails and Power.[30] Key moves included the repurchase of the 25% stake in Starz Media held by The Weinstein Company in October 2015, regaining full ownership and ending a prior distribution partnership for Weinstein's theatrical titles.[30] That same month, Starz sold its wholly owned animation subsidiary Film Roman—responsible for the Starz Animation operating segment—to Waterman Entertainment, allowing the company to exit animation production and concentrate on live-action and acquired content distribution.[31] Entering 2016, Starz Distribution maintained ongoing production and distribution of direct-to-video and home entertainment content amid preparations for potential corporate changes at the parent level, including the announcement of Lionsgate's acquisition of Starz Inc. on June 30.[32] Operations included releasing titles through Anchor Bay, such as the direct-to-video film USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage, while licensing content globally via Starz Digital and Worldwide Distribution; however, first-quarter revenue dipped 15% year-over-year to $97.5 million, reflecting market transitions to streaming.[33] These efforts focused on asset optimization, setting the stage for integration into Lionsgate's broader portfolio upon deal closure in December.[5]

Business operations

Production activities

Starz Distribution's animation production relied heavily on subsidiaries like Film Roman for traditional and hybrid workflows, encompassing 2D, 3D, and Flash animation techniques. Pre-production stages, including storyboarding and animatics, were handled in-house at Film Roman's Los Angeles facilities, while the labor-intensive animation phase was outsourced to global partners overseas to optimize costs and timelines. This model allowed for efficient delivery of television series, direct-to-DVD content, and feature-length projects, such as the 2008 animated prequel Dead Space: Downfall, produced in collaboration with Electronic Arts.[34][35] For computer-generated (CG) animation, Starz Distribution partnered with Vanguard Animation to co-produce feature films, leveraging a minority stake acquired in 2003 to support high-end CG pipelines focused on theatrical releases. Vanguard handled creative direction and key asset development, integrating motion-capture and VFX elements, as seen in projects like the Disney co-production Valiant (2005). Complementing this, Starz Animation Toronto managed fully in-house CG production for select features, utilizing Canadian tax incentives to maintain control over modeling, rigging, lighting, and rendering processes, exemplified by the 2009 release 9. These efforts emphasized scalable virtual studios with global animator networks—up to 2,000 freelancers tracked via proprietary software—to achieve Pixar-level quality at approximately 50% lower costs and reduced cycles from 4-5 years to 2 years.[36][34] In live-action production, Starz Distribution specialized in low-budget, direct-to-video films, capping expenditures at $30 million per project to target home entertainment markets. Workflows began with in-house scripting and development by a core team of 15 executives, followed by principal photography on practical locations to minimize expenses, and post-production emphasizing quick-turnaround editing and sound design for DVD and digital formats. Genre films like the 2006 horror thriller It Waits exemplified this approach, utilizing co-production models with networks such as Showtime for shared financing and talent. This cost-effective strategy enabled output of up to 12 original films annually, blending independent units with strategic partnerships to distribute across PPV, cable, and syndication platforms.[22] Television tie-ins under Starz Distribution involved creating specials and series pilots tailored for network syndication, often integrating animation and live-action elements. Film Roman contributed to animated pilots and specials, such as the 13-episode Eloise series for Starz Kids & Family, through streamlined pipelines that combined in-house concepting with overseas execution. Live-action efforts included genre anthologies like Masters of Horror, co-produced with Showtime, where episodic scripting and filming focused on contained sets to align with premium cable budgets. These productions prioritized modular workflows for pilot testing, facilitating transitions to full series if greenlit for broadcast.[22][37] Overall, Starz Distribution's production emphasized hybrid in-house and co-production models to maintain fiscal discipline in home entertainment, leveraging subsidiaries and international partnerships for both animation and live-action outputs. This approach balanced creative autonomy with economic scalability, as demonstrated in co-ventures like the anime-influenced Dante's Inferno animated film (2010), where multiple international studios contributed distinct visual sequences under Film Roman's oversight.[35]

Distribution and sales divisions

Starz Distribution's home video operations were primarily managed through its Anchor Bay Entertainment subsidiary, which handled the release of DVDs and Blu-rays for both in-house productions and licensed third-party content in the United States, Canada, and select international territories. Following the 2006 acquisition of IDT Entertainment by Liberty Media—which integrated Anchor Bay into Starz Media—the division focused on physical media distribution, including early digital formats like video-on-demand, by selling directly to major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Netflix, Target, and Walmart.[21][30] Revenue from these sales was recognized net of estimated returns and allowances, with fulfillment and manufacturing outsourced to partners like Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. In 2015, home video revenue reached $163.4 million, down 17% from $196.4 million in 2014 due to declining physical media demand, though it remained a key ancillary revenue stream.[30] International sales were overseen by the Starz Worldwide Distribution division, which licensed Starz's library of films, television series, documentaries, and children's programming to foreign broadcasters, pay-TV operators, and emerging streaming platforms across global markets where rights were secured. This included negotiating deals for both first-run and library content, generating upfront fees and minimum guarantees from international partners. For instance, original series such as Spartacus and Magic City were licensed to platforms like Netflix for distribution outside the U.S., expanding reach in regions like Europe and Asia.[30] These efforts emphasized territorial licensing strategies to monetize content in non-U.S. markets, often bundling animated and live-action titles to maximize value. Theatrical distribution was limited, with Starz relying on strategic partnerships rather than wide self-release; a representative example is the 2006 animated feature Everyone's Hero, produced under the IDT Entertainment banner, where domestic theatrical rights were handled by 20th Century Fox, while Starz managed international theatrical and ancillary distribution.[38] For television, Starz pursued syndication and licensing agreements to broadcast networks and cable operators, distributing original programming like Black Sails and Power beyond the Starz premium channel to broader audiences via pay-TV and digital platforms. These deals focused on secondary windows post-premium airing, enabling revenue from rerun rights and international syndication.[30] Revenue models centered on ancillary markets, prioritizing diversified monetization through home entertainment, digital delivery, and television licensing over primary theatrical runs. Home video generated sales-based income, digital channels (including pay-per-view, VOD, SVOD, AVOD, and electronic sell-through) earned usage fees, and international/TV deals provided licensing royalties, with costs amortized proportionally to ultimate revenue. Overall, these strategies drove Starz Distribution's total revenue to a pre-2016 peak of $353.8 million in 2015, up 10% from $321.5 million in 2014, underscoring the scale of its operations in non-theatrical channels before integration into Lionsgate.[30]

Acquisitions and assets

Key acquisitions

In the early 2000s, IDT Entertainment, the predecessor to Starz Distribution, pursued a series of strategic acquisitions to bolster its animation and distribution capabilities. In May 2003, IDT acquired a 51% controlling interest in Film Roman, a prominent animation studio known for producing episodes of The Simpsons and King of the Hill, enabling in-house production of high-profile animated content.[39][40] This was followed in July 2003 by a minority equity investment in Vanguard Animation, a computer-generated imagery (CGI) production company, which facilitated co-production deals for feature films like Valiant.[41][42] Later that year, on December 2, 2003, IDT completed the acquisition of a controlling 56.1% stake in Mainframe Entertainment, a Vancouver-based CGI studio renowned for series such as ReBoot, further expanding its global animation network.[41][43] In December 2003, IDT also purchased Anchor Bay Entertainment, a leading home video distributor with a library exceeding 3,500 titles including franchises like Thomas the Tank Engine and Halloween, for approximately $60 million, strengthening its physical media distribution arm.[44] These moves were complemented in May 2004 by the full acquisition of Manga Entertainment, a specialist in Japanese anime distribution with an extensive library of titles, enhancing IDT's international content portfolio.[15][45] IDT also secured minority stakes in emerging entertainment ventures to access intellectual property and development opportunities. In January 2004, it acquired a 5% equity interest in Archie Comics Entertainment, gaining worldwide animation rights to characters like Archie Andrews for co-production of animated series.[13][46] Similarly, in May 2004, IDT invested in a minority share of POW! Entertainment, founded by Stan Lee, securing exclusive distribution rights for its animated DVD properties and enabling collaborations on superhero-themed content.[17][45] In March 2004, IDT acquired DKP Effects (later rebranded as DKP Studios and eventually Arc Productions), a Toronto-based 3D animation and special effects firm, to integrate advanced visual effects capabilities into its production pipeline.[47][48] These acquisitions were driven by a deliberate strategy to diversify into animation, live-action, and international markets, leveraging IDT's telecommunications resources to fund vertical integration from production to distribution. By combining studios like Film Roman and Mainframe with distributors such as Anchor Bay and Manga, IDT aimed to create synergies in content creation and global reach, particularly in the growing anime and CGI sectors.[49][50] By 2006, these deals had consolidated IDT Entertainment—rebranded as Starz Media following its acquisition by Liberty Media—into a full-service entity capable of end-to-end production and worldwide distribution of animated and live-action programming, positioning it as a key player in the entertainment industry.[3][21]

Divestitures and former holdings

In July 2006, shortly after Starz's acquisition of IDT Entertainment, Starz Media sold its 62% stake in Mainframe Entertainment to Rainmaker Income Fund for approximately $13.8 million, allowing Rainmaker to rebrand and expand the CGI studio independently.[51] In 2011, Starz Media divested DKP Studios to a Canadian consortium, which rebranded it as Arc Productions to focus on visual effects and animation services.[52] In 2015, Starz Media divested its animation studio Film Roman to Waterman Entertainment for an undisclosed amount, allowing the buyer to expand Film Roman's operations in television, film, and digital content production.[53][54] This sale marked a strategic reduction in Starz Media's animation holdings, as Film Roman had been a key subsidiary since its acquisition in 2006.[31] Earlier that year, in February 2015, Starz sold its UK operations of Anchor Bay Entertainment and Manga Entertainment to the companies' managing director, Colin Lomax, who rebranded Anchor Bay UK as Platform Entertainment while retaining Manga UK's branding and distribution focus on anime titles.[55][56] These divestitures streamlined Starz Media's international footprint, concentrating resources on North American markets ahead of broader corporate changes.[57] Starz also ended a prior equity arrangement with The Weinstein Company by repurchasing its 25% stake in Starz Media in October 2015, restoring full ownership to Starz following the initial sale of that interest in 2011.[58][27] This transaction concluded a partnership that had included multi-year distribution agreements between Anchor Bay and The Weinstein Company for home entertainment and other platforms.[59] As Starz Media wound down operations leading into the 2016 Lionsgate acquisition, certain assets like the U.S. divisions of Anchor Bay Entertainment and Manga Entertainment were retained and integrated into the parent company's home entertainment, television production, and worldwide distribution operations, with the Anchor Bay brand folded into Lionsgate Home Entertainment in 2017 while libraries were preserved.[60] These holdings, including the legacy libraries, supported Lionsgate's expanded content library post-merger and remained with Lionsgate Studios following the May 2025 separation from Starz, emphasizing physical media and international sales.[61][6]

Content output

Animated productions

Starz Distribution's animated productions emphasized computer-generated (CG) animation, leveraging in-house studios like Starz Animation Toronto and partnerships with acquired entities such as Vanguard Animation, in which Starz held a minority stake to support feature-length projects.[62][63] A key theatrical release was Everyone's Hero (2006), a CG-animated family adventure about a young boy and his baseball-playing bat during the 1932 World Series era, produced by IDT Entertainment (Starz's predecessor) and co-distributed domestically by 20th Century Fox with international rights handled by Starz; the film grossed approximately $16.6 million worldwide.[21][64] Among direct-to-video releases and specials, Starz handled distribution for Hair High (2004), Bill Plympton's traditional 2D-animated gothic high school comedy blending romance and horror elements, which IDT Entertainment promoted at markets like Cannes prior to its limited U.S. release.[65] Starz Animation provided CG animation services for The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008), a faith-based adventure featuring vegetable characters as reluctant heroes, distributed theatrically by Universal Pictures.[66] Similarly, Space Chimps (2008), a comedic sci-fi tale of astronaut chimpanzees on an alien mission, was co-produced with Vanguard Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox, with Starz financing domestic marketing and publicity.[67] The post-apocalyptic adventure 9 (2009), directed by Shane Acker and featuring rag-doll protagonists in a machine-ruled world, utilized Starz Animation Toronto for its distinctive CG visuals and was distributed by Focus Features.[68] Starz contributed to Gnomeo & Juliet (2011), a 3D CG adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy starring garden gnomes, through production at Starz Animation Toronto, with distribution managed by Touchstone Pictures; the film achieved significant commercial success with over $190 million in global box office earnings.[62] Through its subsidiary Film Roman, acquired in 2003 during the IDT era and retained under Starz, the company produced animated TV specials such as The Happy Elf (2005), a holiday tale of a diminutive elf saving Christmas, co-produced with NBC.[69] Film Roman also handled animation for direct-to-video specials like Wubbzy's Big Movie! (2008), part of the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! children's series, emphasizing whimsical preschool adventures.[70]

Live-action productions

Starz Distribution's live-action productions primarily consisted of low-budget thrillers, comedies, and dramas released directly to home video or cable television, often in partnership with Anchor Bay Entertainment for DVD distribution. These projects emphasized genre storytelling with modest production values, targeting audiences for on-demand and premium cable viewing. The company's output in this area peaked during the Starz Media era, focusing on direct-to-video releases that bypassed wide theatrical runs. Key direct-to-video films included It Waits (2006), a horror thriller about a forest ranger encountering a mythical creature, released on DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment under Starz on May 23, 2006. Similarly, Room 6 (2006), a supernatural mystery starring Christine Taylor and Jerry O'Connell, received a direct-to-DVD release through Anchor Bay on June 13, 2006. In the comedy-drama vein, Lower Learning (2008), directed by Mark Lafferty and featuring Jason Biggs and Eva Longoria, was distributed via Anchor Bay as a satirical take on failing public schools. Queen Sized (2008), a Lifetime telefilm produced by Starz Media and starring Nikki Blonsky as an overweight teen elected homecoming queen, premiered on cable before home video availability. Other notable entries were Blue Seduction (2009), an erotic thriller with Billy Zane distributed worldwide by Starz and on DVD in the U.S. by Anchor Bay; Table for Three (2009), a romantic comedy produced by Starz Productions starring Brandon Routh and Sophia Bush; and The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009), a family holiday film with Dean Cain released on DVD by Starz/Anchor Bay. Earlier releases under Anchor Bay's early operations, prior to full Starz integration, included Jericho (2001), a Western mystery distributed on home video. In its final years, Starz Distribution handled late-stage projects such as The Family Fang (2016), a dark comedy directed by and starring Jason Bateman, for which Starz acquired U.S. distribution rights with a limited theatrical rollout followed by on-demand and TV premiere. The company also distributed the documentary Miss Sharon Jones! (2016), chronicling soul singer Sharon Jones's battle with cancer, through Starz Digital for North American release. These live-action efforts often involved contributions to Starz Originals in the form of pilots and miniseries, alongside standalone TV movies and specials centered on low-budget thrillers and comedies, primarily disseminated via home video through Anchor Bay with limited theatrical exposure.

Dissolution and legacy

Lionsgate acquisition and integration

On December 8, 2016, Lionsgate completed its acquisition of Starz Inc. for approximately $4.4 billion, structured as a mix of cash and stock.[5][71] The transaction, first announced in June 2016, was approved by shareholders the previous day and marked a significant consolidation in the entertainment industry.[72] Following the closure, Starz Distribution's assets underwent immediate integration into Lionsgate's operations. The home entertainment division of Starz Distribution was folded into Lionsgate's global home entertainment arm, while remaining production units and distribution rights were merged into Lionsgate's television, motion picture, and home entertainment divisions.[73] This process effectively ceased Starz Distribution's independent operations, transferring its content library—comprising thousands of titles—to Lionsgate's overall production and distribution pipeline.[5] The strategic rationale behind the acquisition centered on building a vertically integrated global content platform. By combining Starz's premium television network and original programming with Lionsgate's established studio output in film and television, the merged entity aimed to enhance content creation, distribution, and monetization across multiple channels.[5] This integration positioned the company to leverage synergies in production and audience reach, following Starz Inc.'s prior divestitures of non-core assets.[73]

Post-dissolution impact

Following the 2016 acquisition of Starz Inc. by Lionsgate, Starz Distribution's key assets were integrated into Lionsgate's operations. Anchor Bay Entertainment was folded into Lionsgate Home Entertainment in 2017, bolstering the company's home video and physical media operations.[74] In February 2024, Lionsgate sold the Anchor Bay brand and trademark to co-founders of Umbrelic Entertainment, who relaunched it as an independent genre film distributor, while retaining the content library.[75] Manga Entertainment's U.S. operations were similarly merged into Lionsgate's home entertainment division, expanding its anime and international content portfolio.[76] After the corporate separation on May 7, 2025, these functions—including the retained libraries and distribution operations—transitioned to the newly independent Lionsgate Studios, which now oversees film and television distribution.[77] The content library from Starz Distribution, encompassing thousands of film and television titles, has continued to generate significant revenue for Lionsgate through licensing and ancillary markets, including deals with the standalone Starz Entertainment for exclusive first-window access to select titles.[78] As of November 2025, trailing 12-month library revenue reached a record $1.0 billion. Legacy productions, such as the animated film Everyone's Hero produced under Starz Media, remain available on streaming platforms and contribute to Lionsgate's ongoing direct-to-video and home entertainment slate.[79] This integration has influenced Lionsgate's output by enhancing its capabilities in animation and genre-specific releases, particularly in home entertainment.[5] The dissolution has had no apparent path for reviving the Starz Distribution brand, with its contributions instead embedded within Lionsgate Studios' broader ecosystem, supporting diversified content distribution without standalone operations.[80]

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  31. 10-Q - SEC.gov
  32. Starz are the Limit: The Word on the Growing Studio
  33. EA, Starz Media Go To Hell Together With Animated Movie Based ...
  34. DPS Aligns with Vanguard to Power CG Features
  35. Film Roman Now Developing Original Programming
  36. IDT's Yankee Irving Now Everyone's Hero | Animation World Network
  37. IDT Media's Digital Production Solutions Unit (DPS) To Acquire a ...
  38. Mainframe To Join Film Roman In DPS Shopping Bin
  39. IDT Entertainment Completes Acquisition of a Controlling Interest in ...
  40. Vanguard sells stake, inks IDT co-prod'n deal - Variety
  41. Mainframe sells majority ownership - Playback
  42. IDT acquires Anchor Bay homevid biz - Variety
  43. IDT Ent. Acquires Manga Ent. - Animation Magazine
  44. IDT Entertainment Acquires An Equity Stake In Archie Comics ...
  45. IDT Finds Archie Comics Fun To Acquire - Animation World Network
  46. DKP acquired by U.S. animator - Playback
  47. Telecom titan takes over toons - Variety
  48. IDT Acquiring Anime Giant Manga Ent. | Animation World Network
  49. Film Roman Acquired By Waterman Entertainment In Toon Tie-Up
  50. 'Simpsons' Animator Film Roman Bought by Waterman - Variety
  51. News Starz Sells Manga Entertainment
  52. Starz sells Manga Entertainment UK
  53. What Ever Happened to Manga Entertainment? (PART TWO: UK ...
  54. Form 10-Q Starz For: Mar 31 - StreetInsider
  55. Weinstein Company Acquires 25 Percent Stake in Starz Media
  56. Lionsgate to Purchase Premium Channel Starz for $4.4 Billion
  57. Starz Entertainment, LLC - SEC.gov
  58. Starz Starts on Gnomeo & Juliet | Animation World Network
  59. Vanguard and Arc to Build 3D Nut House - Animation Magazine
  60. 'Everyone's Hero': IDT Up to Bat in Feature Animation
  61. IDT Brings Hair High & Other Features to Cannes | Animation World ...
  62. Seriously Silly: 'The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything'
  63. In The Animation Vanguard: John H Williams on Space Chimps
  64. Starz Animation Toronto Animates Shane Acker's Hit Movie '9' Using ...
  65. Film Roman - Audiovisual Identity Database
  66. Starz's Film Roman in Original Animation Programming Push ...
  67. Lionsgate Closes Deal To Buy Starz - Deadline
  68. Lionsgate, Starz Close $4.4 Billion Acquisition - Variety
  69. Starz CFO to Step Down as Lionsgate Merger Plans Finalized
  70. Anchor Bay Entertainment Label Is Making a Comeback - Deadline
  71. Manga Entertainment - Audiovisual Identity Database
  72. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Separates its Studio and STARZ ...
  73. Everyone's Hero at Bat on Disc - Animation Magazine
  74. Lionsgate Completes Split Of Studios, Starz - Deadline
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