Lionsgate, Hulu Partner on Indie Comedy Acquisition

1 Mar, 2016 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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In a market driven by on-demand episodic programming and superhero movies, acquiring North American rights to an indie comedy is best a shared experience.

Lionsgate and Hulu March 1 announced they joined forces to acquire rights to director Jeff Baena’s Joshy. The film will be released on Lionsgate’s specialty distribution label, Lionsgate Premiere, and be available to stream exclusively on Hulu Plus following its theatrical run.

Joshy focuses on the emotionally inept nature of male bonding. The ensemble cast includes Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”), Adam Pally (Happy Endings), Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”), Aubrey Plaza (“Parks and Recreation”), Alex Ross Perry, Nick Kroll, Brett Gelman and Jenny Slate, among others.

Launched last April, Lionsgate Premiere focuses on multi-platform release strategies for proprietary and licensed movies to capitalize on changing consumer habits, including reaching affinity audiences with branded content and targeted marketing.

Lionsgate’s television group currently produces four shows for Hulu Plus, which is co-owned byThe Walt Disney Co., 21st Century Fox and Comcast.

“The extension of our alliance into film acquisitions signals a new growth opportunity for both companies and Joshy is a great movie to kick it off,” Jim Packer, president of worldwide television and digital distribution, said in a statement.

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