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Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Blumhouse acquires 50% stake in ‘Saw' franchise
Horror production company Blumhouse has acquired a 50% stake in the long-running 'Saw' franchise, buying the rights owned by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, the firm said Wednesday. Santa Monica-based Lionsgate will continue to own 50% of the franchise, retain all domestic distribution rights for new feature films and still distribute worldwide for the library films. Los Angeles-based investment firm Content Partners has also acquired a stake in the library as part of the transaction, alongside Burg's retained share, Blumhouse said. Financial details were not disclosed. Blumhouse will take the lead on international distribution for new feature films and will discuss global release strategies with Lionsgate on a film-by-film basis. Blumhouse Chief Executive Jason Blum described the deal in a statement as 'a strategic investment in one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties of the last two decades.' The 10-film franchise began in 2004 and has grossed more than a billion dollars in worldwide box office revenue. 'The Saw franchise has defined a generation of horror, and its cultural impact continues to grow,' he said. With this deal, the franchise returns to filmmaker James Wan, who directed the first 'Saw' film. Wan's production company, Atomic Monster, merged with Blumhouse last year. 'Over the course of ten chilling and thrilling 'Saw' films, Oren and Mark have been outstanding partners, producers and stewards of this billion-dollar franchise,' Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. 'As they pass the baton to James — whose direction started it all — and to Jason and the team at Blumhouse, Billy couldn't be in more gifted or twisted hands. Game on.' The deal was the brainchild of Lionsgate Chief Executive Jon Feltheimer and Blum, according to a person familiar with the matter not authorized to comment. The original 'Saw' from 2004 was part of a wave of particularly gruesome horror movies that came to be derisively described as 'torture porn.' Other examples included Eli Roth's 'Hostel.' Horror franchise revivals have proved to be lucrative endeavors as of late, with hits including New Line's 'Final Destination Bloodlines.' The horror genre has been one of the most reliable at drawing fans to theaters in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent 'Saw' film, 2023's 'Saw X,' grossed $53.6 million domestically and $58.6 million internationally for a global haul of $112.2 million, according to Box Office Mojo. 'With the success of the tenth film, this felt like the right time to pass the baton,' Koules said in a statement. 'I'm incredibly proud of what we've built with Lionsgate over the past 20 years and deeply grateful to the fans who've been with us since the beginning.' Burg cited the recent death of Lionsgate film executive and executive producer Jason Constantine as part of his decision to move on, saying in a statement that it was time to 'tell new stories.'
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Forensic Files' Gets AI High-Def Update From FilmRise
FilmRise, a New York-based film and TV studio and streaming network, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to update the visual quality of its content by utilizing a mix of AI software and human editorial know-how. Employing this new blend, the company has converted the hugely popular true crime series 'Forensic Files' into high definition. The upscaled episodes will be available across multiple streaming platforms as FilmRise pushes to further enhance the viewer experience for its popular brands. More from Variety TV4 Sweden and MTV Finland to Change Hands From Telia to Schibsted Media Australian Docu-Soap 'Billion Dollar Playground' Acquired by Several Major Broadcasters London TV Screenings: What Buyers Really Want, According to France Télévisions, ZDF Studios, TV4 Media and Atresmedia 'This new initiative embodies FilmRise's core mission to enhance the viewer experience for both our audiences and our streaming partners,' said CEO Danny Fisher. 'We are committed to continually improving the quality of the programs we acquire and distribute, catering to both consumer audiences and our streaming partners.' The 'Forensic Files' upgrade follows FilmRise's long-term partnership with Content Partners LLC, the show's IP holder. The series, which boasts a massive fanbase and global popularity, has now been remastered in HD across 12 seasons and 326 episodes, offering viewers an entirely updated viewing experience. The episodes are currently streaming on platforms such as The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi and more. FilmRise's AI-driven solution was developed by the company's technology team, led by Chief Technology Officer Thibault Hermenault. The process blends advanced AI tools with the expertise of FilmRise's in-house editorial team, resulting in a rapid yet meticulous upconversion of older content. 'The new AI tools available are incredibly exciting and enable us to bring the restoration process in-house,' Hermenault explained. 'Our hybrid process allows us to upconvert older content quicker and cost-effectively without losing the human touch, ensuring that audiences can truly appreciate the difference.' Scott Hemming, Executive Vice President at Content Partners, echoed the excitement surrounding the remaster: 'At Content Partners, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the legacy of iconic film and television content, and FilmRise has been an invaluable partner in that mission. Their innovative approach to AI-driven restoration ensures that 'Forensic Files' continues to captivate audiences in the best possible quality,' he said. In addition to 'Forensic Files,' FilmRise has plans to extend this AI-driven process to other titles in its vast library, which includes over 30,000 movies and TV episodes. FilmRise continues to explore partnerships that expand the scope of its HD offerings, such as its 4K remaster of the indie classic 'Party Girl' and its acquisition of 'Death Valley Days' in HD. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
