Lionsgate rejigs distribution structure

Lionsgate has restructured its distribution operation by trimming staff numbers in North America and the UK, while also creating a new division targeting FAST channels and YouTube.

The rejig will see the US outfit, whose output includes The Hunting Wives for Netflix and ABC’s The Rookie, cutting around fewer than 10 jobs but also creating a similar number as part of the new structure, according to Deadline which broke the news.

The move will create a ‘self-distribution’ division run by Chase Brisbin, exec vice president of Lionsgate global channels, exec vice president of global partner management Adam Frank, and Brad Haugen, exec vice president of digital strategy & growth.

A new global content strategy and planning team is also being introduced, to be led by Jen Caprow.

Lionsgate sales chief, Jim Packer, said in a staff memo that the move would allow the distribution team to adapt to a “rapidly” shifting landscape.

Kate Nexon, president of domestic TV and digital distribution, will continue to lead sales with Agapy Kapouranis, president of international TV and digital distribution.

Lionsgate has been reshuffling its senior ranks recently, with television chief Sandra Stern revealing she would be stepping down last month. Noel Hedges, exec vice-president of international acquisitions and co-productions, has also recently departed the US studio.