Lionsgate to Release Bratz: The Movie

Lionsgate announced that it will become home to the expanding entertainment franchise for BRATZ, the highly popular brand of fashion dolls manufactured by leading consumer entertainment products company MGA Ent.

The studio has acquired from Crystal Sky Pictures the U.S. distribution rights to the first feature film based on the popular BRATZ characters, tentatively entitled BRATZ: THE MOVIE. Crystal Sky Pictures is financing the live-action feature film, directed by Sean McNamara (RAISE YOUR VOICE, THAT'S SO RAVEN) and written by Susan Estelle Jansen (THE LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE). MGA's Isaac Larian, Arad Prods.' Avi Arad, and Crystal Sky's Steven Paul are producing the picture, and Crystal Sky Pictures president Benedict Carver will exec produce.

Lionsgate and MGA Ent. have also reached a deal that provides the studio with the exclusive North American home entertainment distribution rights to future BRATZ animated and direct-to-DVD features. The first title to be released under the deal will be BRATZ FASHION PIXIEZ, an all-new direct-to-DVD feature that is scheduled for release in spring 2007.

"There is no company that has a better pulse on what today's girl is looking for than MGA," said Lionsgate president Steve Beeks. "Bratz has been a phenomenal success story; it's amazing to realize that the property is only five years old when considering its incredible popularity and penetration in the marketplace. At Lionsgate, we pride ourselves on delivering positive messages through unique and exciting experiences that empower young girls to follow their dreams. BRATZ is a perfect complement to our ever-growing line of successful children's and family entertainment. We forged a terrific relationship with Avi Arad making THE PUNISHER and the direct-to-DVD Marvel animated feature series, and we are thrilled to be working with him at his new production company."

"I'm delighted that BRATZ will again give me the opportunity work with my friends at Lionsgate," said Avi Arad, chairman, Arad Prods. "With its target audience of young girls, BRATZ represents a new chapter in the movie franchise business, and we couldn't ask for a better partner in this adventure than Lionsgate."

"We are very excited about working with Arad Prods. and Crystal Sky Pictures to create the definitive BRATZ live-action feature film," said Isaac Larian, ceo, MGA Ent. "We consider Lionsgate an ideal partner for our BRATZ live-action theatrical film and animated features and welcome the company's innovative marketing techniques."

"BRATZ underscores Crystal Sky's strategy of delivering strong film franchises to the worldwide distribution community," said Steven Paul, chairman/ceo, Crystal Sky Pictures. "I am excited to be in business once again with Avi Arad, and for the first time with Isaac Larian of MGA; and there is no one better in marketing and distribution than our friends at Lionsgate."

MGA Ent. will support BRATZ FASHION PIXIEZ and each subsequent BRATZ direct-to-DVD feature with all-new lines of dolls and other toys based on each of the movies. The marketing and promotional campaign supporting the releases will include a massive advertising campaign, cross promotions and much more. Additional details on the marketing programs will be released at a later date.

BRATZ follows four teenage girls who are from socially and economically diverse backgrounds. What they have in common is their wish to be themselves and realize their dreams and aspirations. They start their journey separated by high school cliques, only to realize that by becoming Bratz, their lives will be more fulfilling.