Lionsgate Renews First-Look Deal With Kingdom Story Company

Lionsgate has renewed a three-year, first-look deal with Kingdom Story Company.

The announcement extends the partnership to 10 years and follows the theatrical release of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which opened to $11 million over the weekend. Already this year, Lionsgate and Kingdom have collaborated on the faith-based “Ordinary Angels” starring Hilary Swank and musical biopic “Unsung Hero” about Grammy winner Joel Smallbone. “Ordinary Angels” earned $20 million at the global box office while “Unsung Hero” generated $21 million worldwide. All three 2024 releases will be profitable for the studio, according to Lionsgate.

“Over the past decade, Kingdom films have established a unique ability to connect with their audiences in the faith community and beyond through high quality storytelling and exceptional productions,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson.

Kevin Downes, co-founder and chief executive officer of Kingdom Story Company, added, “2024 has been Kingdom Story Company’s biggest year ever with a slate of three films. I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible team of people who made it possible — from the filmmakers and cast to our executive team, marketing team, and especially our partners at Lionsgate, who have always championed our films and the audience they serve. Our goal is to share stories that ignite a rush of hope, and we are proud that each of our films this year has not only entertained but also sparked conversations about faith and resilience when needed more than ever.”

As part of Tuesday’s announcement, Kingdom Story Company’s president and COO Brandon Gregory was promoted to partner.

“Brandon brings a unique combination of skills: a rigorous business sense that keeps the company on track, a deep love of movies that makes entertainment the only business for him, and a fierce commitment to the mission behind the movies we make at this company,” Tony Young, chairman and partner of Kingdom Story Company, said. “Perhaps the only thing as important as what we do is who we work with, and this promotion ensures that we’ll be working with Brandon for many years to come.”