Lionsgate, Emmett-Furla Extend Deal for 10 More Movies

Robert DeNiro-Kate Bosworth heist film “Bus 657” is among several to released via Grindstone’s new Premiere label

Lionsgate and its Grindstone Entertainment Group have extended their long-term partnership with Emmett/Furla Films for another 10 movies, the two companies announced Thursday. Several films will be released by Lionsgate’s newly launched Premiere label.

The partnership’s upcoming slate includes the heist film “Bus 657,” starring Robert DeNiro and Kate Bosworth; the CIA action thriller “The Extraction,” teaming Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz and Gina Carano; and the thriller “Daughter of God,” featuring an ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves and Mira Sorvino. The Premiere specialty distribution label will kick off with “The Extraction.”

Grindstone’s collaboration with Emmett/Furla has generated a string of films, including the Bruce Willis-Josh Duhamel action adventure “Fire With Fire,” the crime thriller “Empire State,” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Liam Hemsworth, and the serial killer thriller “Frozen Ground,” featuring Nic Cage and John Cusack.

The deal was negotiated by Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and motion picture group president Steve Beeks, Grindstone’s president Barry Brooker and partner Stan Wertlieb, and Randall Emmett.

Emmett/Furla has partnered with Lionsgate on the films “Rambo,” “Wonderland,” “Narc” and last year’s “Escape Plan,” an action thriller starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger that became a hit at the box office in China and Russia and grossed nearly $140 million globally.

“We’ve been part of the Lionsgate family since the earliest days of the studio, and our partnership has grown with their success,” said Emmett and George Furla. “Lionsgate has emerged as a powerful creative force in the global marketplace, and we’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Steve Beeks, Barry Brooker and the rest of the Lionsgate team as well as to help launch Lionsgate Premiere.”

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