EPIX Greenlights New Lionsgate Original Programming Pilot "Tough Trade"

Pilot to Focus on a Famous Dysfunctional Country Music Family; Will Begin
Filming in Nashville in Late Summer 2009
NEW YORK & SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
EPIX, the new multi-platform entertainment service unveiled by Studio 3
Networks, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its
Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate
(NYSE: LGF), today announced that it has greenlit the pilot for "Tough Trade",
with plans to launch the original television series produced by Lionsgate
Television in 2010. Jenji Kohan, creator and executive producer of "Weeds" will
take the helm, serving as executive producer and show runner for the project.

"We are thrilled to be moving forward with the pilot episode of what is expected
to be EPIX`s first original series," said Mark Greenberg, president of Studio 3
Networks. "Lionsgate has an incredible track record of original television
series that capture the imagination of viewers and always leaves them wanting
more. I have no doubt that `Tough Trade` is going to build on this incredible
creative spirit, driving consumers to EPIX to watch and interact with this
program. The team behind this series is one that has changed the entertainment
landscape with `Weeds,` `The Cooler,` and others and we believe they will do it
again with `Tough Trade.` This is yet another illustration of EPIX`s progress as
we near our fourth quarter television launch."

"Tough Trade," the first series pilot for EPIX, is a provocative one-hour drama
about the Tuckers, a three-generation Nashville music dynasty whose penchant for
drink, debauchery and divorce has left them on the verge of bankruptcy. Although
it's been said that "no one knows what goes on behind closed doors," "Tough
Trade" flings those doors wide open, exposing the tragic and sometimes comedic
secrets, scandals and sorrows of this unforgettable American family.

"EPIXis a brand that is going to change the way Americans consume entertainment,
making it an ideal candidate for a Lionsgate series," said Lionsgate President
of Television Programming and Production, Kevin Beggs. "The music industry has
remained untouched in original programming and with this series we are going to
take full advantage of the storylines it has to offer. There is no denying that
both EPIX and Lionsgate have a unique approach to the entertainment business,
and you can say the same for the characters in `Tough Trade.`"

Chris Offutt is the creator, writer and co-executive producer of "Tough Trade."
He is an award-winning novelist and short story writer, recently serving as
executive story editor on HBO`s "True Blood" and is currently a writer and
co-producer for Season 5 of Lionsgate`s hit comedy "Weeds."

Executive producing along with Jenji Kohan and Chris Offutt are Sean and Bryan
Furst ("The Matador," "The Cooler"). The show was developed by Furst Films,
under the company's first look deal with Lionsgate TV.

Studio 3 Networks recently announced the name of the multi-platform
entertainment brand, EPIX on January 27, 2009 at NATPE. EPIX will launch on
broadband in May 2009 and on television in the fourth quarter 2009.

About Studio 3 Networks

Studio 3 Networks is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B),
its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF). In the Fourth Quarter of 2009, Studio 3 Networks will
launch EPIX, a branded next-generation premium entertainment channel, video on
demand and Internet service that combines new and classic feature films and
original programming, including series, music and comedy specials. Studio 3
Networks will control all rights to EPIX`s programming.

EPIX will have exclusive access to Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and
Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM,
United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1,
2009. It will also have access to more than 15,000 motion picture titles
spanning the vast libraries of the studios and will feature new original
television series and live event programming. Differentiating itself from
existing networks, EPIX will deliver content on multiple platforms and include
interactivity that will significantly enhance the entertainment experience.
Viacom will provide operational support, including marketing and affiliate
services through its MTV Networks division.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate is the leading next generation studio with a major presence in the
production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home
entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered
content. The Company is leveraging its content leadership and marketing
expertise through a series of partnerships that include the operation of the
FEARnet branded VOD and Internet horror channel with Sony and Comcast, the fall
2009 launch of the next generation entertainment brand EPIX with partners
Viacom, Paramount Pictures and MGM, investment in the leading young men's
digital distribution platform Break.com, ownership of the premier independent
television syndication company Debmar-Mercury and an alliance with independent
filmed entertainment production and distribution company Roadside Attractions.
Lionsgate also has forged partnerships with leading content creators, owners and
distributors in key territories around the world, including Televisa in the U.S.
and Latin America, StudioCanal in the UK, Hoyts and Sony in Australia and Eros
International in India.

On January 5, 2009, the Company also agreed to acquire the TV Guide Network and
TV Guide.com in a deal expected to close by February 28, 2009.

The Company has generated more than $450 million at the North American
theatrical box office in the past 12 months and has forged strong positions in
television and home entertainment with the production of such
critically-acclaimed television series as Weeds and Mad Men, the distribution of
Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Family Feud, South Park, Trivial Pursuit and The
Dead Zone, and nearly 7% market share and the industry's leading box
office-to-DVD conversion rate in home entertainment. Lionsgate handles a
prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and
television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as
the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate
brand is synonymous with entrepreneurial innovation and original, daring,
quality entertainment in markets around the globe. More information on Lionsgate
can be found at www.lionsgate.com.

Sloane & Company
Amanda Kiely, 212-446-1896
akiely@sloanepr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009