NU IMAGE/MILLENNIUM FILMS and LIONSGATE(R) (NYSE:LGF) , the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, have announced a deal for Lionsgate to acquire North American distribution rights to the highly coveted film series CONAN THE BARBARIAN, based on Robert E. Howard's mythical conquering hero. The companies most recently partnered on RAMBO, which Lionsgate is co-releasing (with The Weinstein Company) on January 25th. The announcement was jointly made by Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short and Avi Lerner, founders of Nu Image/Millennium Films, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.


Nu Image/Millennium's Boaz Davidson and Joe Gatta are producing the film, along with Fredrick Malmberg of Paradox Entertainment, George Furla and Henry Winterstern. Executive producers include Nu Image's Dimbort, Short and Lerner. Production is slated to take place in Bulgaria in summer/fall 2008.


"We could not be happier to be back in business with Lionsgate," said Dimbort. "They have done a phenomenal job with RAMBO and know how to release a high-profile property. CONAN is an amazing franchise and they will treat it in kind."


"We are delighted to join Nu Image/Millennium Films in bringing Conan the Barbarian back to the big screen," said Constantine. "This is a character unlike any other in the action/adventure canon, with an unlimited potential for stories that are exciting and different. And given the production expertise and creativity of our friends at Nu Image/Millennium, this Conan is sure to conquer."


Commented Lerner, "Lionsgate was our choice from the beginning. Jon Feltheimer has a great crew with good instincts, a fantastic understanding of distribution and a wonderful marketing machine. They will give these films the right attention and make them a huge success."