Lionsgate and Producer Steven Paul Launch Joint Venture Amid Trump Tax Incentive Push

Variety · 2026-10-26
Lionsgate and Producer Steven Paul Launch Joint Venture Amid Trump Tax Incentive Push

Lionsgate is partnering with veteran film producer Steven Paul through a new joint venture that will see his company SP Media make a significant investment in new initiatives alongside the studio. Under the deal, SP Media will also produce independent feature films, combining Paul’s entrepreneurial track record with Lionsgate’s global distribution and production infrastructure. Paul has personally lobbied President Donald Trump on a federal tax incentive for Hollywood, giving the partnership a potentially influential political dimension. The move comes as studios seek fresh capital and content pipelines amid shifting market dynamics, and it signals Lionsgate’s continued strategy of leveraging outside financing and production partnerships. For Paul, the venture offers a larger platform for his projects, while Lionsgate gains access to his slate and relationships. The collaboration could yield new films and business lines that benefit from both parties’ strengths, though financial terms were not disclosed. As the entertainment industry navigates consolidation and changing audience habits, this alliance illustrates how mid-sized studios are turning to strategic investors to stay competitive. Watch for upcoming announcements on specific projects and whether Paul’s Washington connections influence policy debates affecting Hollywood.