Saban International, the global distribution division of Saban Entertainment, is increasing its motion picture and telefilm production budget to the US$100 million level. The announcement will be made jointly today by Stan Golden, President of Saban International, and Lance H. Robbins, recently promoted to President, Motion Pictures and Television, Saban Entertainment.
This development marks a 100% growth in Saban's feature film budget since the 1994 launch of Libra Pictures, its domestic production arm. At that time, the plan called for a target roster of between 12 to 15 pictures a year and that has now been boosted to between 15 and 20. “In less than two years, Saban Pictures has doubled its budget and vastly expanded its slate of product, thus firmly establishing itself as a world leader in independent production and distribution of original, quality, dramatic and action adventure motion pictures,” says Golden. “Since its inception, the company has aggressively pursued a leadership position in the motion picture domain with the aim of feeding the international market's growing demand for star-driven pictures with strong storylines.”
Lance Robbins will be responsible for spearheading all motion picture production and development. He is also responsible for the continuing development of international co-productions. “Our efforts in establishing good partnerships around the world, and in attracting the right kind of star power and directorial talent have certainly paid off,” says Robbins.
Robbins is currently overseeing several features in production, which are new to the com[pany's AFM slate, including The Heist, with Andrew McCarthy and Cynthia Geary, described by Robbins as a “female Die Hard”; and Exception To the Rule, about a businessman who is blackmailed by his one night stand who turns out to have a hidden agenda, with diamonds and murder on top of the list.
Christopher Pickard
