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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

March 3, 2022

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

 

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   1-13906   47-0587703
(State or other jurisdiction of   (Commission   (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)   File No.)   Identification Number)

 

4201 Congress Street, Suite 175    
Charlotte, North Carolina   28209
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(704) 994-8279

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of Each Exchange  on Which Registered
Common Shares, $.01 par value   BTN   NYSE American

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Item 2.03Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
Item 8.01Other Events.

 

On March 3, 2022, Ballantyne Strong, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Strong Studios, Inc., a Delaware corporation and indirect subsidiary of the Company (the “Buyer”), and Landmark Studio Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Seller”), entered into (a) an Assignment and Attachment Agreement (the “AA Agreement”), pursuant to which the Seller will assign and transfer its rights in certain television projects to the Buyer; and (b) a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Seller will assign to Buyer certain of Seller’s rights in certain motion picture and television projects. The AA Agreement and the Purchase Agreement are referred to herein as the “Agreements.”

 

AA Agreement

 

Pursuant to the AA Agreement, the Seller agreed to assign, transfer and covey to the Buyer all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in (a) certain agreements (the “AA Underlying Agreements”) listed in the AA Agreement under which the Seller acquired any right, title, or interest in the television projects “Flagrant” and “Safehaven” (the “AA Projects”), (b) all literary and dramatic material transferred or generated under the AA Underlying Agreements, and (c) all of the Seller’s other interests in the AA Projects, as described more fully in the AA Agreement.

 

In consideration for such assignment, and in the event that Buyer develops a production of any of the AA Projects in any media, Buyer agreed to attach Seller as executive producer to the AA Projects, with compensation paid by Buyer to Seller of: (a) a fee for each episode of an AA Project produced, which shall be $20,000 per episode for Safehaven and $30,000 per episode for Flagrant, (b) one-time lump sum development fees for each AA Project which shall be $200,000 for Safehaven and $200,000 for Flagrant, and (c) a fee for 7.5% of net proceeds from future sequels, spinoffs, and other derivatives of the AA Projects.

 

Additionally, Buyer and Seller agreed that, after any future initial public offering and separation of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (“SGE”), SGE would issue to Seller would acquire a warrant for the purchase 150,000 shares of common stock of SGE, as set forth in the AA Agreement. The Warrants will be exercisable beginning six months from the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of SGE. The exercise price of the warrant would be equal to the per-share offering price to the public in SGE’s initial public offering. In the event that an initial public offering of SGE does not occur within a specified time, the Seller would have the right to surrender the warrant in exchange for 2.5% ownership in the Buyer.

 

As a condition precedent to entry into the AA Agreement, Buyer agreed to enter into distribution agreements for the AA Projects (the “AA Distribution Agreements”) with Screen Media Ventures, LLC (“SMV”). Pursuant to the AA Distribution Agreements, SMV shall make guaranteed advances of $9,000,000 in the aggregate to Buyer in consideration for the respective rights provided under such AA Distribution Agreements.

 

In the event that principal photography on an AA Project is not commenced within one year of the date of the AA Agreement, as set forth in the AA Agreement, the AA Agreement provides for the assigned, transferred, and conveyed rights in the respective AA Project to revert back to Seller.

 

The documentation to be provided by the Seller, the Company and the Buyer in connection with the AA Agreement is set forth in the AA Agreement. Additionally, the Seller and Buyer made customary representations and warranties as set forth in the AA Agreement.

 

Purchase Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Seller agreed to sell, assign, and transfer to the Buyer all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in (a) certain agreements (the “PA Underlying Agreements”) listed in the Purchase Agreement under which the Seller acquired any right, title, or interest in certain “Purchased Projects” and “Seller Attached Projects,” as set forth under the Purchase Agreement (the “PA Projects”), (b) Seller’s right, title, and interest in the Purchased Products, subject to such limitations as set forth in the Purchase Agreement, (c) all literary and dramatic material transferred or generated under the PA Underlying Agreements, and (c) all of the Seller’s other interests in the PA Projects. The Seller also agreed to provide the Buyer with an opportunity to produce subsequent productions of certain “Seller Retained Projects,” and Buyer agreed to provide the Seller with an opportunity to license certain PA Projects, all as set forth in, and subject to certain limitations under, the Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

 

In consideration for the sale, Buyer agreed to pay to Seller $1,670,000 in four separate payments (the “Guaranteed Payments”), subject to certain limitations, reductions, and setoffs as set forth in the Purchase Agreement, together with additional contingent compensation in such amounts and subject to such conditions as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The Company also guaranteed certain Guaranteed Payments (as defined in the AA Agreement) of the Buyer to the Seller.

 

The documentation to be provided by the Seller, the Company and the Buyer in connection with the Purchase Agreement is set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Additionally, the Seller and Buyer made customary representations and warranties as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

 

The foregoing descriptions of each of the AA Agreement and the Purchase Agreement, together with such other documents and agreements referenced therein, do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the AA Agreement and Purchase Agreement, filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7.01Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On March 7, 2022, the Company issued a press release announcing the closing of the transactions described herein, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

The press release, included as Exhibit 99.1, will be deemed to be “furnished” rather than “filed,” pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 9.01.Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
10.1   Assignment and Attachment Agreement, dated March 3, 2022, by and among the Company, the Buyer and the Seller*
10.2   Purchase Agreement, dated March 3, 2022, by and among the Company, the Buyer and the Seller*
99.1   Press Release of the Company, dated March 7, 2022
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

*Certain schedules, exhibits, and information have been omitted pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.
     
Date: March 7, 2022 By: /s/ Todd R. Major
    Todd R. Major
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

ASSIGNMENT & ATTACHMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Assignment and Attachment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 3, 2022 between Strong Studios, Inc. (“Strong”), on the one hand, and Landmark Studio Group LLC (“LSG”), on the other hand, with respect to the following feature length motion picture and episodic television/digital projects, as follows:

 

WHEREAS, LSG owns or controls certain rights in the television series project currently entitled “Safehaven” (“Safehaven”);

 

WHEREAS, LSG owns or controls certain rights in the television series project currently entitled (“Flagrant”), Safehaven and Flagrant are sometimes referred to hereunder as the “Projects”);

 

WHEREAS, LSG wishes to sell, assign, transfer and convey its rights the Projects to Strong and Strong desires to attach LSG as an executive producer;

 

NOW THEREFORE, for one dollar ($1) and other good and valuable consideration the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the parties, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. CONDITION PRECEDENT. The rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are conditioned upon and subject to: (a) each party’s full execution and delivery of this Agreement and all of the exhibits attached hereto (all of which are incorporated herein by this reference), including, without limitation, the Short Form Assignment in the form attached hereto as Exhibits “B” and “C” for each of the Projects, (b) Strong’s approval of the chain-of-title and copyright status of all materials upon which each of the Projects are based (the chain of title upon full signature of this Agreement by both LSG and Strong shall be deemed approved solely for purposes of this condition precedent and without waiving or limiting any of LSG’s representations or warranties); and Strong entering into a distribution agreement for the Projects with Screen Media Ventures, LLC (“SMV”).

 

2. ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER.

 

(a) SG hereby irrevocable sells, assigns, transfers and conveys to Strong, its successors, licensees, and assigns, exclusively, in perpetuity and throughout the universe, on a quitclaim basis (all of LSG’s right, title and interest of every kind and nature whatsoever, to the extent LSG has such right, title and interest, in and to the Projects, including, without limitation, (i) the agreements listed on Schedule I and all other instruments, if any, under which LSG acquired any right, title or interest in or to each of the Projects (“Underlying Agreements”); (ii) all literary and dramatic material transferred by or created or written pursuant to the Underlying Agreements (“Literary Materials”); and (iii) all of LSG’s other rights and interests of every kind and nature in and to the Projects and elements thereof or related thereto, including all development materials, copyrights, trademarks, titles, and including the right and any sequel, prequel, and/or remake of the Projects, or any derivative production thereto (including without limitation any theatrical or direct-to-video sequel, remake or prequel, and/or any television movie, television series production(s), stage production, or live television production based on the Projects) in any and all media now known or hereinafter devised and the right to exploit any and all allied, ancillary, and subsidiary rights thereto (including without limitation, merchandising, theme parks, video games, interactive rights, soundtrack, music publishing, and novelization) in connection with each of the Projects (“Other Rights”), and all such rights are expressly and exclusively granted and sold to Strong. The Projects, including without limitation all Literary Materials, Other Rights and development materials are assigned to Strong subject to the Underlying Agreements.

 

 
 

 

(b) LSG shall deliver to Strong upon the execution of this Agreement, originals (to the extent it has originals) and/or electronic copies of the Underlying Agreements, and copies of all of the Literary Materials and development materials for each of the Projects.

 

3. LSG ATTACHMENT.

 

In the event Strong develops a production of any of the Projects in any media (e.g., a television/subscription video on demand (SVOD)/advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) production or series of television productions or limited series/mini-series, pilot, theatrical production, etc.) LSG shall be attached as an executive producer upon the following terms and conditions:

 

(a) Safehaven:

 

(i) Executive Producer Fee & Development Fee: Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) per episode for the first season of the series produced (the “Safehaven EP Fee”), plus a one-time development fee of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) (the “Safehaven Development Fee”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Safehaven series is actually produced, the minimum guaranteed executive producer fee and development fee shall be Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000), on a pay or play basis. The Safehaven EP Fee shall be paid one hundred percent (100%) on the commencement of principal photography of the first season of production. The Safehaven Development Fee shall be paid one hundred percent (100%) on commencement of principal photography. For clarity, such executive producer/development fee is only for the first season of production of the initial Safehaven series, if any, produced, and not for any further seasons of production produced or any other Safehaven productions or derivative productions.

 

(ii) Services: No services required, except for securing the Distribution Agreement with SMV set forth in Paragraph 7 below, which is deemed satisfied on full signature of such Distribution Agreement for Safehaven.

 

(b) Flagrant:

 

(i) Executive Producer Fee: Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) per episode for the first season of the series produced (the “Flagrant EP Fee”), plus a one- time development fee of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) (the “Flagrant Development Fee”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Flagrant series is actually produced, the minimum guaranteed executive producer fee and development fee shall be Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Dollars ($440,000) and shall be payable one hundred percent (100%) on the commencement of principal photography of the first season. For clarity, such executive producer/development fee is only for the first season of production of the initial Flagrant series, if any, produced, and not for any further seasons of production cycles produced or any other or Flagrant productions or derivative productions based thereon.

 

 
 

 

(ii) Services: No services required, except for securing the Distribution Agreement with SMV set forth in Paragraph 7 below, which is deemed satisfied on full signature of such Distribution Agreement for Flagrant.

 

(c) Contingent Compensation: For each Project, and all sequels, prequels, spinoffs and derivatives thereof, LSG shall be paid an amount equal to seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the Net Proceeds (defined below), if any. “Net Proceeds” shall be defined, computed and accounted for in accordance with Strong’s best definition of net proceeds with respect to such Project, as applicable, subject to good faith negotiation in accordance with customary industry and Strong’s parameters in a most favored nations basis against other net proceeds participants (excluding financiers). LSG shall have all customary rights as a net proceeds participant pursuant to such definition, provided that LSG’s share of the Net Proceeds shall not be subject to any cross-collateralization with any other Project or production (e.g. there shall be no cross-collateralization among the Projects).

 

(d) All other terms of the above mentioned executive producer agreements for LSG for Flagrant and Safehaven shall be negotiated in good faith in accordance with customary industry parameters for television/digital series of similar budgets, however, for clarity, there shall be no other compensation (fixed or contingent) due to LSG pursuant to such executive producer agreements except as set forth above in this Paragraph.

 

4. WARRANTS. Upon the Consummation of the initial public offering (the “SGE IPO”) and the separation transaction of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. (“SGE”), SGE agrees to issue to LSG, no later than 10 days after the SGE IPO, and upon LSG’s due execution of the warrant Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Warrant Agreement”), including the making of the representations of and agreements by LSG as set forth therein, a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock of SGE exercisable at the per share offering price to the public in the SGE IPO, which shall be exercisable at any time or from time to time six months from the date of the consummation of the SGE IPO and prior to the third anniversary of the date of issuance, pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agreement.

 

5. DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS. Strong and SMV shall enter into distribution agreements (each, a “Distribution Agreement”) for Safehaven and Flagrant as a condition precedent to this Agreement. The Distribution Agreement for each such LSG Distributed Assigned Project is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

 
 

 

6. REVERSION.

 

(a) In the event that principal photography is not commenced within 1 year of execution, (the “Reversion Date”), with respect to Safehaven and/or Flagrant, then all of Strong’s rights in such Project(s), as applicable, solely with respect to such Project(s) which have not commenced principal photography (and for clarity not the other Project, if such other Project has commenced principal photography) shall automatically revert to LSG, on a quitclaim basis, including, without limitation, the Underlying Rights, all Literary Materials, and the Other Rights, with such reversion subject to LSG assuming all of Strong’s obligations (including assuming all guild obligations and executing any required guild assumption agreements and including all of Strong’s obligations under the Distribution Agreement with regard to such Project(s), as applicable) in connection with each such Project, as applicable and LSG shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Strong and any “Strong Indemnitees” (as defined in Paragraph 9 below) in connection with the foregoing and in connection with any development, production, distribution, or exploitation of such Project(s) by LSG, or its assignees, designees, or Licensees, pursuant to the terms of Paragraph 9 below. Strong and LSG shall each sign any documents reasonably required by the other party to effectuate and evidence the reversion, including, without limitation, a Quitclaim Agreement/Indemnity Agreement (in a form reasonably satisfactory to Strong, covering all obligations and liabilities (including any and all obligations on account of the reverted Project(s) being subject to one or more collective bargaining agreements) and a Short Form Assignment and cause the same to be filed in the Copyright Office. For clarity, if the rights to the Project(s) revert to LSG, in no event shall Strong have any further obligations to LSG under Paragraph 3 above and the LG Attachment (e.g. with regard to the executive producing attachment, fees, backend, etc.) with respect to the Project that reverts. If there is any claim, whether or not such claim shall result in or be followed by litigation, which would constitute a breach of any of LSG’s warranties, representations or agreements, or any Force Majeure event, which materially delays the development and/or production of either of the Project(s), then the Reversion Date shall be extended for a period equal to the time such claim is outstanding or unresolved or the duration of such Force Majeure event, plus such additional time as Strong reasonably requires to recommence its performance hereof, provided that if such extension is for an event of Force Majeure, then in no event shall such Force Majeure extension exceed 12 months unless such Force Majeure event is a strike, lockout or other work stoppage in connection with a labor dispute.

 

(b) A “Force Majeure” event is the interruption of or material interference with the preparation, commencement, production, completion, or distribution of the Project(s) or of a substantial number of television programs and/or motion pictures produced and/or distributed or proposed to be produced and/or distributed by Strong by any cause or occurrence beyond the control of Strong or LSG as the case may be, including fire, flood, epidemic, pandemic, earthquake, explosion, accident, riot, war (declared or undeclared), acts of terrorism or mass crime (whether domestic or foreign, whether or not politically motivated, and whether or not directed at Strong or its property), blockade, embargo, act of public enemy, civil disturbance, labor dispute, strike, lockout, inability to secure sufficient labor, power, essential commodities, necessary equipment, adequate transportation or transmission facilities, or death, breach or disability of key personnel rendering services on the Project(s), any applicable law, or any act of God.

 

7. LSG’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. LSG represents and warrants (which representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that:

 

(a) LSG has the full right and authority to enter into this Agreement.

 

(b) To the best of its knowledge there are no adverse claims nor is there pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, mediation or other adverse proceeding involving any of the Properties or any part or element thereof.

 

 
 

 

(c) Except as expressly stated herein LSG does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, (i) with respect to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose; (ii) with respect to any estimates, forecasts, projections or predictions or the accuracy of or omissions from any information or materials relating to the Property or any of the Projects that have been or hereafter are provided or made available to Strong, and all such other representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed, and Strong acknowledges that Strong is not relying and have not relied on any such disclaimed representations or warranties whatsoever.

 

8. STRONG’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Strong represents and warrants (which representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that:

 

(a) It has the right to enter into this Agreement.

 

(b) It will comply with all Underlying Agreements and all will fulfill all of its obligations hereunder.

 

9. ASSUMPTION OF OBLIGATIONS. Strong hereby agrees to assume, carry out and faithfully perform each and all of the terms, covenants, conditions and other provisions contained in the Underlying Agreements and as otherwise required with respect to the Projects, including, without limitation, all payments, residuals, guild obligations, contingent compensation, and rights of first refusal from the date of this Agreement. Strong shall sign and deliver to LSG any documents reasonably required by LSG to evidence the assumption of such obligations, including, without limitation any required guild assumption agreements.

 

10. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

(a) LSG shall defend, indemnify and hold Strong and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, agents, employees, licensees, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Strong Indemnitees”) harmless from and against any third party claims, charges, damages, costs, expenses (including reasonable outside attorneys’ and accountant’s fees and disbursements), judgments, settlements, penalties, liabilities or losses of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, “Expenses”) arising out of or resulting from any breach of any of LSG’s warranties, representations or undertakings under any provision of this Agreement.

 

(b) Strong shall indemnify and hold LSG and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, agents, employees, licensees, successors, and assigns (collectively, “LSG Indemnitees”) harmless from and against any and all Expenses arising out of or resulting from any breach by Strong of its assumption of obligations contained herein or by reason of or resulting from any breach of any of LSG’s warranties, representations or undertakings under any provision of this Agreement; the development, production, distribution and/or other exploitation of a production produced by Strong based upon any of the Projects and/or ancillary rights therein, except to the extent such Expenses are subject to or covered by LSG’s indemnification obligations hereunder.

 

 
 

 

(c) If either a LSG Indemnitee or a Strong Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder (an “Indemnitee”), the Indemnitee will give the indemnifying party (“Indemnitor”) prompt written notice of the applicable claim (but any delay in notification will not relieve Indemnitor of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement except to the extent that such delay materially impairs Indemnitor’s ability to defend such claim). The Indemnitee will cooperate reasonably with Indemnitor and provide all information and assistance as Indemnitor may reasonably require in connection with the defense and settlement of such claim. Indemnitor will, at its own expense, control the defense and settlement of such claim, but Indemnitor may not, without the prior written approval of Indemnitee, enter into or acquiesce to any settlement that contains any admission of or stipulation to any guilt, fault, liability or wrongdoing on the part of any of the Indemnitee. In addition, the Indemnitee will have the right to participate, at their own expense and with counsel of their own choosing, in the defense of any claim, in which case Indemnitee will cooperate reasonably with the Indemnitor and provide all information and assistance as the Indemnitor may reasonably require in connection with the defense and settlement of such claim.

 

11. FURTHER INSTRUMENTS. Concurrently with execution of this Agreement LSG shall execute and deliver to Strong a Short Form Assignment in the form of Exhibit “B” attached hereto for each of the Projects. The parties hereto agree to sign and/or deliver to each other such further instruments as may reasonably be required to carry out or effectuate the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

 

12. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Neither SMV nor Strong may assign or transfer this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the other party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may assign this Agreement to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with such party; to a successor-in-interest in the event of a corporate reorganization, merger, or sale of all or substantially all of such party’s equity securities, assets or business related to the subject matter of this Agreement without the prior approval of the other party provided that such party shall provide written notice of such assignment to the other party as soon as is reasonably practicable (e.g., without violating any contractual confidentiality obligations); and provided, further, that any such assignee assumes all obligations of the assigning party in this Agreement in full and in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Strong may assign its rights and obligations hereunder without LSG’s consent to either an entity created for the purpose of financing the Picture and/or a single purpose production entity, provided that Strong remains primarily liable. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section shall be void ab initio and of no force or effect.

 

13. NO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF BY SMV. SMV’s sole and exclusive remedy for Strong’s breach or cancellation of this Agreement, or any term hereof, shall be limited to the right to recover damages, if any, in one or more arbitration proceedings under Paragraph 13 hereof, and SMV irrevocably waives any right to seek and/or obtain rescission and/or equitable and/or injunctive relief.

 

 
 

 

14. NOTICES. All notices, payments and statements which either party is required, or may desire, to give to the other shall be given by addressing the same to the other at the address set forth below or at such other addresses as may be designated in writing by such party. All such notices shall be given by email during normal business hours (followed by a hard copy thereof by mail), personal delivery, or by mailing (in a postpaid, certified or registered wrapper) to the appropriate parties at the addresses set forth below. The effective date of said notices shall be the date of personal delivery or e-mailing thereof, or two (2) days after the postmark date if mailed in the United States and five (5) days if mailed outside the United States.

 

  To Strong: STRONG STUDIOS, INC.
    4201 Congress Street, Suite 175
    Charlotte, NC 28209
    Attention: Mark Roberson, CEO, and David Ozer its President.
    Emails:

 

  To LSG: Landmark Studio Group LLC
    P.O. Box 700
    Cos Cob, CT 06807
    Attention: Lou Occhicone, SVP Business Affairs & Distribution
    Email: locchicone@chickensoupforthesoul.com
    Telephone: 203-861-4000

 

15. GOVERNING LAW/DISPUTE RESOLUTION. All controversies, claims or disputes between the parties to this Agreement arising out of or related to this Agreement or the interpretation, performance or breach thereof, including, but not limited to, alleged violations of state or federal statutory or common law rights or duties, and the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate (“Dispute”), except as set forth in subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this paragraph, shall be resolved according to subparagraph (a) hereof, which shall constitute the sole dispute resolution mechanism hereunder:

 

(a) Arbitration: All Disputes shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be initiated and conducted according to either the JAMS Streamlined (for claims under USD$250,000) or the JAMS Comprehensive (for claims over USD$250,000) Arbitration Rules and Procedures, except as modified herein, including the Optional Appeal Procedure, at the New York office of JAMS, or its successor (“JAMS”) in effect at the time the request for arbitration is made (the “Arbitration Rules”). The arbitration shall be conducted in New York, New York before a single neutral arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Arbitration Rules. The arbitrator shall follow New York law and the Federal Rules of Evidence in adjudicating the Dispute. The parties waive the right to seek punitive damages and the arbitrator shall have no authority to award such damages. The arbitrator will provide a detailed written statement of decision, which will be part of the arbitration award and admissible in any judicial proceeding to confirm, correct or vacate the award. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the neutral arbitrator and the members of any appeal panel shall be former or retired judges or justices of any New York state or federal court with experience in matters involving the entertainment industry. Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties shall be responsible for payment of their own attorneys’ fees in connection with any proceedings hereunder. In connection with any proceeding under this provision, the parties agree to take reasonable efforts, consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, to preserve the confidentiality of information, documents, testimony and proceedings that relate to the arbitration and the Dispute.

 

 
 

 

(b) Other Matters: Any Dispute or part thereof, or any claim for a particular form of relief (not otherwise precluded by any other provision of this Agreement), that may not be arbitrated pursuant to applicable law may be heard only in a court of competent jurisdiction in New York, New York.

 

(c) Guild Arbitration: To the extent that an applicable guild agreement requires that a Dispute be resolved pursuant to such guild’s arbitration provisions, or expressly permits either party to elect such resolution and such party elects such resolution, such Dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the applicable guild’s arbitration provisions.

 

16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and any attachments hereto contain the entire understanding of the parties hereto and replaces any and all former agreements, understandings and representations, and contains all of the terms, conditions, understandings and promises of the parties hereto, relating in any way to the subject hereof. This Agreement may not be modified except by a document signed by both parties.

 

17. RELATIONSHIP. This Agreement shall not constitute a joint venture or a partnership of any kind between the parties hereto.

 

18. DISCLOSURE. Each party agrees that the terms of this Agreement may be disclosed to any third party or publicly, without the consent of the other party, but only if required by applicable laws or regulations or otherwise deemed advisable, as reasonably determined by the party making the disclosure.

 

19. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Signatures delivered via facsimile or electronically via PDF, TIFF, JPEG, or the like shall have the same legal weight and effect as original signatures.

 

20. PUBLICITY/PRESS RELEASES. All publicity, paid advertisements, press notices, interviews and other information with respect to the Projects shall be under Strong’s sole control and Strong shall have the sole right to submit such Projects (and episodes thereof) for award nominations and consideration. Neither party may issue any publicity releases, public relations materials or advertisements concerning this Agreement, without the other party’s prior written approval. The foregoing shall not be deemed to prohibit LSG from issuing general publicity which incidentally mention the Projects, provided the LSG’s publicity is of a non-confidential nature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties shall mutually approve the initial press release with regard to this Agreement and any distribution agreements with LSG.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

LANDMARK STUDIOS GROUP, LLC

 

By: /s/ William J. Rouhana Jr  
     
Its: Chairman  

 

STRONG STUDIOS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Mark Roberson  
     
Its: CEO  

 

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC., (the “Guarantor”) guarantees, absolutely and unconditionally, the full and timely payment of the Guaranteed Payment by Strong under this Agreement. The Guarantor’s liability under this guaranty is direct and immediate and is not conditioned upon the pursuit by LSG of any remedy it may have against Strong. This guaranty shall not be revocable at any time and is a continuing guaranty binding on the Guarantor and its successor and assigns, may be enforced by the LSG and its successor and assigns and shall not be discharged, affected, impaired or released by any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, merger affiliation, liquidation, dissolution or similar proceeding. Guarantor may not assign this guaranty or delegate its obligation hereunder, provided, that Guarantor may, with LSG’s written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, assign and delegate its obligations hereunder to Strong Global Entertainment Inc. at such time as the stock of Strong Global Entertainment Inc is publicly traded on a major United States exchange (i.e., NYSE or NASDAQ), provided, that Guarantor shall remain secondarily liable if gross proceeds from Strong Global Entertainment Inc.’s initial public offering do not exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000).

 

CORPORATE PARENT

 

By: /s/ Mark Roberson  
     
Its: CEO  

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 3, 2022 between STRONG STUDIOS, INC. (“Purchaser”), on the one hand, and Landmark Studio Group, LLC (“Seller”), on the other hand, with respect to the following feature length motion picture and episodic television/digital projects, as follows:

 

The Purchased Projects (The “Purchased Projects”):

 

  Heartbeat
  History of Gangster Rap
  The Shadows in the Vineyard
  Nights of the Living Dead
  Midnightmares
  Sports Confidential

 

The Seller Attached Projects: (The “Seller Attached Projects”):

 

  It’s Not A Show
  The Fix
  Dysfunctional Pizza

 

The Retained Projects (The “Seller Retained Projects”):

 

  Inside the Black Box (Season Two)

 

Each of the foregoing projects being herein referred to as a “Project” and collectively referred to as the “Projects”. Seller and Buyer are sometimes referred to herein as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”.

 

1. CONDITION PRECEDENT. The rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are conditioned upon and subject to: (a) each party’s full execution and delivery of this Agreement and all of the exhibits attached hereto (all of which are incorporated herein by this reference), including, without limitation, the Short Form Assignment in the form attached hereto as Exhibits “A through I” for each of the Projects, and (b) Purchaser’s approval of the chain-of-title and copyright status of all materials upon which each of the Projects are based (the chain of title upon full signature of this Agreement by both Seller and Purchaser shall be deemed approved solely for purposes of this condition precedent and without waiving or limiting any of Seller’s representations or warranties).

 

2. PURCHASED PROJECTS AND SELLER ATTACHED PROJECTS. Seller hereby irrevocable sells, assigns, transfers and conveys to Purchaser, its successors, licensees, and assigns, exclusively, in perpetuity and throughout the universe, on a quitclaim basis (all of Seller’s right, title and interest of every kind and nature whatsoever, to the extent Seller has such right, title and interest, in and to: (a)(i) each of the Purchased Projects and (ii) each of the Seller Attached Projects, subject to Paragraph 4 below; (b) all of the agreements listed on Schedule I and all other instruments, if any, under which Seller acquired any right, title or interest in or to each of the Purchased Projects and the Seller Attached Projects (“Underlying Agreements”); (c) all literary and dramatic material transferred by or created or written pursuant to the Underlying Agreements in connection with each of the Purchased Projects and the Seller Attached Projects (“Literary Materials”); and (d) all of Seller’s other rights and interests of every kind and nature in and to each of the Purchased Projects and the Seller Attached Projects and elements thereof or related thereto, including all development materials, copyrights, trademarks, titles, and including the right and any sequel, prequel, and/or remake of the Projects, or any derivative production thereto (including without limitation any theatrical or direct-to-video sequel, remake or prequel, and/or any television movie, television series production(s), stage production, or live television production based on the Projects) in any and all media now known or hereinafter devised and the right to exploit any and all allied, ancillary, and subsidiary rights thereto (including without limitation, merchandising, theme parks, video games, interactive rights, soundtrack, music publishing, and novelization) in connection with each of the Projects (“Other Rights”), and all such rights are expressly and exclusively granted and sold to Purchaser.

 

 

 

 

The items set forth in this Paragraph 2 and the Purchased Projects and the Seller Attached Projects are hereinafter referred to individually for each Project as the “Property” and collectively for all the Purchased Projects and Seller Attached Project as the “Properties.” Seller shall deliver to Purchaser upon the execution of this Agreement, originals (to the extent it has originals) and/or electronic copies of the Underlying Agreements, and copies of all of the Literary Materials and development materials for each of the Properties. All Properties, Literary Materials, Other Rights and development materials are sold subject to the Underlying Agreements.

 

3. PURCHASER ATTACHMENT / THE SELLER RETAINED PROJECTS.

 

In the event Seller develops a production in any media (e.g., a television/subscription video on demand (SVOD)/advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) production or series of television productions or limited series/mini-series, theatrical production, etc.) of the Seller Retained Projects (collectively referred to herein as “Subsequent Production(s)”), Purchaser shall be granted a first opportunity and the Purchaser Right of First Negotiation (defined below) to executive produce and produce such Subsequent Production(s) and to be engaged as the production services entity and producer of such Subsequent Productions(s) (the “Purchaser Subsequent Production Attachment”) on terms to be negotiated in good faith with Seller in accordance with the budget for such Subsequent Production and other customary industry parameters for similar productions.

 

The term “Purchaser Right of First Negotiation” means that if, Seller desires to develop and/or produce any Subsequent Production, then Seller shall by written notice notify Purchaser of such desire and immediately thereafter negotiate in good faith exclusively with Purchaser with respect to the Purchaser Subsequent Production Attachment (on terms to be negotiated in good faith in accordance with customary industry standards for comparable projects), and if, after the expiration of 30 days following such notice from Seller ( to Purchaser, no agreement has been reached, or if Purchaser elects not to render said services, Purchaser shall have no further rights, and Seller shall have no further obligations to Purchaser pertaining to such Subsequent Production pursuant to this Agreement. The Purchaser Right of First Negotiation shall be a rolling right provided, that Purchaser has been engaged as the production company of record on immediately preceding Subsequent Production of the Seller Retained Project.

 

 

 

 

4. SELLER ATTACHMENT / THE SELLER ATTACHED PROJECTS.

 

(a) Seller Right of First Negotiation for AVOD/FAST Rights: In the event Purchaser develops, finances, and/or produces any Seller Attached Projects, Purchased Projects and/or any derivative project thereto (e.g., spinoff, remake, sequel, prequel, television series, etc.) (each, a “Seller Attached Projects Production”), then solely to the extent Purchaser does not enter into an “all rights” sale or license of the worldwide distribution rights to such Seller Attached Products Production solely with Netflix, AmazonPrime, Hulu, , HBO+, or Disney+), Seller shall have the Seller Right of First Negotiation (defined below) to acquire the “AVOD” and “FAST” (as such are defined below) window and rights to reproduce, display, transmit, distribute, promote and otherwise exploit each Seller Attached Projects Production through advertiser supported video on demand (“AVOD”) and streaming via free advertiser supported television (“FAST”). Such AVOD/FAST distribution agreements (“AVOD/FAST Distribution Agreement”) shall provide, without limitation, that Purchaser shall be granted an exclusive AVOD/FAST window (which window for clarity shall include premiere rights or a premiere window) and that Seller shall pay Purchaser fifty percent (50%) of one hundred percent (100%) of the “Net Revenues” as defined below for such exploitations. “Gross Receipts” means all gross monies or other consideration received by or credited to or for the benefit of the distribution entity, currently Screen Media Ventures, LLC (“Screen Media”) and/or its in connection with the exploitation of each Seller Attached Projects Production, including without limitation from the sale of advertising inventory. “Net Revenues” shall mean all Gross Receipts less only all direct actual, out of pocket expenses actually paid in connection with the exploitation of such Seller Attached Projects Production, including, without limitation, hosting fees, platforms fees, ad serving fees, promotional and advertising expenses, and sales commission, to the extent customarily treated as distribution expenses under customary accounting procedures in the entertainment industry. In the event Purchaser enters into an “all rights” license as described above, upon the expiration of the term of such license the Seller Right of First Negotiation shall apply, unless Seller enters into an extension of the then-current license.

 

Each Seller Attached Projects Production shall be accounted for separately from any other Seller Attached Projects Production, and there shall be no cross collateralization between the Seller Attached Projects Productions. All other terms of the AVOD/FAST Distribution Agreement shall be negotiated in good faith in accordance with customary industry standards. For the avoidance of doubt, there will not be any minimum guarantees or advances payable in connection with the aforementioned AVOD/FAST rights.

 

(i) The term “Seller Right of First Negotiation” means that if, Purchaser desires to sell/license or otherwise exploit a Seller Attached Projects Production, then Purchaser shall by written notice notify Seller of such desire and immediately thereafter negotiate in good faith exclusively with Seller with respect to the licensing rights to the Seller Attached Projects Production as set forth above, and if, after the expiration of sixty (60) days following such notice from Purchaser to Seller, no agreement has been reached, or if Seller elects not to license such rights, Seller shall have no further rights, and Purchaser shall have no further obligations to Seller, pertaining to such Seller Attached Projects Production pursuant to this Agreement, except as set forth in Paragraph 4(b) below.

 

 

 

 

(b) Net Proceeds Participation: In the event Purchaser produces a Seller Attached Projects Production, Seller shall be entitled to a Net Proceeds Participation on such Seller Attached Projects Production as set forth in Paragraph 5(c) below.

 

5. CONSIDERATION. As consideration for the rights granted herein to Purchaser, Purchaser shall pay to Seller the following:

 

(a) Guaranteed Payment to Seller: As consideration for all of the rights granted, sold and assigned to Purchaser herein, Purchase shall pay to Seller the following sums: The flat sum of One Million Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand Dollars ($1,670,000), due and payable by Purchaser as stated below (the “Guaranteed Payment”). For clarity, Purchaser shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to prepay any or all of the foregoing payments.

 

(b) Payment Schedule for the Guaranteed Payment.

 

(i) Three Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000) upon execution of this Agreement (the “First Payment”);

 

(ii) Three Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000) on or before December 31, 2022;

 

(iii) Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to be paid on or before July 1, 2023; and

 

(iv) Five Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($520,000) to be paid on or before December 31, 2023.

 

(v) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event any Seller Attached Project Production is produced prior to the time the Guaranteed Amount is paid in full, then Purchaser shall pay Seller the greater of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and Thirty Seven and One Half percent (37.5%) of the producer fee, production company fee, executive producer fee or similar fee that is paid to Seller in connection therewith, and such amount shall be applied toward the Guaranteed Amount.

 

For clarity, the Guaranteed Payments set forth above for each Project includes consideration for, and satisfaction of, any and all of Seller’s “sunk costs” (e.g., any costs or expenses incurred by Seller in connection with any of the Purchased Projects and Seller Attached Projects, the Properties, and/or the Other Rights).

 

(c) Contingent Compensation: For each Seller Attached Projects Production, Seller shall be paid an amount equal to TEN PERCENT (10%) of the Net Proceeds (defined below).

 

(d) “Net Proceeds” shall be defined, computed and accounted for in accordance with the Purchaser’s best definition of net proceeds with respect to such Assigned Project and Seller Attached Project, as applicable, subject to good faith negotiation in accordance with customary industry and the Purchaser’s parameters in a most favored nations basis against other net proceeds participants (excluding financiers). Seller shall have all customary rights as a net proceeds participant pursuant to such definition, provided that Seller’s share of the Net Proceeds shall not be subject to any cross-collateralization with any other Project or production (e.g. there shall be no cross-collateralization among the Projects).

 

 

 

 

6. SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Seller represents and warrants (which representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that:

 

(a) Seller has the full right and authority to enter into this Agreement.

 

(b) To the best of its knowledge there are no adverse claims nor is there pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, mediation or other adverse proceeding involving any of the Properties or any part or element thereof.

 

(c) Except as expressly stated herein Seller does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, (i) with respect to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose; (ii) with respect to any estimates, forecasts, projections or predictions or the accuracy of or omissions from any information or materials relating to the Property or any of the Projects that have been or hereafter are provided or made available to Purchaser, and all such other representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed, and Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser is not relying and have not relied on any such disclaimed representations or warranties whatsoever. \

 

7. BUYERS REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Buyer represents and warrants (which representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that:

 

(a) It has the right to enter into this Agreement;

 

(b) It will comply with all Underlying Agreements and all will fulfill all of its obligations hereunder

 

8. ASSUMPTION OF OBLIGATIONS. Purchaser hereby agrees to assume, carry out and faithfully perform each and all of the terms, covenants, conditions and other provisions contained in the Underlying Agreements and as otherwise required with respect to the Projects, including, without limitation, all payments, residuals, guild obligations, contingent compensation, and rights of first refusal from the date of this Agreement. Purchaser shall sign and deliver to Seller any documents reasonably required by Seller to evidence the assumption of such obligations, including, without limitation any required guild assumption agreements.

 

9. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

(a) Seller shall defend, indemnify and hold Purchaser and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, agents, employees, licensees, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Purchaser Indemnitees”) harmless from and against any third party claims, charges, damages, costs, expenses (including reasonable outside attorneys’ and accountant’s fees and disbursements), judgments, settlements, penalties, liabilities or losses of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, “Expenses”) arising out of or resulting from any breach of any of Seller’s warranties, representations or undertakings under any provision of this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

(b) Purchaser shall indemnify and hold Seller and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, agents, employees, licensees, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Seller Indemnitees”) harmless from and against any and all Expenses arising out of or resulting from any breach by Purchaser of its assumption of obligations contained herein or by reason of or resulting from any breach of any of Seller’s warranties, representations or undertakings under any provision of this Agreement; the development, production, distribution and/or other exploitation of a production produced by Purchaser based upon any of the Projects and/or ancillary rights therein, except to the extent such Expenses are subject to or covered by Seller’s indemnification obligations hereunder.

 

(c) If either a Seller Indemnitee or a Purchaser Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder (an “Indemnitee”), the Indemnitee will give the indemnifying party (“Indemnitor”) prompt written notice of the applicable claim (but any delay in notification will not relieve Indemnitor of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement except to the extent that such delay materially impairs Indemnitor’s ability to defend such claim). The Indemnitee will cooperate reasonably with Indemnitor and provide all information and assistance as Indemnitor may reasonably require in connection with the defense and settlement of such claim. Indemnitor will, at its own expense, control the defense and settlement of such claim, but Indemnitor may not, without the prior written approval of Indemnitee, enter into or acquiesce to any settlement that contains any admission of or stipulation to any guilt, fault, liability or wrongdoing on the part of any of the Indemnitee. In addition, the Indemnitee will have the right to participate, at their own expense and with counsel of their own choosing, in the defense of any claim, in which case Indemnitee will cooperate reasonably with the Indemnitor and provide all information and assistance as the Indemnitor may reasonably require in connection with the defense and settlement of such claim.

 

10. FURTHER INSTRUMENTS. Concurrently with execution of this Agreement Seller shall execute and deliver to Purchaser a Short Form Assignment in the form of Exhibit “A” attached hereto for each of the Properties. The parties hereto agree to sign and/or deliver to each other such further instruments as may reasonably be required to carry out or effectuate the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

 

11. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Neither Seller nor Purchaser may assign or transfer this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the other party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller may assign this Agreement to any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with Seller; to a successor-in-interest in the event of a corporate reorganization, merger, or sale of all or substantially all of Sellers, equity securities, assets or business related to the subject matter of this Agreement without the prior approval of Purchaser provided that Seller shall provide written notice of such assignment to the Purchaser as soon as is reasonably practicable (e.g., without violating any contractual confidentiality obligations); and provided, further, that any such assignee assumes all obligations of Seller in this Agreement in full and in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser may assign its rights and obligations hereunder without Seller’s consent to either an entity created for the purpose of financing the Picture and/or a single purpose production entity, provided that Purchaser remains primarily liable. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section shall be void ab initio and of no force or effect.

 

 

 

 

11. NO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF BY SELLER. Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy for Purchaser’s breach or cancellation of this Agreement, or any term hereof, shall be limited to the right to recover damages, if any, in one or more arbitration proceedings under Paragraph 13 hereof, and Seller irrevocably waives any right to seek and/or obtain rescission and/or equitable and/or injunctive relief.

 

12. NOTICES. All notices, payments and statements which either party is required, or may desire, to give to the other shall be given by addressing the same to the other at the address set forth below or at such other addresses as may be designated in writing by such party. All such notices shall be given by email during normal business hours (followed by a hard copy thereof by mail), personal delivery, or by mailing (in a postpaid, certified or registered wrapper) to the appropriate parties at the addresses set forth below. The effective date of said notices shall be the date of personal delivery or e-mailing thereof, or two (2) days after the postmark date if mailed in the United States and five (5) days if mailed outside the United States.

 

  To Purchaser: STRONG STUDIOS, INC.
    4201 Congress Street, Suite 175
    Charlotte, NC 28209
    Attention: Mark Roberson, CEO, and David Ozer its President.
     
  To Seller: Landmark Studio Group, LLC
    P.O. Box 700
    Cos Cob, CT 06807
    Attention: Lou Occhicone, SVP Business Affairs & Distribution
    Email: locchicone@chickensoupforthesoul.com
    Telephone: 203-861-4000

 

13. GOVERNING LAW/DISPUTE RESOLUTION. All controversies, claims or disputes between the parties to this Agreement arising out of or related to this Agreement or the interpretation, performance or breach thereof, including, but not limited to, alleged violations of state or federal statutory or common law rights or duties, and the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate (“Dispute”), except as set forth in Paragraphs 13(b), and 13(c) below, shall be resolved according to the procedures set forth in Paragraph 13(a) which shall constitute the sole dispute resolution mechanism hereunder:

 

(a) Arbitration: All Disputes shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be initiated and conducted according to either the JAMS Streamlined (for claims under USD$250,000) or the JAMS Comprehensive (for claims over USD$250,000) Arbitration Rules and Procedures, except as modified herein, including the Optional Appeal Procedure, at the New York office of JAMS, or its successor (“JAMS”) in effect at the time the request for arbitration is made (the “Arbitration Rules”). The arbitration shall be conducted in New York, New York before a single neutral arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Arbitration Rules. The arbitrator shall follow New York law and the Federal Rules of Evidence in adjudicating the Dispute. The parties waive the right to seek punitive damages and the arbitrator shall have no authority to award such damages. The arbitrator will provide a detailed written statement of decision, which will be part of the arbitration award and admissible in any judicial proceeding to confirm, correct or vacate the award. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the neutral arbitrator and the members of any appeal panel shall be former or retired judges or justices of any New York state or federal court with experience in matters involving the entertainment industry. Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties shall be responsible for payment of their own attorneys’ fees in connection with any proceedings under this Paragraph 13(a). In connection with any proceeding under this provision, the parties agree to take reasonable efforts, consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, to preserve the confidentiality of information, documents, testimony and proceedings that relate to the arbitration and the Dispute.

 

 

 

 

(b) Other Matters: Any Dispute or part thereof, or any claim for a particular form of relief (not otherwise precluded by any other provision of this Agreement), that may not be arbitrated pursuant to applicable law may be heard only in a court of competent jurisdiction in New York, New York.

 

(c) Guild Arbitration: To the extent that an applicable guild agreement requires that a Dispute be resolved pursuant to such guild’s arbitration provisions, or expressly permits either party to elect such resolution and such party elects such resolution, such Dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the applicable guild’s arbitration provisions.

 

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and any attachments hereto contain the entire understanding of the parties hereto and replaces any and all former agreements, understandings and representations, and contains all of the terms, conditions, understandings and promises of the parties hereto, relating in any way to the subject hereof. This Agreement may not be modified except by a document signed by both parties. Seller shall sign Exhibit “A” (Short Form Assignment) for each Project which may be immediately filed by Purchaser with the U.S. Copyright Office.

 

15. RELATIONSHIP. This Agreement shall not constitute a joint venture or a partnership of any kind between the parties hereto.

 

16. DISCLOSURE. Each party agrees that the terms of this Agreement may be disclosed to 8any third party or publicly, without the consent of the other party, but only if required by applicable laws or regulations. Further, Seller agrees and consents that certain or all of the terms of this Agreement, including the Agreement itself, may be disclosed or filed, as determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion, to the extent it is either advisable, or if otherwise required by applicable law or regulation.

 

17. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Signatures delivered via facsimile or electronically via PDF, TIFF, JPEG, or the like shall have the same legal weight and effect as original signatures.

 

18. PUBLICITY/PRESS RELEASES. All publicity, paid advertisements, press notices, interviews and other information with respect to the Projects (except for the Seller Retained Projects) shall be under Purchaser’s sole control and Purchaser shall have the sole right to submit such Projects (and episodes thereof) for award nominations and consideration. Neither party may issue any publicity releases, public relations materials or advertisements concerning this Agreement, without the other party’s prior written approval. The foregoing shall not be deemed to prohibit Seller from issuing general publicity which incidentally mention the Projects, provided the Seller’s publicity is of a non-confidential nature. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties shall mutually approve the initial press release with regard to this Agreement and any distribution agreements with Seller.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

SELLER  
   
LANDMARK STUDIOS GROUP, LLC  
     
By: /s/ William J. Rouhana Jr  
     
Its: Chairman  
     
ACCEPTED BY AND AGREED TO:  
   
STRONG STUDIOS, INC.  
     
By: /s/ Mark Roberson  
     
Its: CEO  

 

BALLYNTYNE SRONG, INC., (the “Guarantor”) guarantees, absolutely and unconditionally, the full and timely payment of the Guaranteed Payment by Purchaser under this Agreement. The Guarantor’s liability under this guaranty is direct and immediate and is not conditioned upon the pursuit by Seller of any remedy it may have against Purchaser. This guaranty shall not be revocable at any time and is a continuing guaranty binding on the Guarantor and its successor and assigns, may be enforced by the Seller and its successor and assigns and shall not be discharged, affected, impaired or released by any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, merger affiliation, liquidation, dissolution or similar proceeding. Guarantor may not assign this guaranty or delegate its obligation hereunder, provided, that Guarantor may, with Seller’s written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, assign and delegate its obligations hereunder to Strong Global Entertainment Inc. at such time as the stock of Strong Global Entertainment Inc. is publicly traded on a major United States exchange (i.e., NYSE or NASDAQ), provided, that Guarantor shall remain secondarily liable if gross proceeds from Strong Global Entertainment Inc.’s initial public offering do not exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000).

 

CORPORATE PARENT

     
By: /s/ Mark Roberson  
     
Its: CEO  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Ballantyne Strong Launches Strong Studios to Develop, Produce

and Distribute Original Feature Films and Series

 

30-Year Industry Executive David Ozer Appointed President

 

New Studio Launches with Two Greenlit Series Through Distribution Agreement with

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Screen Media

 

Charlotte, NC, March 7, 2022: Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE American: BTN) (the “Company” or “Ballantyne”), announced today the launch of Strong Studios, which will operate as part of the Company’s Strong Entertainment division.

 

The Company also announced it has appointed David Ozer as President of Strong Studios. Mr. Ozer was formerly CEO of Landmark Studio Group, a division of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc (Nasdaq: CSSE).

 

Strong Studios, which will be based in New York, will develop and produce original feature films and television series, as well as acquire third party rights to content for global multiplatform distribution. The new studio launches with an IP slate acquisition and an initial distribution agreement with Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Screen Media. Under terms of the deal, two new scripted series, Safehaven and Flagrant, have been officially greenlit for production this year. Screen Media will distribute both series, with their streaming services Crackle, Popcornflix, and Chicken Soup for the Soul having first rights to premiere.

 

Safehaven, is a supernatural horror series based on the graphic novel about a female comic book artist whose drawings come alive to haunt her. Safehaven is produced by James Seale (Throttle), Kevin Duncan (Juncture) and Michael Bay’s 451 Media. Production is anticipated to begin in Canada mid-2022.
   
Flagrant, is an original dramedy series in partnership with actor and comedian, Michael Rapaport (Atypical, White Famous, Public Morals, Justified). Rapaport will appear in and executive produce Flagrant. Screenwriter Peter Hoare (Standing Up, Falling Down, Down Under Cover), and actor, broadcaster, stand-up comedian, and writer Pete Correale (The Pete and Sebastian Show on SiriusXM and Kevin Can Wait) will serve as co-writers and showrunners. Production is anticipated to begin mid-2022.

 

Additional projects shepherded by Ozer at Landmark Studio Group to now be developed and produced by Strong Studios as part of the content acquisition deal include Shadows in the Vineyard, starring Judith Light and Noah Wyle; the drama series, Heartbeat, co-created by legendary DJ couple Kiss and M.O.S.; the horror series MidNightMares, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The launch of Strong Studios is a natural but also potentially transformative next step for our entertainment business,” commented Mark Roberson, Chief Executive Officer of Ballantyne Strong. “Going forward, we will deliver not only the industry’s best movie screens and technical services, but also feature films and series for media platforms around the world. Strong Studios will have a head start with two pre-sold and greenlit series ready to start production right away. We plan to employ a disciplined and conservative approach to development of new projects, utilizing co-production and pre-licensing to limit financial exposure while building a content library with high potential for commercial success. We welcome David and his team and look forward to working with them to grow the business into a leading media studio with top original content.”

 

“With the growing worldwide demand for content and the acceleration of new streaming services, the environment is ripe for Strong Studios to thrive,” said David Ozer. “With the IP acquisition of a robust slate of content and distribution deal with Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, we are able to hit the ground running with two series ready to head into production, while we begin developing our own pipeline of original IP. I am thrilled with the opportunity to launch Strong Studios and further expand Ballantyne Strong’s position in the global media marketplace.”

 

“We congratulate Strong Studios on this new venture and are excited to be able to continue to work with David Ozer and distribute their pipeline of exciting programming,” said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.

 

Prior to joining Strong Studios, Ozer served from 2018 - 2022 as CEO of Landmark Studio Group, overseeing the production and development of a slate of projects, including Willy’s Wonderland, starring Nicolas Cage; and Trigger Point, directed by Brad Turner and starring Barry Pepper; as well as Safehaven, Flagrant, Shadows in the Vineyard, Heartbeat, MidNightMares and others. From 2013 – 2018, he served as Founding President of IDW Entertainment, where he oversaw the independent mini-studio’s overall operations and focused on developing, producing, and distributing content that appeals to a broad global audience. Ozer is credited with the independent mini-studio’s expansion, and the success of its two most prominent series, overseeing the development and production of three seasons of Wynonna Earp for Syfy, and two seasons of Dirk Gently for BBC America. He also oversaw the development of Locke & Key and V-Wars for Netflix. Ozer has also held executive level positions at multinational media corporations, including executive vice president of television at Starz Media; senior vice president of domestic television at RHI Entertainment; head of worldwide distribution at Sonar; senior vice president of sales at DIC Entertainment and vice president of sales at Sony Pictures Television.

 

About Ballantyne Strong, Inc.

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. is a diversified holding company with operations and holdings across a broad range of industries. Ballantyne’s Strong Entertainment segment currently includes one of the largest premium screen suppliers in the United States and also provides technical support services and other related products and services to the cinema exhibition industry, theme parks and other entertainment-related markets. Ballantyne holds a $13 million preferred stake along with Google Ventures in privately held Firefly Systems, Inc., which is rolling out a digital mobile advertising network on rideshare and taxi fleets. Finally, Ballantyne holds a 9% ownership position in GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSX: GFP), a forest-first business focused on sustainable forest management and lumber production, and an 18% ownership position in FG Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF), a reinsurance and investment management holding company focused on opportunistic collateralized and loss capped reinsurance, while allocating capital to SPAC and SPAC sponsor-related businesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Ballantyne or Strong Global Entertainment may, in some cases, use words such as “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potentially,” “will” or “may,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes, to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors. There can be no guarantees that the initial public offering of Strong Global Entertainment, Inc. will be consummated on the timeline anticipated or at all, or that Ballantyne or Strong Global Entertainment will achieve the anticipated benefits of such a transaction. Ballantyne’s and Strong Global Entertainment’s ability to consummate and achieve the anticipated benefits of the potential initial public offering of Strong Global Entertainment may be materially affected by certain factors outside their control that could affect the advisability, pricing and timing of the potential initial public offering of Strong Global Entertainment, as well as a number of risks and uncertainties regarding the business, results of operation or financial condition of Ballantyne or Strong Global Entertainment, including but not limited to those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Item 1A in Ballantyne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2021, as supplemented by Ballantyne’s Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 28, 2021, and Ballantyne’s subsequent filings with the SEC, in addition to and including the following risks and uncertainties: the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has already had, and may continue to have, on the Company’s business and financial condition; the Company’s ability to maintain and expand its revenue streams to compensate for the lower demand for the Company’s digital cinema products and installation services; potential interruptions of supplier relationships or higher prices charged by suppliers; the Company’s ability to successfully compete and introduce enhancements and new features that achieve market acceptance and that keep pace with technological developments; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its capital allocation strategy or achieve the returns it expects from these investments; the Company’s ability to maintain its brand and reputation and retain or replace its significant customers; challenges associated with the Company’s long sales cycles; the impact of a challenging global economic environment or a downturn in the markets (such as the current economic disruption and market volatility generated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic); economic and political risks of selling products in foreign countries (including tariffs); risks of non-compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, potential sales tax collections and claims for uncollected amounts; cybersecurity risks and risks of damage and interruptions of information technology systems; the Company’s ability to retain key members of management and successfully integrate new executives; the Company’s ability to complete acquisitions, strategic investments, entry into new lines of business, divestitures, mergers or other transactions on acceptable terms, or at all; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s portfolio companies; the Company’s ability to utilize or assert its intellectual property rights, the impact of natural disasters and other catastrophic events (such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic); the adequacy of insurance; the impact of having a controlling shareholder and vulnerability to fluctuation in the Company’s share price. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. Many of the risks listed above have been, and may further be, exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the cinema and entertainment industry, and the worsening economic environment. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as others not now anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update, withdraw, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions on which any statement is based.

 

For Investor Relations Inquiries:

Mark Roberson

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. - Chief Executive Officer

704-994-8279

IR@btn-inc.com

 

John Nesbett / Jennifer Belodeau

IMS Investor Relations

203-972-9200

jnesbett@institutionalms.com

 

For Media Inquiries:

Michelle Orsi

Three.Sixty Marketing + Communications

310-418-6430

michelle@360-comm.com