Canadian financier Frank Giustra, who founded Lions Gate Entertainment in 1997, is back investing in Canadian entertainment.

Giustra is making an unspecified, yet major investment in Vancouver-based Thunderbird Films, which is run by co-founders Tim Gamble and Michael Shepard and which owns a 50% stake in the Blade Runner film franchise.

Thunderbird will shortly unveil a new name as it looks to step up in the global TV production business.

Giustra had an earlier foray into the movie business as head of Lionsgate until 2000, and then chairman of the Vancouver-based company until 2003.

Along the way, Lionsgate invested in Guber’s Mandalay Pictures, which at the time had a five-year deal with Paramount Pictures to produce 20 movies for distribution by the studio. As Mandalay Pictures struggled, Lionsgate was on the hook for 100% of its mounting losses.

Giustra eventually left the Hollywood movie game and Lionsgate in 2003.

Giustra looks to be steering clear of the film business as he gets back into entertainment.

Thunderbird said it will use the financing from Giustra to “primarily focus on building its television operations.”

“As we look to expand our business and step up production, Frank’s support ensures that we can maintain our independence and parlay incredible opportunities,” Gamble said in a statement.