X Filme sets distrib arm

Division eyeing 2000 bow

By ED MEZA

BERLIN -- German production outfit X Filme Creative Pool will launch its own distribution and sales arm.

Speaking at a recent conference sponsored by the European Film Academy, producer Stefan Arndt said the company was looking to distribute its own films as well as those of friends, and thus retain some control over their own projects. The distrib division is set to bow early next year.

The Berlin-based X Filme was established in 1994 by Arndt and directors Tom Tykwer, Wolfgang Becker and Dani Levy.

In addition to Tykwer's "Run Lola, Run," the company has also produced such films as "Das Leben ist eine Baustelle" and "Winterschlaefer."