Independent boots up digital division

New media arm will delve into library

By ARCHIE THOMAS

LONDON — Luc Roeg’s London-based film production and sales agency Independent is launching a digital distribution division.

The standalone unit, Independent Digital, will look to increase the value of the company’s library through digital release platforms and devise digital distribution strategies to complement traditional releases.

Titles slated for a digital release include Paul Andrew Williams' “London to Brighton,” Benjamin and Gabe Turner’s “In the Hands of the Gods” and Marc Munden’s “The Mark of Cain.” Also in the vault are “Klimt” and “Hallam Foe.”

“The launch of Independent Digital will complement traditional distribution methods, adding value to product and reassuring producers that their films are being handled within the context of the changing market,” tub thumped Roeg.

Independent Digital will be headed up Eric Stevens, who previously worked for Ingenious Media and UIP in sales, marketing, acquisitions and new media.

“We are looking to acquire films specifically for digital distribution at film festivals and directly from producers as well as building digital resources through strategic partnerships,” Stevens said.

“An audience exists for practically everything out there, no matter how small or specialized, and our role is to find those audiences.”

Independent is in pre-production on two pics.

“Night Train,” based on a Martin Amis novel, will be helmed by Nic Roeg. It is executive produced by Steven Soderbergh, with Elisabeth Shue, Toby Jones, Michael Madsen and Nick Nolte attached.

“Mr Nice,” based on the biography of upper-crust British drugs smuggler Howard Marks, will be helmed by Bernard Rose (“Ivansxtc”) and will star Rhys Ifans.

Independent is privately backed by venture capitalist fund Living Capital Group.