London-based sales outfit Capitol Films has appointed veteran film executive Ronna Wallace as the company's consultant in the US, in a bid to strengthen the company's interests across the Atlantic.

Based in New York, Wallace will acquire films and projects at script stage for Capitol, as well as representing a selection of the company's titles for US sale.

Wallace will take up her role at the Sundance Film Festival where Capitol's films include competition entry Pumpkin, starring Christina Ricci, Dominique Swain and Brenda Blethyn, and Fruit Chan's Hollywood Hong Kong which debuted in competition at last year's Venice Film Festival.

Wallace was previously executive VP of production and acquisitions at Stratosphere Entertainment, before running the company and negotiating the joint venture with Samuel Goldwyn Films and Fireworks Pictures to form IDP Distribution. She has also served as senior vice president of production and acquisitions at Live Entertainment where her projects included Reservoir Dogs and Bob Roberts, and as senior vice president of The Samuel Goldwyn Company with projects including Big Night and American Buffalo.

"A base of operations in the US was always part of the strategy for our ongoing expansion," said Capitol's co-chief Jane Barclay. "We feel most fortunate to have Ronna Wallace representing Capitol in this endeavour. Her wide range of experience, deep knowledge of the business and great success are unique in the industry."