As part of a closer working collaboration with Highlight Communications, Constantin Film is to launch its own home entertainment label "Constantin Film" from January 1, 2004, taking over responsibility for Highlight's activities in rights acquisition and theatrical distribution in the future.

While the agreement for the new video label will see Highlight handling the marketing and distribution of Constantin's video/DVD releases, Constantin will be responsible for acquiring rights for video-only product after consultation with Highlight. The concrete distribution of the Constantin titles will be put through Highlight's existing agreement with Paramount Home Entertainment.

Among the first titles from Constantin's theatrical lineup to be released under this new arrangement are Francois Ozon's Swimming Pool, Zhang Yimou's Hero, Michael Bay's Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the German comedy Maedchen Maedchen 2 and Ben Verbong's family film Das Sams In Gefahr which will come into the cinemas a week before Christmas.

Franz Woodtli, managing director, will be responsible for the running of Highlight's home entertainment activities, and Thomas Peter Friedl, Constantin Film's board member for distribution & marketing, will now add the area of home entertainment to his portfolio of responsibilities.