MGM will handle the domestic release of Electric Entertainment'sfirst world war adventure Flyboys, kicking off a non-exclusive distribution alliance unveiled bythe parties today [Tuesday].

Flyboysstars James Franco as a young American who volunteers to become a fighter pilotduring hostilities in Europe. Tony Bill directed and Jean Reno and MartinHenderson also star.

Electric principal Dean Devlin produced with Marc Frydman. Devlinlast worked with MGM on his 1994 feature Stargate and it is understood Electric and MGMwill collaborate closely on all future releases.

The partners will announce more projects in the coming months.Electric will independently fund tentpole productions in the $60m budget rangeand will provide P&A financing. The next project is expected to beginshooting in the fourth quarter.

It is understood that Tom Sherak will act as Electric's marketingand distribution consultant going forward, with additional advice coming fromformer Sony marketing chief Geoff Ammer's G2 Consulting.

Flyboys cameto prominence at Cannes last year when Lions Gate Films International launched sales.Domestic rights were represented by ICM.

Electric'scredits include Eight Legged Freaks and Cellular.