Didier Sapaut, TF1 International's chief executive has announced the appointment of Nicolas Eschbach as senior vice president, replacing Perrine Teze as top salesman at the French broadcast giant's film sales unit.

Eschbach was previously senior sales executive at TF1 International, but since 2000 has been based in New York as a consultant to a number of French sales and distribution companies. One of his first tasks will be to accompany Todd Haynes' Far From Heaven to Venice where it appears in competition.

Teze was recently appointed as the head of TF/M Distribution, the French broadcaster's new theatrical joint venture with Miramax. The new outfit is set to start operations next month and, when up to speed, will be handling local French release of some 15 to 17 titles from Miramax and eight from TF1.