Focus Features has struck atwo-year first-look deal with Marion Pilowsky and Colin Leventhal's UKproduction company Priority Pictures.

The deal also calls forLeventhal, who continues to act as a consultant for tax financier GrosvenorPark, and Trea Hoving, the former Miramax buyer who is now a Priorityconsultant, to act as advisors on acquisitions of European films. Focus willhave worldwide rights, including international sales, to films made under thedeal.

"We've known and respectedColin and Trea for years and are looking forward to working more closely withMarion," said Focus co-presidents David Linde and James Schamus. "There'sburgeoning filmmaking and talent overseas which we're keen to tap into withthem and bring to the attention of audiences around the world."

Priority will work closelywith Focus president of production John Lyons, and Lee Magiday, Focus' UK-basedvice president and (Europe) acquisitions and productions executive.

Though no titles for Focusare as yet confirmed, the Priority slate of films will be inaugurated by PaulWeiland's Three Bad Men, written by Peter Straughan. The black comedyhas been developed with the director's Contagious Films and Anthony Minghellaand Sydney Pollack's Mirage Enterprises, and will shoot in spring 2005. Also onthe slate is Marc Evans' thriller The List.

"The response toPriority's formation was gratifying," said Leventhal, Pilowsky and Hoving."We're already off to a fine start, and are now greatly strengthened inthe international marketplace by this alliance."

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