UK and US production outfit Impact Pictures has appointed Rory Gilmartin as head of development as the operation ramps up production activities after forming a joint venture with Germany's Constantin Film.

Gilmartin, formerly at Pathe and Miramax in London, will develop and co-ordinate international film projects at the production operation, which was founded by director Paul Anderson and producer Jeremy Bolt.

Armed with financing from Constantin, Impact is gearing up for production on projects including Resident Evil, an adaptation of the zombie video-game which Intermedia is selling. Also in the works at Impact is Stonehenge 2000, adapted from the best-seller by Bernard Cornwell.