Paul Webster, formerly headof FilmFour, has formed Kudos Film as a joint venture with leading TV dramaproducers Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone, joint managing directors ofKudos Film and Television.

The new stand-alone companyaims to exploit synergies between TV and film in terms of talent on both sidesof the camera.

"There is a logicalconnection between what we are doing in TV drama and what Paul has been doingso impressively on the big screen - and Kudos Film will consolidate and buildon this," Garrett said. "We want to see creative talent move as freely betweenthe two worlds as they do in the US, and have done for years."

Kudos Film and Televisionproduces drama series Spooks and Hustle and prides itself on nurturingnew talent and an innovative approach to the genre. Comfortably Numb, Channel 4's feature-length drama about recoveringaddicts, featured actors supported by a cast of real counsellors and formeraddicts.

Kudos's catalogue alsoincludes two feature films - Among Giantsand Gilles Mackinnon's Pure.

"It is tremendously excitingto be working with Stephen and Jane; they have impeccable taste, strongcommercial judgement and have built Kudos into a powerhouse production companyAND they are lovely people too!" Webster said. "Together we aim to build on ourmomentum to create a dynamic film company that will be the destination ofchoice for the fantastic writing and directing talent currently working inBritain and beyond."

Webster is currentlyproducing Pride And Prejudice,starring Keira Knightley and Spooks'Matthew Macfadyen, for Working Title Films.