Mirjam Wertheim's LA-based distributors' rep Orange Entertainment is branching out into film financing through a new division called Orange Film Finance and a first-look deal with Goldcrest Independent.

In addition to its existing business, Orange will also serve as a consultant to independent producers helping them secure finance for films by accessing Wertheim and her team's market knowledge, ability to coordinate foreign presales and capacity to arrange other means of finance.

Through the deal with Goldcrest, Orange plans to help Goldcrest rebuild a sales company for new titles in addition to its existing library.

Orange traditionally represents international distributors such as Rialto in Australia and the European consortium IndieCircle. Among recent acquisitions for some of its clients are Rupert Wyatt's Sundance hit The Escapist, Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and Martin Scorsese's upcoming Bob Marley documentary.