Universal has finalised the appointment of David Livingstone, formerly president of marketing at Universal Pictures International, to oversee the release of specialist films through the studio's international outlet, United International Pictures.

Livingstone's brief will include titles from the UK's Working Title Films and DNA Films as well as projects from Universal's London-based acquisitions team. The move comes after many international film-makers' fears that smaller films will be lost in UIP's release schedule, which includes features from two studios, Universal and Paramount Pictures.

UIP has pledged to expand its specialist operations under local heads such as Paul Hoy in the UK.