EXCLUSIVE: LA-based financier and producer Michael Benaroya and a coterie of partners are understood to be applying the finishing touches to a new sales company, International Film Trust.

According to sources, Ariel Veneziano is being lined up to head the sales arm and will work alongside Christian de Gallegos, who most recently served at Voltage Pictures.

Killer Films, Richard Saperstein and Cassian Elwes are believed to be among the suppliers.

The development adds a new sales agent to the market in the run-up to Cannes and promises to boost what observers say is shaping up to be a busy 10 days on the Croisette.