The legal and finance expert has joined International Film Trust (IFT) from After Dark Films in the newly created post of head of business and legal affairs.

Lanius’ [pictured] appointment coincides with the expansion of Clayton Young’s role to head of financial operations and the appointment of Sierra Nielsen to director of development and acquisitions.

“These new appointments reinforce the synergy between our two companies,” said IFT president Ariel Veneziano and co-founder Michael Benaroya of Benaroya Pictures, who made the joint announcement on Wednesday [24].

“Building on the recent launch of our company at Cannes and the announcement of key projects such as The Toxic Avenger, King Of The Kastle, Exists and Cell, we have brought together a team of specialists in their fields to allow us to grow in line with our business plan.”

Lanius is an entertainment attorney with expertise in distribution and production legal affairs, business strategy and finance for motion pictures and other media content.

During his tenure at After Dark he handled legal affairs on more than 20 features including the upcoming Getaway starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez to be released by Warner Bros on Aug 30. Prior to After Dark Lanius handled legal and distribution for IM Global.

Young most recently served as head of finance for Benaroya Pictures and in his expanded role will oversee financial operations for both IFT and its founding partner Benaroya Pictures.

Nielsen will work alongside Veneziano and head of sales Christian De Gallegos to source projects for acquisitions and international sales. She moves over from Benaroya Pictures where she was a development executive working on titles such as Kill Your Darlings and Parts Per Billion. 

Her previous experience includes international acquisitions at FremantleMedia Enterprises and scripted development at Brillstein Entertainment Partners. 

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