The talent and literary agency has brought on Amy Beecroft to run its new global business development division Verve Ventures in what is likely to become a talking point in Cannes and beyond.

The initiative will focus on creative partnerships in film and television and will get involved with financing and sales, digital distribution and the development of new technology such as virtual reality.

Beecroft has served as an international sales executive at FilmNation, GreeneStreet Films, Solar Pictures and First Look/Overseas Film Group and has also worked at HBO, among others.

“The international landscape has changed drastically in the last five years,” said Beecroft. “With 70% of the box office coming from the international marketplace, savvy foreign distributors, producers, and financiers alike are looking to establish new and strategic partnerships on both the theatrical and television sides.

“With Verve representing some of the best directors and writers in the business, I feel we are uniquely positioned to find new and exciting ways to expand our clients’ reach into the global marketplace. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Verve family.”

Verve partners said in a statement: “With the exponential growth and importance of the overseas marketplace, being able to draw from an international viewpoint will be the best way to serve our clients moving forward and we believe that Amy is the best person to lead the way in this space.”