Veteran film producer Sandy Lieberson has been appointed chair of Film London, the new body charged with representing and developing the film industry in the UK capital.

From April this year, Film London takes on the responsibilities of the London Film and Video Development Agency and the London Film Commission.

As chair, Lieberson will be responsible for Film London's activities, which include encouraging and supporting filming in London; promoting cinema access and film education; and developing the local film industry, through support for production, training and economic initiatives

Lieberson has a long track record in the film industry, dating back to the 1960s when he acted as an agent for Sergio Leone and Peter Sellers. He formed Goodtimes with David Puttnam in 1970, going on to produce films such as Performance, Stardust and Jabberwocky. From 1977 Lieberson was first vice president of International Pictures and Marketing and later president of production at 20th Century Fox.

During the 1980s and 1990s he had spells as chief of production at Goldcrest and worked at Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Since the mid-1990s he has worked as an independent producer, and also established the producing department at the National Film and Television School.

Film Council chief executive officer John Woodward said, "Having Sandy represent the industry will help to cement London's status as one of the film capitals of the world.

Lieberson commented: "I'm very proud to have been appointed as chair of the new Film London. London is one of the great world cities for film and the media but there is so much more we can do to ensure that all the people of London should have a chance to participate in the industry and to enjoy the widest range of film."