Myriad Pictures, the Los Angeles-based sales & financing outfit, is beefing up its overseas presence by appointing UIP acquisitions chief Marion Pilowsky to head its London operation.

Under the title of head of international production, Pilowsky aims to board between two and five projects in her first year from the UK and international markets. The move marks a return to independent production for Pilowsky, who spearheaded the production arm of Australian pay-TV company Premium Movie Partnership. During her tenure, the operation became known for its high level of knowledge and support of the local industry.

UK-born Pilowsky will report to Lucas Foster, Myriad's president of production in Los Angeles. At UIP, Pilowsky forged a string of distribution deals with companies including Germany's Advanced and Spain's Planeta 2010. Her position at the international distribution giant was created following pressure from the European Commission to strengthen local activities.

Myriad is currently separating from its former German backer In-Motion, which first made a splash in the UK when it bought sales company J&M Entertainment. In-Motion is expected to retain J&M's library.

UK-based projects at Myriad already include The Bum's Rush, a comedy set up with Dougray Scott, Mike Barker and Anne Batz's Hero Films, and Nick Willing's Bombay Ice.