Arclight Filmshas launched Arclight Releasing, a full-service North American distributioncompany that will be managed by former Artisan and Lions Gate acquisitionsexecutive Paul Gardner.

The company willchiefly acquire programming for the sell-through market, however it will alsohandle limited theatrical releases and service the pay/cable broadcast,video-on-demand and pay-per-view markets.

Initial plans are for theunit to release between eight and 12 titles in its first year, rising to 15-20each year after that. The first titles will be announced shortly.

"I am ecstatic to be joining Gary and the talented team hehas assembled at Arclight," Gardner said. "Arclight has enjoyed tremendoussuccess with films such as Wolf Creek and most recently Lord Of War and has grown into an elite international sales company firmlyestablishing both the Arclight and Darclight brands."

"We're thrilled that an executive ofPaul's calibre will assume this vital role for our new company," Arclight Filmsmanaging director Gary Hamilton added. "His depth of experience and his trackrecord at both Artisan and Lions Gate will be a natural fit for Arclight."

Gardner's key acquisitioncredits include the hit documentaries Standing In the Shadows of Motown and Step Into Liquid, as well as video titles Quicksand starring Michael Keaton and Michael Caine, and theAdrien Brody comedy Dummy.

Arclight Filmsis offering a diverse slate to Cannes buyers, including the Hilary and HaylieDuff comedy Material Girls, caper picture Mini's First Time starring Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson andNikki Reed, and the true-life crime drama Every Word Is True, which stars Sandra Bullock and GwynethPaltrow.