John Malkovich,Nastassja Kinski and David Cronenberg are involved in projects lined up forIndependent Film Sales, the new sales division of production operation Artists Independent Films (AIF).

Malkovich andKinski, clients of sister management business Artists Independent Management(AIM), are to star The Holy Beast. Erich Breuer is directing the gothic horror from his screenplay.

Also in theworks is a Cronenberg project based on Iris Murdoch's acclaimed The Sea TheSea. The novel tells thestory of a retired theatre legend living on the rugged north English coast,where his pursuit of self-knowledge is riddled with unconscious projections andsupernatural interventions.

Luc Roeg, whoruns AIF while Charles Finch heads AIM, is CEO of the sales arm, which willhandle third-party and AIF titles. Ana Ayesta, AIFC;s head of production andpreviously HanWay Films' sales manager,is director of sales.

"As a producerit is essential to have a direct link to the market; it informs decisions fromthe outset of a project's life," Roegsaid.

Ayesta added: "Iam delighted to join such a strong group of companies which has a very uniquevision for the future; exceptional relationships with talent and an exciting line up of product."

Both films willshoot in 2005; AIF is co-producing Holy Beast with Mr Mudd and The Sea The Sea with Catherine Bailey.