Director Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich) has joined the advisory board of on-line distributor AtomFilms and will create three original shorts for exclusive distribution by the company.

AtomFilms is also teaming up with Leonardo DiCaprio's Birken Interactive Studio to launch a short film festival.

The two-year deal with Jonze includes distribution of the director's past short films, including Amarillo By Morning and How They Get There. In his advisory role, Jonze will work directly with AtomFilms to recruit artists for short film projects and take part in the company's long-term goal to support independent film-makers and animators.

'I'm excited to be working with a company that helps film-makers show their work without having to go through traditional distribution channels,' said Jonze.

The short film festival - The Savage Sideshow - will launch in November. Film-makers are invited to submit their films in one of four categories - narrative, documentary, animation and alternative. Winners will receive cash prizes, equipment and meetings with entertainment industry professionals. Submission details are available at www.savagesideshow.atomfilms.com.

DiCaprio's Birken Interactive Studio is an online entertainment company which has launched the actor's official web-site, www.leonardodicaprio.com, and a virtual 3D art gallery which exhibits underground art.