UK-based Capitol Films has linked with VCL and MGM to handle international sales on the American Zoetrope slate that the German company agreed to co-finance and distribute internationally prior to Cannes.

The pact encompasses 10 films over three years, with MGM handling North American distribution through United Artists Films. The three companies are already partnered on Scott Kalvert's $20m Deuces Wild, while Capitol is working with MGM on Ghost World.

Capitol, headed by Jane Barclay and Sharon Harel, boarded the slate through a deal with VCL, which retains German, UK and Benelux rights. The Munich-based operation is co-financing the slate, which is expected to start production this summer.

Zoetrope chief Francis Ford Coppola is to executive produce the pictures, with the Zoetrope-produced The Virgin Suicides billed as a prototype for the films. The former Cannes Directors Fortnight entry, directed by Sofia Coppola, was co-financed by Willi Baer, who recently joined VCL Licensing as partner and managing director.