Montreal-based animation producer and distributor CineGroupe has given a name and a face to its new live-action arm, first announced in January (Screendaily Jan. 29).

The new unit, CineGroupe Images, will be headed by Robin Spry, former president and CEO of Telescene Film Group, the Montreal production company which foundered last year until it was rescued in January 2001 through a joint-venture with CineGroupe. The company, approximately 30%-owned by Lions Gate Entertainment, is set to receive a $9.1m investment from Societe generale de financement du Quebec, an investment agency of the Canadian province (Screendaily July 16).

CineGroupe spokesperson Marie-Christine Dufour told Screen Daily that the new company hopes to pursue feature film projects but that it was premature to say when production might begin.

The first live-action programme to go into production under CineGroupe Images is the third season of TV series Big Wolf On Campus - the first two seasons were produced by Telescene. Under the terms of the arrangement, CineGroupe will initially control 80% of the new company with Telescene holding 20%. CineGroupe is funding the venture for the first two years.