Michael Koch and Richard Lorber have announced they willlaunch Koch Lorber Films, a new US DVD label catering to world cinema,independent documentaries, music and the performing arts. The company isscheduled to kick off in the second quarter of the year. Koch, whose KochEntertainment music distribution outfit will also handle distribution of thevideo line, will serve as chairman of the new venture with Lorber, who heads upLorber Media and Fox Lorber Video, serving as president.

The company hasannounced an expected release schedule of 20-24 titles each year. The featureprogramming will combine previously unseen titles with theatrical classics,documentaries and independent titles, many of which will have music as a theme.Koch Lorber Films will take advantage of Koch Entertainment's music expertiseand co-distribute CD audio products with some DVD releases. Also expected toroll out is a programme of music, performance and cultural arts from majorproducers around the globe.

'With itsexperienced sales and distribution team, strong specialty marketing arm anddirect accounts that encompass virtually every wholesale and retail outlet,Koch Entertainment is the ideal partner for our new quality DVD label,'Lorber said in a statement. 'Fox Lorber (now Wellspring) was one of thebest boutique video brands and we are confident that Richard, together with ourexpertise and resources, can build an even stronger new company in thisstill-expanding DVD market,' Koch added in a separate statement.