Seeking to consolidate ties with Hollywood, Germany's VIP Media Grouphas set up VIP Media USA and installed former Ascendant Pictures chief PhilipElway as president.

TheBeverly Hills hub will serve as a conduit between the US production anddistribution community and European filmmakers and develop co-productionopportunities.

VIPMedia USA will also provide creative and financial analysis on behalf of theVIP Media Group and oversee projects under consideration.

Elwayis joined by producer John Michaels for production-related matters and GlennKendrick Ackermann for distribution and acquisition activities in the US andEurope.