Wilkinson to leave UK exhibitors group

John Wilkinson, who has served as chief executive of the UK-based Cinema Exhibitors' Association since 1990, plans to step down. He will remain in place until a replacement is appointed.

Locarno loses communications staff

Two communications department staffers have left the Locarno International Film Festival: Riccardo Franciolli, who joined last year from the film section of the Federal Office for Culture (BAK), and press-office co-ordinator Patrizia Pedevilla.

Cowan, Wheeldon launch new venture

Paul Cowan and Chris Wheeldon have launched UK production company Territorial Film Developments, which will finance and produce at least three thrillers or comedies per year, each with a budget of no more than $1.9m (£1m). The company's non-executive directors include Cobalt Pictures' Rodney Payne, HandMade's Michael Ryan and Infinity Video's Adrian Munsey. Cowan and Wheeldon formed Territorial Film Investments in 2000, as well as Planet Films and Planet Films Ghana.

TIFF adds to shorts team

The Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) has added two programmers to its Short Cuts Canada short-film selection team. Artist and programmer Jay Dart and film-maker and curator Alex Rogalski will join programmer Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo. Dart is producer and creative director of Resfest. Rogalski has been the director of the One Take Super 8 Event in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Cartwright promoted at Lionsgate UK

Nicola Cartwright has been promoted to the new role of commercial director of Lionsgate UK's home entertainment division. She is a veteran of MGM Home Entertainment and Buena Vista.

Meserve moves up at Wind Dancer

Dete Meserve has been promoted to president of Wind Dancer Films, and will be based in the company's new Beverly Hills office. As president, she will oversee production, financing and distribution of Wind Dancer's slate, while continuing to manage the company's development fund.