Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)'s TV distribution and co-production unit MGM Worldwide Television Distribution has established its first direct sales operation for the Latin American region and appointed Mary Ann Pasante to serve as vice president of Latin America Television Sales. Pasante will be based in Atlanta, Georgia, where the new branch office will be based.

Pasante, who will report to Simon Sutton, senior vice president, international pay and free television, will oversee all sales and distribution of MGM product including its huge film library, current film slate and TV series such as Stargate SG-1 and The Outer Limits.

She was formerly vice president of Latin American sales at Spelling Entertainment-owned Worldvision where she oversaw all sales of Spelling, Worldvision/ABC and Republic Pictures libraries as well as new Spelling shows. Prior to that, she was vice president, Latin American sales for Turner International.

The move completes an 18-month long conversion of the company's international free TV operations to direct sales. During that period MGM relocated its Paris office to London to accommodate its expanded sales force and consolidated its Hong Kong office into its Sydney operation under Janine Rogers, who now oversees all Asian-Pacific territories.