Rachel Wood, formerly head of development at Nik Powell's Scala Productions, has joined Catch 23 (C23) Entertainment's newly launched UK film production and finance venture to head its development activities.

She will spearhead C23's efforts to develop projects featuring British acting, writing and directing talent and liaise with International Creative Management (ICM) UK and its heads Duncan Heath and Lyndsey Posner who are serving as advisors to the C23 venture. Wood previously worked with Posner as a devlopment executive at the now defunct Chrysalis Films of which Posner was managing director.

Wood will coordinate all UK activities with C23 president Jeremy Barber and senior vice president of production Suzanne Warren, who are overseeing all development and production for the new venture.

The company, which announced the UK venture at Cannes this year, plans to develop at least three UK-based features a year.

'We are pleased to welcome Rachel to the Catch 23 team as we expand our operations to the UK and Europe," said C23 chairman Robert Sturm in a statement. "Her selection reflects our ongoing commitment to build a company of smart, talent-friendly and respected production and development executives."

"Rachel will establish a real presence for us in the UK and will help C23 thoroughly mine the British market place," added Barber.

"Rachel will be a valuable asset to Catch 23 in their effort to build a strong presence in the UK market, and we look forward to assisting her in her new role," said Duncan Heath of ICM UK.

While at Scala, Wood oversaw the company's development slate working on films including Mark Herman's Little Voice, Fred Schepisi's Last Orders, Chris Menges' The Lost Son and Deborah Warner's The Last September.

Before Scala, she was at Chrysalis and before that, worked with Norma Heyman. She began her film production career again with Posner at Paramount Pictures UK.