UK distributor Redbus Film Distribution has acquired a slate of high-profile titles including Buena Vista International's Play It To The Bone, starring Antonio Banderas and Woody Harrelson, and Gun Shy, with Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock.

The titles are to be joined by a third as-yet-undisclosed Buena Vista film, which is currently in pre-production.

The ambitious UK distributor, which recently revealed that it is planning an IPO, has also taken rights to several other North American titles including Sam Raimi's The Gift from Lakeshore International. Keanu Reeves, Cate Blanchett and Hilary Swank are to appear in the project, which Paramount has for the US. Other US titles include David Mamet's State And Main and Buddy Boy, being released in the US by Fine Line Features.

In addition Redbus has also acquired all UK rights to several local films, including Declan Lowney's Snookered, being produced by Gruber Films and Breakneck Productions; Liddy Oldroyd's Vinnie Got Blown Away; and Nasty Neighbours starring Ricky Tomlinson. Snookered and Vinnie are to start shooting this summer.

Redbus also confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations with Canadian-UK financier Grosvenor Park on a slate that is expected to include five films a year with US major partners.

The moves follow Redbus' recent appointment of the bulk of Universal Pictures International's UK theatrical distribution team, including distribution head Chris Bailey. The company raised its profile at last year's Mifed with the acquisition of Ben Elton's Maybe Baby, which will be released in June on 300 screens.