Soho-based internet distribution outfit article27 has formed a development partnership with idealive, a US-based on-line company which provides information to potential investors.

Article27, which has previously struck on-line distribution pacts with UK cultural body the British Film Institute and Italian broadcaster RAI, is to provide idealive with market intelligence and information about potential projects. In return, the San Francisco-based company is to provide article27 with film content.

The partners are to collaborate on five films in the first six months of the agreement.

Article27 will provide information on which film-makers and markets to invest in through research activities such as focus groups and on-line surveys.