Richard Ross hasbeen named executive sales director at TLA Releasing, where he will workclosely with TLA President Raymond Murray and TLA partner and director ofacquisitions Richard Wolff.

Ross joined thecompany as sales director in January 2002, and is the former Northeast salesmanager for Spartan Entertainment.

He will beassisted by the new national sales manager John Raisola, who arrives from bookand video wholesaler Baker and Taylor, where he served as internet retail salesmanager.

Also joining theteam is production assistant Desire Spangrud, who will work for productionmanager Kelly Burkhardt.

By the end of2004 TLA will have released 14 pictures theatrically since its launch in May2001 as a boutique label specialising in American independent and foreign filmswith a focus on gay themes.

Eight titles arescheduled for release in 2005.