The scheme will give Russian and Kazakhstan film-makers the chance to learn new skills through placements at LA companies as well as actors the chance to study in LA acting schools.

The Russian Cinema Fund (RCF) and the producers’ guild of the Republic Of Kazakhstan have launched a joint Los Angeles initiative.

LA-based Hive Studio has organized the joint venture which will give Russian and Kazakhstan directors and producers the opportunity to learn new skills through placements at companies such as Inferno and Film Finances.

The countries’ most gifted actors will be sent for three-six months’ study in LA acting schools. Other plans include a three day showcase of Russian films in Hollywood next Feb.

The announcement was made here this week by Lena Ronanova, the head of the international department at RCF.

Meanwhile Russian journalist Nellee A Holmes has been named US rep of the Russian Cinema Fund. She has 20 years’ experience covering Hollywood and is a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

The RCF has assembled an impressive lineup of speakers for the special focus on the US and Canadian film industries at this year’s Moscow Business Square, the business platform of the Moscow Film Festival (June 25-27).

Russia-USA co-productions, international marketingstrategies, advantages and disadvantages of the current Russia-Canada co-production agreement and comparative educational models are some of the topics being discussed in roundtables and panels.

Speakers will include producer Paula Wagner, PR veteran Leslee Dart, manager and consultant Rick Nicita, ICM talent agent David Unger, Cross Creek Pictures president Brian Oliver, financing and packagingexpert Hal Sadoff, film-maker Chuck Russell (Eraser, The Mask), Russian producer Alexander Rodnyansky and the MPA’s Christopher Marcich.

Screen’s Mike Goodridge will be moderating three of the panels at Business Square.