Graham King is reportedly preparing to launch a new distribution venture and is in advanced talks with Bob Berney.

The move would represent yet another early summer coup for King, who last week hired former Sony head of worldwide affairs Peter Schlessel as president of GK Films.

Berney has been weighing up his options after walking out of Apparition on the eve of Cannes, a shock move that was prompted by his frustration over partner Bill Pohlad’s indecision in the acquisitions arena.

Well-connected sources declined to comment last night on the report, which first appeared in the Los Angeles Times yesterday [14].

King, an Oscar winning producer of prestigious content, has been seeking an outlet for major independent releases, and it remains to be seen how this operation would tie in with GK Films’ output deal with Sony.

Production wrapped recently on GK Films’ The Tourist, which will be released through Sony and stars Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Two other GK Films titles are awaiting distributors: London Boulevard starring Keira Knightley and Colin Farrell, and The Rum Diary, which also stars Depp.

These films could in theory go through Sony, the new venture, or another studio.

Berney did not reply to an email query last night.

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