Simon Crowe, managing director of Velvet Octopus has launched his new production, sales and distribution outfit SC Films International.

SC Films will be financed by Matthew Joynes of Aurelius Investments and Crowe’s new company will handle some foreign sales for the LA-based Aurelius Investments.

Crowe’s main focus will be on commercial action, thriller and horror titles although romantic comedies, family and animation have not been ruled out.

SC Films has closed a number of deals for films ahead of Cannes that will shoot this summer and an announcement on that initial slate is expected in the near future.

Crowe has been with Velvet Octopus since 2006 and previously worked in sales at Icon and at Capitol. He will continue to oversee the Velvet Octopus slate.

Crowe said ‘Despite the economic downturn I am extremely optimistic about the future. Box office around the world remains strong and there are new media platforms opening at a fast rate: Blu ray, digital cinema, 3D, mobile content and the internet.

‘Whilst the studios appear to be focussing more and more on tentpole $100m plus movies, independents can develop edgier and market-focussed movies.’

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