Film tsar appointed for capital

Lieberson produced Mick Jagger's Performance

Film producer and studio executive Sandy Lieberson has been put in charge of boosting London's movie industry.

Mr Lieberson, who has produced films including Rita, Sue and Bob Too, will chair Film London when it launches in April.

The organisation will replace the London Film Commission and will have the brief to encourage movie making in London.

Mr Lieberson started his career as an agent for acts such as the Rolling Stones, actors including Peter Sellers and key Hollywood directors and writers.

He went on to become a influential player in the European and British film industries.

In the early 1970s Mr Lieberson formed the production company Goodtimes with Lord David Puttnam.

One of the first movies he produced was the 1970 gritty London drama Performance which starred Mick Jagger and James Fox.

Wide range

Other movies to his name include Stardust, which featured David Essex, and Terry Gilliam's Jabberwocky in 1977.

He went on to become president of 20th Century Fox, organising international launches of the original Star Wars trilogy.

Film London will be responsible for encouraging and supporting filming, promoting access, training and researching and making the case for film and media in the city.

"London is one of the great world cities for film and the media but there is so much more we can do to ensure that all the people of London should have a chance to participate in the industry and to enjoy the widest range of film," said Mr Lieberson.

Film Council chief executive John Woodward said: "Having Sandy represent the industry will help to cement London's status as one of the film capitals of the world."