Overseas Filmgroup, Inc. has been renamed First Look Media, Inc. to reflect its expanding scope beyond the company's previous core focus of features following a significantly enhanced capital base.

First Look Artists will function as the commercial production division of First Look Media, focusing on developing the talents of feature film directors, artists, actresses and producers to meet the increasingly diverse needs of the commercials production industry.

Linda Ross, previously managing director at RSA USA will exec produce in the LA office of First Look Artists, one of five operating divisions that also consist of Overseas Filmgroup, First Look Pictures, First Look Home Entertainment and First Look Internet (a new division along with First Look Artists).

"Were very excited to have Linda on board as an exec producer," says Randy Lippert, president of both First Look Artists and First Look Internet. "She brings a lot of experience and know-how to the company. It positions us to move up the ranks as an upper echelon commercial production company."

The company will seek to shape feature directors into the realm of commercials. "We're looking to do the A-level work because we have uniquely talented individuals," continues Lippert. "However, with the feature directors we will always be up against availability, but we are looking for those unique opportunities that take advantage of their unique talents."

In addition, experienced commercial directors will be part of the roster in the near future.

"We first started signing feature film directors to the division who we thought were independently talented, but we are now starting to sign commercial directors like Carlos Manga Jr., so our focus is now on commercial directors. We have one or two directors coming up that have the potential to be very significant signings."

At present, the full roster consists of Julie Taymor (The Lion King and Titus), Joan Chen (Autumn in New York, Xiu Xiu, The Sent Down Girl), Julian Schnabel (Basquiat, Before Night Fall), Lisa Krueger (Manny & Lo, Committed), fashion photographer Darren Keith, Marlen Gorris (Antonia's Line, Mrs. Dalloway, Luhzin Defence), Ed Dekter (screenwriter on There's Something About Mary and director on The New Guy), and Carlos Manga Jr.