Company Town

Music: Record label Sub Pop Ltd., a pioneer in the Seattle alternative music sound that emerged in the early 1990s, is entering the music publishing field through a new agreement with Polygram Music Publishing Group. The agreement means that Sub Pop can develop songwriters and bands with an eye toward publishing their songs. Sub Pop was responsible for launching such bands as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins before they signed with major labels. Warner Music Group owns about 25% of Sub Pop.

* Financing: In a boost to independent film financing, Bank of America is providing a $15-million line of credit to Newmarket Capital Group, a year-old firm that makes loans to independent producers. William A. Tyrer, who founded the finance company with Chris J. Ball, said the funds will allow the company to commit to projects ultimately requiring more than $40 million. Newmarket has financed such films as “Dead Man” by director Jim Jarmusch and “The Usual Suspects” from director Bryan Singer.