Fox launches international film division

News Corp.’s Fox Filmed Entertainment unit is launching a division to expand its efforts in the production, acquisition and distribution of local-language movies abroad.

Sanford Panitch, most recently a top executive at New Regency, will head the new unit, Fox International Productions.

Based in Los Angeles, Fox International Productions will focus on developing relationships with local filmmakers in key overseas markets, including Russia and India, and is in talks with investment funds to attract equity financing for its international productions.