BUSINESS BRIEFING / ENTERTAINMENT

Universal Pictures said it was combining its international production group with its specialty film label, Focus Features, to create a single entity overseen by Focus Chief Executive James Schamus and Christian Grass, who heads Universal Pictures International Production in London.

The studio said the consolidation was intended to extend Focus’ brand, known for such films as “Milk” and “Brokeback Mountain,” and make it easier for filmmakers to finance, produce and distribute movies in local and foreign markets.