3MV launches DVD operation as format's UK sales explode. (News).

With DVD sales exploding in the run-up to Christmas, independent sales operator 3MV is the latest company to seek to diversify from its music roots with the launch of a dedicated division, 3MV Vision, to tap into the mainstream DVD market.

3MV has increasingly handled more music video and DVD, including projects for Oasis label Big Brother and Palm Pictures' video and DVD output, and managing director Dave Trafford says it was time to utilise that experience and exploit the potential of the market. The new division will be jointly headed by 3MV head of sales Cheryl Hutchinson and national accounts manager Jim Kelly, who will report to Trafford.

"Music DVD is a big growth area that I think has been under-exploited," says Trafford. "Record labels are going to know they are dealing with the same team so there is continuity, and having worked on the audio side for many of the same companies 3MV Vision will have the information on where geographically acts sell and what retailers will buy in areas."

One of the first projects to be handled by the new operation will be a range of film noir and comedy classics following a link-up with Siren Video. Trafford is also anticipating a new Chris Rea DVD at the end of January and new video projects from V2, Skint and Big Brother. "Our approach to video is the same as audio," he adds. "We are confident that we can occupy a unique position within the video arena."

With worldwide DVD production ...