Independent game studio business management company Interactive Studio Management (ISM) has announced that industry veteran Francois Masciopinto is to join the company as a senior agent. Masciopinto was previous director of A & R and business developed at Atari, where he was responsible for managing new business development activities, including strategic analysis of the interactive market and assessing independent video game developers worldwide. He is credited with forging key Atari business relationships with several high profile developers around the world. ISM represents game development clients such as Bottlerocket Entertainment, Deep Red, Digital Extremes, Left Field Productions, Mass Media, N-Space, Saber Interactive, Silicon Knights and Southlogic Studios, helping them to source deals with publishers, negotiate contracts, and consult on possible acquisitions and strategic management. “Francois’s global experience and deep understanding of the video game industry makes him uniquely qualified to help lead ISM’s clients to financial and creative success,” said Clyde Grossman, senior partner and co-founder of ISM. “As one of the top interactive entertainment executives, he has earned the respect of industry developers and publishers around the world.” In his new role, Masciopinto will help lead ISM’s European presence, as well as assisting current ISM clients in securing development business with leading publishers in the U.S., Japan and Europe. Masciopinto will maintain an ISM office in New York City.