US cable network HBO has acquired the rights to sell its own programmes, in an attempt to build the company's brand globally.

Sales of shows like The Sopranos and Sex and the City have previously been dealt with by third parties like Warner Bros and Paramount.

Charles Schreger, HBO international distribution president , said: "Our first aim with foreign clients will be to explain that going forward we're handling all our own product."

The network will have its own presence as a sales outfit at the Mipcom event in Cannes next week, where new series' Tell Me You Love Me, Lucky Louie and Tsunami will be up for grabs.